NEW YEAR NEW POSTS WITH NEW ARTICLES

                                                                         

Hey guys i know its been a while but i gots a good Explanation ....Im in Nursing School  so it has took mostly have my time.but  i finally gots a little time for you guys.  Sooooooo  since it Jan 2016 I plan on bringing  you more post on hair, and locs  but also im brings fashion, and celebrity into this lovely blog as well.  So guys any questions i will answer as much as possible

                                                                                                                             

                                                                                                                                  CAJ

Clarify that hair

                                                           

   So your hair been in a Protective style for a weeks to a month and now u have buildup  before you grab that expensive bottle of non working shampoo. here 5 DIY Clarifying Shampoos.

1.Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse

Use this easy recipe to get rid of that icky residue left behind by butters and styling creams which can cause the hair to look dull over time.

8 oz applicator bottle | 2-3 oz of ACV | warm water | essential oil(s)- Optional

Fill your bottle with ACV, the rest with water. Add a few drops of your essential oils of choice.Shake it up, massage it in, let it sit for a few minutes and rinse well with cool water. Apple Cider Vinegar   also closes the hair cuticle to promote smoother, shinier hair and will help balance the pH of the hair and scalp. Take care not to get this in your eyes, it burns! The smell may linger when wet but will dissipate as your hair dries.that hair will be squeaky clean after one use of this .

It doesn't work for everyone but a little try doesn't hurt ....

 2.Baking Soda Rinse

This clarifying potion will get rid of that nasty residue without making the hair feel stripped. I especially like to use this rinse to remove buildup when I’m wearing protective styles like braids or twists.

spray bottle | one (1) tbsp. baking soda |1.5 cups of warm water

Place your ingredients in the bottle and shake it up well. If your hair is long or really thick, feel free to double the ingredients but don’t add more baking soda unless you add more water. The mixture should be liquidity, not chalky . Spray onto the scalp and hair, massage it in, leave on for about three minutes then rinse thoroughly.

3.Rhassoul Clay

You may need to head to a specialty or health food store for this one. Rhassoul is a mineral-rich, natural clay that has been used for centuries to enhance texture and volume, soften the hair and eliminate dandruff. Not only does it safely clarify the hair and scalp but it also detoxifies.

What I love about all of these options is that they’re natural, quick and they get the job done without making your hair feel dry in the process. While the hair is deeply cleansed and clarified, the moisture is left intact. 

4.Fresh Rosemary

Fresh Rosemary Boiled in water for 10 mins... let cool use in hair for your final rinse  Rosemary is a excellent Clarifiers because they are known to nourish the hair follicles and stimulate hair growth.

5. Coconut Water 

Coconut water  is really good  did you know 100 percent coconut water contains vitamins such as C,B1,B2,B3,B5,B6 and Amino Acids and Antioxidants ...pure beauty when it comes to clarifying your hair  use it warm water  and goddess hair in the works..

I Also heard that vodka can be great clarifier if you have Braids and Locs people. so any saved vodka use it.Vodka detoxes hair and scalp, thoroughly removing product buildup and minerals from hard water. Vodka also acts as a disinfectant on the scalp, killing off fungus and bacteria that may be slowing hair growth or creating itchy dry scalps and dandruff. Your hair will be shinier and bouncier as well.

Simply add 2 tablespoons or so of your favorite vodka to your regular shampoo and wash hair normally. Follow up with a good quality moisturizing conditioner, then style.

after using one of these clarifiers  use.....

• Aloe Vera juice can also be used as an acidic rinse (some people prefer it to vinegar because of the vinegar smell). Mix 2 tablespoons of aloe juice into 2 cups of water and use as a final rinse to clarify hair after shampooing.
• 3 cups of water combined with 1 tsp raw apple cider vinegar
• Juice of one lemon squeezed into 4 cups of water. This rinse is especially good for highlights, bleached hair or light colored hair

So there you have it ladies and gentlemen...try these 5 well 6 Alternatives and one gots to work for you let me know 

Caj 

Review:Treat My Feet Exfoliating Foot Peel

Heyy Guys  so today post is about one thing FEET!!!! i know someone saying ''Um say what '' Treat my feet was nice enough to send me this exfoliating foot peel, as well as offer a chance to 3 lucky winners on my blog a chance too!   I knew it was something I had to try! Treat my Feet is an exfoliating foot mask and peel, that promises to repair dry and dead skin, moisturize, and make your feet baby soft again. One thing i will say if your pregnant or nursing (you cant use this ) 

Included in the box are 2 booties that contain a single use prefilled mask.

Directions:

1. Wash Feet with soap and warm water. Towel dry and then open the pouch, and each sock at the top with scissors
2. Slide each foot into a "Treat My Feet" sock and adjust for comfort
3. Pull of the sticky tab and secure tightly around your ankle
4. Keep the booties on for 60-90 minutes
5. Remove booties and wash with soap and warm water
6. Soak your feet in warm water daily for 20-30 minutes for best results

After 4-5 days your feet will begin to show signs of peeling. Additional peeling could take up to 2 weeks. 

The company recommends not to pick at the dry skin as it is peeling. You will also want to wear socks to bed for awhile, which was kind of a pain, but much better than having gross pieces of dead skin from your feet in your bed. ;) 

You will probably also not want to wear sandals or flip flops, until the whole process is over, just to avoid shedding skin everywhere.

Today is the 8th day and I still have a little peeling action going on, but my feet do feel much smoother, and they really are starting to feel baby soft!

 This product retails for $19.99 on Amazon, which I would definitely be willing to pay. Especially when you consider the average price of a regular pedicure, and I got far better results with this product in the convenience of my own home.

 You can find more info or find out how to order here Treat My Feet

Disclaimer: I did receive this item for free in exchange for an unbiased review.

Now to the part everyone has been waiting for!!! 

Treat my feet has offered to Sponsor and give away  1 Treat My Feet Set to 3 Lucky winners here on my blog, so you can get a chance to try them out for yourself. 

Please Read Before you Enter! 

Rules and Regulations

NO PURCHASE OR PAYMENT OF ANY KIND IS NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. A PURCHASE WILL NOT IMPROVE YOUR CHANCE OF WINNING.

Eligibility Giveaway is open to readers with US shipping addresses only. You must be 18+ or over or have parents permission. Immediate family are not eligible

How to Enter: To enter just make sure to follow/subscribe to my blog ( I will check) :) You can do this 1 of 4 ways. 1. Follow by email (located in the top right corner of the blog) 2. Follow me through facebook at the top of my page. 3.Follow me through Google+ (all off my post are automatically loaded onto there too).4 or you can subscribe through my RSS feed. Any one of these are fine, and you only need to do one in order to enter. Also if you are already following in one of these ways, you do not have to subscribe again, simply enter the giveaway.

Next, fill out your entry using Rafflecopter so I can email you if you win. Participants are only allowed one entry per person, and odds of winning are based on the amount of entries. If you have any questions or problems, don't hesitate to email me using the contact form, or leave a comment below.

Entry Deadline The giveaway will run from Tuesday August 18,2015- Monday August 31 2015. Winners will be announced on Sept  1st . I will contact the winners by email, and announce on the blog. I will also post the winners on Instagram, Facebook, as well as Twitter unless you specifically ask otherwise.

Winner Selection The winners will be selected randomly using Rafflecopter

Claiming Your Prize The winner must contact me within 24 hours after I have emailed them, or I will pick an alternate winner also using Rafflecopter. The prize will be shipped directly from the company, so I am not responsible for lost or damaged packages. I will however help you get in touch with the company if a question or if any problems should arise.

if anything else just email me or contact me on facebook

CAJ 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Great Benefits Of Jojoba Oil On Natural Hair

                                      

    So all the oils i done and Jojoba Oil Isnt one I never talk bout it ( I KNOW  I KNOW ) BUT NOT TO WORRY...

  I knew I needed a good, pure oil. After some research jojoba became my oil of choice.  Two key factors sold me on jojoba: 

1. The fact that jojoba is the only oil whose molecular structure is similar to sebum (the oil that the scalp naturally produces) and 

2.  It has a very long shelf life. The only oils I know to have longer are castor oil and coconut oil  I shouldn’t have really cared about shelf life because as it turns out I go through my bottles pretty rapidly! (I'm on the 7 bottle).It is one of the most nutrient rich and expensive botanical oils. Its benefits to hair include

3. It is readily accepted by the scalp and does not mess with the scalp’s natural balance. This is because of its similar molecular structure to sebum (the scalp's natural oil).

4.  It is reputed to have antibacterial properties. It soothes the scalp and can be used to treat dry scalp problems and dandruff. 

5.  It is composed of 98% monounsaturated fats and 2% saturated fats so it can penetrate the hair follicle and strengthen hair fibres from the inside. 

6.  Jojoba also hydrates hair from the inside of the hair shaft. So it works well as an agent for reducing hygral fatigue (the swelling and shrinking of hair as it it gets wet and dries that can weaken the hair fibre over time).

7.  As a conditioner jojoba helps to add shine, elasticity and softness to hair. 8. Jojoba can be used to add volume to thinning hair. It adds volume and body to hair strands thereby giving an appearance of thickness. That said, note that if you have thin hair you can’t convert it to thick hair. That’s genetically predetermined. 9. You can mix jojoba oil with essential oils and massage the mixture into the scalp to stimulate blood flow to the scalp and encourage hair growth. I do this almost daily; jojoba is light and non-greasy. 10. Jojoba is an emollient – it fills in cracks that are on the surface of the hair cuticle, i.e. it helps to repair hair damaged by heat and styling. How can you use jojoba? If you are using a shampoo that strips your hair, add a couple of tablespoons of jojoba oil to it. In this way your hair won’t get sucked (too) dry. Facial cleanser Similar to coconut oil, you can use jojoba as your daily face wash. Apply a few drops onto dry skin, let it set, and then simply rinse your face with water. This process will clear away all the impurities that the oil extracts from the surface of your face and neck. Scar and stretch mark minimizer Unsightly skin issues including scabs, scars, and stretch marks may be reduced by massaging the vitamin-E rich oil into the problem areas. Plus, it may speed the healing process of wounds and cause scars to fade over time. Anti-acne gel Get clearer skin thanks to jojoba’s anti-microbial properties. Jojoba contains iodine, which may fight harmful bacteria growth that causes pimples, blackheads, and breakouts. Cuticle oil… For at home mani-pedi’s, use jojoba as a natural alternative to cuticle oil. …and foot cream And then spread a few drops on the bottoms of your feet post-bath to soften any dry or cracked areas! Anti-fungal cream Jojoba can make your feet beautiful again. Athlete’s foot infections, warts, and toenail fungus don’t stand a chance against this oil’s natural anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory properties. Anti-aging serum Trust the powerful antioxidants in the oil to help smooth fine lines and wrinkles. Apply a few drops with a cotton ball and dab it around your eyes, mouth, and neck to achieve a more youthful glow. Sunburn relief lotion The oil has long been used in ancient medicine to treat sunburn, heat rash, and other minor skin irritations. It may make you more comfortable and will reduce flaking and peeling of the skin. Makeup remover Waterproof mascara and liquid liner wipe away with ease when you use jojoba as an eye makeup remover. It may also be helpful for clearing away foundation, powders, and stubborn lip and cheek stains. Body lotion Try jojoba oil out in lieu of your regular body moisturizer. Apply a few drops of the oil right after a bath or shower. Lock in the hydration benefits by adding a layer of a natural cream, such as shea or cocoa butter, over the jojoba oil. This will also reduce winter itch and chapped skin, since the anti-inflammatory properties of the oil work to reduce dryness and irritation. Shaving gel Apply the oil onto your legs to soften the skin and provide a smooth landing for your razor. The liquid wax makes for an easy shave and you’ll escape the pains of razor burn and skin redness. Hair regrowth serum Jojoba oil may unclog hair follicles, which can in turn reduce hair loss and promote more hair growth. The oil’s antioxidant qualities may also help protect your scalp and hair from breakage, split ends, and future damage.   As you’re shopping for your jojoba note that unrefined jojoba is golden (you want this type); refined jojoba is clear and odourless. How do you use Jojoba Oil

summer favorite handbags

Sooooo guys this will be my 1st fashion Post 

im so excited so as summer start here comes the beautiful...colorful.... handbags.

From sleek and professional leather satchels to cute and convenient clutches, there’s a bag for every occasion and style taste. These summer 2015 bags fuse of-the-moment fashion trends with on-the-go functionality.

1.Cross body bags

 

 Cross-body bags have been a staple in many women’s closets for years. 
provides a hands-free carrier for women on-the-go.

2.Retro Bags

These bags will never go out of style. Retro bags, inspired by years past, offer a unique take on the everyday handbag

  3. bucket bags                                                  

ladies this is a major trend this summer season a cinch at the top to keep your valuables secure, and offers plenty of room inside for summertime essentials like a water bottle and sunscreen.

                                                                                                                                   

  

4.Straw/Woven Bags

                              

                         

this is what summer is all about. The airy, fun bags are great for holding sandals, towels, and other beach items. easy packing for those summer vacations.

5. Envelope Bags

                                              

Envelope clutch bags are classic accessories, ideal for evenings out or formal events.

and just enough room for credit cards, cash, and your cell phone

6. Fringed Bags

Fringe is all the rage this summer season. Its low-key boho nature makes these bags the perfect ‘everyday bag.’ There’s options for all styles and budgets

whats your favorite ladies let me know.  

Combing ....or finger combing decisions decisions

                                                           

Let's face it we all have this debate before 

Type 4 hair is the most fragile of all hair types because every curling point along the strand is a potential point of breakage and the curlier the hair the more potential points of breakage. In addition , us Naturals have to factor in dryness that results from a lack of sebum traveling down our highly textured strands and yes this sucks but i ask few naturals (40+ )  and  most of them preferred finger combing   most said they saw improvement in density, length and health to their hair due to finger detangling. 

 If you have never tried finger detangling and want to give it a shot here is what I would suggest; after finger detangling a small section of hair run a wide tooth comb through that section to test your work. If it goes through, then you’ve done the job right. If not, you have more work to do.

 Keep in mind that longer hair equals more work and time — and if you don’t want to put in that time, shorter hair might be the best option. if you are seeing a significant amount of breakage each time you detangle finger combing is something to at least try for the health of your hair. It may be time consuming but it sure beats seeing all your growth on your bathroom counter top.


 Any tips on how you finger comb your hair  let me know 

5 detox recipes you should try

                           

Heyyyy Naturalistas.

So lately i been searching for ways to detox my hair  yes people detox!!! why you ask a detox is great for exfoliating the scalp and removing any buildup on it. This gives your head of hair a real chance to breath and grow. so here a few i use ever 6 months.

pH balanced Shampoo 

I haven’t tried this detox shampoo yet because I am a weary shampooer (more so a co-washer but not strictly following the curly girl method) but I came across this recipe and it looks super interesting. The contents of the diy recipe seem to be gentle enough to cleanse/detox the scalp without stripping my hair of natural oils and moisture.

INGREDIENTS:

1 ½ cups of coconut milk

1 ¾ cups of Aloe Vera Gel

Directions: You put all of the ingredients together into a bowl and whisk them together as if you were whisking eggs. Once they are fully mixed together and voila you are ready to go. You can use the mixture just like you would use any other shampoo. You may want to find some sort of container to keep it in. The original creator of this recipe had a great idea of putting the mixture into ice trays and storing it in your freezer. Why you ask??? Well  when you are ready to use one of the home made shampoo bars you just pop it out the night before you know you are going to use it and put it in a bowl or container in the fridge until it is go time. How awesome is that! No wasted ingredients and gentle detoxifying shampoo that controls the pH balance of your hair! 

2. Detox Hair Mask :

This recipe I already knew of and have been using once a month personally in a slightly tweaked/altered version. This recipe calls for the following ingredients:

INGREDIENTS:

½ cup of Bentonite Clay (use a wooden or plastic bowl no metal bowls or utensils when interacting with bentonite clay)

½ cup Aloe Vera Gel(I get mine from GNC but it can be found in many health food stores, beauty supply stores, or online at Amazon)

¼ cup Apple Cider Vinegar (preferably Braggs brand with “the mother” still included)

1 additional cup of apple cider vinegar (optional or can be replaced with water) 

DIRECTIONS: My detox clay mask featuring bentonite clay powder. I also add in the additional cup of water because I feel the mixture may cause too much dryness if it tips further into the clay/vinegar as the main ingredients. That is just a personal preference. I mix these ingredients together and use the clay mask once a month when cleansing my hair or right after the removal of a protective style. I leave the mask on for 20 minutes with a shower cap over it to prevent over drying. Once I rinse this mask off my scalp feels amazing and my curls are POPPING, fully refreshed and ready to tackle the co-washing faze of wash day.

3. Honey Shampoo:

 I use honey as a part of my pre-poo regimen and deep conditioning but have never once thought to use it as a part of a cleansing/detoxification method.

INGREDIENTS: 

3-4 tablespoons of honey

mason jar/ random jar or container

Essential oil (optional)

Directions:  You are going to add the 3-4 tablespoons of honey into the jar or container you will be using for storage. Then you add in warm water until the container is filled to about its half way mark . Once the honey appears to have entered a liquid/watery state you can add any essential oil of your choice for fragrance. Use the mixture the same way you would use regular shampoo. This mixture will help not only to detoxify but to cleanse, moisturize and balance the pH of your hair as well while leaving it with a nice health shine.

4. Cucumber Lemon Shampoo:

This shampoo mix helps to detox the scalp but also helps alleviate a dry itchy scalp as well, while offering an amazingly soothing citric tingly feel.

INGREDIENTS:

1 lemon

1 cucumber

Food processor or blender

Directions: This mix/blend is probably one of the easiest creations to make to help detox and alleviate toxins on your scalp. Peel the lemon and the cucumber. Chop them up (if you are using a low power blender like I am) or just throw them into your food processor and bam… mix them up until they turn into a thick liquid paste consistency. Then apply to your hair like you would with shampoo.

5. Baking Soda Cinnamon Detox 

This is probably one of the most popular scalp detoxes in the natural hair community. It was the first one I ran into and the first one I actually tried on my self. Here’s what you will need for this mix (hint: the title gives most of it away thanks Thirsty Roots )

INGREDIENTS: 

1 teaspoon of baking soda

½ teaspoon of cinnamon powder

2 tablespoons of olive oil

DIRECTIONS: Mix the ingredients into a small container and massage the mixture into your scalp gently. (its best and easiest to do so when your hair is in sections…. but as a naturalista you should have already known that!). Leave the mask on for 10-15 minutes covered with a shower cap and rinse. This mix will help fight off dandruff by providing more antioxidants and decreasing hair loss. Sounds like something I need to try asap!

And recipes you love to Use and would love to then share them on my Fb page facebook.com/thenaturalinblue