Living a Dairy Free Life

One of my most favorite foods in the world is homemade macaroni and cheese. Next to that is pizza and ice-cream. Basically I enjoyed eating a lot of dairy filled foods. It wasn't until January of this year that I made the conscious decision to live a dairy free life. I decided to set aside my love for all things dairy and did it cold turkey. Trust me, this wasn't easy at all. Temptations lurked at every corner. It took everything in me to stick to my decision.

So, here are the top five reasons why I'm living a dairy free life.

Reason # 1

Like approximately 75% of Earth's population, i'm lactose intolerant. Yup, I'm unable to properly digest lactose leaving me all bloated, gassy and with an overall unpleasant feeling. Yes there are supplements and other things that can be taken to aide with this inability but I choose to embrace my body's natural rhythm. In fact, being lactose intolerant is the norm. Our bodies after infancy naturally loses it's ability to digest lactose. Therefore, I am no longer going to force my body to do something it is not naturally designed to do. My body has never been happier ever since I listened to it.

Reason # 2

On average, most people have about 2 - 3 colds a year. While eating dairy products does not cause you to get a cold it is a catalyst for the production of mucus which we all battle with when we are sick with a cold. Since changing my eating habits, i've enjoyed the benefit of having far less colds and flu per year. 

Reason # 3
Weight Control was purely a side effect of choosing to be dairy free. A side effect I can't be mad at. With less bloating, clothes fit much better and mama gat a little more pep in her step.

Reason # 4
Another amazing benefit of going dairy free is increased energy. I don't have that food coma feeling anymore after meals. Since incorporating more fruits and vegetables my energy have more than doubled. It's a wonderful feeling to be able to go all day without needing to take a power nap.

Reason # 5
Since changing my diet, i've seen a reduction of acne. I'm not aware of any correlation between dairy products and acne so I can't say for certain that the two are directly linked. However, my skin is smoother and it has a natural glow to it that is quite visible. I'm loving this new skin i'm in.

Kamalame Cay

I recently experienced the best three days of my life. Pure rest and relaxation. It was a real escape from city life. Here's my account of my stay on Kamalame Cay.

Saturday morning started with a quick 15 minute flight into Fresh Creek, Andros. 

Upon landing, it was another 20 minute cab drive to the Kamalame Cay dock where we awaited the ferry to take to the island.

Upon arrival to the Cay, we were immediately treated like royalty with someone waiting to take care of our every need. We were escorted to our home for the next few days.

 Life on the Cay was so serene. With little distractions and nothing to do but enjoy and become one with nature. I enjoyed everything about my time there. From the peacefulness of the clear water and powder white beaches. The delicious dishes prepared for us, and especially the native fruit we found while exploring the island on our sand chariot. Take a look at some of the highlights below.

My experience at Kamalame Cay is one that will forever be etched in my memories.

88th Academy Awards

This year's Oscar Awards was the topic of much controversy. Some in the industry felt that the award show was being racist towards black people because of the fact that there were no black nominees up for the coveted oscar trophy this year. This reality led people like Spike Lee and Jada Pinkett Smith to call for a boycott of the ceremony. They vowed to not attend or even tune in. Jada went as far as to post a video explaining her disappointment in this year's nomination process and urging black actors to use the power that they have amassed and start something that acknowledges people of color.  Many believed that her displeasure was more so because of the fact that her husband (Will Smith) was not acknowledged for his work in the film 'Concussion'. 

This year, talented comedian Chris Rock was selected to host the show. Many thought that he would turn the gig down because of his ethnicity. Everyone wondered what he would do and how would he address the proverbial elephant in the room at the Oscars. Chris Rock indeed hosted the 88th Academy Awards and in my opinion was absolutely brilliant in the way he addressed the controversy. Take a look below.

What do you think of Chris Rock's opening monologue at the 88th Academy Awards and how he chose to address the controversy of racism towards blacks in hollywood?

Nobody In The World

It is amazing how on life journey, we happen upon unexpected things that touch our life in an immense way. Here I am at my desk at work penning this blog and marveling at how I just stumbled upon the video above. I did not go out in search of it mine you, it just happened to be one of the things I came across while I was surfing the internet. Yes it's 2016 and this video was released from 2014 but I'm now seeing it for the first time. I'm so moved by the message that it portrays. I'm absolutely touched to the core because it drudged up so many past feelings I had about myself as it relates to self esteem. It reminded me of how far I've come in my journey to self actualization and self love. I love myself and i'm proud of the person I have become. I am grateful for every person in my life, now and in the past because each one has/had a significance. I love this life God has given me and I will treasure every breath that I take and every step that I make. I hope this video is an inspiration to someone else. 

My First Time

By the time most persons are 21, they would have experienced their "first time"... But for me, It's a crying shame when you're in the middle of your thirties, birthed two kids and never before baked cookies. I've never had any interest in baking cookies even though I've experimented successfully with a variety of other pastries. This week I decided to lose my cookie baking virginity. I went to my go to site for all things stove related and found the perfect (I mean easiest) recipe for making chocolate chip cookies. 

With minimal ingredients needed and no experience necessary, this recipe is just what any one who has never "done it" before would need. 

These cookies are kid and hubby approved! So happy I took a chance and got my cookie baking on.

Brow and Lash Challenge

Hi guys, today marks the start to my official brow and lash challenge. Nature has not blessed me with voluminous lashes or brows. In fact, my brows are super thin and sparse and so are my lashes. I've tried many of the popular products on the market that promises fuller brows and long lashes to no avail. Today I kickstart my natural journey to longer lashes and fuller brows.

Firstly, here's a snapshot of what my brows and lashes look like to date.

Here's what I'll be doing.
For 30 consecutive days, I'll be applying a special serum to my brows and lashes. At the end of the 30 days, I will document my progress (if any) with pictures.

Special Serum
100% pure cold pressed castor oil
extra virgin organic coconut oil
avacado or vitamin -e oil

Below is a video documenting how to grow longer lashes and brows.

Wish me luck guys and I invite those of you with similar type lashes and brows to join me in this challenge. 

    

Original Conditioning Hair Masque (Product Review)

My hair has being feeling pretty parched lately because of the harsh summer sun and heat. Therefore, I needed something to give me that moisture laden feeling again. I came across an online store called Butters n Bars that sells all natural and ayourveda products. I searched for deep conditioners and came across this hair masque and was immediately attracted to the lush pink color and proclaimed benefits.

Product Description

Original Conditioning Hair Masque which has a mixture of Australian Pink Clay, Moroccan Mud, and raw Honey to provide super moisturizing and is recommended for dry hair to restore the moisture balance. Silk protein and hemp seed oil for sheen and to strengthen. This is the deep treatment for those who want the conditioning effect of henna without the color, loosening of curls, and sometimes drying that comes with henna. Curl Poppin', Shine and Define!!!! 

Ingredients

100% Australian Pink clay and Moroccan Mud (Rasshoul clay), organic aloe vera juice, virgin hemp seed oil, organic virgin olive oil ,organic raw honey and silk protein in the form of amino acids, and preservative (formaldehyde and sulfate free Preservative)

Tips For Use

Apply liberally to clean hair, be sure to coat all the hair to the ends. Leave on at least 30 minutes (overnight for a deeper condition) Cover hair with a plastic cap or bag to utilize body heat and seal in moisture. Rinse with warm water until no traces of masque remain in hair (a good indicator is rinse until the water runs clear) DO NOT SHAMPOO AFTERWARDS *This conditioner has a thick consistency like pudding so many of us mix it with a good organic conditioner to make a deep conditioning gloss.

My Review

I give this product 4 out of 5 stars. I love how it makes my hair feel. After rinsing out with warm water (loads of rinsing, reason for 4 out of 5 stars) my hair is super soft and detangled.  It leaves my hair feeling stronger and more moisturized.  I have kinky coily hair and this stuff gives me a little curl definition (similar to the maximum hydration method) when wet. My scalp feels cleansed and believe it or not their is no scent.  The price on the Original Conditioning Hair Masque is not bad either. For just $7.99 you get a 6oz jar of the masque (felt no weight shelling out that amount for the product). I must say that for my bra strap length hair, I can easily get 6 uses out of this jar. Not bad right? This masque is definitely a keeper in my weekly hair regimen. It's good for all hair types so if you're suffering from dry hair or just want to try something new to amp up your hair give it a whirl. 

Have you heard of or tried this product before? Please comment below.