The new millennia is in it’s teens and seems undecided on how to define the times. Inspiration is coming from everywhere; progressively looking toward the shores of Africa but more so retrospectively raiding the closest of previous decades.

We are loving our 70′s collars and afro’s: 

Blending sweatshirts and leggings like the fitness crazed 80′s:

However, the most prevalent style is from the layed back decade of the 90′s; rugged and torn jeans and washed tops; our American fashion staple:

My favorite style is the blended of the groups which I believe to be the most fashion forward. Embracing the past so as to move in to the future so to speak.

The sign of our times has yet to be defined and maybe that is just the way we like it. We want it all, preferably to self express as we see fit. Choices I say, are what this era is all about. And isn’t that just the best?

- Body suits are back with even more flair and allure than before. Body suits like this Dolce & Gabbana top can be found at bebe.com.

- Tweed. I am in love with the charm of tweed. Taking the fuddy duddy out of tween and tossing bagging jeans under it says “smart” without taking one’s self too seriously.

Ciao for now,

Amber Rae

Is this you?

Our lives are full of a lot of stuff happening.  More than likely, you’ve felt some of what I described at some point during the day.  Probably most days.

This isn’t healthy.  This alone, regardless of what you eat can lead to dis-ease and illness.  I’m here to tell you that you can calm down and it all begins very simply.

Here’s a simple technique you can use to calm down instantly.

BREATHE

I know you’re like, is that it?   I breathe all the time.  But I want you to become AWARE of your breath.  At that moment when you are feeling most stressed, check in with your body.  I bet you feel tension in your stomach, lungs, shoulders.   You may even notice that you’re holding your breath.  And, if you are breathing, you’re probably breathing through your mouth.

Well this actually leads to MORE stress and anxiety and here’s why:

Your lungs take in oxygen and release carbon dioxide.  When you take shallow breathes through your mouth the balance of oxygen and carbon dioxide is thrown off.  Insufficient oxygen in your body causes your blood vessels and cells to constrict.  Your brain is most effected by this.  Your sympathetic nervous system (or your fight or flight response) is activated and feelings of tension, irritability, anxiety, and depression can occur.  

Shallow breathing also uses only the top part of your lungs.   This turns on your fight or flight response and brings on all of these negative emotions too.  Deep breathing forces air to the bottom of your lungs.  This process turns on the parasympathetic system which calms the body, relaxes the heart rate, soothes, and relaxes.  

Spiritually, when you stop, breathe, and meditate in a prayerful way, the Power that’s within is activated and your focus can instantly move away from your anxious self.

And that’s so much more productive and HEALING!

I encourage you RIGHT NOW to check in with your breathing.  Are you breathing deeply with your mouth closed?  

Take time to consciously do this for a few minutes per day.   It is vital for your health.  After a while, as stress rises, your automatic response will be to remind yourself to breath.  This may need to happen many times during the day.

By the way, because your mouth needs to be closed while doing this, if you’re in a verbal disagreement, and you take time to stop talking and breathe, it could work wonders!  Try it!

Here’s a FREE Tool

I’d like to share this website I found with you.  It’s a great free tool.  You can choose your scene and take 2, 10, or 20 minutes to breathe and meditate.  You can also allow the soothing sounds to just play as long as you like.  Click here for the link.

What works for you in the moment to calm down?

Reference:  http://www.relaxforsuccess.com/198.html

Download my free nutrition eGuide: Six Steps to a Simply Healthy Jumpstart here.

Would you like a complimentary 30 min. Simply Healthy Personal Strategy Session with me?  Contact me here.

These statements have not been evaluated by FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease or medical condition. The information provided through this website should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease. It is not a substitute for professional care. If you have or suspect you may have a medical problem, you should consult your appropriate health care provider. Links on this website are provided only as an informational resource, and it should not be implied that we recommend, endorse or approve of any of the content at the linked sites, nor are we responsible for their availability, accuracy or content. Any review or other matter that could be regarded as a testimonial or endorsement does not constitute a guarantee, warranty, or prediction regarding the outcome of any consultation.

BAKING SODA

Baking soda is great to use weekly for removing product build-up. As a naturalista, using different products throughout the week usually means we need a good cleansing at the end of the week. Baking soda is great for clarifying and also leaves your hair shiny and silky.

How to Use It: (1) Add 2 tablespoons of baking soda to 3 cups of water. Rinse with the baking soda after shampooing and then condition as normal. Or (2) add the dry baking soda directly on top of the shampoo then wash hair as normal.

Anyone can use baking soda but it’s best for hair that’s lifeless or that has product build-up

EGGS

The protein in eggs is great for strengthening hair, much like a store-bought protein treatment. Vitamins A, D and E are in egg yolks and these vitamins help add shine and luster to the hair. Eggs also moisturize and condition unlike anything else.

How to Use It: (1) The easiest way is to add a beaten egg to your shampoo in a mixing bowl. Or (2) Beat one or two eggs (enough to cover your entire head) and work them into your dry hair. Cover your head with a towel or shower cap and let sit for 15 minutes then wash and condition as usual.

Beware: DO NOT use hot water to rinse the eggs out of your hair. The eggs might “cook” in your hair.

This is great for people with brittle, delicate hair or anyone who desires to strengthen their hair.

OLIVE OIL

Extra virgin olive oil is great for moisturizing and strengthening the hair. It can be used alone or added to other products to enhance them.

How to Use It: (1) As a deep treatment – Apply a generous amount of olive oil to damp hair, cover with a plastic cap and apply heat either with a hooded dryer or warm towel. Let it sit for 30 minutes then shampoo out as usual. (2) To avoid frizz – pour about a teaspoon of olive oil in your palms and rub together then apply to your braids or twists moving downward from root to tip. Loosen braids or twists and fluff hair.

Everyone can use olive oil. It’s good for all hair types and helps with many different hair issues.

Are there any foods you use for your hair? Do you have any special recipes? Please share below.

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These statements have not been evaluated by FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease or medical condition. The information provided through this website should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease. It is not a substitute for professional care. If you have or suspect you may have a medical problem, you should consult your appropriate health care provider. Links on this website are provided only as an informational resource, and it should not be implied that we recommend, endorse or approve of any of the content at the linked sites, nor are we responsible for their availability, accuracy or content. Any review or other matter that could be regarded as a testimonial or endorsement does not constitute a guarantee, warranty, or prediction regarding the outcome of any consultation.

Tonight I hosted Curly Card Night so I didn’t have much time to experiment with a manicure look like I wanted to.

For this weekend’s mani I used Club Havana by Wet n Wild, a solid orange, I got a few months ago (also seen here) and Teenage Dream an OPI glitter my friend, Nicole, gave me a few weeks ago. I tried the OPI alone last week and I loved it so I was really excited to try it with one of my favorite solid opaque nail polishes.

What do you think? What nail polish(es) are you wearing currently?

The next best thing to growing your own produce is getting it from your local farmer’s market.  Now, one of my very favorite things about spring is the opening of my local farmer’s market.   I’ll be visiting at least a couple times per month and my goal this year is to try a couple different ones.

Why you should visit a farmer’s market:

1) Local fresh produce.  You have to ask, but most farmer’s are located within 100 miles of the market area.  The time between harvesting of the food and being in your mouth is key to getting the most  nutrition AND flavor.  You can taste the difference and your body loves it too.

2) Cost savings on higher quality produce.  Buying food directly from the farmer takes the middle man out of it, so apples to apples, you’ll usually find fresh organic produce for less than organic food at the grocery store.

3) Organic produce.  Speaking of organic, many farmer’s don’t use chemicals or sprays and rotate crops, which is essentially organic.   Being certified organic is really expensive.  You have to ask though.   Some of the larger markets feature food that isn’t organic and are actually sold by a middle man.   I stick with the smaller markets.

4) Foster a sense of community.  It’s great to get to know the people who grow your food.  You can ask questions and get advice for how to prepare items.  Most markets these days do more than sell produce, there are many other activities going on and can really be a fun outing.

5) Seasonal eating.  Eating what’s in season supports your immune system.  What your body needs to stay health and strong now is exactly what’s in season now.   Did you know that artichokes, in season now, are great for cleansing your liver which is necessary after a liver clogging winter?

Not sure where the markets are near you?  Check your local newspaper’s online site for a guide to local farmer’s markets.

Download a free nutrition eGuide: Six Steps to a Simply Healthy Jumpstart here.

Would you like a complimentary 30 min. personal health consultation with me?  Contact me here.

The statements have not been evaluated by FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease or medical condition. The information provided through this website should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease. It is not a substitute for professional care. If you have or suspect you may have a medical problem, you should consult your appropriate health care provider. Links on this website are provided only as an informational resource, and it should not be implied that we recommend, endorse or approve of any of the content at the linked sites, nor are we responsible for their availability, accuracy or content. Any review or other matter that could be regarded as a testimonial or endorsement does not constitute a guarantee, warranty, or prediction regarding the outcome of any consultation.

Last fall ‘Stand Out in African Print‘ was my first report on the new style hitting main street. I say new because unless you were African American celebrating Kwanzaa at church (or home) during the Christmas season, African print was only seen briefly on “Coming to America”.

And to be honest, this piece was going to be a piece about how this young millenial period hadn’t quite decided what would be it’s original contribution to the fashion world. The jean trend of the 90′s, and the shredded 80′s are dominant influences that lay hold on the time’s street casual. However, after more careful scrutiny, I find that African tribal textiles may just be one of the new, if not the new trend that defines the 10′s of this 21 century.

Kim Kardashian was wearing my very first glimpse of the print. I was slightly amused to see her sporting an African print bow tie and pondered her angle. Low and behold a few months shortly AA models where popping up all over tumblr looking ravishing in the print.

This was one of the first photo’s of the print we shared on the FB site:

The wave was beginning to swell; young and quirky gen y’s all too wise and fashionable showed up across the net hitting parties in bow ties and headwraps. But not before celebs like Solange, Alicia, and Ya-Ya broke out in the print, and the wave formed:

Some of you may be familiar with Draya Mitchel from the basketball housewives; spotted out this past April shopping in a shorts set that (from the front) was quite stunning:  

Which in turn que’d acknowledgement from fashion socialites like Olivia Palmermo who took advantage during her charity spotlight to escape into a little tribal outfitting without having too much trouble trying to fit the wear into her high street style wardrobe:

 If you ask me, her smile has never looked more genuwine and demenor so self possessed.

Fall was the first surge of the trend and there is still fun to be had this summer. And if you are joining Sunshine and the rest of the fabulous curly crew on the cruise this summer wouldn’t you be fab showing off your sense of fashion savvy in tribal print! Here’s where you can get them:

Fair Trade Check J . Crew out this kiwi bikini is right up my ally for about $50-$62 for each separate.

It’s refreshing to see that designers did more than just try to pull off the African trend as a revamped cheetah and zebra print experience. It’s the authentic textiles and colors from the all too forgotten mother culture. It’s kind of uncanny that the prints and colors seem strikingly foreign but an overdue welcome and celebratory sight by all on these shores.

Ciao for now,

Amber Rae

And, if you would like my FREE  Healthy Well-Stocked Kitchen list, click here!

Download a free nutrition eGuide: Six Steps to a Simply Healthy Jumpstart here.

Would you like a complimentary 30 min. personal health consultation with me?  Contact me here.

The statements have not been evaluated by FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease or medical condition. The information provided through this website should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease. It is not a substitute for professional care. If you have or suspect you may have a medical problem, you should consult your appropriate health care provider. Links on this website are provided only as an informational resource, and it should not be implied that we recommend, endorse or approve of any of the content at the linked sites, nor are we responsible for their availability, accuracy or content. Any review or other matter that could be regarded as a testimonial or endorsement does not constitute a guarantee, warranty, or prediction regarding the outcome of any consultation.

Here are some of the many health and hair benefits of scalp massages:

• Increased blood flow can stimulate follicles to promote hair growth
• Calm muscle tension around the head and minimize headaches
• Prevent stress and illness
• Increased hair growth
• Decrease dry scalp, itching and flaking

Scalp massages are sometimes performed with oils. Personally I like peppermint oil because it gives a tingling sensation that’s very soothing and stimulating at the same time. However, other types of oils can be used that have different benefits. Only oils specifically designed for the hair and scalp should be used since body oils may be too heavy for the scalp and lead to clogged pores and weighed-down, heavy hair.

Scalp massages should be performed at least once per week to see the most benefits, if you are doing them to improve hair issues or concerns. Weekly massages also help spread the scalp’s natural oil, sebum, throughout the hair frequently.

Pictured (above) is a scalp massager. I received one for Christmas and it is amazing. A video on how I use it will be on my YouTube Channel this week, if you’re interested.

Here are step-by-step instructions on how to give yourself a massage.

Do you give yourself scalp massages? If so, have you seen a difference in your hair?

I used the same silver glitter from the Shining Star look over another JulieG polish. I have been obsessed with glitter nail polish lately and I don’t know what it is about them but I am obsessed with all of the different looks you can create.

First I applied my base coat then two coats of JulieG Fairytale. Then I used the JulieG A Star is Born for the middle and ring fingers. Finally I topped each nail with my Jordana top coat.

I liked this combination and got quite a few compliments on it. I’m looking forward to trying some other glitter combinations to dress up my manis.

What are you wearing on your nails?

My site is https://benaturallyfit.myitworks.com/ feel free to browse and click opportunity to join. All you would need financially is 99 with tax & shipping is $114 is and voila! You earn that back when you get your kit! It has 4 wraps in it! Resell those at $30 a piece and put the money back! I can train you, we will literally talk everyday, well that’s if you want to lol. I can help you and will help you build your team!

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