Category: lupie chick

antioxidants, aunaturale, autoimmune, awareness, exercise, lupie chick, lupus, miss sixx, moisturizers, relief, skin disorder, stress, womens health

Day 2: Stress relief for younger looking skin

The Lupie Chick

Soothe Stressed Skin-Day 2
by Dr. Amy Wechsler, MD

Relaxing never seems to make it onto the to-do list. But today, relaxing is your to-do list. Stressed skin looks stressed, so keep your psyche and your skin healthy, calm, and clear with these stress-relief tips:

Start Breathing
Try these three breathing exercises. Then, pick the one you like best, and do it at least twice a day for the next 8 days, preferably at around the same time each day. This will help establish a breathing routine that calms you, refocuses your energy, and changes your body chemistry to support well-being from the inside out. So long, stressed skin.

To experiment with these exercises, sit in a chair with your back comfortably upright, feet on the floor, shoulders down, chest open, and hands resting in your lap. Let your abdomen expand with each inhale and contract with every exhalation. You may want to close your eyes and really focus on your breaths.

Exercise #1 — Let it all out.
Take a deep breath through your nose, and let it out easily through your mouth. At the end of the exhalation, silently repeat “la-lala-la-laaah,” which effortlessly extends the exhalation, releasing more air from your lungs. Feel your abdomen inflate with the next inhale. Do 5 times.

Exercise #2 — Take a pause.
Inhale and exhale through your nose, mentally counting “in-two-three, out-two-three,” and then “pause-two-three.” During the pause, don’t breathe in or out; just rest comfortably. Do 5 times. Over time, increase the count to four (“in-two-three-four, out-two-three-four”), then to five, until you reach a number that’s comfortable to you.

Exercise #3 — Hold it.
This technique can help you dial down a stressful reaction to upsetting news and can help you fall asleep, too. It takes a little practice, but people who use the technique swear by it. It’s the four-seven-eight breath, a favorite of health guru Andrew Weil, MD.

Place the tip of your tongue just behind your upper front teeth; let it rest there gently for the entire exercise.

Exhale completely through your mouth, letting the air make a whooshing sound as it passes out.

Close your mouth, and inhale through your nose as you mentally count to four. Let the breath fill and expand your abdomen as you inhale, and then hold your breath for a count of seven.

Exhale through your mouth with a whoosh to a count of eight. That’s one complete four-seven-eight breath. Do four times. To keep stress in check, do at least one of these breathing exercises twice a day.

Relax and Unwind
Here are some ideas to help you destress:

Connect with friends. Pick up the phone and call someone who can make you laugh, take a load off your stress level, and help you put things into perspective. Later in the week, you’ll have dinner with friends, so maybe call someone you want to invite.

Book a massage. If you can get in for a spa treatment today, great! If not, you have something nice to look forward to.

Have sex. Yep, sex (with a partner or on your own) can help relax you and get your skin glowing again.

Continue to Simplify Wash your face morning and night using the tips from Day 1, and stick to your new beauty-sleep routine.

aunaturale, autoimmune, beauty, cleasner, depression, etsy, exfoliate, gentle, insomnia, lupie chick, lupus, moisturizers, ocm, routine, skin disorder, SPF

9 Days to Younger Looking Skin- Day 1

The Lupie Chick

If you follow my natural hair care blog (Au’Naturale By Mz Sixx) then you know all too well about my skin issues. I once had BEAUTIFUL, BUTTERY, BROWN skin. Over the years my skin has become scarred, problematic, and sensitive. I’ve recently discovered that alot of my issues are Lupus related. I’ve already begun a “simple” beauty routine, to help clear my skin of the acne outbreaks, rashes, redness, and scarring. I ran across this article and thought I would share. I will be posting tips by Amy Wechsler, MD 9 days to skin renewal plan.

Day 1 –Simplify Your Beauty Routine
Pare Down Your Beauty Products- Over treating your skin with multiple products is one of the most common problems dermatologist Amy Wechsler sees, so narrow your collection down to a few select items. Dr. Amy’s must-haves:

One gentle everyday facial cleanser
Two good moisturizers — one with sunscreen for day, and another for night
An exfoliate to use two or three times a week ( I make a natural sugar scrub that’s gentle & moisturizing- I use it 3-4 times a week)

Simplify Your Skin Routine
In the morning, wash your face with your hands — they’re naturally thorough, but gentle. Apply your daytime moisturizer to still-damp skin; let it soak in before applying makeup.

Repeat at night, but spend a minute longer washing your face to be sure you remove all makeup, dirt, and residue from the day. Then, apply your nighttime moisturizer.
Recommended Skin Products
CLEANSERS
Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser
Purpose Gentle Cleansing Wash
Dove Sensitive Skin Foaming Facial Cleanser
Aveeno Ultra-Calming Foaming Cleanser

** I use Cetaphil Gentle skin Cleanser on the days when I wear makeup I do the OCM cleaning method**

For acne-prone skin, try one of these:
Clinique’s Acne Solutions Cleansing Foam
Clean & Clear Advantage Acne Cleanser
Topix Benzoyl Peroxide 5% Wash

DAYTIME MOISTURIZERS
Eucerin Extra Protective Moisture Lotion with SPF 30
Kinerase Cream SPF 30
Topix Replenix CF Anti-Photoaging Complex SPF 45
Neutrogena Healthy Defense SPF 30
Aveeno Continuous Protection Sunblock Lotion for the Face SPF 30
** I use Neutrogena Healthy Defense SPF 30 **

NIGHTTIME MOISTURIZERS
Aveeno Ultra-Calming Moisturizing Cream
Topix Replenix Cream
Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion
Revale Skin Night Cream (contains coffee berry)
Two that contain retinol:
Philosophy Help Me Retinol Night Treatment
Topix Replenix Retinol Smoothing Serum 2X, 3X, and 10X (also contains green tea polyphenols)
** I use Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion **

EXFOLIATING TONERS
Clinique’s Clarifying Lotions (or try their 7-Day Scrub Cream Rinse-Off Formula)
Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Toner
Philosophy Microdelivery Peel Pads
Daily Microfoliant by Dermalogica
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Toner
** I use Rose Water or Homemade Green Tea Toner**

For acne-prone skin, try this:
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Toner Astringent Lotion

Get Ready for Beauty Sleep
Start by asking yourself: How many hours of sleep do I need to feel really refreshed? If the answer is 8, and you normally get up at 6 a.m., you should be in bed by 10 p.m. That means you need to call it a day by 9 p.m. to give yourself an hour to wind down and wash up. ** my doctor recommend this as well with help with insomnia**

Need extra inspiration?
Sometimes we jump into new routines without much thought, and then drift away from them after a few days. Keep that from happening this time by mentally stepping into your plan. Spend at least 15 minutes focusing on why you’re doing this and what you’re hoping to get out of it. Then, go for it. It’s only 9 days, after all.

au naturale, cultivated locs, dread locs, loc maintenance, loc styles, loc's, lupie chick, miss naturale, mz sixx, natural hair, natural hair care, natural hair styles

Loc it up Thursday

The Lupie Chick
Hairstyles are courtesy of

Twist & Curves
Distinctive Afrocentric Braids, Locs, Twists, & Natural Hair Designs
For The Man/Woman Who Dares to be Different!
Hartford, CT
860-523-4844

Twist & Curves


Twist & Curves


Hairstyles are courtesy of Twists and Curves
Join them on Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/twistandcurves

These images may not be reproduced, copied, transmitted or manipulated without the written permission of Mz. Sixx or Twist & Curves. Use of any image as the basis for another photographic concept or illustration (digital, artist rendering or alike) is a violation of the United States and International Copyright laws. All images are copyrighted © 2011 – Au’Naturale by Mz. Sixx.

aunaturale, autoimmune, awareness, baltimore, fundraising, lupie chick, lupus foundation, miss sixx, mz sixx, natural hair, support, walk, washington

I walked for Lupus

The Lupie Chick

On September 24th, I joined 1,000 walkers for the 4th Annual Walk for Lupus at Druid Hill park in Baltimore. MD. The walk was sponsored by The Lupus Foundation ( DC/MD/VA Chapter).

The day was filled with excitement, fun , and hope. Pulling up and seeing the massive crowds of people warmed my heart. Most were there walking for someone, but there were alot of Lupic Chicks walking for themselves. There were lots of teams, church’s, businesses, and sororities & fraternities in attendance, along with a high school marching band that kicked off the walk.

I was informed about the walk, 2 weeks proior, therfore I wasnt afforded enough time to put together an official team. My family walked with me under the name ” The Lupie Chick”. I would like to extend and heartfelt thank you to them for walking with me- my husband, Anthony, my daughter, A’yianah, and my son, Amihr. Your support does not go unrecognized- I love you!

I would also like to thank my supporters for helping me go beyond my fundraising goal:

A’yianah Dugar
Amihr Dugar
Anthony Dugar
Angela Ellis
Crystal Fowler
Jarrell Fowler
Kayla Gant
Latosha Bell
Lisa Gant
Marquiz Fowler
Pamela Chase-Handon ( C.E.P.C)
Sharon Taylor
Women With Standard Social Club

This team below was one of the largest teams at the walk. They were walking for a loved one. They had team t-shirts, banners, pictures, and butterflies. They chanted as they walked and I noticed a few of them cried as they crossed the finish line.

The walk itself was 1.25 miles. The walk was more difficult that I imagined that it would be. It was a warm day, the sun was shinning, and I’m not in the best “shape”. Half way through the walk my ankles and knees began to ache, however I was determined to finish. I would go between walking and running through the last few laps. There was signs posted along the route that were encouraging-but one is specific put the fire in me to FINISH the walk!

The “warning” t-shirt was FUNNY- said exactly what I’d wanted to say for a minute now..lol..lol.. As I walked and read her shirt, I chuckled. I had to get a picture..

Words cannot explain the feeling of accomplishment I felt as I crossed the finish line, slightly behind my son and husband. My mini me ( advised me later) that she fell back so that she could snap a pic of me as I crossed. As I went through she yelled for me and said ” you did it” ( hence the smile on my face and arms up high victoriously).

Click Here to view additional pictures from the walk ( you’ll see a few shots of me and my family too..lol….lol..)
Click Here to view the 2nd gallery of pictures

Stay tuned for The Lupie Chick Foundation Walk planned for summer 2012.

au naturale, braid out, conditioner, contest, curls, detangle, karite, lupie chick, lupus, mz sixx, natural hair, product giveaway, relaxed hair, shampoo, shea butter, straight hair, twist outs

[CLOSED]Karite Hair Product Review and GIVEAWAY!!!!!!!!

The Lupie Chick
Thank you to all of you that entereded into the Karite Hair Product give away.The winners were chosen at random on Spetember 29, 2011. The winners of the Nourshing shampoo and reconstructiuve conditioner set are:

1. All Things Cute & Girly
2. Elizabeth @ Different Kinds of Curls
3. Pamela H
4. Amy V
5. Precious @ Precious Curls

Stay tuned for future giveaways and product reviews!

I received the Nourishing Shampoo, Reconstructive Conditioner, & Leave-In Conditioner 8 weeks ago. This review has taken a little time to complete because I typically wash my hair every 6 weeks ( co wash in between ). For this review I used the shampoo to wash my hair 3x’s, the conditioner 8 times ( co wash), the leave in multiple times per week. I wanted to be as objective as possible and have a couple of washing before providing my review. I love these products! Immediately after washing my hair ( I did not pre poo like I normally would when using commerical shampoo’s), my hair was left soft ( not stripped or dry like it normally feels after using commerical shampoo’s). I noticed less frizz (with my wash n go’s); my scalp didn’t feel tight or itchy( another issue I have when I used commerical shampoo’s). The conditioner provided the right amount of slip to make detangling a breeze, and it was easy to coat the strands (a little goes a long way!).

Picture-3 strand Twist Out

The light fragrance was a plus and the conditioner + leave in during my co wash sessions left my curls feeling moisturized, very manageable and bouncy. Using this product when I did 3 strand twist outs left my hair with body and assisted with that “Cotton Candy Hair” look. Read the ingredient label(s) if you are particular about the bad stuff ( silicone’s, mineral oil, etc), these products may not be for you. My hair loved the products and i will keep a supply on hand. You can purchase the products at walgreens, walgreens.com, or at nuNATT.com

Disclosure: Complimentary products was provided for this review, however, all opinion(s) expressed are my own. I was not compensated in any other way.

5 lucky followers

Will win a Karite Nourishing Shampoo & Conditioner Prize Pack!!!!

1. This giveaway is open until October 1, 2011 at 11:59 pm EST to U.S residents, 18 years old or older.

2. Only ONE comment per follower (comments will appear after I approve them)

3. “follow” this blog (on the sidebar to your right)* or via Network blogs

4. leave a comment on this blog post answering the following question: ” What do you love most about being natural?”

5. Include how you’d like to be contacted if you win (leave your e-mail, twitter ID, etc)

Optional
* You will get an extra 2 entries if you are a subscriber of my YouTube channel (leave your username; I will check subscriptions before putting in another entry)

* You will get 2 extra entries if you follow me on Twitter @AuNaturaleDC

For your convenience, here is a guide for an entry: If it’s easier, you may copy/paste this as your comment and fill in the blanks.

1) I’m a resident of the U.S.
2) I followed this blog; I used ____ name to follow
3) What I love most about being natural is?/ I love being natural because_______
4) If I win, please contact me via ____

Optional:
please include 2 extra entries for me b/c I subscribe to your YT channel. My user name on YouTube is ______

Please include 2 extra entries for me b/c I follow you on Twitter. My Twitter name ______

The winner will be picked randomly on October 2, 2011. Good Luck!!!!!!!!!

Click Here to Read the Prize/Giveaway Disclaimer
activists, au naturale, bsn, doubt, execution, faith, justice, lupie chick, mz sixx, NAACP, pardon, pray, troy davis

I AM TROY DAVIS!

The Lupie Chick

Despite widespread doubt, the Georgia Board of Pardons and Paroles upheld the decision to execute Troy Davis this Wednesday.Still, Troy has refused to have a “last meal.” He has faith his life will be spared.In the past, his tremendous faith has been rewarded. The last time Troy faced execution, in 2008, the warden brought in what was to be his last meal. But Troy refused to eat. Looking the prison staff in their eyes, he explained this meal would not be his last. He was vindicated when he received a last minute stay.

Guards still remember this as a haunting moment, one rooted in Troy’s deep faith. Still, there is every sign the state of Georgia intends to execute Troy this time–despite calls for them to stop by everyone from the former head of the FBI, William Sessions, to former US President Jimmy Carter. Troy has prepared himself, and to the extent anyone can, his family, for either outcome. As he has said many times “They can take my body but not my spirit, because I have given my spirit to God.”Thus, even as we continue to call on the Board of Pardons and Parole and Savannah District Attorney Larry Chisolm to reconsider, we must be prepared for either outcome too.

Please stand with Troy and his family. Join NAACP activists around the country in an evening of solidarity, prayer, and fasting on Wednesday, September 21st.Ask friends to meet up. Ask your family to fast Wednesday evening in solidarity with Troy’s family and use the dinner hour to talk.
Ask your faith community, if they already have a Wednesday night fellowship planned, to make time for conversation about Troy’s scheduled execution. However you do it, please mark the 7 o’clock hour on that evening–the time of Troy’s scheduled execution–as a moment to reflect on Troy’s experience, to offer prayers for his family and that of Officer MacPhail, and to talk about what we can each do to ensure our nation never does this again.

This is a moment to rededicate ourselves to the struggle to end the death penalty and otherwise fix our nation’s broken justice system.To honor Troy’s courage, and rededicate ourselves to the cause of justice in America, NAACP activists are asked to fast Wednesday evening. While moments like this test the limits of our understanding, we do know the world will remember Troy’s name, and the movement against the death penalty will grow. People who thought they supported capital punishment yesterday will realize they cannot today. Because people who thought they could stand on the sidelines will realize they no longer can.

As the scorn of the world grows and the doubts within our nation grow as well, we will increasingly realize this barbarous tradition–practiced by virtually no other western nation–is inconsistent with our self image as a fair and freedom-loving society. should the execution actually occur this time, Troy’s life and the fight to save it will not have been in vain – we will move forward with more allies and an even wider consensus about the urgency of our cause. Please join your fellow activists Wednesday for an evening of prayers, fasting, reflection, and recommitment to the struggle for justice.With prayers and determination,Benjamin Todd Jealous, President and CEO, NAACP. Click here to read more about Troy Davis.

This article courtesy of BSN ( Black Star News)

“The struggle for justice doesn’t end with me. This struggle is for all the Troy Davises who came before me and all the ones who will come after me.

I’m in good spirits and I’m prayerful and at peace.

But I will not stop fighting until I’ve taken my last breath.”

Troy Davis
aunaturale, death sentence, lupie chick, lupus, mz sixx, NAACP, troy davis

I AM TROY DAVIS

The Lupie Chick


Despite widespread doubt, the Georgia Board of Pardons and Paroles upheld the decision to execute Troy Davis this Wednesday.Still, Troy has refused to have a “last meal.” He has faith his life will be spared.In the past, his tremendous faith has been rewarded.

The last time Troy faced execution, in 2008, the warden brought in what was to be his last meal. But Troy refused to eat. Looking the prison staff in their eyes, he explained this meal would not be his last. He was vindicated when he received a last minute stay.

Guards still remember this as a haunting moment, one rooted in Troy’s deep faith. Still, there is every sign the state of Georgia intends to execute Troy this time–despite calls for them to stop by everyone from the former head of the FBI, William Sessions, to former US President Jimmy Carter. Troy has prepared himself, and to the extent anyone can, his family, for either outcome. As he has said many times “They can take my body but not my spirit, because I have given my spirit to God.”Thus, even as we continue to call on the Board of Pardons and Parole and Savannah District Attorney Larry Chisolm to reconsider, we must be prepared for either outcome too.

Please stand with Troy and his family. Join NAACP activists around the country in an evening of solidarity, prayer, and fasting on Wednesday, September 21st.Ask friends to meet up. Ask your family to fast Wednesday evening in solidarity with Troy’s family and use the dinner hour to talk. Ask your faith community, if they already have a Wednesday night fellowship planned, to make time for conversation about Troy’s scheduled execution.

However you do it, please mark the 7 o’clock hour on that evening–the time of Troy’s scheduled execution–as a moment to reflect on Troy’s experience, to offer prayers for his family and that of Officer MacPhail, and to talk about what we can each do to ensure our nation never does this again.

This is a moment to rededicate ourselves to the struggle to end the death penalty and otherwise fix our nation’s broken justice system.To honor Troy’s courage, and rededicate ourselves to the cause of justice in America, NAACP activists are asked to fast Wednesday evening. While moments like this test the limits of our understanding, we do know the world will remember Troy’s name, and the movement against the death penalty will grow. People who thought they supported capital punishment yesterday will realize they cannot today. Because people who thought they could stand on the sidelines will realize they no longer can.As the scorn of the world grows and the doubts within our nation grow as well, we will increasingly realize this barbarous tradition–practiced by virtually no other western nation–is inconsistent with our self image as a fair and freedom-loving society.

should the execution actually occur this time, Troy’s life and the fight to save it will not have been in vain – we will move forward with more allies and an even wider consensus about the urgency of our cause. Please join your fellow activists Wednesday for an evening of prayers, fasting, reflection, and recommitment to the struggle for justice.With prayers and determination,Benjamin Todd Jealous, President and CEO, NAACP Click here to read more about Troy Davis This article courtesy of BSN ( Black Star News)

“The struggle for justice doesn’t end with me. This struggle is for all the Troy Davises who came before me and all the ones who will come after me. I’m in good spirits and I’m prayerful and at peace. But I will not stop fighting until I’ve taken my last breath.” Troy Davis

anger, aunaturale, autoimmune, battle, detox, disconnect, emotional, lupie chick, lupus, miss sixx, natural hair, negative, peace, pray, roller coaster, self, spiritual, tension, womens health

A Spiritual Disconnect

The Lupie Chick

I knew something weird was going on with me, but I was having difficulty putting my finger on what exactly it was. I was wigging out over basic things, I would get anxious whenever I received emails, or messages and I was feeling as if I was having conversations with myself, but I wasn’t “involved” in the actual conversation ( I guess similar to an outer body experience). I’ve caught myself day dreaming and feeling as if I’m in a heavy dialogue with someone only to “snap” out of it moments later realizing that there is no one there.
I ran across a thread on one of the yahoo groups I belong too, where someone was asking about a church to visit. I found this to be very interesting because I’d been telling myself that I needed to go to church. Actually I’d wanted to go to church for a while but something (internal) has been preventing me. Small things would happen that has prevented me from attending.
1. Someone posted about a church that has Sat service, I said PERFECT- Im’a go. I get dressed- go outside- my car is GONE- hubby took the car as opposed to the truck, and my purse and keys were in the CAR!!!!!! I call him spazzing out, and he quickly reminds me that Im unable to drive (dr’s orders) so I mine as well go back in the house! **grumbling** I go back in the house, get undressed and lay down
2. 2nd occasion: All set to go (have transportation, keys, etc) – the address is in my phone.. the security code on the front won’t unlock- I draw the pattern, but what I’m drawing isn’t appearing. Phone is frozen, I take the battery out- nothing, I try and try to break in my phone and the only thing I could do was make an emergency call. Get on the internet to try and Google the address- hour glass is spinning- unable to connect ( what?? ), Pull out my work cell phone- DEAD and the charger is at work, get the GPS ( in the car) , unable to locate (???)
WHAT IN THE HEEZY IS GOING ON? What is preventing me from making it to church?

I instantly burst into tears, crying somewhat uncontrollably. I got on Twitter and the 1st thing I saw was a tweet from Rev Run that said P.U.S.H (Pray Until Something Happen). who are you talkin too? Pray?? {I’m starting to have a conversation with myself. }
Self: Pray- haven’t I been praying?
Spirit: P.U.S.H (Pray Until Something Happen).
Self: What else can happen?? I’ve already gotten my world rocked praying didn’t fix it or make it go away…
Spirit: P.U.S.H (Pray Until Something Happen).
Self: You know what- if you can’t say something other than that- THAN HUSH!
Spirit: P.U.S.H (Pray Until Something Happen).
This went on for 10 minutes, my daughter asks “mom who are you talking too?” I’m speechless, because at the time I didn’t realize I was speaking out loud. So I responded “nobody”. I now realize I had been talking to God and he was talking back. I was allowing the devil and his foolishness to invade my spirit and my mind space.
For me my spiritual disconnect involve the following:
Negative Thoughts
No matter how hard I try, negative thoughts about Lupus creep in. I realize that although this disease hasn’t completely taken over my body, but I also realize that it can and at some point-it will.
To Eliminate: Learn to become aware instantly when a negative thought arises. Remind yourself it is not good for you or others, and it is not spiritual. Create the mental habit to switch the negative thought with something else, immediately. The negative thought pattern needs to be broken, so even thinking of a pencil stops the process.
Anger
To be honest, I’m angry that I have this disease. Yes, I’ve heard a thousand times the I was chosen for this, I had no control , blah, blah, blah, – that’s NOT helping my anger AT ALL. Maybe I need therapy; maybe I just need to get it out one good time- but I’m angry!
To Eliminate: become aware of why you are angry and notice that it is not bringing any kind of benefit to you at all. As soon as you become aware that you are angry, the destructive cycle and pattern of anger ends. Remember, if you are angry do not control or suppress it, but express it. Communication when calm helps conflict.
Tension
The other day, someone looked at me and said “relax” . They said they could see the tension. Yes, I’m tense, my body hurt, I find my self sitting in somewhat uncomfortable positions to relieve my self of knee pain or back pain.
To Eliminate: In the moment, take a deep breath. In the long run, learn to stretch your body and meditate a few times a day. This will help you become more relaxed physically, mentally, and spiritually.
Starting today, I’m taking the appropriate measures to re connect spiritually and to make peace. Peace is what everyone wants. It includes being loved, being comfortable in your own skin, having a life filled with purpose and joy. I cannot connect with any of you, until I connect with myself , create balance, well being, and be at total peace.

Disclaimer: The information included on this blog is for educational purposes only. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. The reader should always consult his or her healthcare provider to determine the appropriateness of the information for their own situation or if they have any questions regarding a medical condition or treatment plan.

aunaturale, autoimmune, biggie, blog, immune system, lupie chick, lupus, miss sixx, MRI, russ par morning show, sjogrens, skin disorder, treatment, womens health

“Get thee behind me, Satan”

The Lupie Chick
Tomorrow I’m scheduled for an MRI, CT scan, and Sonogram. To be quite honest, I’m scared I would rather not go to the appointment, but gangster boo (my dr’s nurse) is gonna fight me if I THINK about rescheduling.

I’m getting tired of feeling like my body is being invaded by some sought of instrument or medication. I clearly understand that these tests are necessary for my treatment plan but I don’t have to like it or pretend to like it. I’ve rescheduled these tests 2 x’s over the last 2 weeks. Each time I was previously scheduled, I would feel like a million bucks- no need in fixing something that ain’t broke- right? WRONG……. the very next day after I would cancel the appointment(s), I would feel like negative .50 cents. My mind is playing tricks on me (in my Scarface voice), how can I feel like my ole self-{stepping up in the building like I paid the light bill} to the next day wanting to crawl under a rock. I felt so saucy one day- I actually went to work with a naked (face)-I didn’t wear any makeup. I prepped my face, caught a glimpse of myself and my alter ego said “Your Mz. Sixx Bish!”Rock OUT!!!

I put all the makeup away, pulled my hair up in a bun, whipped out my brand new pair of 5 inch stilettos’ and Naomi Campbell walked out of the house. On my way to work, the late mix was on the Russ Par Morning Show- and they played Biggie!!!! ** Ya’ll know I was wilding out in the car!!!!!- Diddy bopping and fist pumping down route 29.

Fast forward 4 hours

I looked and felt like Wanda

my feet were swollen and aching like I’d been stopping traffic with them, my face looked like I fell head first in a oil slick ( face was GREASY, and OILY) and my -oh -so -fly bun, looked like a busted ponytail done in the dark.

WTH?? Then to make me feel even worse- that gangster nurse at my doctors office called me and “set “me straight about the tests (I kept cancelling).

So, right now I’m (emotionally) eating everything under the sun, dropping a couple of tears, and attempting to pull it together. I’m scared, nauseous, and wish I could take a couple of ciroc shots.

I keep telling myself “Get thee behind me, Satan” as I make arrangements for transportation to/from my appointments tomorrow. I’m feeling weak & I dont want to go. I ask all of you to keep me prayed up and covered.

antioxidants, arthritis, autoimmune, blog, cure, fish, flaxseed, iron, lupie chick, lupus, migraines, miss sixx, motherhood, Omegga fatty acids, supplements, vitamins, womens health

Eat This… Don’t Eat That!

The Lupie Chick

As some of you know, I’m an F-O-O-D-I-E!!! I love all types of food. I’m accustomed to eating what I want, when I want it! My faves- buttery soft, mouth melting buttermilk red cupcake(s) topped with a dollop of cream cheese, a smooth rich, and dense NY Style Cheesecake topped with fresh berries, and extra crispy, golden brown SOUTHERN(deep)fried chicken (with all the fixings on the side). yes, I love food- #dontJudgeMe! Since being diagnosed with Lupus, I’ve been told to eat this.. don’t eat that.. Then of course everyone under the sun want to suggest what I should and should not eat. Overwhelming is an understatement- and I’m HUNGRY!

I dont enjoy my food or feel satisfied after I eat. I’m always worried that I ate the wrong thing, did the hubby put something in the food I wasn’t suppose to have[he cooks a lot of our meals during the week], what if I get sick, what if I get a flare up? With all of that swirling around my head, I can’t eat or enjoy my food.

I took to the Internet to see what other Lupies are eating- BIG MISTAKE! I’m more confused than ever. My doctor is suggesting that I do a gluten free eating plan. Others have suggested I do a vegetarian eating plan (the two conflicts with each other). I’m making an appointment with a nutritionist and hopefully will have a clear understanding what I should and should NOT be eating.

In the mean time, some of the common foods I’ve discovered that I Should Not Eat are:

Alfalfa seeds and sprouts should be avoided because they contain an amino acid called L-canavanine. This amino acid can aggravate the symptoms of lupus.

Animal meats, dairy, eggs, nori seaweed, and peanuts contain arachidonic acid. When used excessively, arachidonic acid can actually be destructive to the body.

Beans and mushrooms contain amines and hydrazines, which increase lupus symptoms.

Oils like corn, poppy seed, safflower, and sunflower, cured meats and hotdogs actually encourage lupus episodes because they contain components that have been proven to trigger lupus symptoms.

Eggplant, peppers, tomatoes, and white potatoes, called nightshade vegetables, should be avoided because they contain solanine, an agent that triggers inflammation and pain common to lupus sufferers.

Sulfur-containing veggies such as cabbage, brussels sprouts, broccoli, kale and cauliflower. These may be difficult for many lupus sufferers to digest without upset.

Fats. It’s suggested fat reduction can produce up to a 25% improvement in the aches and pains of a lupus patient.

Herbs like andrographis, echinacea, eleutherococcus, garlic, ginseng, and Panax should be taken with caution since they are known to increase autoimmunity.

Iron should come from food, not dietary supplements because it could promote joint destruction, pain, and swelling.

To Summarize-Don’t Eat This!

  • Caffeine, dairy, foods high in saturated fat, trans fat, and cholesterol
  • Red meats and high fat meats like organ meats, and dark meats.
  • Alcoholic beverages, salty foods, sugar sweetened beverages, candy, snacks, sweets, and alfalfa sprouts.

You should Eat THIS!

Foods high in iron. Eating leafy green vegetables, fish, and lean meat like liver can help offset your risk of anemia. Many breakfast cereals are also fortified with iron.

Fish. Omega-3 fatty acids, which are found in fish like salmon, mackerel, sardines, and herring, contain natural anti-inflammatory substances and may help reduce swelling and inflammation associated with systemic lupus. Your lupus diet should include plenty of fish.

Antioxidants. Many fruits and vegetables are high in antioxidants, which are natural healers. Berries, apricots, and sweet potatoes are especially good sources.

Vitamins. Vitamin E, zinc, vitamin A, and the B vitamins are all beneficial in a lupus diet. Vitamin C can increase your ability to absorb iron and is a good source of antioxidants.

To summarize-Do the following!

  • Include: chicken breast, lean beef, wild salmon, herring, mackerel, sardines, anchovies, rainbow trout, tuna (canned light), crab, oysters, tilapia, cod, pacific oysters into your diet
  • Remove skin from poultry because that is where the most saturated fat is located
  • Look for lean meats around 99%

  • Broil and grill vs. pan fried with oil, deep fried, and breading.
  • It is important to incorporate fish into your diet around 3-4 times a week
  • Practice portion control – meat should not take up ½ of your plate, it should be more like ¼
  • Beneficial fish oils to consider include: evening primrose oil and flaxseed.
  • When you are thirsty, replace soda and tea with water

The Lupie Chick is H-U-N-G-R-Y! If any of you have any advice or any recipes please share.

Disclaimer: The information included on this blog is for educational purposes only. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. The reader should always consult his or her healthcare provider to determine the appropriateness of the information for their own situation or if they have any questions regarding a medical condition or treatment plan.