Category: miss sixx

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May 11th Lupus Awareness Fact

The Lupie Chick

May 11: African Americans, Hispanics/Latinas, Asians and Pacific Islanders, and Native Americans are diagnosed with lupus two or three times more frequently than Caucasians; however, lupus affects people of all races and ethnicities. Lupus can be an expensive disease. The average annual cost to provide healthcare for a person with lupus is $12,643, and rises to nearly $21,000 when lost work productivity is included.



Click Here to learn more about Lupus

Click Here to Donate to Team ” Lupie Chicks”

Click Here to Join Team Lupie Chicks at the Walk for Lupus in Sept 29 at Druid Hill Park, Baltimore, MD

au naturale, chronic autoimmune, lupie chick, lupus, lupus foundation, may 10, miss naturale, miss sixx, women, world lupus day

May 10th- World Lupus Day

The Lupie Chick

About World Lupus Day



World Lupus Day began with a Proclamation 8 years ago by an international steering committee representing lupus organizations from 13 different nations when they met in Eaton, United Kingdom to organize the first observance of World Lupus Day. The Proclamation is a call to action for governments around the world to increase their financial support for lupus research, awareness and patient services.

The Proclamation reflects the emerging issues that people with lupus around the world must face every day. The Proclamation serves to give a single voice to all individuals affected by this devastating and debilitating chronic disease.

Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease that can affect any part of the body. An estimated 5 million people around the world have lupus.



Most people know very little about lupus. But by working together we can change that. Imagine the impact we can have if we all help raise worldwide recognition of lupus, assuring earlier diagnosis, better treatments, and greater support for people everywhere! Join Julian Lennon and pledge to raise awareness for lupus.


Click Here to sign the Lupus Awareness Pledge

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Lupus Awareness Fact- Day 8

The Lupie Chick

Lupus Awareness Month is observed during May to increase public understanding of this unpredictable and potentially life-threatening disease that affects an estimated 1.5 million Americans. Here’s today’s important fact about lupus.

May 1: Lupus is an unpredictable and complex autoimmune disease that causes inflammation and can damage any organ in the body with life-threatening consequences.

May 2: Ninety percent of the people who develop lupus are female. Males also can develop lupus and their disease can be more severe in some organs.

May 3: Lupus develops most often between ages 15 and 44. However, between 10 and 20 percent of cases develop during childhood and these cases can evolve more rapidly into serious health complications.

May 4: In lupus, something goes wrong with the immune system, which is the part of the body that fights off viruses, bacteria, and germs. The result is the production of autoantibodies that causes inflammation.

May 5: Some people have genes that allow them to develop lupus. Factors that may trigger lupus in these people include infections, ultraviolet light, extreme stress, certain prescription drugs, and certain hormones.

May 6: Many symptoms of lupus mimic those of other illnesses, and symptoms can come and go over time, which makes diagnosis more difficult. Consequently, lupus can take three to five years or more to diagnose.

May 7: There is no single laboratory test that can determine whether a person has lupus. Diagnosing lupus involves analyzing the results of several lab tests, a review of the person’s entire medical history, and the history of close family members.

May 8: Lupus is treated by a rheumatologist, a physician who specializes in conditions affecting the joints and muscles. Some people with lupus may need additional care from specialists, like a dermatologist for skin problems, a nephrologist for kidney disease, or a cardiologist for heart complications.

Click Here to learn more about Lupus
 
Click Here to Join Team Lupie Chicks for The Baltimore Walk Now For Lupus September 29, 2012 (Baltimore, MD)
 
Click Here to donate to Team Lupie Chicks

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Coconut Water ~ Health~ Skin~ Hair

The Lupie Chick

I have been struggling with maintaining proper potassium levels due to Lupus and some of my medications. The muscle spasms, drowsiness’s, and extreme thirst was too much to deal with and painful ( imagine the worse Charlie horse you’ve ever had then magnify that feeling by 10). I didn’t want to have to take another pill ( supplement) and I’m not a fan of bananas ( a great source of potassium), I sought the advice of my doctor as to what I could do naturally to bring my levels up.

He provided me with a list of good sources of potassium including fresh fruits, vegetables, shellfish, beans, wheat bran, salad, nuts, cereals, meat, and dairy foods. Then he told me about Coconut Water { insert O_o } is that like coconut oil?? Coconut milk?? I’d never heard of it. What is it??

Coconut Water a clear liquid extracted from green coconuts is low in fat and calories, has no cholesterol, and has a natural balance of sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium- making it a healthy electrolyte drink. Coconut water is rich in potassium: a typical serving offers 569 mg, which is almost twice the amount in a banana.

The amino acids, potassium, and magnesium that make these tonics such a stellar sip also do wonders for stressed-out skin. You can use coconut water as a facial “mask.” Just apply to your skin and let it rest for 5-15 minutes, then wash off. Otherwise you can use it daily to wash your skin. Coconut water not only cleanses, it also tones your skin. If your skin is oily, you can also add grapefruit or pineapple juice to the coconut water, for added benefits.



Coconut water comes in many varieties ( and price points) and is sold everywhere from grocery stores, specialty markets, to Sephora I had imagined that it would taste like one of those fancy drinks you see people drinking while vacationing in a tropical paradise like Hawaii, Mexico or the Caribbean. I saw many celebrities pictured drinking coconut water so I thought, yeah… this is going to be good.

Rihanna

I went to Sam’s Club and purchased a case for $15.99.
NOW BEFORE YOU ALL RUN TO SAM’S
STOP….WAIT…. PAUSE…
HAVE A SEAT AND FINISH READING THIS POST
I could NOT drink it- everything I read said it was a ” delicious, cool, and refreshing ” LIES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! That stuff hit the back of my throat and BABY… EEERRRYYYYTHING I had previous digested came up and out!!!!!!! It’s a taste I cant describe except (IMO) it tasted like a mix of high octane gasoline with a subtle note of coconut.  ( YUKE!!!!!) I have a case of this stuff- and I WASNT GOING TO LET IT GO TO WASTE- what’s a girl to do??

The mixologist in me created a (natural) Coconut Water Curl Refesher!!!!!!!!

Recipe: Coconut Curl Quench
1 (can/box) Coconut Water
1/2-1 can (Goya) Coconut Milk
2-3 table spoons of Coconut Oil
2-3 table spoons of Aloe Vera Juice/Jelly ( which ever you have on hand)
 (optional) couple of drops of Vitamin E

Pour  everything into a spray bottle, shake to mix all indgredients. You can use  this as a curl refesher or if you need to mist your hair before/during styling/twisting/braiding this is perfect!!!!!!

I will have to seek an alternative method for taking in more potassium. because I cant stomach the coconut water, but my hair LOVES IT!!!!. ** Guess I better start with banana smoothies**

au naturale, co-wash, coconut oil, flat twist, lotta body, lupie chick, miss naturale, miss sixx, natural hair, natural hair styles

Today’s Look- Flat Twist Out

The Lupie Chick

Todays Look

Flat Twist Out

To achieve this look:

  • Co wash hair ( I used  VO5 moisture milk Strawberries and Creme Conditioner)
  • Detangle Hair
  • Apply Coconut Oil ( all over pay special attention to your ends)
  • Spray hair with diluted Lotta Body Setting lotion ( 50/50 mix of Lotta body and (rose)Water)
  • Flat twist hair going back ( spray hair as necessary with Lotta Body to keep it wet )
  • Allow hair to air dry over night ( you may also sit under the dryer)
  • apply coconut oil ( or oil of choice) to hair ( before you unravel twist)
  • ** optional: I keep my bonnet on while I’m taking a shower so that the steam can help loosin the twist **
  • unravel twist
  • fluff/separate twist with fingers
  • ** My hair has been cut into layers. This haircut allows for my twist to ” automatically” fall into place. **

Disclaimer: These images may not be reproduced, copied, transmitted or manipulated without the written permission of Mz. Sixx. 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 © 2012 – Au’Naturale by Mz. Sixx

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Baltimore Natural Haircare Expo

The Lupie Chick

$20.00 ( one day pass)

$30.00 ( two day pass)

The Universal Wellness Foundation is sponsoring a FREE Wellness Makeover Program intro to the first 100 Women Cancer Survivors at the Baltimore Natural Hair Care Expo, March 24th 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. The program empowers women to take greater control of their health and shares complementary healing methods to support their doctor’s care. If you would like to attend this event, be a volunteer or make a tax deductible donation, please call the Universal Wellness Foundation at 410 630-6989, x2 or email event@universalwellness.org.

aunaturale, autoimmune, clarisonic, dermablend, dermatology, differin Gel, dr.callender, face wash, hydroquione, lupie chick, lupus, miss sixx, mz sixx, natural hair, neutrogena, skin care, SPF 70

Loving The Skin I’m In

The Lupie Chick

People with lupus know the disease can affect various parts of their body, both inside and out, in a variety of ways. Though lupus is known to affect the joints, kidneys, heart and lungs, more often than not, one of the clearest signs that a person has developed the disease is the way it affects the skin.

Lupus had (in my opinion) had taken my beauty. My face was on display for everyone to give me that side eye and saying ” what the heck happen to you??” Although my family and friends assured me that I was beautiful and it was “ok”- I felt like that ugly duckling. A dear friend of mine ( First lady of Blue Line Productions – Rana) sent me a message one day that read ” I miss your pretty face”. She was referring to not seeing me out and about at local functions in the DC metro area, I started balling- because I literally MISSED MY PRETTY FACE! I’m 6″2 and wear 5 inch stilettos ( well I use too, until lupus started affecting my joints and my feet- damn him!) and I would walk in a room LIKE I OWNED IT-( at least like I paid the light bill..lol..lol..)- then came the red sores, the black scares, and the discoloration in my face- and my obsession with Dermablend!!!!! I would pack that stuff on like my life depended on it. I was hiding… and worse of all- I hated the skin I was in……

** wearing full coverage Dermablend makeup **



My physician gave me a referral to see Valerie D. Callender, M.D. to assist with my skin condition

Dr. Valerie Callender is an internationally recognized Board Certified Dermatologist, who is known for her expertise in Pigmentation Disorders and the medical and surgical treatment of Hair Loss in Women. Dr. Callender has written twelve (12) textbook chapters and many articles for academic journals. She has recently co-edited a textbook on the Treatment for Skin of Color



Dr. Callender office is located at 1220 Annapolis Road, Suite 315, Glendale, MD (301)249-0970. Her office offer a range of facial treatments, cosmetic procedures, & body treatments. On my appointment date- the office was PACKED! The ladies at the reception area were very nice and & courteous. My wait wasn’t as long as I expected ( I waited maybe 15 minutes before I was taken to the examination room). Dr. Callender’s assistant took a quick assesment of my medical history, and my concerns. 10 minutes later enter in Dr. Callender herself. We chatted a bit, she tried to lighten the “mood” ( I was very tense and nervous). As soon as Dr. Callender put on her gloves and started examining my face, the tears started to flow. She immediately stopped and comforted me. She continued her examine, speaking in a calm voice and re assuring me that all was going to be ok. I advised her what I had been doing, what products I’d been using, and just blurted out ” I hate the way I look, I don’t look good and I don’t feel good”. We discussed treatment plans, and she tried to assure me that she would help me. She asked me to trust her- she told me SHE WOULD NOT GIVE UP – MY SKIN WILL BE CLEAR AGAIN! At the end of the examine, I ask- ” what makeup brand would you recommend for me?” she looked up at me ( dead in the eyes) and replied ” NONE- when I get through, you wont need makeup!” ** what did she just say.. I wont need make up … whoo freakin hooooooo!!!! let the treatment begin!!!!** {insert laughter from myself and Dr. Callender}

Below is my daily routine prescribed to me by Dr. Callender ( she actually wrote this down for me- including the steps!!!!)

** yes, my clarisonic is PURPLE in honor of my daily fight with Lupus**

~AM~

Cleanse (w/ clarisonic brush & Neutrogena Forming Face Wash)

SPF 70 ( all over face)

apply hydroquinone (4% strength) to dark spots ( using a qtip)

optional: apply makeup

~PM~

Cleanse (w/clarisonic brush & Neutrogena Foaming Face Wash)

Apply thin layer of Differin Gel ( all over face)

apply hydroquinone (4% strength) to dark spots ( using a q-tip)

I have been following this routine for 4 weeks. Look at me now!!!!!

aunaturale, autoimmune, lupie chick, lupus, miss sixx, salvation, spiritual

My Interview with God

The Lupie Chick

Come in,” God said. “So, you would like to interview Me?”

“If you have the time,” I said.

God smiled and said: “My time is eternity and is enough to do everything; what questions do you have in mind to ask me?”

“What surprises you most about mankind?”

God answered:
“That they get bored of being children, are in a rush to grow up, and then long to be children again. That they lose their health to make money and then lose their money to restore their health. That by thinking anxiously about the future, they forget the present, such that they live neither for the present nor the future. That they live as if they will never die, and they die as if they had never lived.”

God’s hands took mine and we were silent for while and then I asked:
“As a parent, what are some of life’s lessons you want your children to learn?”

God replied with a smile:
“To learn that they cannot make anyone love them. What they can do is to let themselves be loved.

To learn that what is most valuable is not what they have in their lives, but who they have in their lives. To learn that it is not good to compare themselves to others. All will be judged individually on their own merits, not as a group on a comparison basis!
To learn that a rich person is not the one who has the most, but is one who needs the least.
To learn that it only takes a few seconds to open profound wounds in persons we love, and that it takes many years to heal them.

To learn to forgive by practicing forgiveness.
To learn that there are persons that love them dearly, but simply do not know how to express or show their feelings.

To learn that money can buy everything but happiness and salvation.
To learn that two people can look at the same thing and see it totally different.
To learn that a true friend in someone who knows everything about them and likes them anyway.

To learn that it is not always enough that they be forgiven by others, but that they have to forgive themselves.”

I sat there for awhile enjoying the moment. I thanked Him for his time and for all that He has done for me and my family, and He replied: “Anytime. I’m here 24 hours a day. All you have to do is ask for me, and I’ll answer.”

People will forget what you said. People will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.

Author Unknown

au naturale, castor oil, chronic autoimmune, co-wash, coconut milk, crisco, diet, hair growth, leave in condiitioner, lupie chick, lupus, miss naturale, miss sixx, natural day, pre-poo, relaxed hair

My desire to grow my hair to waist length

The Lupie Chick

Hello Loves-I’m back!!!!!!!

It has been awhile since I’ve updated my blog. All or most of you are aware that I’ve been fighting the autoimmune disease Lupus. I’m starting to “get my life” back as I once knew it and get back into some of the things i love- one of them BLOGGING!

During the last 8 months, my lupus flare up has had an impact on my hair. I’ve experienced extreme shedding, and my texture has changed in some areas ( especially in the middle of my head). I have lots of single strand knots (ouch!) and my lovely curls have begun to take on a wave pattern (more than a curly pattern). I’ve never really cared too much about the length of my hair until I started to see it fall down the sink at every washing. Running my fingers through my hair has become a thing of the past ( as handfuls of hair shed daily). I’ve since decided to challenge my self to reduce (stop) the shedding, and grow my hair to ” waist length”.

Have you ever seen waist length hair-ITS BEAUTIFUL!!!!!!!! Some of my favorite You Tubers are waist length ( Kimmy Tube, Urban Bush Babes, Long Hair Don’t Care, to name a few). BEAUTIFUL!!!!!!

**Below is a chart to show the different hair lengths**

Picture of hair after it was washed, deep conditioned and flat ironed using Crisco ( in the blue can). My goal wasn’t to have super straight hair- just straight enough to do a length check. I’m #teamNoHeat- so the mere thought of applying heat to my hair frightens me.

Picture after a trim


I then put in 6-8 flexi rods ( mix of orange and red rods) to achieve a curly look.

Picture after removal of the flexi rods & (finger) styled


I’m introducing a new (simpler) routine to maintain length and (hopefully)continue hair growth

Co-washing- This means only using a conditioner to wash my hair eliminating the shampoo. I’ve always done this, and it has worked GREAT for me. My co wash regimen is often done on Sunday, Wednesday, and Friday.

Deep Conditioning/Pre Poo- For me this provides an extra boost in moisture, I do not buy fancy deep conditioning products because you guys know I’m the kitchen beautician!!!! My pre poo consist of honey and olive oil warmed, part hair in 4 sections, apply (heavily) to each section of hair ‘BEFORE” you shampoo. My deep conditioner (recipe) is 2 jars of stage two banana baby food, 1-2 tablespoons of (raw) honey, 1-2 teaspoons of olive oil or grape seed oil. Part hair into 4 sections, apply to each section ( concentrating on the ends) cover with a conditioning cap minimum of 30 minutes ( I usually go an hour).

Sealing-I had stopped sealing my ends for a while ( just was too lazy) or exhausted. I normally use an even mix of castor oil, coconut oil, and safflower oil ( melted and mixed together in a bottle and apply to my ends nightly). ** I also tuck my ends under a satin scrunchie at night. **

Leave In Conditioner- I apply leave in conditioner EVERYDAY ( with a light hand) to my hair. I mix my own ( distilled water or rose water, aloe vera juice, coconut milk, grape seed oil, and essential oils). I mist my hair “before” i re apply my twist or when I take my hair down in the morning- I will mist it lightly.

Diet-I’m now on a gluten free diet, and transitioning to vegetarian lifestyle. Diet is very important to those that suffer with lupus and I know for overall health and hair growth it start from the inside. ** I’m currently doing the New Moon Detox (fast) for 3 days and upping my water intake to 107 ounces a day ( half my body weight)**

Have you established any hair goals for 2012? If so please share…

Disclaimer: These images may not be reproduced, copied, transmitted or manipulated without the written permission of Mz. Sixx. 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 © 2012 – Au’Naturale by Mz. Sixx

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6 Months of Living with Lupus

The Lupie Chick

Wow, where did the time go? It has been 6 months since my lupus diagnosis. I had a doctor appointment Tuesday, and I was informed that I’m stable- not getting any worse, but thus far not any better. No reduction of the meds (bummer), next appointment Jan 4, 2012.

As I reflect on the past 6 months-it brings tears to my eyes. I’ve have several short stays in the hospital, many days/nights of pain, and depression. There were days when all I could do was cry.. ball up in my bed and cry. I see my doctor so often that I feel like we are dating. I know I’m a handful and I know I work his nerves. I’m always full of questions and comments. I just tell him straight- I can’t afford to do all of the things you want me to do! I know it sounds crazy that someone/anyone would say that they can’t afford to do something that may benefit them-BUT I can’t! I’ve made adjustment to my benefits at work (starting with getting the flexible spending account) in which I hope will help me financially with some of the things I need to incorporate. In the mean time, I’m doing the best I can with what I have. It has been extremely difficult for me to accept help. I’ve always been the care giver- not the one being cared for. I find myself ashamed of my appearance (because of the weight gain from the meds along with the scarring on my face). Ive had trouble with housekeeping and cooking meals sometimes-but THANKS to my children and my husband all of which have pitched in and got the job done when I couldn’t.

Some friends have hung in there with me and a lot have fallen by the wayside. That saying “out of sight out of mind “pops into my head. As long as I’m out of sight, I guess I don’t cross their mind(s). The other day my son’s step mother sent me a message on Facebook that said “you’re a fighter- I know firsthand” lol..lol.. That sentence made me laugh uncontrollably. The people that I least expect to hear from are the people that I’m in contact with. The people whom I thought didn’t care about me, have showed the most concern. For that I’m forever grateful.

November 20th my daughter turned 13 years old. Crazy me thought it would be a great idea to have a 3 day (weekend) celebration.

Pretty Girls Rock Party started Friday at 3:30pm and ended Sunday at 6:00pm. All I can say is a weekend of cupcakes, makeup, swimming, food, and dancing left me slaved to my bed for 5 days. I literally could not move. I had a conversation with my body and Lupus. I told them- “look I need for the both of you to cooperate and lean back this weekend. My mini me turns 13 once and I need to be there for her-if either of you act up, or show off there will be hell to pay!!!!!” My feet gave out Sunday afternoon, but all else was perfect!!!!! My daughter was so happy that I was able to participate and hang with the “girls” all weekend.

It’s been 6 months of living with Lupus. I’m determined to make the next 6 months much more enjoyable & pain free. I’m being forced to face one of my fears (water). It’s been demanded (by my doctor) that I begin an exercise regimen. It’s hard to imagine exercising when I’m in constant pain. I’m looking into water aerobics (to help with my joints) and yoga. I have an incredible fear of water (due to a childhood incident when I almost drowned).

I’m hoping that I can get back to wearing my stiletto’s shoes,walking without pain and leave the sneakers for workouts-not part of my daily uniform. I want to wear makeup when I want too-not because I feel like I have too (I’ve recently purchased the clarisonic brush-I’m already seeing results). I will also be doing a makeup over-a do over- a NEW ME!!!!!! So until next time Lupie Chicks-stay healthy and pain free!


** did you notice that my earrings match my jacket? I wrapped them myself using yarn**