Acne caused by cosmetics

Acne caused by cosmetics

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Tips for fall fitness and health

Tips for fall fitness and health

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In Honor of Bananas!!!

I once made this bread out of curiosity. Complements of Oxygen magazine (another AWESOME read), the recipe was offered as a meal to enjoy for breakfast, minus the calories and sugar. One thing that I didn't use was the Splenda substitute. All I had on hand was organic sugar so that did kick up the sugar content a bit. Overall I enjoyed it. To make it a grab and go option, I made muffins and threw some pecans and brown sugar on top!

Healthy Banana Bread

Ingredients:

Wet:
3 egg whites
3 ripe bananas, mashed
1/2 cup applesauce
3/4 cup Splenda

Dry:
2 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup almonds, chopped or slivered (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS:

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. In a medium bowl, beat the egg whites, and add the remaining wet ingredients – mix thoroughly. In another bowl, mix the dry ingredients. Then lightly blend all of the ingredients together, and pour the mixture into a loaf pan. Bake for 50 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out dry. Let the loaf stand in the pan for 10 minutes, then slice and serve.

Life in Evolution

A couple of months ago I posted this note onto my facebook page. I was experiencing major life changes, physical and mental. Sharing my view point of it all really brought back amazing feedback. It showed me that the people around me were experience the same thought pattens. So with the year coming to a end I felt it was time to reflect on our outlook of life once again. We all look at the new year as a chance for change. But amazingly God provides us a chance for change every day. I know I fall victim to looking at next year as my "new beginning". But I then have to remind myself that I can claim that change right now. So reflect of how you have evolved over the past couple of days, months, even years if you must. Encourage yourself today that you have a purpose in life. Afterwards share your outlook through the comments and in return your story could have the possibility of encouraging some one else

According to Webster the definition of "evolution" is stated as so:

any process of formation or growth; development: the evolution of a language; the evolution of the airplane.
a product of such development; something evolved: The exploration of space is the evolution of decades of research.
a process of gradual, peaceful, progressive change or development, etc

Life around us is always evolving, whether good or bad, the world along with the persons in it are changing. What gets interesting to me is when you have a instant connection with the change that is happening in your life. Its when you see yourself becoming that man or women that you have only dreamed of becoming but now its becoming your every day reality. That's the change I'm talking about, the "evolution" with one's self. I know many of us have heard time and time again," You can't love anyone else, until you can love yourself". Can you say today that you are in sync, in touch, and as one with yourself? I have learned that life will take you on so many journeys. People claim how they want to explore the world and travel, but surprisingly have never took the opportunity to explore life. It is a never ending journey. You go through good times, sad times, tuff times, decent times, hard ass rock bottom times, and all for what? To reach your destiny? To conquer in victory or to gain personality and humility. Or to grow cold, and insecure, worthless, or spiteful. Well that is the gift that has been given to us by God himself, the gift of "choice". Whether it be the right choice it is all up to you. This I understand and can be a bit overwhelm. Its a difficult task making choices for your future. But understand that you as an individual will eventually evolve because your life is steadily evolving. In this process your becoming the person God destined you to be. Life will take you through the mountain highs and the valley lows. But through all this know its only to develop you for the blessings and promises made for your future. Your life is in evolution...

Gobble Gobble With Health in Mind

While sitting here in class, I decided to become productive and let my thoughts flow onto my blog. I have been preparing myself for the Thanksgiving feast! Lol...well not really but I have been telling myself "Akia your NOT gonna feel the way you felt last year after the holidays"!!! Which was needless to say horrible. So my first step in preparation was to begin my yearly colon cleanse. Last year I actually used Dr. Natura's Colonix system which worked great! I felt amazing afterwards...but due to a sistas budget I went for a less expense formula this time around, Organic Bowel Cleanse by Renew Life. So far its been pretty good. The taste is almost similar to that of spiced oatmeal. Also the formula is free of pysllium, senna, and cascara sagrada so you don't have to worry about that gas/bloat feeling and intense urge to go. But anyways I'm not here to run my mouth on colon cleansers lol, but I will provide the websites to each system below if your interested in more information. Back to my original thought, with the Thanksgiving holiday approaching the aroma of sweet potato pie, and warm homemade mac and cheese just cloud my mind. Although the thought your body may have about these rich, high calorie, low nutrients foods is a bit different. The one thing we all fall victim to around the holidays is overindulging!!!! So our goal this holiday season is to keep the peace within our bodies. Lets check out some tips that will help you stay on the path of clean eating and balanced bodies.

TIPS

* If your not on a daily regimen with a balance diet start replacing those cheese crackers with a piece of fruit, or a side of fries with a garden salad. Its all about healthier choices....so make the choice and start TODAY!!!!

* To compensate for the possible consumption of high-calorie foods increase your exercise over the holidays. Take a walk around your neighborhood before or after your holiday dinner. Grab a in-law or visiting family member so you two can catch up!

*When you know your going to dinner or possibly a party, stick to your small meals every 2-3 hours. Don't try and save yourself for the table because this always ends in disaster!!! Control your blood sugar and avoid the ITUS!

* Indulge in one dessert and one dessert only! Don't turn your plate into a sampler of sweets, which I tend to always do lol!!!!

So lets not wait until the first of the year to begin our quest to better health...just start now! If you are looking for examples of possible meal plans to follow next time your in your local grocery store or book store grab a copy of "Clean Eating" magazine. I live for this magazine! I still have each copy sense the day they first came on deck. This can really help you understand the whole concept of clean eating along with learning really delicious recipes. And for my Twitters out there a great way to record your daily calorie intake is to "tweet what you eat" at

http://www.tweetwhatyoueat.com/.

Follow me www.tweetwhatyoueat.com/diary/kiakassie

Happy Thanksgiving and be blessed!

Colon Cleanser Websites:

* http://www.drnatura.com/

* http://www.renewlife.com/

* http://www.herbdoc.com/

Tips to Daily Nail Care

After a much needed manicure and pedicure I began thinking why I need to do this on a daily! I mean I take care of everything else but some how my hands and toes are never apart of the equation. So for your reading enjoyment, below I have posted some quick tips towards daily nail care.

Manicures are not just for women...men should be getting regular nail care as well!! Manicures should be done by a professional nail technician at least once a month. But for those who may be on a monthly budget, all you need to do is invest in a kit and a professional nail lacquer and your good to go!

Your weekly nail care regimen ( provided by ygoy.com):

*Restrict this to about 20 minutes each week in which you can begin by removing old nail polish with nail polish remover on a small swab of cotton.

*Using an nail file, shape the nail, filing away from the corner of the nail to the center.

*Soak your hands in warm, soapy water for a few minutes to remove all dirt. Now, clean under the edges of your nails. Usually, people push the cuticle back at this stage, but it helps not to, as otherwise it spreads infection of the nail growing tissue.

*Apply clear nail polish. Once it dries, apply a coat of color polish. Leave it to dry for a few minutes. Now, add a second coat of clear polish as a topcoat. With this, you can rest assured that your nail is strengthened and will not chip the polish.

*Lastly, apply a dollop of moisturizing cream or lotion to your hands and cuticles to stop your nails from splitting.

The care and pampering of your feet is critical to the body. Being that many of us walk around with unsupported shoes, the weight from our bodies may not always be evenly distributed. This can cause wear and tear on the feet, for example bunions, calluses, corns, blister etc. Professional pedicures I personally consider a luxury. But until you get into the hang of doing one, I would encourage you to visit your local nail salon monthly. A good pedicure can easily last a month if its maintained.

Your weekly foot care regimen:

* In the shower make sure your scrubbing your feet and between your toes! Just because the soap and water have to pass your feet to get to the drain doesn't mean they are getting clean!

* If you wear uncomfortable foot wear, soak your feet for 15-20 minutes in Epsom salt.

* Moisturize your feet daily with cocoa butter, coconut oil, olive oil, Shea butter, or go old school with Vaseline. I love to cover them with socks at night to lock in the moisture!

For more awesome tips and tricks to foot care and or pedicures visit nailcare.ygoy.com!

The Beauty Guru is Now on Facebook

I just wanted to notify those who are regular facebooker's that the beauty guru in now joining in on the fun! In trying to expand my audience, I have decided to add a page on Facebook where I can continue to discuss topics involved with health and beauty. I will be posting daily journals and information on FB. This will allow my audience to become more interactive with me through wall post, daily discussions, even video. The blog site will still be active so when I post something I will also notify it on FB. So check it out and become a fan of "KiaKassie"! I look forward to sharing my thoughts and tips with you all!

Acne Repair Kit (New) | Acne Products - Mario Badescu Skin Care

Acne Repair Kit (New) | Acne Products - Mario Badescu Skin Care

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Tools & Support - The Eat-Clean Diet

Tools & Support - The Eat-Clean Diet

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I Love Clif

Being that I am such a busy diva these days, I try to plan some snacks for on-the-go (including lots of H2O). I am always on the search for something convenient, clean and yummy all in one besides fruit! And believe me that can come to be a challenge. I'm totally down for granola bars, but sometimes a girl just wants a little bit more! So let me be the first to tell you that you know longer have to result to your cravings for perhaps chocolate chip cookies. This convenient, clean, ORGANIC snack will satisfy your wildest sweet tooth, as well as give you a boost of energy. Cliff bars are all natural and organic and packed full of wholesome grains, fiber, protein, minerals, and vitamins. They are great to help you get through the day or even your daily workouts! With almost 20 different flavors to choose from, this bar brings more than a taste of heaven, it brings nutrients for a healthy body. And just so you can have a idea of whats in these things here are the ingredients for Oatmeal Raisin Walnut (my fav!)

Organic Brown Rice Syrup, ClifPro® (Soy Rice Crisp [Soy Protein Isolate, Rice Flour, Malt Extract, Calcium Carbonate], Organic Roasted Soybeans, Organic Soy Flour), Organic Rolled Oats, Dried Apricots (Apricots, Evaporated Cane Juice, Rice Flour, Citric Acid, Ascorbic Acid), Organic Evaporated Cane Juice, ClifCrunch® (Organic Oat Fiber, Inulin [Chicory Extract], Organic Milled Flaxseed, Organic Oat Bran, Psyllium), Organic Dried Apples, Organic Date Paste, Organic Sunflower Oil, Natural Flavors, Citric Acid, Salt, Colored With Annatto.

So next time you pay a visit to your local grocery store or gas station grab one to go. You'll love Clif too.....lol

How About Dessert... for Your Hair?

Hello to all and welcome to my new and improved blog site:) So I wanted to put people (yes Fellas you too) onto this new product that I have been dying to try. During my quick hide away for the weekend, the honey and I went out for our Saturday stroll, and its always a MUST for me to pay a visit to the Whole Foods Market. So as I was looking around for my favorite shampoo and conditioner by Jason's (http://www.jason-natural.com/), there it was...Kinky Curly Curling Custard! I was in such disbelieve! It couldn't be sitting there right before my very eyes. I swear my day just became the best day ever ..lol. I was first introduced to this product by word of mouth about three years ago. Then... the product was only available online, so ever since I have been on the search. Recently I also noticed it in a issue of Essence magazine as one of the top best natural haircare products. So with saying all that it was a must have! So I made the purchase and I'm so excited to try it out. So stay tuned for my personal review of this product. You'd be surprised at all the different types of organic and natural haircare products out there on the market. Natural haircare really has made a difference for the overall health of my hair. Although I still get relaxers, the use of organic products really adds shine and strength to my hair. So slowly transitioning really is much easier then a drastic change to going natural with your hair. By reducing your use of lye relaxers, and hot styling tools, your hair will become noticeably healthier. I also like to give my hair a nice mini vacation after I have been wearing it straight for sometime and do my wash-n-go look. So I hope my hair enjoys this five star vacation with Kinky Curly Curl Custard :) (http://www.kinky-curly.com/ )

Product Review

So Wednesday morning was the moment of truth! Kinky Curly Curling Custard was put to the test and let me tell you upon application I was in LOVE! The first thing that hit me was the aroma of this product, it alone is so fresh and delicious. You immediately get that scent of all NATURAL! The consistency of the custard is very similar to that of normal hair gel, so its pretty basic. To begin application I started by sectioning my hair while still wet. I then took about a tablespoon or so and dragged it through each section. Finally I just scrunch scrunch scrunch! Instantly my waves began to pop! Quick and easy just how I like it. End results..... beautiful waves and a strut in my walk....lol. So I give my overall experience with Kinky Curly Curling Custard an A-. The only thing I would do differently next time is limit the amount of custard I use. This is because my hair ended up drying a bit on the hard side. I usually prefer softer waves and this high performance product is extremely concentrated. Therefore a small amount of this stuff really goes a long way. So it is confirm, for anyone who's looking to go natural or sport the occasional wet-n-go look, this is a great product to add to the collection. The 16 ounce jar will run you about $26. If your lucky enough to have a Whole Foods Market in your location you can grab it there, otherwise you will have to order it online. I know the price tag is a bit heavy, but remember your paying for the quality of the product. You will have a fabulous style all while achieving healthy beautiful hair so its worth it! Enjoy:)