Repurposing Containers

Recently on Facebook someone posed the question do you recycle your containers when you finish using the products?  I commented that I did and I decided to take it one step further by posting some pictures on how I repurpose my containers. I confess that my material of choice when it comes to containers is glass. I know that some plastics are recycleable and BPA free but I'm willing to pay the extra few cents for glass. I use a mixture of both food or non-food contianers but one doesn't really pay much attention to it once they they've been repurposed it for another use.

Here's just some examples of how I've repurposed my containers.

So, do you recycle and if so how do you recycle/repurpose your containers?

Decadent Beauty - Whoissugar

I'm honored to be featuring one of my favorite YouTubers. Check her out.

How long have you been natural and what led you to go natural?

I wanted to go natural for some time but didn’t have the nerve to cut off all my (LONG) hair. Also, I didn’t have the patience to transition and battle with two different hair textures.That was 6.5 years ago, 2 December 2004 was when I re-established my nappiness.  I was inspired to go natural after professing how “I know who am.”, but I didn’t know a basic characteristic…what texture my natural hair was.

What do you think is the best thing about being natural?
The best thing about being natural is having a uniquehead of hair. NO ONE will ever have the same hair as you. *flips natural hair*







What is your hair care regimen?
My hair care regimen is simple. Drink lots of water. Detangle. Condition. Shampoo when dirty (real or imagined), which is about once per week. Condition (again) after I shampoo it. I use coconut oil and jojoba oil for moisture. I made avideo about it. Like to see it? Here ya go:

How do you maintain moisture?
I drink LOTS of water. I water my hair (shampoo) weekly. While wet, I seal in moisture with coconut and jojoba oils.

Any words of wisdom that you'd like to share with transitioners or newly naturals?
Hang in there. Be patient. You may have many different textures on your head. Shrinkage is real; 12 inches of naturalhair can look like 3 inches of natural hair. Heat (flat irons, blow-dryers, curling irons) is the devil. Be careful,you can ruin your natural hair texture with too much heat. Don’t try to getyour hair to something that it is not meant to do.  Don’t chase the curl pattern or that “good hair”. Love your hair as is. There will be some days where your hair iscompletely busted…and that is ok. Don’t give up. Also, I didn’t transition. O_O I could not deal with the 2 different textures. I will say, the demarcation linebetween your relaxed hair and natural hair is fragile. Be gentle with it. Well, what do you know? I made a video about this topic too:

Is there anything else that you'd like to add?
Watch out for random people touching your hair! Oh, welcome. Bless.

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Au Naturale "Waxing"

Sugaring is an ancient hair removal technique that hails from the Middle East.  This sugar based paste is just as effective as waxing but is much more friendlier to the body.  The natural ingredients for this recipe are simple and can be found in your kitchen.

 

Sugar Paste

2 cups Sugar (white, brown or demerara - DO NOT use powdered sugar)
1/4 cup Lemon juice
1/4 cup Water, distilled
1 tsp Vitamin E oil
1 tsp Jojoba oil
5 drops Tea Tree oil (optional)

In a medium sauce pan combine sugar, lemon juice and water. Over a medium high heat cook the ingredients for 5 to 8 minutes, constantly stirring so that it doesn't burn until it reaches 240 degrees fahrenheit. Once the mixture has reached the desired temperature turn down the heat to medium low and bring to a simmer. Remember to continue stirring the mixture. Once your paste has reached a thick viscosity remove from heat and add your oils, mixing thoroughly. Pour into desired container and store in a dry, cool place.

When applying this paste it doesn't need to be very warm, it can be applied when lukewarm.  It can be applied to the upper lip, arms, legs, brow, back, chest and bikini area. When peeling off this paste you can do so in the direction of the hair growth whereas with waxing it's peeled off against the hair growth, which can cause ingrown hairs.  Sugaring has been known to help elminate this common problem.  Also when the sugar paste is removed it takes the accumulated dead cells with it leaving your skin in tact with a natrual healthy glow.

 

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Ladies, it's important that you're really taking care of your self? Take the quiz and find out!

Henna Deep Conditioning Hair Treatment

Henna powder

Henna helps improves the scalp by removing accumulated product and impurities. Henna also conditions while coating the hair cuticle providing strength, shine while preventing hair loss and breakage.

5 Tbsp Henna powder
3 Tbsp Alma (Gooseberry) powder
1 c Yogurt or Mayonnaise (moisturizing fat-do not use low fat; can also be substituted with favorite conditioner)
1 Egg white (protein-optional)
1 Tbsp coffee powder or coffee water (optional)
Lemon juice from half a lemon
1-2 Tbsp coconut or olive oil (this prevents your hair from drying out)

Mix all ingredients and let it sit covered, overnight in a warm place. Letting it sit overnight is optional; by letting the mixture sit overnight it allows the natural color to be released. Depending on the volume and length of your hair you want to section your hair into four (or more). Apply the henna to your hair from root to tip (make sure you’re wearing plastic gloves and an old t-shirt as henna stains).

After applying the henna to youre entire head cover your hair with a plastic cap or bag (wrap a towel on top of that if you want extra heat) and let it sit for an hour. Wash out with cool or lukewarm water never hot water as it closes up the hair cuticle and doesn’t allow the nutrients to penetrate the hair shaft. There’s no need to use shampoo or conditioner while you wash this out because this treatment conditions and cleanses the hair and scalp. Detangle and style as normal.

NOTE: Egg is a protein so if you’re going to do this treatment then do so once every eight weeks or if your hair is protein sensitive then omit the egg. Otherwise you can do this treatment once a week or how ever often you deep condition your hair. Within three months you should notice how much healthier and stronger you hair has become.