Breast Cancer Awareness Month

As most of you already know it's Breast Cancer Awareness Month. I, too, would like to dedicate a post or two on my blog about Breast Cancer along with helpful information and references to help with the Awareness. Breast Cancer is something that is very near and dear to my heart. Cancer in general is. I've had family members die from Cancer. I have a childhood friend who's mother beat Breast Cancer a couple years back. I thank God everyday for the blessing of giving her life again.

I can't say I get checked as often as I need. I know it's suppose to be yearly but I haven't been nearly as much as I should. Especially with Cancer being very present in my genetics. I do my own checks as well as my husband BUT it's nothing like going to a professional who specialists in that field and hearing them say you are all clear, see you next year. If your unsure of how to do your own checks it's very simple. You need to lye flat on your back. Whichever side you are wanting to check first you need to raise that hand and put it behind your head. Take the other hand and rotate your hand in a circular motion with your finger tips looking for any time of lump or what have you. Check the entire area except where the nipple is. Then repeat on the other side. I check monthly but you don't have to check as often as I do. I am just one who is very very particular of my temple and would like to rather know than go unnoticed. If you'd like a detailed description you can do so by following the link here.

5 Question Friday!

1. Where do you hide junk when people come over?
In my room LMAO! That's only because I always close that door hahhaaa2. Do political ads help you decide who you are going to vote for?
Not really, I vote based on facts... not what I've seen.3. What's your favorite holiday party to host?
Thanksgiving of course! I'm always the first to get dibs on the turkey. It's only right :)4. You go to an island with your husband and can only take one personal item. What is it?
My camera. I can't live without that thing! Plus I don't wanna miss any "special" moments *blushing*5. If you found out your spouse was a Dexter style serial killer (only kills people to save others) would you rat?
Hell to the yea. A killer is a killer is a killer LMAO! If it was the other way around I would want him to rat. I guess I'm a good 'en

Thursday 5

Giggly

Snuggly

Thankful

Excited

GLEE!

Got a little Giggly at practice last night. We joked that our dance partner ship was like a really bad codependent relationship. "Give me some space", "Don't push me"... :)

Wishin' I was gettin' all Snuggly with my man... was supposed to be, but... well, you all know how that goes some times. *I'm lookin at you Navy* :(

I am thankful that my blood work from yesterdays doc visit came back and only said I was vitamin D deficient and not anemic. I chalk that up to living the Pacific NW.

I am excited to dress up for Halloween this year, even if it's because my Monkey isn't home. I haven't done anything for Halloween for the last three years. I LOVE dressing up. That's why i love ballet. You are never too old to wear a tutu. At least, in the "appropriate" setting.

I got a bit of glee in my not so awesome week from a pretty really nice little gift I received.

bioINFUSION Olive Oil Hair Lotion

This is a review on the bioINFUSION Olive Oil Hair Lotion. I was at my local Walgreen's and ran across this product while looking for my fav conditioner. I read the ingredients, they seemed pretty interesting. It was also on a weekly sale so I figured I would give it a try. I bough the Hair Lotion as well as the Conditioner. So without further a do, I give you my review on it! Enjoy.

Price: $9.99 (original price) $6.99 (sale price)
Size: 8oz
Description: Olive oil has been recognized throughout the ages as a naturally nourishing therapy believed to have rejuvenating power. Rich in natural conditioning agents, olive oil infuses moisture to hair and scalp on contact. BioInfusion is a blend of science and nature that has combined olive oil and other natural ingredients with new technologies to create the finest quality products for relaxed and natural styles. This lotion conditions and protects the hair from daily styling and environmental stress, while returning the hair's natural moisture and balance. With daily use, your hair will begin to show improved elasticity, hydration and shine. Never feels greasy or sticky.Conditions hair and scalp Lightweight, non-sticky formula Safe for color treated hair.
Ingredients: Water - Aqua , Soybean Oil - Glycine Soja , Coconut Oil - Cocos Nucifera , Propylene Glycol , Fragrance - Parfum , Olive Oil - Olea Europaea , Steareth-2 , Jojoba Oil - Buxus Chinensis , Steareth-20 , Dimethicone , Lanolin Oil , Polyquaternium-37 , Propylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate , PPG-1 Trideceth-6 , DMDM Hydantoin , Hydrolyzed Oat Protein , Propylparaben , Methylparaben , BHA , BHT , Bee Balm Extract - Monarda Didyma , Carrot Extract - Ducus Carota Sativa , Sunflower Seed Extract - Helianthus Annuus , Wheat Extract - Triticum Vulgare , Blue 1 - CI 42090 , Yellow 5 - CI 19140 
My Experience: I've tried this product two different ways. One was by condition-washing my hair then using this product as a leave-in conditioner. While the other was waking up in the morning and applying it to dry & matted down hair. Both times it brought my hair to life and gave it awesome moisture and softness. It left my hair with a nice shine as well. After applying this to my hair as a leave-in I then used my usual coconut oil and shea butter to seal in the moisture. Style accordingly and go go go!
Smell: The smell of this product is deliciously amazingggggg! When I smelt this product I was literally like I have to try it. It's got the aroma of a flower, I just can't put my finger on the name of the flower. There's another fragrance but I can't put a name to it either :(
After Effect: After using this product my hair was extremely soft and fluffy. I could definitely feel the difference this product did to my hair. I love the feeling my hair gives me when it's getting moisture.
Thoughts: Overall, I would definitely say give this product a try. It's very nicely priced so it won't break your pocket and it also does what it says. It does not cake on your hair, it moisturizes your hair perfectly leaving it fluffy and soft. It's got some awesome ingredients to add to that! You can't beat that.

So, what are your thoughts.... Have you tried it? If so, what did you think? I'd love to hear your opinions!

How To: Aloe Vera Moisturizing Spray

How to Make Aloe Vera Juice as a Moisturizing Spray for Natural Hair
What you will need:
1. Fresh Aloe Vera leaf
2. 1/4 to 1/3 cup of lemon juice
3. Sharp knife
4. Spoon
5. Strainer
6. Blender
7. Ice cube tray
8. Water
9. Spray bottle
Directions:
1. Remove all the green by cutting away the top and end of the leaf then the spiny sides but leave the bottom of the leaf to hold in the aloe meat. With a spoon scoop out the aloe meat and discard
all the green.
2. Place all the clear aloe meat into a strainer and rinse with cold water
3. Place the rinsed aloe meat into the blender with 1/4 to 1/3 cup of lemon juice depending on how much Aloe Vera meat you are processing. The lemon keeps it from turning brown.
4. Blend for about 30 to 60 seconds and pour into ice tray. All that is not being frozen must go into the refrigerator until ready to freeze into ice cubes. Note: If you are not freezing the Aloe Vera mixture into ice cubes you must keep the mixture refrigerated. It will only last a week in the refrigerator. After a week discard the mixture and make a new batch. Remember the mixture is very concentrated. If you are going to use the mixture in this concentrated form you would use a very small amount, such as 2 tablespoons or 1/4 cup of mixture to 3 cups of cold water to get the desired affect.
5. Once frozen place only one ice cube into the blender with 3 cups of cold water and blend for about 60 seconds. Pour the juice into a spray bottle and use on your hair as often as you like. Keep refrigerated between uses. The juice is good for 7 days. But if you are like me you will be making about 2 spray bottles of juice a week. The juice will be cold on your hair but cold water is good for natural hair :)

Naturalista | Tricks to staying Moisturized during Winter

Have you noticed it's getting cooler outside? Winter is on it's way to us. Even in the Southern region we are feeling the shift in weather and Mother Nature is making it known. Make sure you and your hair are both ready to battle the cold brittle weather that is to come. Here are some tricks of the trade to use towards these Winter months. The way to growth and health is moisturizing your hair. I can't stress enough how big moisturizing is. It's a task within itself to keep your hair nice and moisturized during the cold weather. I've seen it happen where the cold weather takes over your hairs progress. I, myself, am a victim of the cold break! I had to do a 2nd big chop Summer 2011 due to breakage during the winter and how I couldn't bounce back from it. So, don't make the same dumb mistakes I was making that's for sure lol. Let me be the one to make the mistakes and teach you the correct way of how things should flow. With that being said, let's get into it shall we?

Leave-In Conditioners & It's Values
Treat your hair with a Leave-In Conditioner of your choice. I never used a leave-in conditioner until 2 months from now. I never saw a reason for it, it looked like an added/unnecessary step to me. I never knew that a leave in condition would hydrate and protect your hair from the heat/sun as well as dry weather. It is a great balance of moisture added to your hair. It is very necessary in the winter time, especially since it is getting cooler. Take a look at the one I use.

Beautiful Textures Tangle Taming Leave-In Conditioner

Although they are just getting their name out there in the curly industry it is a great product to use. For one, the price is amazing! You can find this at your local Wal-Mart in the ethnic section for as little as $5.94. It is awesome for detangling and moisturizing your hair. I have 4b/4c textured hair. As you ladies know that texture is horrendous for detangling. This leave-in does WONDERS for my hair. I absolutely love it! Try it for yourself and let me know what you think :)

Never Leave w/ Wet Hair
Never leave the house with wet hair. With it getting cooler outside you do not, by any circumstance, want to walk out of the house with wet hair. It causes breakage that you wouldn't even believe. I have do this before thinking "Oh I'll just do a co-wash, dry my hair a little, then leave". Oh no, wrong! You want to make sure your hair is moisturized BUT you do not want to leave and walk into the cold air with wet hair. Close to dry is okay but not wet or damp.

Use LOC to Moisturize
Make sure you lock in your moisture using the LOC method. Meaning liquid, oil, cream/butter. You can do something as easily as making a concoction of the 3 in a spritz bottle to tackle everything at once or you can do like myself and do the steps one at a time. By following this method you are ensuring that you are locking in the moisture before heading out into the cold. When I make my concoction I put water, my fav conditioner or leave-in conditioner, and some oil. Give it a shimmy shake and wallah! Something so simple will keep you from having breakage in the end. Be sure to follow these steps. You hair will love you as much as you love your hair :)

Protecting Your Goodies
Not everyone is with the whole "Protective Styling" thing. I'm one that would rather wear my hair out. For those of you who have longer hair you are able to do protective styling with your own hair by doing Two-Strand Twists, Braids, or Bantu Knots. The ladies with the TWA's I suggest going the route of getting Kinky Twists, Senegalese Twists, Box Braids, or Yarn Braids. This way your hair is protected against the harsh cold weather and your hair stays nice and moisturized. Your ends are the oldest part of your hair and need the most care to survive or you will experience breakage thus causing you not to retain the length. With that being said, make sure you protect your hair accordingly. Even if this means using a beanie cap or scarfs. I know those come to aid on days that my hair is wet and/or damp and I can't wait any longer, I have to leave. I do not use heat on my hair so air dry it is.

5 Question Friday

1. What album/cd/download are you embarrassed to admit you have?
Of course I'm hard into Reggae Dancehall and Hip Hop but I have to admit I have N'Sync and Trace Adkins in my collection heheee2. What's the one thing your spouse does better than you?
Play video games LMAO!3. When do you start buying Halloween Candy?
Maybe a week before. I'm such a procrastinator with Halloween. I do it for the kids :)4. Family closets - Yay or nay?
Yay5. Which home/cleaning chore do you hate the most? Why?
Cleaning the freaking bathroom! My pet peeve is scrubbing the toilet. I'm very anal about a clean bathroom unfortunately :(

Deployment, if you dare!

Okay, so I've been asked numerous times what it's like for deployment and what to expect when the time starts winding down. As most of you know I am a military spouse and have experienced deployment first hand. Not only were we extremely NEW newlyweds, we were also dealing with a lot and a deployment was thrown into the mix. Hubby left for a 4 month deployment. Now, I have been through deployments before with my brother who is Army but it is TOTALLY different than it being your SO. I can't stress this enough. It IS different. While he was gone I had a couple of surgeries and 2 ER visits. It was so bad he called his boss that is stateside at 6pm our time to go to the ER and check on me. It was that bad ya'll. When he left I was still new to the area, didn't know anyone or anything. So I would wake up every morning and cry, go get chocolate donuts from Wal-Mart LOL, then go get lost in town to try to find something to do. I fell into a depression and would cry randomly just from seeing someone holding hands in front of me. I would go to the Dollar store and spend $5 on things I knew I didn't need but made me feel better. My outlet to waste time was play video games or sleep. I couldn't watch TV much because everything that was on TV was about love or relationships and it would make my depression worse than what it already was. I heard all the time to stay busy but hey, there's only so much a person can do. Needless to say, I survived deployment WITHOUT any children or pets. I was here all alone in this City I now call home. I know my way around town now from going and getting lost randomly. I learned my way around base alone. I learned what programs are out there and what to do. I was basically thrown to the wolves to survive 4 months in a town I knew nothing about with the military and my husband overseas. It was really tough. I, myself, have a problem with the military (that will be another blog, it's a new situation within itself). Don't let people tell you that the military will help you and be there and all this. It's what you make of it. I found the Family Readiness Center half way through deployment. The people there are nice and would talk to me about whatever was on my mind. It helped in a way but not nearly as much as you would think. They kept saying stay busy stay busy it will keep your mind off of things. People fail to realize that keeping busy only makes it worse in time. If you don't listen to yourself listen to me. You need to deal with the issue at hand, don't put it on the back burner. Doing things to keep you busy is okay BUT at the end of the day when it's time to unwind guess what, it will hit you like a ton of bricks and you won't know what to do. So I say this with love and care, it's okay to cry. It's okay to challenge yourself but it is NOT okay to stay busy at all times thinking it will make things better. It's only suppressing how you really feel and trust me it will hit you and when it does your life will be in a whirl wind. I can't stress that enough. Be ready to be alone, sad, and feeling hopeless at times. It's normal to feel that way. You have to bounce back, you have to snap out of it if your going to survive. What I would do is invite my husbands friends over from his squadron when the game would come on and I'd cook for everyone. That was my way of feeling like I did something. Try volunteering at the daycare on base or the thift store on base. Those are places the Family Readiness Center told me to volunteer at but I chose not to be in the public eye a lot, personal choice. Go to the gym and work out. That will eat an hour of your day :) Hmm, also try thifting. I find thifting to be fun, it's almost like a scavenger hunt. I hated being in public or being on base because it would make me notice how much people are so lovey dovy and I'd be jealous of that or notice how people take having their loved one here for granted. It was the little things with me that I noticed which is why I shy'd away from the public. If you have any questions or would like someone to talk to while your hubby is deployed please feel free to message me or whatever. I've been there before and have battled depression in the process so I know how it is. Trust and believe I've been where you are. Keep your head up everyone, deployment can only defeat you IF you let it!

Thursday 5

Happy

Giddy

Joy

Glee

Thankful

I'm Happy that except for last night, I've been sleeping ok.
I'm Giddy that salsa costumes have been ordered along with two shiny new pairs of dance shoes!
I get Joy from my kitty being extra snuggly as the weather gets colder and papa (Monkey) is gone longer.
Glee: umm... I get to get back on pointe this weekend. It's been a little while. It's going to hurt but I really miss it.
I am Thankful that this underway is on the downhill side. I am totally jonesin' for some Monkey!!!

Wordless Wednesday

That moment we all (military spouses) long for after a very long deployment comes homecoming. The moment we lay eyes on each other and jump into each others arms, it's extremely hard to hold back the emotions. Enjoy!