Sunday, June 11, 2017

12 Reasons Why You May Be Experiencing Mild To Severe Hair Loss

Ismail oubarka | 7:32 AM

Contents: Why Hair Loss Occurs Medical Reasons Mechanical Reasons Genetics & Diet Why Hair Loss Occurs Thinning hair and breakage is something that is very common in women. Although males tend to suffer more from hair loss and premature balding, hair loss is a reality for many women. When dealing with excessive hair loss, thinning hair, […]

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Saturday, June 10, 2017

Drinking Vinegars are all the rage! Let's Make Our Own

Ismail oubarka | 10:42 AM
Recently I discovered and fell in love with a new brand in the healthy juice market.  I was instantly hooked on how authentic their juices were.  The taste was reminiscent of the pricey freshly bottled options from the fancy juicers.  The minute I finished my first bottle, I wanted more.  Somehow I found myself on their site searching for nearby locations that carried their full line of options.

My attention was diverted the instant I learned that Suja offered "drinking vinegars."  I didn't know what drinking vinegars were but I knew that I wanted 'em.  After reading the product description, I learned that these juice vinegars were tonics that combine the health benefits of apple cider vinegar with probiotics for optimal gut health.

Minutes later, I sourced a nearby location that sold these vinegars. Within an hour, I had my first taste.  It was pretty good.....but, in all honesty, I wanted more.
I felt like I could formulate a similar tonic but with a bit more oomph.  Since this is a national brand, they have to be a bit more cognizant of the flavor profile of their beverages.  I preferred a stronger tonic so I immediately scanned over the ingredients and decided to play around with my own version.

The critical components were:
-Apple cider vinegar or coconut vinegar (with mother)
-Lemon
-Ginger
-Cayenne (optional)
-Probiotics
-Fruit flavored juice (optional based on taste preference)

I prefer a stronger ACV taste which is why I decided to make my own at home.  The pre-packaged bottle was a bit milder and easier to drink.  Out of convenience, I opted to use True Lemon packets and crystalized ginger.  Next I added the ACV.  I didn't measure but it was around 2 tablespoons.  Back in the day, I experimented with swallowing a tablespoon of ACV in the morning.  It was sheer torture. But now that drinking vinegars have come into my life, I get a daily dose of ACV without having to suffer through the pain of drinking straight vinegar.

Lastly,  I needed to include probiotics to transform my tonic into a healthy digestion powerhouse.  I didn't have powdered probiotics on hand so I hopped on over to Amazon and purchased this brand.  I love the fact that they're individually wrapped which makes them really convenient for on the go.  GoLive also has flavored probiotic powders which is the perfect option for your home brewed drinking vinegars.

Since then, I've have the pleasure of enjoying a bottle of drinking vinegar each morning.  Back in the day, one would down a glass of lemon water first thing in the morning.  Drinking vinegars are like the next level version of lemon water.  Not only are you enjoying the alkalizing benefits, you're also feeding your digestive system with healthy gut bacteria.  Let's not forget that drinking ACV on a regular basis can help with weight management.

Even though I'll be whipping up batches of drinking vinegar at home, I'll still purchase Suja products whenever I'm away from home.  For years, I've longed for a way to enjoy ACV, lemon/ginger tonic while on the go.  Especially on vacation when I tend to overindulge.  These are perfect and they aren't that expensive.  If you're looking to switch out your morning coffee for a healthier option, or if you just want to add a healthy tonic to your current routine.  Give drinking vinegars a shot.






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Friday, June 9, 2017

Rave // This Nutrient Rich Oil That Has Taken Over My Life

Ismail oubarka | 11:22 AM
Ok, guys, I have to introduce you to my newest love.  I've been on a buying spree lately and have stumbled on a few gems.  This most recent find has to be one of my absolute favorites.  The inspiration for this purchase came after stumbling on my other favorite product Etude House's Moistfull Collagen.

In their product description, they boasted of having superior moisturizing powers thanks to the help of a special ingredient.  That ingredient is an oil from a tree native to Africa. Thanks to this oil, Etude House was able to formulate one the most moisturizing facial products ever.

 I needed to get my hands on the source.  Instead of acting on my intentions right away, I let a few days pass.  As the days passed, I noticed something interesting.  People I followed online shared images of their favorite products.  Baobab oil seemed to a common ingredient in their faves as well.
via @bu.ke_products
Without thinking twice, I purchased a small bottle of baobab oil and crossed my fingers hoping that I made the right decision.
Days later, the package arrive. The moment I received the delivery notification, I rushed outside to retrieve my much-anticipated purchase.  Once I had the bottle in hand, I rubbed a little in between my fingers to formulate my first impressions.

I wouldn't classify this oil as lightweight.  Lightweight, to me, is a reflection of the consistency of the oil and how it feels when applied.  Ultra lightweight oils tend to have a more "watery" consistency.  Heavy oils (like castor) tend to be thick. I'd describe baobab oil as slightly thicker than typical carrier oils (i.e. jojoba oil, almond oil, etc).

After rubbing a couple drop into the back of my hand, I went back for more. Soon, I was applying baobab oil directly on my face. I couldn't get enough.  It wasn't long before my entire body was thinly covered in a layer of baobab.  It felt amazing.  This is, by far, one of the most nourishing oils that I've ever come in contact with.  The instant baobab touched my skin, it softened.

I couldn't wait to try on my hair.

Baobab didn't disappoint.  My hair responded just as favorably to oil as my skin.  My strands softened and felt more moisturized.  What I love about this baobab is how non-greasy it feels.   After application, I could touch my hair/skin without experiencing feeling oily residue on my fingers.  I should also mention that baobab is a "low shine" oil.  So your skin doesn't look oiled up after application.

Here's what really solidified my love for baobab oil.  Long after application, I could see feel the effects on my hair, skin and lips.  Everything felt soft.  No other oil I own softens like this.  It's moisture retention properties are unparalleled.

 When I first learned that baobab was sourced from hundred year old trees with the ability to store over 35,000 gallons of water in it's trunk, I was curious.  I didn't think this unique moisture retention quality would transfer to the oil but I'm pleasantly surprised.  Either it's my imagination or this oil maintains softness much more than its counterparts.  If you are a fan of oils, you need baobab in your life.

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My Hair Story – Naakie

Ismail oubarka | 7:34 AM

Introduce Yourself Hi there! My name is Naakie – pronounced Nah-Key – and I’m a natural hair and lifestyle YouTuber. When I’m not talking to a camera, I’m either at work (I work for an amazing marketing agency), traveling or binge watching one of my favorite shows. Are you relaxed, natural, texturized or texlaxed? Au […]

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Thursday, June 8, 2017

[Updated] Simone's Summer Skin Care Favorites (w/video)

Ismail oubarka | 6:43 AM
I'm back with another Instagram Beauty Routine reveal.  This one's special because it's more of an update.  You may remember when I once featured Simone a.ka. @cocoaflowerr's favorite skin products.

I'm pretty sure the girl is inundated with comments and requests to share the items responsible for her amazing skin.  Luckily for us, she's pretty accommodating.  Just recently, she posted a few snaps with her current line up.  The first thing I noticed is that a lot has changed since her last reveal.  Perhaps she's switched up her routine to stay flawless for summer?

Let's check out these quick vids as Simone pays homage to the products her skin loves.


I wasn't at all surprised to learn that her favorite cleanser contains activated charcoal.  It makes perfect sense because, as we all know, charcoal has phenomenal deep cleansing properties.  I already have a cleanser that I love so instead of picking up a new one, I laced it with a sprinkling of activated charcoal.  I noticed a difference.  You can read about my entire process here.  But if you want a more convenient option, you can try out Milk's Charcoal Cleanser or Biore's budget friendly option. 

Next up she rehydrates using Mario Badescu's rose water toner.  I've been meaning to grab a bottle of this rose-scented facial mist but since I've been on a DIY kick lately, I've been experimenting with making my own rose water at home.  More on that in a follow-up post. 
Next up is her favorite serum.  This is a oil based serum loaded with a bunch of natural extracts and vitamin E.  The product description encourages us to "Glow up and Slay" with the help of the contents of this little black bottle.  Slay is fortified with MSM and DMAE which claims to help promote smooth, balanced skin with a youthful glow.  Simone seems to be happy with it.  Just look at her glow. 
No facial routine is complete without the help of a moisturizer (preferably one with SPF).  Simone's current go-to is Olay's Complete.  As we know, sun protection is a little-known ally in the war against skin discoloration.  If you strive to achieve perfect skin, sunscreen is your very best friend.  
Lastly, once all of her products are applied, Simone wraps up by applying a light makeup to finish her routine.  She keeps her makeup routine fairly simple.  Just a little highlighter from BECCA followed by Tarte's Light's Camera, Lashes, and she's done.  She has no need for foundation because her skin is #goals.  

A couple things I took away from Simone's regimen is that I need to start adding charcoal back to my daily routine again.  Also, I don't really use a hard-working serum that perfects my skin with each application.  I need to get working on that ASAP.   I want to include a disclaimer that Simone also eats pretty healthy.  If you recall, she starts her day with a cup of antioxidant-rich green tea and she tries to eat pretty clean, for the most part.  Like all of us, she indulges, but it's obvious that Simone enjoys eating naturally healthy foods.  

In the first video, she mentions the reveal would include her favorite skin & hair products.  I captured pics of her current hair care routine.  I'll share that in part 2.  



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Wednesday, June 7, 2017

Game Changer? Take This Facial Product with You Into the Shower for Ultra Moisturized Skin.

Ismail oubarka | 11:48 AM
Showers are an integral part of our beauty rituals. Not just from the hygiene aspect but also the numerous activities that you can layer into your shower routine.  We've talked about "in shower beauty tips" before.  I thought I had it all covered.  But I recently picked up another idea from a Korean beauty expert.  This one is so simple, that I wondered why I hadn't thought of it before.
She, like many Korean women, follow a multi-step facial routine.  One of the important steps involves applying liquid essence to the face.  Facial essence is sorta like a toner but different.  Essence is meant to go on after toner to rehydrate the face.  Its consistency is similar to water but some contain powerful ingredients that may delay the signs of aging.  What makes some essences special is the addition of a fermented yeast. This yeast was determined to be the sole reason why laborers who came in contact with it had beautiful, youthful hands even though their faces continued to age.

I keep my bottle of Missha facial essence on my dresser next to my other facial products.  But after heeding the advice I read a few days ago, I've now moved it to my bathroom.

Why? Because this woman opened my mind to the new possibilities of how I could maximize the qualities of my beloved facial essence. She keeps her bottle of facial essence in the shower.  And once she's done showering, she layers a little facial essence to her damp face.  Doing so helps to maximize hydration levels since the skin is already wet.  Afterward, she applies her other skin products as normal.

Her method made perfect sense so I decided to give it a shot.  All I had to do is walk my bottle of Missha Facial Essence across the hall and place it near my cleanser.  After cleansing, I rubbed in a little essence to my skin. Because essence has the same consistency as water, it was easy to apply.  From there, I moved on to other grooming activities to allow my face to air dry.  Side note, air drying the skin is healthier than rubbing a towel across your face.  But towel drying is more convenient so we do it out of habit.

What sold me on this method of applying essence to damp skin is the immediate impact.  In my case, my skin retained a healthy glow.  My skin actually looked better before I applied makeup.  Yes, the flaws & imperfections still existed, but my bare skin appeared dewy and supple.  I'm forever grateful for this simple tip because I definitely noticed the difference.

One thing to keep in mind is that you'll likely be skipping the toner step if you apply essence while your face is damp, so be sure to cleanse properly before hand because you won't get that extra deep cleaning that some toners provide plus ability to bring balance to over stripped skin.  You can also alternate between your typical routine of using essence after a toner and switch it up to using this method when your skin needs an extra moisture boost.



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Full Moon / Oshun Self Love Ritual

Ismail oubarka | 7:39 AM


This Friday brings us a Full Moon in Sagittarius, called the Strawberry Moon.

Friday is also a day often associated with Oshun/Venus the goddess of Love.(Although Saturday is also considered her day).

For radical self care ritual
I suggest an Oshun Bath during the Full Moon .

Oshun Bath :

Ingredients:
Sunflower or Rose petals :
Honey / Organic Nut or Almond Milk
Blue Lotus, Rose, or Jasmine essential oil.

Put all ingredients in a warm bath and enjoy.

Oshun Body Oil:
Rose petals,
Almond oil or Organic Sunflower oil

The essential oil of your choice.



Put the oil in a (preferably dark) bottle and leave  out in the moonlight.
Use the oil next day whilst stating your affirmation of self love.


This wonderful ritual is brought to us by Marilyn  a Holistic Health Practitioner who runs workshops as well as 1-2-1 sessions in person and virtually. To find out more about her workshops check out the link below.


Workshops 

Lead Image @vandeaarde

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