May 18: Women with lupus are at increased risk for loss of bone mass (osteoporosis) and are nearly five times more likely to experience a fracture.
May 17- Lupus Awareness Fact
May 17: Drug-induced lupus is a lupus-like disease caused by taking specific prescription drugs. The symptoms usually disappear after these medications are stopped.
Click Here to learn more about Lupus
Click Here to donate to ” Team Lupie Chicks”
Click Here to Join Team Lupie Chicks
My Favorite products under $10
1. BoBeam-http://www.etsy.com/shop/BobeamProducts
Shampoo Bars- $5.00-$6.50
Bobeam’s specialty is shampoo bars made with all natural ingredients and they can be used on all hair types, including locs. The shampoo bars contain no SLS or SLES, detergents, surfactants, or sulfates. They are all-natural, 100% vegetable soap, non-comedogenic, hypo-allergenic and biodegradable.
I wash my daughters locs with the Shealoe Shampoo Bar. It thoroughly cleanses her hair without stripping. It lathers really well and I like that I can control the areas that need special attention too-around her forehead where she has dandruff & itchy scalp ( because its a bar- I wet my hand, rub the bar between them and use my soapy hands to wash her hair). The Shealoe Signature Shampoo Bar is a combination of shea butter and aloe, tea tree and lemon oil. The lemon oil gives the bar a light, clean fresh lemon scent. Shea butter is a great moisturizer which also provides elasticity and sun protection. Aloe is great for hydration, itchy scalp and/or dandruff, and helps with hair loss by renewing the follicular cycle and stimulating the scalp.
2. Queen Helene http://www.queenhelene.com/
Queen Helene Royal Curl – Curl Shaping Cream $7.99
naturally tame frizz, define curls and smooth waves with silky hold. Pure Aloe Vera Gel and Agave Nectar quench your hair’s thirst without the grease, while powerful Green Tea antioxidants and intense moisturizers defend against damaging heat and humidity. All natural: No harsh, or drying chemicals like alcohol, sulfates, petrolatum, parabens or phthalates.
I ran across this product at Target. Its consistency is more of a gel than a cream. A little goes a long way this product. I use this product on freshly washed wet hair to do flat twist-out hair styles. On each section of hair apply your oil of choice then a little of the Curl Shaping Cream ( a little goes a long way). If you use too much your hair will have a crunchy” feel to it. Then flat twist the hair ( I flat twist all going back). I secure the hanging part of the twist with a bobby pin ( that also keeps the hair stretched). I achieve great curl definition and my twist outs last 3-4 days.
3. Garnier Fructis- http://www.garnierusa.com/
Triple Nutrition 3-Minute Undo Dryness Reversal Treatment $4.99
Garnier Fructis Triple Nutrition 3-Minute Undo: Dryness Reversal Treatment includes the 3 nutritive fruit oils plus apricot seeds that massage and stimulate hair from the root for the ultimate nourishing experience. In just 3 minutes, it helps reverse the signs of dryness for silky hair that’s full of life.
I usually deep condition my hair overnight because I feel that this gives my hair an added boost of moisture. But when you simply want to do a deep conditioning treatment without the long process this product is the way to go. In 3 minutes this product left my hair feeling soft, moisturized and very healthy. This would be a great treatment to do during the week when you want to pamper yourself sans the extra time this kind of product typically requires. You can purchase this product at Target, walmart, CVS, Walgreens, and most grocery stores that carry health and beauty aids.
4. Shea Moisture – www.sheamoisture.com
Hold and Shine Moisture Mist $9.99
Imparts a high-gloss shine, while providing hold and hydration to hair. Spray liberally through towel-dried hair from roots to ends and use a wide-tooth comb to distribute evenly. Style as desired. May be used on dry hair to freshen hairstyle. Contains de-ionized water, Cocos Nucifera (coconut) oil*, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea butter)*, silk protein, essential oil blend, Melia Azadirachta (Neem) seed oil, algae extract, Hyssopus Officinalis extract, Salvia Officinalis (sage) leaf and Equisetum Arvense extract, Lonicera Caprifolium (honeysuckle) flower and Lonicera Japonica (Japanese honeysuckle) flower extract and Tocopherol (vitamin E). *Denotes certified organic ingredients.
I use this product on my day 2-4 twist outs. It’s a great subsition for water and smells HEAVENLY!!!!
Caution: if you use to much it will leave a sticky feeling to your hair-so use a “light” hand with this product. I lightly spritz my hair, fluff, shake, and go ( on a old twist/braid out)!
5. Lottabody- http://www.lottabody.com/
Setting lotion $4.99
Lottabody Setting Lotion is perfect for wet setting, blow styling or waving natural or relaxed hair. Dries fast. Won’t flake. Bonds to hair to help overcome porosity and seal split ends. Creates firm hold, yet is still easy to comb. Gives hair fabulous body and shine. Curls are well defined and full of body. Hair is shiny and remembers the set longer.
This is my go to item for setting twist outs and braid outs. I dilute this product 50:50 with rose water ( you may also use regular water)- pour into a spray bottle add a cap full of oil of your choice ( I use grapeseed oil). Apply to detangled & sectioned hair. Spray the section your working with, and smooth product from root to tip, then twist or braid for a twist/braid out. This product can be purchased at Sally Beauty Supply Stores, and local beauty Supply stores.
These products are a little more than $10 BUT they are worth the money!!!!!
Oyin Handmade-http://www.oyinhandmade.com/
Burnt Sugar Pomade- $12.00
Similar in texture to an old school ‘hair grease,’ This blend of oils, butters, and veggie waxes acts as a humectant and protectant for hair, increasing shine to a high glossy sheen and locking in moisture. It’s packed with essential fatty acids to nourish scalp, and actually sinks into your hair and skin for a long lasting, non-greasy feeling. It’s great for braids, imparts shine and moisture to loose hair, brushes nicely into the hairline for a glossy finish, and adds luster to locks! Contains virgin coconut cream, mango oil, and hempseed oil in a base of nourishing castor oil.
I absolutely love the smell of this product!!!!!. Its thick and heavy and I use this when I do a dry twist out ( usually after day 4 of a twist out) paying close attention to my ends. This product can also be used as a styler, sealer, or refresher.
The Juices- $12.00
Nourishing herbal leave-in tonics have been our most popular products since we first introduced “Greg Juice,” the original citrus-herbal version, in 2004. Now available in three unique scents, this oil-free mixture of vegetable moisturizers and herbal essences remains hugely popular among people with many different hair types and needs!
We all know I love The Juices!!!! I use this product when I need to re wet my hair before styling or as a style finishing mist. It’s better than water ( IMO) because it doesn’t cause my hair to shrink and I love the smell of ” juice & berries). I also spritz my daughters loc’s with Juice & Berries for a boost of moisture and shine in a New York minute.
P.S. Every month, Oyin Handmade host a few bottling parties where they invite the lovely Oyin Honeys to visit behind the scenes and help bottle and label oyin goodies! It’s a great way to meet other Oyin Honeys, listen to some music, enjoy a few snacks and earn FREE GOODIES!! Please visit here to find out when our next bottling party is, and sign up yourself! The events are RSVP only and they fill up FAST! Make sure to follow our FB and Twitter pages so that you can be among the first to know about each upcoming bottling party! Click Here for more information…..
Disclaimer: I write this blog for my personal enjoyment. From time to time I may give my opinion on a product or service. It is just my opinion, I’m not an expert in the field and other people’s opinions may differ.I have purchased each of the aforementioned products with my own money. I have not been asked to provide a review nor was I compensated monetarily or with products.
May 14th- Lupus Awareness Fact
May 12: Successful treatment of lupus often requires a combination of medications. A new treatment for lupus was approved recently, and nearly two-dozen clinical studies are underway to develop a full arsenal of treatments.
May 13: As many as 80 percent of people with lupus experience fatigue. For some, fatigue can be debilitating, even to the point of forcing them to stop working.
May 14: People with lupus are usually encouraged to engage in appropriate daily exercise in order to maintain muscle and bone strength. Care should be taken, however, to balance exercise with rest.
Click Here to learn more abbout Lupus
Click Here to donate to Team Lupie Chicks for the 2012 Baltimore Walk for Lupus
Click Here to Join Team Lupie Chicks
4th day hair-Flat Twist Out
Our nourishing herbal leave-in tonics have been our most popular products since we first introduced “Greg Juice,” the original citrus-herbal version, in 2004. Now available in three unique scents, this oil-free mixture of vegetable moisturizers and herbal essences remains hugely popular among people with many different hair types and needs!
Greg Juice contains no added fragrance, only the citrus and lavender essential oils that are in each formula. It smells like a mild, citrusy-herbal refreshing breeze.
Frank Juice is scented with Frankincense and Myrrh fragrance oils. Juices & Berries is fragranced like a juicy fruit punch, bursting with flavor!
4th day hair- flat twist out
Night Time
Gather all hair and pull into a “loose” pony tail on top of your head using a scrunchie ( Pineapple Method). A scrunchie will not leave the indention from being in a pony tail, and keeping the ponytail loose will not disturb the curls. Also tuck the ends of the hair under the scrunchie
Morning Time
Remove scrunchie, lightly spritz with Oyin Handmade Juice & Berries, shake, fluff, and GO!!!
** The T-shirt in the pictures can be purchased at Oyinhandmade.com or at the store located 2103 North Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21218 **
May 11th Lupus Awareness Fact
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
May 10th- World Lupus Day
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
REQUESTED – My Skin Regimen
Hi loves,
Thank you for all the compliments you guys have given me about my skin ( and hair). I appreciate all the love and I’m shocked that so many of you have noticed. Most of you know that I had scarring left from a Lupus flare up and I was really embarrassed and insecure about my face. I wore full coverage makeup( foundation) along with Dermablend – EVERYDAY – including hot summer days. I now only wear press powder ( yes!!!). I eventually found a dermatologist who took the time to access all of my skin care issues & needs. My dermatologist is Dr. Callender. She has taught me how to care for my skin at home and has turned my skin around!!!!! I started to see improvement in 4 weeks. Click Here to revisit ” Loving the Skin I’m In” The number one thing she has taught me is SPF!!! Yes, ladies- if you’re African American YOU STILL NEED SUN SCREEN!!!! ( because I have Lupus I have to use SPF 70, but all of my products contain at least SPF 50)
Alot of you have asked what am I doing for my skin. I will share my regimen with you all, BUT this is a regimen that works for me and my skin type and was pescribed to me by Dr. Callender. I highly suggest that if you’re experiencing any skin issues, you should consult with a dermatologist before starting any new regimen or before applying new products to your face.
Skin Type: OILY- problematic, sensitive skin with large pores..
Morning
- Splash my face with cool water
- Apply Tea Tree Skin Clearing Foaming Face Wash ( From The Body Shop) with fingers
- Cleanse face with Clarisonic Cleansing Brush
- Rinse Face with cool water ( using fingers/hand- NO WASH CLOTH)
- Pat Dry
- Spritz face with Rose Water ( I use it as a toner)
- Apply Neutrogena Moisturizer with SPF 70
- **Optional**-if I’m wearing makeup I apply Philips Milk of Magnesia as a face primer
- Apply make up ( Clinque Stay Matte Sheer Press Powder)
Evening
- Remove makeup with a makeup wipe ( I use neutrogena makeup remover pads or unscented baby wipes)
- Do the oil cleansing method ( 50:50 mix of Grapeseed oil & Castor oil, 2 drops of vitamin E) ** I only do this if I’m wearing makeup.. If not I skip this..**
- Steam face with a warm (soft) wash cloth, wipe away oil residue
- (1) pump of neutrogena Fresh Foaming Cleanser ( purple bottle)
- Apply with hands/rinse with cool water
- Pat dry
- Spritz face with rose water
- Apply 4% strength hydroquione with a q-tip to any dark marks or blemishes
- Apply a thin layer of Differin Gel
Weekly
- Change my pillow cases
- Wash my makeup brushes ( using EVOO and Johnson and Johnson Baby Shampoo)
Monthly
- First Sunday of every month Queen Helene Mint Julep Masque
Bi-Monthly
- See Dr. Callender
Quarterly
- Classic pearl facial at The Pearl Spa ( in Fulton, MD )
There you have it! That’s my regimen- and I stick to it- no matter how sleepy or tired I maybe. I take the time to do all the above. Be sure to drink plenty of water and get rest. Suffering from insomnia I’m still struggling with getting enough sleep. ** Baby steps**
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 is a frequently invited speaker at national and international meetings.Dr. Callender has been a visiting Professor of Dermatology at Brown University, the University of Maryland, the University of Florida, Boston University/Tufts and the State University of New York. Dr. Callender has conducted and participated in over forty (40) research studies and clinical trials for both therapeutic and cosmetic products and is a consultant to many cosmetic and pharmaceutical companies. Dr. Callender is frequently quoted and featured in both print and electronic media (including a recent segment on the Dr. Oz Show on Hair Loss In Women) and serves on the Boards of the Women’s Dermatologic Society, where she is Secretary; the Skin of Color Society, where she is a founding member and President, and the North American Hair Research Society.
Dr. Valerie Callender
Dermatology & Cosmetic Center
1200 Annapolis Road
Suite 315
Glendale, MD 20769
301-249-0970
May 9th- Lupus Awareness Fact
May 9: More than 90 percent of people with lupus will experience joint and/or muscle pain that can be disabling. Medication and mind-body therapies can be used to help control the pain associated with lupus.
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
Lupus Awareness Fact- Day 8
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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