Natural Hair Wash Day!

Am I the only one who really loathes wash day?? My hair has a combination of curl patterns and textures which in turn causes it to be easily tangled. To keep the knots and kinks from forming again while I wash and detangle, I have to wash and co-wash in sections. This allows me to cleanse more thoroughly and detangle with as little damage to my hair as possible. 

I have different technique when washing in the shower and washing in the sink. So here is how I go about washing my hair in the shower.

(1) I separate my hair into four sections, pulling each into a ponytail.

(2) I remove one ponytail and begin wetting that section. While adding my conditioner to that section, I began finger detangling and massaging scalp to break up any debris/dirt. 

(3) After finger detangling, I then go through with either my Tangle Teezer or Denman Brush . This is optional. I do not use hair utensils every time I detangle.

(4) Twist this section up and move onto the next one.

(5) After I have detangled each section, I allow the conditioner to sit in my hair as I do the rest of my "business".

(6) After allowing conditioner to sit, I remove one section at a time and rinse with cool water. I add my leave in conditioner and then re-twist to prevent tangling. 

And there you have it! You have any tips on detangling on wash day? Leave comments below.

~Elle

Healthy Breakfast Options: Meal 2

I'm not a big breakfast person. I am the type of person that I have to force myself to eat. So finding something to fuel my body and isn't too heavy when I don't have an appetite is key. And who doesn't love something that is sweet and healthy at the same time? I know I do.

Smoothie Recipe:

1 cup Plain Yogurt

2 cup Frozen Fruit

1 Whole Banana

1/2 cup Vanilla Soy Milk

1 tbsp Honey

2 tbsp Lemon Juice

1 serving Whey Protein 

Splenda (Optional, eyeball it)

This recipe makes enough for the four of us in my household. You can definitely break the servings down to make a smaller batch.  Swap out ingredients to your liking. My children love smoothies in the morning and I love them because it helps to get their needed servings of fruit for the day. Play around with different recipes and see what inspires your taste buds. You can even add veggies such as kale or spinach. Whatever your preference... smoothies are a great way to start your day!

Do you have a smoothie recipe? Share your recipes or ideas below!

Healthy Breakfast Options: Meal 1

Pictured (2 Scrambled eggs with green peppers, red peppers, and onions. Served on a bed of raw spinach and topped with salsa)

If you're like me, you LOVE cheesy eggs in the morning! Usually I would eat about 3-4 scrambled eggs with 2 slices of cheese. Well now that I have begun my new lifestyle of eating healthier, I had to find ways of enjoying protein filled eggs without the fattening cheese I love. I have also minimized my proportions so I now eat no more than 2 eggs.

So let's compare 1 slice of cheese to 2 tbsp of salsa. Please note: These nutritional values may vary depending on brand.

American Cheese                                                                            Medium Salsa

As you can see there is a big payoff from switching from cheese to salsa. From fat content to calories, you are making a smarter decision. You can even kick it up by using hot salsa instead of medium if you like spicy foods. Also swap out the butter or margarine for an olive oil spray. Try this out and let me know how you like!


~Elle

A Job Interview??

Am I the only one that gets nervous right before an interview? Let me tell you, I hear the word INTERVIEW and I am a split second from passing out and hoping someone will catch me! It is such a nerve wrecking situation for me. But nonetheless in this day and time I am happy to have had one. No interview =  no job! I have been working for myself the last year doing freelance modeling and makeup. While this can be a lucrative scenario, I sometimes miss having the stability of an on the clock job. Not to mention paying out of pocket for good health insurance for a family of 4 is reason enough to hop onto an employers health plan! So the hunt begins and I have become one of the crabs in the barrel fighting to the top for that one position to create that stability I long for.

I began to think as I'm getting all "Beautified"... I wonder what others do to keep their nerves down when they are going on an interview? And why is it so dang nerve wrecking! I mean it's not like the interviewer is a part of the CIA and I'm about to be interrogated on top secret information. Why do I fall to pieces at the thought of going on an interview?

So I thought to compile a few tips that will possibly help you like they did for myself yesterday. I found myself repeating a few of these tips to myself to keep me positive and calm before stepping foot into the office with the big round table and penetrating eyes with no hint of a smile. I mean seriously... do interviewers have to stare you down like that?? Creepy!

1. Remind yourself that the interviewer is only HUMAN like yourself. They are not above you and are only doing their job. They once sat on your side of the equation.

2. Give yourself a pep talk. In this case it's ok to actually talk to yourself! Just make sure no one's around to hear. Speak positive affirmations such as, "I am worthy of this job", "I am successful in whatever I do", or "I believe in myself and I will make other's believe in me too".

3. Be personable. No matter how well you may be capable of doing a job, no one wants to hire a sauerkraut who may give issues for the company later. Smile and show genuine emotion.

4. Know the company or brand. I have never been on an interview where they have not asked me, "SOoooo, why do you want to work for this company?" Surprise them by actually giving them background about the company. Take note if they help out in the community or if they sponsor any nonprofit organizations.

5. Practice. Think of some of the common questions asked on an interview and think of how you will answer them. Remember to stay positive and upbeat even if the question may be begging for negativity. For example they may ask, "What is your weakness?".

6. Remember to maintain eye contact. Not being able to look them in the eyes while speaking may tell the interviewer that you are uncertain. Looking them in the eyes as you speak tells them you mean what you say and you are speaking with confidence.

7. Know that after the interview is over you will be ok. You will get up from the table and leave with the same two legs you walked in on. Even if you don't snatch this job up, it was practice for the next opportunity and you tried your best!

So these are a few of the things that helped me. What do you do before or during an interview?

~Elle