Another Case of Why You Need to Read Food Labels

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While I was steaming a half dozen apples that had gone soft, I noticed an apple pie on the kitchen counter.  Mother bought the pie.  Now you know I had to examine the label.

All I can say is damn! Even this label surprised me.  I counted the number of ingredients in this supermarket (who shall remain nameless) freshly baked apple pie and I am floored!!

While the first ingredient is apples, what follows ought to be a crime. Also, notice that sugar isn’t far from the top.  Come on now!  A good apple is naturally sweet and requires NO sugar.   Other UN-NATURAL ingredients include:

While the pie does have “milk,” Eggs,” and “apples,” the bad far outweighs the good. Preservatives digested in the body converts to dangerous carcinogens that studies have shown can cause certain cancers, tumors, and other major illnesses.

I know.  Realistically, to 100% avoid harmful chemicals, one would have to live in a bubble.  However, if you care about your body and your overall wellness, try to minimize the number of toxic chemicals you put in your body or on your skin and hair, as much as possible.  I am not perfect but I continue to educate myself and make smarter choices about the products I consume.


Instead of consuming a preservative filled store bought pie with over two dozen ingredients opt for a cleaner and a healthier version by cooking your own at home.  I cooked my organic Fuji apples on low and I added only TWO ingredients; cinnamon and nutmeg.  My “chunky applesauce” was naturally sweet with NO preservatives and delightfully appealing. 🙂

 

FREE Hair Care Report!!

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I know…  It’s been a minute since my last natural hair update, but I am still on my natural hair journey.

For the record, having natural hair has not interfered with my running, CrossFit, and now training for my first Figure Competition.  Once you learn how to care for your natural hair, you’ll experience the freedom that the rest of us natural curlies know all about.

On June 26, 2010, I walked into KinHairitage Salon/Spa and met ShidaNatural.  From the moment I saw ShidaNatural, her big curly hair and her spunky personality inspired me!  Later in the consultation, she wowed me with her cavernous knowledge of the care and maintenance of natural hair.

I learned more in the nearly two-hours that I spent with ShidaNatural than I did in over 20 years of salon hopping trying to get the latest cut, perm, braids or weave.  Where have you been for most of my life?

Cancun, Mexicio 6/2012 My curls holding up to the heat. I love this pic!
Me and my dad (age 14ish). My hair was NATURAL. I had no idea how good that was and I didn’t know what to do with it.
At home before the run. I decided to wear bright colors so that I would be easier for my family to find me. The bright colors drew a lot of comments, but it didn’t help my family spot me in a crowd of over 30,000 people.
This is my hair immediately after I finished twisting.
Wow! It’s growing! I LOVE my natural hair!
My beginnings!
Natural at the age of 6
6/2008 I wore my hair short like this for 10 years. A Barber cut it and I texturized it at home.
12/2011 Lol! Conditioning my hair with natural products. Also using product as a mask. All thanks to YouTuber Naptural85
12/25/2011
June 2012 – My first kiss by a dolphin! In spite of being in water all day, my curls are still poppin!
I wore lots of braids In the 90’s. Hubby and I were on a cruise in this pic.
Summer 2011
Surprised by my hair growth. Summer 2011
In Vegas celebrating hubbies 50th Birthday!
August 2013 – Wonderful Loc Extensions installed and styled by the lovely Victoria at KinHairitage Salon

Three years into my natural hair journey, I credit by knowledge base to ShinaNatural.  We recently chatted.  To my pleasure, I learned that she is working toward launching a book, “101 Natural Hair Care Tips for Curly, Kinky, and Coily Hair- Get ShidaNaturalized!!!”   Hurry ShidaNatural, I can’t wait to get my hands on a copy of your book!!

One of these days, I will consider myself an expert on “my” hair.  Nevertheless, I am consistently solicited with endless hair care questions, such as “How did you get your hair like that?”  “What do you use on your hair?” and “Who does your hair?”

To discover the best way to care for curly, kinky, and coily hair, you just have to read ShidaNatural’s “FREE” special report,

“How to Care for Natural Curly, Kinky, and Coily Hair so that you Get the Best Styling Results ~ My Top 6 Tips”

 Happy readings!

Here Is A Great Protective Syle

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The summer is my favorite season to rock my wild and natural curls. I especially enjoy the unpredictability of my hair and how my curls respond to the heat, humidity, and hot radiant sun. The color becomes more vivid and my fro grows bigger and wilder as the day goes longer.

Back in the day when I was permed, the sizzling hot summer days constantly held me hostage to closed windows and air conditioning in my car, and major dilemmas of how to style my hair after a long ten-mile run.

Now, I’m free to be me!  Hairs that are out-of-place are in place and exactly where they belong.  Three years into my journey, I am having more fun than ever.

With September only one week away, it is time for me to transition to the new school year. The spare time that I indulged in July and August will soon quickly disappear. The slots will be filled with strict early morning routines, football practice, home work, dinner, and barely enough time to get to CrossFit. Oh, and I left out my hair in the mix.  Length retention means more time required to co-wash, condition, moisturize, twist, and style. Whew!

So what’s a curly girl to do?  Visit her favorite stylist to find the perfect protective style. I am so excited! I decided to go with temporary loc extensions, styled by the one and only Vicky at KinHairitage.  After staring in envy at several photos posted by KH, I knew exactly what I wanted.

My natural hair is safely tucked away and my new regime is reduced to moisturizing my roots and grabbing a satin bonnet at night.  And the best part…  after a long run or CrossFit, no hair maintenance is required!   Heeeey!  I can sleep a few minutes later now too.  Check out my new style.

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Loving the highlights!

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Styled and photographed by stylists Victoria at KinHairitage Salon