Kitchen: The Poor Woman’s Spa
22 Mar 2010 2 Comments
Compliments of http://consciouschicknyc.blogspot.com … Good stuff!
Just like much of the country, I’m living life on a budget. I used to love going to spas for a quick massage, the salon to get my hair did and occasionally, I would travel to a retreat for a full weekend of wellness. Well, my budget now dictates that I go no further than my apartment for beauty treatments So, this weekend I indulged at Spa Conscious Chick.
First up was the pre-conditioning of my hair. Instead of looking for recipes, I created my own based on my knowledge of moisturizing properties. Avocado, Coconut Milk, Sesame Oi,l Apple Cider Vinegar, Egg Yolk~ Make sure the avocado is ripe and easily smoothed. I found out the hard, messy way with chunks of it all over my bathroom floor and sink. Saturate either dry or wet hair with the paste, cover with a shower cap, and cover that with a towel or site under a hair dryer for about 20 minutes. Shampoo hair as usual.
While the conditioner was doing it’s thing, I gave myself a facial which started with exfoliation. I used an Agave Nectar scrub from Beija-Flor Naturals and washed with one of their fabulous Organic Soap Bars.
Next up, is the steam. Boil water Empty a tea bag (eucalyptus is perfect) Place a towel over your head and voila!- you got a spa treatment.
After about 10 mins or so rinse with cool water and apply mask. The mask of choice was another concoction of mine. 1/2 Cucumber(chopped) 1 Egg White 1 tablespoon Honey Blended (w/ a blender) together, this mask is so soothing and cool. I ended up putting a couple of slices of cucumber on my eyes while the mask dried to reduce the puffs. After washing off the mask with cool water, I used a toner made of tea tree oil and witch hazel and moisturized with Beija-Flor’s Acai Light Moisturizer.
Now the nails. Grab a handful of dry oats, pour milk (any variation will due) into palm of oats and use to exfoliate and soften you hands. It would help to warm up the milk a little before using. Lastly, rub olive oil on nail cuticles to soften and nourish. Before bed, I brushed my teefahs with baking soda and hydrogen peroxide which whitens and removes plaque.
Finishing off with a swish of the peroxide as mouthwash completes the dental portion. Make sure you rinse once more with water to get rid of the foam. 
Last but not least, I created my own lip balm using raw shea butter, coconut oil, Vitamin E and a touch of glycerin and coconut essential oil for fragrance. It works great but it won’t stay solid at room temperature. I’m looking for some beeswax to complete the concoction. I felt relaxed and beautyfull… all for no more than $20!
All that you need is just a few cabinets away in your own house….no more excuses! Thou Shalt Pamper Thyself by any means necessary!
Ase’.
WATER~Become Your Own Healer!
22 Mar 2010 Leave a Comment
Hello Beautiful people!!! I wanted to share with you an article by a beautiful and wise healer. Her story, experience and expertise is empowering and I know you will love her movement!…so enjoy!
Don’t Treat Thirst with Medication!!
“When the body is well hydrated, all of the physiological and hormonal prerequisites to a satisfying sex life and more-than-adequate libido will be in place. In addition, one or two glasses of water before the “event” will help in achieving a firmer and sustained erection in men and the joys of participation in women.”
Peace be with YOU!
I have been a Holistic Health Practitioner for over 15 years. I am a healthy 43 year old woman. Most people are stunned by my age and ask me what my secret is. I tell them plenty of water and plenty of sleep. Of course it’s just words to them. But to me it’s my life, my body and my entire well being. I kid you not when I say that water has been my preventative medicine and a big part of my daily and sacred rituals. Simply put, I just can’t live without water. (And i am not selling anything so if you are wise you will read every word I have written – carefully.)
Throughout the years of my practice, I have seen, treated and coached 2 – 3 hundred clients. What I find common in every last one of them is their lack of sufficient water consumption and their belief that they are drinking plenty of water. Add their illusions and misunderstandings around the power and properties of water and you get a dried up prune trying to dance. Constipation, migraine headaches, low libido, tumors, arthritis, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, back and neck pain, asthma, allergies, cancer, obesity, depression – just to name a few – are all signs of dehydration in the body. Those imbalances and cries from the body have only been given names and titles that have now taken on a life of their own.
The mental thinking is drugs for pain; surrender to someone else to take care of the imbalance rather than an active participation and understanding of the way one’s body functions. (And when you get to understand that powerful temple you live in then you have mastered one of life’s greatest lessons and mysteries.) Everyone knows that water is good for the body. They seem not to know how essential it is to one’s well-being. They do not know what happens to the body if it does not receive its daily need of water.
The truth is dehydration is the underlying cause of diseases. The rest is the scientific and medical community stroking their egos with massive words and the titling of some imbalance in the body that they, in fact, do not quite understand themselves. “Medical professionals of today do not understand the vital roles of water in the human body. Medications are palliatives. They are not designed to cure the degenerative disease of the human body. Medicine doe not cure diseases. They only mask them.
The current practice of clinical medicine is based on the application of pharmacological chemistry to the human body. At the medical school, more than six hundred teaching hours are allocated to the use of pharmaceutical products. Only a few hours are allocated to instructions on diet and nutrition.
“We misinterpret thirst signals as pain, and treat them with drugs which silence instead of cure the problem. Because dehydration eventually causes loss of some functions, the various signals given by water distribution system regulators during severe and lasting dehydration have been translated as indicators of unknown disease conditions of the body. I discovered that histamine is a vital chemical messenger in the brain. Histamine has a most important function not written about in medical textbooks. It is in charge of water intake and drought management in the body. It is less active when the body is fully hydrated, and becomes increasingly active when the body becomes dehydrated. To hush the body’s call for water by masking the symptoms with drugs is like turning out the dashboard light that signal us that our car is about to overheat.”
“Every function inside the body is regulated by and depends on water. Water must be available to carry vital elements, oxygen, hormones, and chemical messages to all parts of the body. Without sufficient water to wet all parts equally, some more remote parts of the body will not receive the vital elements that water supplies. Without sufficient water to constantly wet all parts, your body’s drought-management system kicks into action. The histamine-directed chemical messenger systems are activated to arrange a new, low quota of water for the drought-stricken area. When histamine and its subordinate “drought managers” come across pain-sensing nerves, they cause pain. This is why dehydration produces pain as its first alarm signal. If the dehydration persists and is not corrected naturally with water, it becomes symptom-producing and, in time, develops into a disease condition.”
I am also a mother and I apply my natural health practices and beliefs in my role as a mother. I can not afford expensive medical bills and frankly do not fully trust a system and industrial complex that is based on capitalism and profits while gambling my health away. So I use the natural resources of the earth to restore balance and to remedy any issues that my family and I may have or encounter.
My son’s gum recently began swelling. I knew that his body was fighting an infection as a result. I paused and asked for guidance from the divine healer within. My son had not brushed properly and a piece of food had been stuck in his teeth that had caused the swelling and canker sores in his mouth. I knew that if I took him to the dentist they would put him on an antibiotic that would get rid of the harmful bacteria as well as the ones that his body needs. And I would walk out with a big bill. Empowering the Dentist while dis-empowering me and my pocket book.
So I did my research and chose the healing herbs and methods that I knew would work. My son even played an active role when he walked straight up to a homeopathic remedy, picked it up and said, “Here Mommy”. When I looked it up it was exactly what he needed to cure the canker sore in his mouth. I applauded and thanked him for listening to his inner healer. So I made him drink plenty of water. At least a huge cup full every other hour. (room temperature) I wanted him to go to the bathroom and clean out the toxic from the months before and from traveling to Brazil with his father, being away from me for a while. I also gave him Echinachea (tincture) to take care of the infection. And I had him rinse his mouth with hydrogen peroxide – making sure he doesn’t swallow it. This alone is so powerful in drawing out the toxic from any punctures or wounds in the body. The very next day the swelling began to diminish. And of course I got him back on track with brushing twice a day and flossing. This is only one of our natural remedy stories throughout our 10 years together. Ask any one who knows me and they will tell you that when i was told my son needed steroids I grabbed him and ran out of the hospital daring anyone to touch us. Believe me when I say that i am a Doctor’s worst nightmare because I challenge them and ask them questions that not only leave their heads spinning but also provokes them as well.
Please…. when I say that water is so so powerful I am not whispering it. I am screaming loud at the top of my lungs hoping all humans would hear me. And that it can prevent even the most horrific diseases that man still does not understand like..cancer, diabetes, etc. As well, the healing industry has taken on a fast pace life of its own with everyone telling you their way or the highway. Don’t be fooled. It is so simple! We only make it complicated. And all the therapies are worthless without the proper consumption of the purest and most readily available element and remedy- WATER!!. YES!! And I am not here to convince you at all. I am just here to share because if I don’t then it would only be selfish of me and I would not be in alignment with my true purpose.
I am a living testimony to curing myself of “fibroid tumors”,” infertility” and “Bells Palsy”. I only wish you greater wisdom and healthy choices in living and loving. And today I am giving you information to make that decision.
Of course, readiness plays a vital role and one must be ready and willing to make a change and put “love” in action”.
To begin… You must get the book!
Your Body’s Many Cries for Water
by Dr. F. Batmanghelidj, M.D
Visit his website at: http://watercure.com
Get his book today! I could not afford to send a copy to everyone I know so please accept this as a gift of life and love to you!!
BEFORE YOU BUY OR TAKE ANY MORE DRUGS OR GO RUNNING TO THE DOCTOR. CONNECT WITH YOUR INTERNAL HEALER!!! AND GET THIS BOOK TO SUPPORT YOU!!!
PLEASE READ HIS BOOK!! YOU MUST!!!
In the spirit of wellness,
Angelique Shofar
Holistic Health Practitioner
Sensual Living Artiste
soulfullliving@gmail.com
Live & Love Out Loud….
Mind, Body, Heart & Soul!
How to begin pursuing knowledge in Holistic Health…..
“African Wholistic Health”, Dr. Lliala O. Afrika
“Heal Thyself”, Queen Afua
“You Can Heal Your Life”, Louise Hay
“Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome”, Joy Leary
“The Seven Laws of Spiritual Success”, Deepak Chopra
Try these on for size. I have a library of books, however those will keep you busy for a while.
Don Muguel Ruiz….The Four Agreements
22 Mar 2010 Leave a Comment
So my list is in no particular order. But in the last decade I have discovered the writing of Don Miguel Ruiz. I found his work to be inspiring and in many ways life transforming. The Mastery of Love is probably the most honest book I have ever read. I recommend it to all. I am also a big fan of the Four Agreements.
1. Be Impeccable With Your Word.
2. Don’t Take Anything Personally.
3. Don’t Make Assumptions.
4. Always Do Your Best.
THIS VIDEO HAS SOME OF THE MAIN CONCEPTS OF HIS WORK WHICH ARE ROOTED IN THE TOLTEC TRADITION.
Create Your Soul Profile
22 Mar 2010 Leave a Comment
Thanks to a beautiful spirit, www.osadance.blogspot.com ~I have fell in love with self-inventory at a deeper level! I love checkin in with me…..don’t you?!
So basically, you answer seven questions, and the answers culminate into what is your “Soul Profile.” Whenever you’re at a crossroads in your life, you consult your soul profile. You ask the question: is this decision in alignment with my soul profile?” If the answer is “YES”, then “success is inevitable.” If the answer is “NO” then you’ll continue to experience disturbances, unhappiness, and other unfortunate things. But the way the soul profile works, as long as what you’re doing is in alignment with your soul profile, then you will prosper, you will succeed, you will find peace in your decisions. It doesn’t matter if you don’t know how it’s all going to work out, all you have to do is put your faith in motion and the rest falls into place.
So, I thought I would be transparent and share my profile….won’t you try it?
1. What is your purpose for being here?
-Healing
-Helping in the personal transformation of others
-empowerment through writing and speaking
2. What will be your contribution to the world?
-Holistic consciousness(Mind,Body,Spirit Balance)
-Guiding people to their higher self and The Higher Spirit
-Creative outlets for healing, i.e. dance, writing, performing arts, therapy
3. What do you see as your unique talents?
-Writing, healing through words
-Emotional well being education, healing through hands&consultations
-Inspiring others to express their full potential, empowerment!
4. What are the best qualities you display in your closest relationships?
-Loyal Friendship
-Sacrificial love and help
-Devotion and unlimited affection
5. Who are your heroes in myth and legend?
-Jesus
-My Mother &Grandmother
-Maya Angelou
-Binakaye Joy(Blogger that inspired me to do this)
-Martin Luther King, Jr.
-Angela Davis
-Barack Obama
6. Which qualities do you most admire in others?
-Trustworthy (Integrity), Loyalty
-Affectionate
-Giving love language
7. At the peak moments of your life, how did you feel?
-graduating from high school, moving to New Orleans(Free, liberated to grow)
-Falling in love with my first love(Intoxicated with being loved)
-Playing, spending time with my younger siblings(Appreciated and at peace)
-Traveling and living in Israel for 5months(Inspired about life)
-Graduating from Undergrad, moving to Atlanta(Self-Empowered)
“Go on, brother, and get that exam, find out where you stand ..”
21 Mar 2010 Leave a Comment
“Hippocrates said your medicine is your food and your food is your medicine. Well, where did all of these pharmaceutical companies come from if your food is your medicine and your medicine is your food? If you look at this (the body), this was not created in a fast-food place, this was not created by a pharmaceutical company, this beautiful magnificent body was created from the water of the earth, from the stone of the earth, from the oxygen that surrounds our earth and this body needs pure water, pure food, pure air to get the best out of what a great and mighty God created for us.” -Minister Louis Farrakhan
Black men suffer far worse health than any other racial group in America. There are a number of reasons for this. They include racial discrimination, a lack of affordable health services, poor health education, cultural barriers, poverty, employment that does not carry health insurance, insufficient medical and social services catering for black men.
Black men live 7.1 years less than other racial groups
They have higher death rates than women for all leading causes of death
They experience disproportionately higher death rates in all the leading causes of death
40% of black men die prematurely from cardiovascular disease as compared to 21% of white men
They have a higher incidence and a higher rate of death from oral cancer
Black men are 5 times more likely to die of HIV/AIDS
Other Health Statistics
44% of black men are considered overweight
24% are obese
Black men suffer more preventable oral diseases that are treatable
A higher incidence of diabetes and prostate cancer
A high suicide rate. It is the 3rd leading cause of death in 15 to 24 year olds
Healthy living can result in a disease free life. Come on Brothers, get it together and stay informed! I am fully aware that the sites and resources available for men concerning holistic health are very few, however, Black Doctor.org is a notable health site for men, with great information on healthy living, eating, skin care and sexual lifestyles! Enjoy! and spread the movement men!
The Will of a Woman…
21 Mar 2010 4 Comments
The will of a woman is a never ending list, it goes on and on, for the will of a woman is strong and affirming! Don’t worry men, I’ll have something for you in the next post!
1.I will take care of myself
2.I will love my inner being
3.I will not doubt myself
4.I will go the extra mile
5.I will trust my first instinct
6.I will not fear failure
7.I will pamper myself
8.I will clean as I go
9.I will learn from my mistakes
10.I will not be afraid to ask for help
11.I will try new things
12.I will overcome my weakness
13.I will share my rewards
14.I will teach wisdom
15.I will create within my home
16.I will never stop looking for love
17.I will never stop giving love
18.I will not be afraid
19.I will never stop learning
20.I will say that I am beautiful
21.I will tell other women that they are beautiful
22.I will work through the pain
23.I will not hold regrets
24.I will get plenty of beauty sleep
25.I will no longer feel guilty
26.I will take care of my spirit
27.I will laugh until the end
28.I will write down my experiences
29.I will offer wise advice
30.I will exercise more than often
31.I will not store negative energy
32.I will not surround myself with negative people
33.I will love my natural beauty
34.I will not take everything so serious
35.I will listen carefully
36.I will explain myself eloquently
37.I will love my loved ones
38.I will explore many cultures
39.I will stand up for what I believe in
40.I will never feel worthless
41.I will never carry guilt
42.I will make time for me
43.I will nurture nature
44.I will accept change
45.I will give with no thought of receiving
46.I will drink plenty of water
47.I will make love intensely
48.I will not fear death
49.I will stay active
50.I will not procrastinate
51.I will never give up on my dreams
52.I will keep a to-do-list
53.I will not feel bad if I do not accomplish every task & goal
54.I will have the will to be me!
What’s your Movement?
20 Mar 2010 Leave a Comment
The majority of people have heard of affirmations. They may have even heard that the foundation for self-improvement techniques is affirmations. However, in reality very few people use affirmations in their life. Do you use affirmations, or are you one of the many that do not?
People tend to overlook the need for affirmations when they set out on a new path to self-improvement. This is really a shame when affirmations can and do have a revolutionary effect on your life and goals. It is possible that you will find yourself stuck in a rut and not progressing without the proper affirmations.
Create positive relationships with your words!
Affirmations create Movements in the Universe. Your words are vehicles for your destiny…goals…and purpose.
My mind, body and spirit are Strong. I take time each day to rejuvenate and recharge. I draw from a deep well of peace and calm I breathe in strength and release my fears. I go after my hearts desires. I can accomplish anything. All of my dreams are coming true. I focus on my goal and have the strength to make It Happen. I choose to be unstoppable. I am strong. I am succulantly vivavcious with beauty beyond the physical. I act in spite of my fears. I am bigger than my concerns and worries. I go for it with gusto. I can do anything I put my mind to. Each day I am getting stronger. I take great care of myself. The strength of others inspires me daily. I trust my intuition and live a courageous life.
What’s your affirmation? ….What’s your Movement?
