Soap or No Soap? How to Have a Healthy Happy Vagina

You've heard the saying "Happy Wife, Happy Life". Well my version of this is "Happy Vagina, Happy Life." Because nobody likes a sad vagina. Furthermore, a clean healthy vagina is what we should all aim for, and teach the other females in our lives about.

Many females have been taught to shame vaginas, that they are nasty, smelly, and should be covered in floral scents and baby powder. No bueno! Your vagina is a self cleaning oven. It is actually, wait for it...... Actually, a healthy vagina is one of the cleanest part of the body! The reasoning behind this is the rapid nature of skin rejuvenation, and the way it balances good and bad bacteria. Other important factors in vaginal health are your diet, and your hygiene routine.

So how do we go about creating a clean healthy happy vagina?

Read More......

MYOM: Fabric Softener Crystals and Epsom Salt Uses and Benefits

Have you seen Purex Crystals Laundry Enhancer? It is the latest thing in laundry news. You pop these crystals in, and your days messy liquid softener and of waiting to add the fabric softener until the rinse cycle are gone. Well, I have an even better option than that, and this one is *sound the trumpets* truly all natural, toxin free, and smells so so good. Purex's version, not even close. That stuff contains all kinds of synthetic ingredients including their fragrances and colors. No bueno! 


My version has just three ingredients. 

You will need: 

• 1 cup of epsom salt
• 1 Tablespoon Kaolin or Bentonite Clay
• 5 drops each of orange, peppermint, and On Guard essential oils. (These are just my choices, you should go with your nose and needs. On guard is an all purpose immunity blend made by doTerra) 

You can also make a version without the clay. Here's a pic of that version. Why would you want to make it without the clay? Maybe you don't like clay. Seriously, you may not just keep clay on hand, so try this version first, and when you fall in love, and you will. You can consider adding the clay for its super cleansing properties. 

Here's what to do:

Put the epsom salt in the glass container of your choosing. Then add the essential oils and shake it, shake it, shake it like a Polaroid picture. The salt will begin to glisten when the essential oil is properly dispersed. If you aren't adding clay, you're done. If you are using clay, add the clay and shake again. That's it! 

How to use:
Add it to your wash at the beginning of the cycle. I like to add it to the water, to insure proper dispersal. 

If you have super sensitive skin, this should be fine. I chose the Kaolin clay with you in mind. I also made the recipe small, so you all could experiment until You came up with the perfect scent and cleansing combination for You. Lastly, this is an addition to, not a replacement for your regular detergent. Don't want you blaming me when your clothes are still dirty (although they would be dirty and smelling hella good).  

Happy Laundering!

XOXO, 
Riss

Want to know more great uses for epsom salt? Check out this blog post on all things epsom salt!

Questions? Comments? Suggestions? Do Share! 

Health 101: Shan

I met this amazing lady when we served in Peace Corps together almost 10 years ago. Over the past year or so, I watched, in awe, as she documented her transformation with resolve and a fierce determination to live in a body she felt good in. I was very inspired by her story. I think you will be too.

How would you define healthy living?

Healthy living: is taking care of yourself on as many levels as you can. Physically, through healthy eating habits and exercise; working on your inner and outer core. Mentally, through your relationship with your personal and professional well-being. Not letting one overpower the other or control your ability to function or to live well. Spiritually, in your quest for guidance through belief or basis with a higher power. Forging a solid foundation by balancing these aspects creates healthy living on a full level.

Were you always healthy, or was there a turning point in your life that made you decide to become healthier?

The turning point for me was about a year and a half ago. We relocated from the east coast to North Carolina. And before I knew it I had gained so much weight, and didn't realize it until I was almost 200 pounds and I'm 5'6! It was a reality check. I was lonely, miserable, depressed, and using food as a tool to delude the fact I was not enjoying living in NC. So I opted to get on track and started juicing, eating better and exercising. And I felt brand new!

What piece of knowledge would you like to share with others?

 Advice: don't let food lead you. It is a powerful killer and we can't keep using culture as an excuse for how we eat. We have to take responsibility for ourselves and our own communities if we want to prevail! Diabetes, hypertension, and high blood pressure run rampant in African American and Latino communities. We have to be our own voice, and when Keisha or Consuela reaches for that extra piece of fried meat tell her to put it down, and suggest you go for a walk instead.

What is the one natural product or practice you can’t live without?

As for natural products...I am torn! It's def between lemon and coconut oil. I am multipurpose, so I need items that I can get the most out of. Lemon is good for digestion, and as toner and cleanser, among other things. Coconut oil is awesome for cooking, and using for hair and skin as a moisturizer/conditioner. I'm torn between which is my fav!!! Aggghhh. But if you can use it to cook, and for your hair & skin it gets a gold star!

What piece of advice would you give your 20 year old self?

To my 20 year old self...your vagina is valuable and precious; love it, cherish it, and don't waste it on those who are not deserving.

What makes you hella fresh?

My quest for knowledge and my love of all things: cultural and in appreciation of Africa and African heritage. It's a big part of my life and plays a direct role in how I raise my children. I want them to be proud, and recognize the beauty of Africa, and that all things first began there.

Anything else?

In addition...sexual health is often unspoken of and we need to stop sweeping it under the rug. Besides allowing food to wage war on ethnic communities, sexual diseases have continually affected minorities, and even more so ethnic women. We have to take control of our sexual well-being and stop living as if HIV/AIDS is a silent killer. HIV/AIDS is loud and profound!

Try It Tuesday: Cleansing Hydrating Citrus Cooler

As spring moves in, and the weather warms up we must be mindful to keep ourselves hydrated. It is time to become conscious of getting enough fluids in, and helping our bodies flush bad things out. Spring is about new beginnings, start a new habit of drinking this, and I am sure you will be glad you did.

I first heard of this recipe from a video I was watching with one of my fav health gurus, Dick Gregory. It is an easy awesome cleansing hydrating super drink. Let's get to it!

Citrus Cooler Recipe

What you'll need:
The juice of 3 grapefruits, 2 oranges, and 1 lemon
Water (distilled is the best, but plain old tap water will work)
Maple syrup or other natural sweetener to taste (optional) (Go easy here. You don't want to wreck the nutrition of this by adding too much sweetener)
a pitcher

What to do:
Just juice the fruit. Once the fruit is juiced then add double the amount of water as you have juice. I juiced about 2 cups from the fruit and added about 4 cups of water. Lastly, if needed add sweetener to give it a little sweetness.

Drink this throughout the day. It is incredibly thirst quenching and the citrus is cleansing for the body. Enjoy!

Tips:

• You can double or triple the recipe, if you like. Just keep the ratios the same (water to juice 2:1)
• Adding slices of the fruit adds to the presentation! The better it looks the more appetizing it is!
• Using a citrus juicer maximizes the amount of juice yielded and saves time. I bought mine at Walmart for a couple of bucks. 
• If you're too pressed for time to squeeze your own juice, you can also make this with juice you buy from the store. Just be mindful of additives and preservatives. Try to find organic juice not from concentrate that has no added sugar.

Let's get our drink on! This is a simple way to start making profound changes in your body and your lifestyle. 

XOXO,
Riss

MYOM: Homemade Baby Powder and Body Acne Scrub

For this week's Make Your Own Monday. I am bringing you some great recipes from two of my favorite blogs. 

This first is a homemade calming baby powder from our friends over at Naturally Mindful. This is the perfect replacement from commercial baby powders, which can be harmful. 

This would make an awesome baby shower gift, and can, of course, be used by adults in exchange for any baby powder needs you may have. Check it out! Click the link or the picture, they both will get you there! 

http://naturallymindful.com/2014/03/homemade-calming-baby-powder.html

This next recipe comes for our friends over at Hug A Tree with Me. It is a simple body Scrub you can use to battle body acne. All of the ingredients are probably already in your kitchen. Give it a try! Click the link or the picture. 

                      http://www.hugatreewithme.com/honeyed-baking-soda-scrub-for-body-acne/

Happy Monday, 

Riss

Gym Class Hero: Summer

I am excited to bring you this new feature called Gym Class Hero, where people who have committed to an active lifestyle share their stories and knowledge on fitness. Summer has an amazing story of transformation and is an inspiration. Read on for her story, advice, and tips on maintaining a healthy active lifestyle. 

How do you view fitness?

In my opinion fitness is a mind over matter situation. People see the lifestyle that I live and they assume that I love to workout. The truth is that many times during the week I do not feel like working out. However, I do so because I know that the pain and discomfort that I feel is only temporary; the results and how I feel are always worth the sacrifice. Fitness goes beyond going to the gym. It includes living a healthy active lifestyle that includes but not limited to: eating healthy, drinking lots of water on a daily, mental health, doing activities that make you happy and brings you joy, etc.

What’s your favorite type of exercise, machine, class,  or workout?

I enjoy group workouts and any workout that involves leg exercises!!!! Working towards a goal is ALWAYS easier when you have someone to share it with. I believe in surrounding myself with like minded individuals.

Where do you do most of your workouts? (i.e, home, outdoors, the dojo, etc)

Most of my workout are done at the gym just because it works with my schedule. However, I love the outdoors, so I workout outside whenever the opportunity presents itself.

Were you always active, or was there a turning point in your life that made you decide to become more fit?

I have always been an active person. However there have been periods in my life where I have gained more weight than I should have. For example, my first year in college and when I became pregnant with my first child. Health and fitness has always been near and dear to my heart. Many of my family members have illnesses that are related to the unhealthy lifestyles that they live. I am all about preventive care; making health choices daily will allow me to live my life to its fullest potential!

What’s your favorite workout song?

Currently, my favorite workout song is “Turn Down for What?” by Dj Snake and Lil John.

What are the three must haves for your gym bag?

1. My half gallon water bottle 

2. Beats by Dr.Dre headphones 

3.Lifting gloves

What do you do to motivate yourself when you just don’t feel like working out?

When I don’t feel like working out I think about how far I’ve come, and why I started. I decided to live a healthy active lifestyle so that I could feel comfortable in my own skin, be a more confident person, and boost my self-esteem. I believe that these three factors affect every other area in my life. When these attributes are in check, then it allows me to be a better wife, mother, sister, friend, student, etc.

Do you have a mantra? What is it?

Yes, “Carpe Diem” this means to “seize the day.” Ever since I was a little girl my mother has always said this to me (at least once a day). When I think of the saying, it reminds me to be all that God has called me to be.

What is your workout schedule like?

I workout five days a week (at least once a day, sometimes twice). My workout typically last 75 minutes. The first 30 minutes I do Cardio, then weight training, and stretching at the end.

What piece of advice do you have for others that would like to become more fit?

I would say to someone who is looking to become more fit that, “pain is temporary, but quitting is forever.” What I mean by that is becoming a better version of yourself is not going to be easy. However, living a healthy lifestyle is ALWAYS worth the blood, sweat, and tears that you will endure along your journey. Also remember that this is a marathon not a sprint; stick with a program that you can see yourself doing the rest of your life. Yo-Yo dieting is not the way to go.  

So far, what has been your greatest accomplishment in terms of your fitness goals?

-I lost 70lbs in a period of 10 months after giving birth to my son

-I now squat 120lbs and I started at 50lbs (my goal is to reach 200lbs)

-I can do overhead dumb raises with 30lbs (started with 10lbs)

How do you fuel your workouts?

I fuel my workouts with the Herbalife nutrition products. I have seen a major difference in my workouts since being on the products.

How do you recover from your workouts?

I recover from my workouts with the Herbalife nutrition products. Since being on the products I am not as sore and my recovery time has been cut in half.

What makes you hella fresh?

What makes me hella fresh is my willingness to be me. When I’m in the gym and I’m taking a few seconds to rest in between sets, I dance. I dance because God has been wonderful to me. He has given me opportunities I never thought possible!

What’s your favorite workout friendly hair style?

For those who don’t know me I am a naturalist. I LOVE my hair, and the most friendly workout hairstyle for me is a two hand twist.

Where can we find you in the webosphere? 

All the lovely people that desire to follow my journey and/or join me:

-Website summercarterbarnes.wix.com/healthyliving

-Facebook Summer Carter-Barnes

-Instagram @all_things_natural

-Twitter @summercarter23

Health 101: Isis of The Goddess Column

I am overjoyed to bring to you this interview featuring Isis of The Goddess Column. She is beauty and light and brings truth in this phenomenal piece. I am brimming with anticipation to share this, so I won't  waste anymore time with my words. Let's go! 

How would you define healthy living?

"A healthy spirit, a healthy mind, and a healthy body"--they're 100% necessary in my eyes. I think more often than not we trick ourselves into thinking that eating healthier or working out is all that it takes to live healthily. I'd even go as far as to say creating and maintaining healthy relationships is a major part of healthy living. It's so important to realize how much influence our mental and emotional state has on our physical well-being! 

Was there a turning point in your life that made you decide to become healthier? 

From a physical standpoint, I just recently became a vegetarian (late October of 2013), which actually was just a part of personal challenge I had given myself. I made sure that as I grew in the challenge that I would further educate myself on why others choose to change their lifestyles as I was challenging myself to. In that time, I learned some of the most heart-wrenching, disgusting, and greedy behavioral acts we [Americans] do to animals solely for the purpose of consumption. On top of not wanting to be one to bring such harm and danger to animals, I absolutely adored the health benefits I reaped from having a plant-based diet and I've stuck with it ever since! 

Mentally and emotionally, after worlds and worlds of turmoil... I found peace; a certain tranquility of the spirit. I had given all my burdens [not just the current ones, but any that I may face in the future as well] to the Lord and let Him know that no matter what I would trust him. That brought along a feeling of freedom and peace that was unlike any I had ever experienced in my life and I did not, by any means, want to let it go. I made sure that from that moment on, I would continue to take care of my mind and spirit by doing things I love--working in my passion, following my dreams and touching the lives of others. It has brought me the greatest joy and most fulfilling life I could live.

What piece of knowledge would you like to share with others?

It is very true that we only get one life to live. There isn't a feeling in the world like truly doing what you love. I'm here to tell you as a living witness that when you find the beauty and the value in being true to who you are in every little aspect of life, nothing will be able to bring you down or hold you back. Never live your life for the likes of anyone but yourself and the good Lord himself (or whoever it is that you do believe in). You'll be surprised how much your light shines when you have emotional, mental, and physical freedom. And as Marianne Williamson reminds us (and as I remind myself each morning):

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”

Be true to who you are. May you find it easier than ever to let your light shine, to touch the lives of many and to live in divine peace, health, and happiness. 

What is the one natural product you can’t live without?

I am addicted to the benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV). Oh my gosh, guys--it's absolutely the best. Whether taking shots of it a day, rinsing my mouth out with it, rinsing my hair with it, or bathing in it altogether... I cannot get enough of it. I didn't begin using ACV so much until I developed Pityriasis Rosea and I found bathing in it soothing to my skin. While using it, just as I did with altering to a vegetarian lifestyle, I continued to research the health benefits of ACV and soon after utilizing most of what I learned--I was hooked. There are so many different uses and health benefits to ACV and all the answers are just a google search away! Check it out..

What piece of advice would you give your younger self?

I love this question, Marissa. I always say to her, first, thank you teaching me so much. I often times seem crazy by how much I talk to and reference Young Isis. She has taught me so much and the older I get the stronger my love, affection, and appreciation grows for her. Being able to recognize the significance of what Young Isis had experiences (the good, the bad, and the hideous) has allowed me to develop spiritually,mentally, and emotionally in ways that many women my age have yet to experience. It has fostered in my an unexplainable freedom to be who I am without any restrictions. 

Lastly, I'd make sure she knows... "Baby girl you are, indeed, someone's dream girl. The way you look, walk, act, talk, is perfect to someone out there in this world. Always remember that. Until you find him or her, be your own dream girl. Take care of yourself now, the way you would if you found the person of your dreams already. Once you find and recognize the true value in yourself, you will not allow that to be diminished, unappreciated, or unexpected from anything or anyone you come up against."

What makes you hella fresh?

My fearlessness makes me hella fresh. I'm not saying that I don't get afraid occasionally, but when my heart speaks my mind, body, and soul listen. We, together, are never afraid of taking a leap of faith when we feel it's the right thing to do. I am not afraid to make mistakes and even less afraid of starting over once I do. I just make sure that no matter what choices I make, that I am being true to who I am when making the decision. One of my best friends I may never meet, Erykah Badu, has a verse in her song 'Didn't Cha Know' that explains what I mean here perfectly:

Time to save the world / Where in the world is all the time / So many things I still don't know
So many times I've changed my mind / Guess I was born to make mistakes / But I ain't scared to take the weight / So when I stumble off the path / I know my heart will guide me back

Where can we find you in the webosphere? 

Some of you natural-lovers may recognize me from KisforKinky (http://www.kisforkinky.com/isis-nezbeth-type-4-natural-hair-inspiration-interview/). I'm proud to say that since then, I have been able to spread my wings and pursuit my dreams as a professional writer. 

Kings and Queens, Gods and Goddesses... join me in cultivating a spirit of freedom and peace by visiting me and my family over at The Goddess Column. My number one goal is to touch lives. Whether you're feeling down and need to hear a word of encouragement; you need to laugh; you have questions about sex, relationships, or health; you want to learn more about people like you and I who are following their dreams; you want to share your own light with the TGC Family and Readers--there's enough love for everyone and I wouldn't be happier to add you to my growing family. 

You can knock on our door at www.thegoddesscolumn.com and I promise we'll answer. Also, feel free to connect with me on Instagram @GoddessGram and Twitter @GoddessColumn. I can't wait to see you there. 

Peace, light, and love good people. 

-Isis. 

April's Book Club Selection

This month's selection for the book club is about growth, and living your best life. I consider myself to be a work in progress, and need all the help I can get. I love to read Martha Beck's column in O Magazine every month. Every time I read one of her pieces, I feel enlightened. As I  perused the table of contents, I immediately knew this was the book I wanted to read with y'all. With essay titles like: When You Should Hold a Grudge, How to Deal With Highly Defensive People in Your Life, Escape Your Rat Race, and How to Be Wildly Successful, I know this will be a game changer. Will you join me?

You can get this book where ever you get books, I like Amazon. It is only $3.99 for the Kindle version. You don't have to have a Kindle to use the Kindle app, you can download the app for your desktop or your devices. More information on free Kindle apps.. 

Let's get enlightened! 

XOXO, 

Riss

Try It Tuesday: Essential Oils

It is April Fool's today, but there is no joking in how wonderful essential oils are. I first fell in love with essential oils when I began making my own self-care products, and wanted to use only natural scents. I bought and mixed lots of scents, and through that began to become more knowledgeable about the other benefits of essential oils. My nose got me to essential oils, but the benefits to my health has kept me.

These powerful plant substances have come to be my first line of defense in my family's health.  I have used them in conjunction with other forms of healing to fight almost every health challenge my family has faced in the past couple of years. I use them to help relieve my son's asthma symptoms, my daughter's horrible hay fever, and my stomach woes. Common colds, critters that love to bite, don't stand a chance with us.

I use essential oils in aromatherapy, which is healing with essential oils through inhalation, ingestion, or application of the oils to the body. Essential oils have been around for thousands of years, and have been used by countless cultures for a myriad of issues. Essential oils are known as the heart and soul of the plant, and are obtained through a process called distillation. In distillation, plants are broken down, heated over water and the oils are released as a vapor that is then collected.

In her book, The Aromatherapy Book, Jeanne Rose explains this process in depth, and also teaches how to create a home still to make your own essential oils. I am as DIY as they come, but I think I'll stick to buying my oils for now.

How do I get started? 

I would advise anyone new to essential oils to start off with a few, then build from there. Essential oils are power volatile substance and must be treated with care. Many can be ingested and applied to the skin directly, but there are those that can cause serious harm. I have put together the information below for your reference.

Essential oils are very versatile. In my home, we cook, clean, eat, drink, meditate, inhale, rub (as in massage, and not that kind of massage *side eye*), and treat boo boos and skin irritations with them. You can mix them in with carrier oils and use them to massage, make body products, or apply to the skin. You can inhale them or put them in a diffuser to disperse the scent. You can cook with and drink certain oils, but you must be careful with this and do your research first. doTerra is the only brand I will ingest because of their distillation process and high quality.

My collection is extensive, and some may say costly, but I don't put a price tag on my family's health. In the long run, the money I invested in these oils will be nothing compared to what I would have spent on doctor's visits. And even worse, trips to the pharmacy, which I find to be the worst place on Earth.

Where do I buy my oils?

There are many essential oil companies out there. I have used oils from: Aura Cacia, Silky Scents, Mountain Rose Herbs (they have the nicest labels), NOW, and doTerra. I have been collecting essential oils for some time now, and have come to like doTerra's essential oils the most. In doing countless hours of research into companies that sell essential oils doTerra kept coming out on top, so that is what I will be buying from now on (or at least until something better come along). Their oils range from $14-100 retail. I get mine wholesale because it saves me 25% and I earn rewards. If you want more info on this feel free to email me.

My doTerra Site

If doTerra just seems way too expensive to you, then try another brand. When I was amassing my oils I used coupon deals like: Living Social and Groupon to get many of the oils. They occasionally have promotions where you can get discounts at health food stores and online retailers. I would jump on these, and come away with deep discounts on some of the more expensive oils. Living Social has a deal on now for $12 for $24 of products at Lucky Vitamins. This could be a good place to start.

I would also be on the look out of sales at Whole Foods and other retailers. You can find some really good deals.

Don't be an April Fool, give essential oils a try. I am sure you will be amazed.

XOXO,
Riss

Do you use essential oils? What are your favorites? Any questions, comments, advise? Chime in!

Try It Tuesday: Flat Abs in 2 days!

I have found the holy grail of ab workouts. If you do these exercises you will have flat abs in only 2 days! I honestly lost 5 inches and have a belly tighter than Janet Jackson's in the late 90s! Now that you've read this far, you're probably thinking this is too good to be true, and you're right. April Fools!

You may not be able to get great abs in two days, but I would like to share with you a couple of great standing ab routines that will help you achieve toned strong abs, all without you having to get on the floor. There is nothing wrong with floor ab work; I just find I like the neck free aspect of standing work. I would often feel like I was getting more of a neck workout than anything else when doing ab work on the floor.

That being said, I love standing ab work! As someone who has been in an ongoing battle with the dreaded mummy tummy, I have found that taking my ab work off the floor has been a great way to tone and strengthen those muscles that were affected by my pregnancies. Even if you don't have a mummy tummy, these are great quick exercises to get you muffin top free and allow you to stop sucking; your belly in that is.

I am sharing with you two ultra quick videos you can use to get started. The first is from Fitness Blender, they produce great short effective workouts. They are no nonsense, no frills, and straight to the point. The other video is from our friend Jessica over at the Dance Fitness with Jessica channel, and is ab work set to music. So go ahead, and try it!









XOXO,
Riss

Questions, Comments, Experiences, do share!