I finally found a shampoo recipe I adore. Last weekend I attempted to use coconut oil to deep condition my hair. I followed the instructions. My hair was SO greasy. I tried a dandruff fighting homemade shampoo recipe and later on diluted lemon juice to de-grease my hair. The next day it was still greasy, so I used actual shampoo. It was less greasy. Day 3 I used the rest of my dandruff fighting shampoo and regular shampoo plus conditioner. My hair was a mess. Day 4 I try chamomile shampoo and it restores my hair to its silky and soft texture I was used to from comerical shampoo and conditioner.
Here's the link to the recipe (blonde castile soap recipe), plus others (such as a recipe for dark-haired individuals): http://hairrecipes.homestead.com/shampoorecipes.html
I do not think I will ever put coconut oil in my hair, but I continue to enjoy it as a lotion on my legs.
For conditioner, I've been keeping it simple with 1 cup of water with 1 Tablespoon of apple cider vinegar.
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Saturday, February 20, 2010
A perfect morning
I use an indefinite article, because there are many ways to have a perfect morning. Here's how God's gift of a delightful morning appeared today.
Ironically, the morning began early. I set my alarm for 6:31 a.m. on a Saturday morning. I secretly hoped it would be a rainy morning so I could stay in bed. I heard rain at 5:30 but not 6:30. I texted my jogging partner: it was on. Despite my late bedtime, I had slept well and felt ready for the day.
We jogged by the bay. We went from Tom Ham's Lighthouse to Island Prime and back to my car, which was parked near Hawthorne. We had incorporated breakfast in our jogging plans, so we decided to take advantage of Little Italy's Farmer's Market. We finished jogging at 8:41 and had time to kill. After parking on Kettner we roamed around in search of an ATM for each of us. Chase was close by, but Bank of America was more of a walk than we realized. Our first 45 minutes was spent searching for money. Once we added more coins to the parking meter, we explored the farmer's market. It was my first time at the one hosted by Little Italy. I think it's my favorite one. Many of them have the same vendors so it's not too special, but I really enjoyed this one. I bought dill mint hummus that I had checked out last week at the farmer's market in North Park. We bought a slice of spinach quiche for breakfast. It had rained a bit, so we weren't keen on sitting down to eat it. As we left, I bought three herb plants: cilantro, spearmint, and rosemary.
The quiche was amazing, and I enjoyed a cup of homemade chai latte as well.
Now I need to cram in some weeding, cleaning, and a trip to North Park Produce before Connery comes over. Then I'll end the day with supper club, facials, and foot soaks.
Praise be to God for setting up such a beautiful day for me to enjoy. My jogging partner and I have plans to replicate this morning next week. Perhaps I'll try a new quiche or a turkey and brie breakfast option. I may have to try the spiced cherry apple cider. I think I'll start making my own hummus, though. I'm so thankful to feel motivated after an unproductive Friday evening. Thanks for looking out, Jesus!
Ironically, the morning began early. I set my alarm for 6:31 a.m. on a Saturday morning. I secretly hoped it would be a rainy morning so I could stay in bed. I heard rain at 5:30 but not 6:30. I texted my jogging partner: it was on. Despite my late bedtime, I had slept well and felt ready for the day.
We jogged by the bay. We went from Tom Ham's Lighthouse to Island Prime and back to my car, which was parked near Hawthorne. We had incorporated breakfast in our jogging plans, so we decided to take advantage of Little Italy's Farmer's Market. We finished jogging at 8:41 and had time to kill. After parking on Kettner we roamed around in search of an ATM for each of us. Chase was close by, but Bank of America was more of a walk than we realized. Our first 45 minutes was spent searching for money. Once we added more coins to the parking meter, we explored the farmer's market. It was my first time at the one hosted by Little Italy. I think it's my favorite one. Many of them have the same vendors so it's not too special, but I really enjoyed this one. I bought dill mint hummus that I had checked out last week at the farmer's market in North Park. We bought a slice of spinach quiche for breakfast. It had rained a bit, so we weren't keen on sitting down to eat it. As we left, I bought three herb plants: cilantro, spearmint, and rosemary.
The quiche was amazing, and I enjoyed a cup of homemade chai latte as well.
Now I need to cram in some weeding, cleaning, and a trip to North Park Produce before Connery comes over. Then I'll end the day with supper club, facials, and foot soaks.
Praise be to God for setting up such a beautiful day for me to enjoy. My jogging partner and I have plans to replicate this morning next week. Perhaps I'll try a new quiche or a turkey and brie breakfast option. I may have to try the spiced cherry apple cider. I think I'll start making my own hummus, though. I'm so thankful to feel motivated after an unproductive Friday evening. Thanks for looking out, Jesus!
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Groupon strikes again.
Segue body wraps chose this slogan: From grilled chicken strips to fractured deer leg, everything is three times better when wrapped.
Does this mean eating a deer leg or putting a cast on a deer leg? Either way, I'd prefer a blanket analogy.
Does this mean eating a deer leg or putting a cast on a deer leg? Either way, I'd prefer a blanket analogy.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
A challenge
I used the following verse in my devotional:
Mark
Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, “If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all.”
I then used it to challenge my devotional readers and myself to serve our enemies. Love those whom we do not want to love. What affects would we feel as we loved our enemies?
So, I've been looking around for enemies outside of my own personal demons. Thus far, it appears my enemies emerge when I am driving. By that, I mean I am most hateful and angry when I drive. I am working on being more patient with other drivers and accepting them for driving at their own speed, or lack thereof.
Often when in a lane that is merging from two to one, I hate when people drive in the lane that is ending to get ahead. It drives me crazy, and I speed up so that car does not pass me. I have not yet had the opportunity to let that person pass me. In all honesty, I may not think of it until it is too late, but I've been preparing for it.
Last night I was driving a few teenagers home after I.O.B. A car was pulling out in front of me, because the driver was not looking both ways until she was halfway in my lane. She stopped; I was already slowing down, so I motioned for her to go. It can be tough to go straight or turn left across or onto Adams Ave. One of the teens said I was patient or nice. I told her that I try, and sometimes it's hard.
I have noticed a quality of peace when driving. I don't have as much internal anxiety or hurriedness. Even if I'm late, I remind myself that I'll get there when I get there. What's a few minutes?
There are other people, or enemies, that I need to love in my life, but I'll start with the enemies that are more removed first. It's easier that way. Baby steps until Jesus pushes me to run.
Who are the enemies in your life in which you can serve?
Monday, February 8, 2010
My Hippie Path
Recently, I have begun to make my own granola, shampoo, conditioner, face wash, and moisturizer. Here's a peek at my process to guide you in your journey, if you so choose.
1. Granola
Last year I once had a conversation via text message with a friend lamenting that we should make our own granola bars to avoid High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS). We never did make any of our own granola bars.
For Christmas, however, I received a homemade batch of granola. It was fabulous: delicious, nutritious, and sans HFCS. I'm not a huge fan of cereal, but I became hooked on granola. It was filling and tasty, a combination I have yet to find in boxed cereals. I've been making my own ever since. I just made batch #5 the other day.
Granola, apparently, is the gateway drug to DIY projects.
2. Shampoo and Conditioner
My friend mentioned a recipe for making one's own shampoo and conditioner. I tried it for a week. Shampoo = 1 cup water with 1 TB of baking soda; Conditioner = 1 cup water with 1 TB apple cider vinegar. I had the ingredients, so I did it. It cleaned my hair, but the combination of the altered texture of my hair and dumping water on my head in the shower was discouraging. So I googled herbal shampoo recipes. I found a recipe for Green tea shampoo, I added my own lime juice to duplicate my Kiss My Face Green tea and lime shampoo. It's not quite the same. I use castile soap, so I have suds even though it is still a thin liquid. I made an egg yolk conditioner that is similair to dumping water on my hair, but I can tolerate it.
Here are the websites I used:
http://www.yoga4beginners.org/green-tea/shampoo.html
The website recommends a strong cup of green tea. I added 3 tea bags to 1 cup of water. I still do not know if that is strong enough. Yesterday, I may have noticed dandruff in my hair, so I'm fairly certain I will be googling for new additions. I store the shampoo in the fridge, but I'm not sure if it's necessary.
http://hair-care.suite101.com/article.cfm/home_made_shampoo_and_conditioner_recipes
I use the egg conditioner. This definitely requires refrigeration.
A word of advice regarding DIY shampoo and conditioner. The texture of my hair has changed. It is still soft but not silky like commercial shampoo and conditioner made it feel. It does, however, appear to be thicker and moldable. I am getting a haircut this Saturday and will discuss my new habit with my hairstylist.
A bit of a how-to with the conditioner, I use it on the ends of my hair, avoiding the scalp in the front. I use to use it on the entire portion of my head but found the hair near my bangs on my scalp looked greasy. I drench the hair in front of my face midway down and then put a little bit on the back of my head to soften the hair.
3. Facial products
A few days ago, I made my very own face wash and moisturizer. I'm already a fan. I made a honey facial wash and an aloe vera moisturizer. Aloe vera is perfect for my acne-ridden skin to reduce the redness. I'm hopeful for some clear skin sans prescription pills. We shall see.
I discovered this blog, and I'm a huge fan.
Honey face wash: http://www.towards-sustainability.com/2008/07/homemade-honey-facial-cleanser.html
Moisturizer: http://www.towards-sustainability.com/2008/01/damn-plastic-bags-homemade-moisturiser.html
4. What's next?
I looked into making my own body lotion and several people recommend coconut oil. No mixing there. Here's an article about coconut oil: http://www.organicfacts.net/organic-oils/organic-coconut-oil/health-benefits-of-coconut-oil.html
I haven't fact-checked anything, but it makes coconut oil sound miraculous.
My next project is making my own toothpaste: http://www.towards-sustainability.com/2007/05/homemade-toothpaste-dishwashing-liquid.html
1. Granola
Last year I once had a conversation via text message with a friend lamenting that we should make our own granola bars to avoid High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS). We never did make any of our own granola bars.
For Christmas, however, I received a homemade batch of granola. It was fabulous: delicious, nutritious, and sans HFCS. I'm not a huge fan of cereal, but I became hooked on granola. It was filling and tasty, a combination I have yet to find in boxed cereals. I've been making my own ever since. I just made batch #5 the other day.
Granola, apparently, is the gateway drug to DIY projects.
2. Shampoo and Conditioner
My friend mentioned a recipe for making one's own shampoo and conditioner. I tried it for a week. Shampoo = 1 cup water with 1 TB of baking soda; Conditioner = 1 cup water with 1 TB apple cider vinegar. I had the ingredients, so I did it. It cleaned my hair, but the combination of the altered texture of my hair and dumping water on my head in the shower was discouraging. So I googled herbal shampoo recipes. I found a recipe for Green tea shampoo, I added my own lime juice to duplicate my Kiss My Face Green tea and lime shampoo. It's not quite the same. I use castile soap, so I have suds even though it is still a thin liquid. I made an egg yolk conditioner that is similair to dumping water on my hair, but I can tolerate it.
Here are the websites I used:
http://www.yoga4beginners.org/green-tea/shampoo.html
The website recommends a strong cup of green tea. I added 3 tea bags to 1 cup of water. I still do not know if that is strong enough. Yesterday, I may have noticed dandruff in my hair, so I'm fairly certain I will be googling for new additions. I store the shampoo in the fridge, but I'm not sure if it's necessary.
http://hair-care.suite101.com/article.cfm/home_made_shampoo_and_conditioner_recipes
I use the egg conditioner. This definitely requires refrigeration.
A word of advice regarding DIY shampoo and conditioner. The texture of my hair has changed. It is still soft but not silky like commercial shampoo and conditioner made it feel. It does, however, appear to be thicker and moldable. I am getting a haircut this Saturday and will discuss my new habit with my hairstylist.
A bit of a how-to with the conditioner, I use it on the ends of my hair, avoiding the scalp in the front. I use to use it on the entire portion of my head but found the hair near my bangs on my scalp looked greasy. I drench the hair in front of my face midway down and then put a little bit on the back of my head to soften the hair.
3. Facial products
A few days ago, I made my very own face wash and moisturizer. I'm already a fan. I made a honey facial wash and an aloe vera moisturizer. Aloe vera is perfect for my acne-ridden skin to reduce the redness. I'm hopeful for some clear skin sans prescription pills. We shall see.
I discovered this blog, and I'm a huge fan.
Honey face wash: http://www.towards-sustainability.com/2008/07/homemade-honey-facial-cleanser.html
Moisturizer: http://www.towards-sustainability.com/2008/01/damn-plastic-bags-homemade-moisturiser.html
4. What's next?
I looked into making my own body lotion and several people recommend coconut oil. No mixing there. Here's an article about coconut oil: http://www.organicfacts.net/organic-oils/organic-coconut-oil/health-benefits-of-coconut-oil.html
I haven't fact-checked anything, but it makes coconut oil sound miraculous.
My next project is making my own toothpaste: http://www.towards-sustainability.com/2007/05/homemade-toothpaste-dishwashing-liquid.html
City Heights
God is moving in City Heights. He is using the body of Christ. Mark 14:38 The spirit is willing, but the body is weak.
Harbor-Mid City has an exceptionally willing spirit, but it's body is also weak.
Lord Jesus, we, as your body, as the church, completely put our faith in you. We know that you will provide for us. We may not fully know what that looks like, but we are working toward your vision. Lord, lead the leaders of Harbor-Mid City. Lead them into provision; we know you will open the doors of the charter school/community center. We trust that the leadership will be sensitive to your will and the opportunities you provide. We know that the charter school will be a sign of your glory. It will be a beacon of your light illuminating City Heights. Father, we thank you for sharing your love of the people in City Heights with your body attending Harbor-Mid City. Through you, we will spread your gospel. Your glory will reign in City Heights. The people of City Heights already know your love inwardly and will begin to see your love outwardly.
Lord Jesus, I also lift up the teenagers and leadership of I.O.B. I trust you will heal the brokenness among the teens. I trust that you are using the leadership to plant and nurture seeds. I know those seeds will grow to fruition, even if I do not know the exact date. I thank you for showing up every Tuesday to strengthen our community. I pray you will strengthen the leadership team and help us shine your light. Help us point to you as we acknowledge only you can satisfy the needs of the teens. Help us equip the teens with tools to seek you out when they are in the darkness. I see you doing this, and I know you will continue to bring strength and encouragement to the leadership team. Colossians 3: 3 and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. Jesus, continue to teach I.O.B. teens and leaders to be hidden in you, so we can grow together in relationship with you.
I praise you for answering this prayer, for listening to an unworthy servant. I thank you for your mercy and forgiveness, may you teach me to forgive others despite my hardened heart.
Harbor-Mid City has an exceptionally willing spirit, but it's body is also weak.
Lord Jesus, we, as your body, as the church, completely put our faith in you. We know that you will provide for us. We may not fully know what that looks like, but we are working toward your vision. Lord, lead the leaders of Harbor-Mid City. Lead them into provision; we know you will open the doors of the charter school/community center. We trust that the leadership will be sensitive to your will and the opportunities you provide. We know that the charter school will be a sign of your glory. It will be a beacon of your light illuminating City Heights. Father, we thank you for sharing your love of the people in City Heights with your body attending Harbor-Mid City. Through you, we will spread your gospel. Your glory will reign in City Heights. The people of City Heights already know your love inwardly and will begin to see your love outwardly.
Lord Jesus, I also lift up the teenagers and leadership of I.O.B. I trust you will heal the brokenness among the teens. I trust that you are using the leadership to plant and nurture seeds. I know those seeds will grow to fruition, even if I do not know the exact date. I thank you for showing up every Tuesday to strengthen our community. I pray you will strengthen the leadership team and help us shine your light. Help us point to you as we acknowledge only you can satisfy the needs of the teens. Help us equip the teens with tools to seek you out when they are in the darkness. I see you doing this, and I know you will continue to bring strength and encouragement to the leadership team. Colossians 3: 3 and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. Jesus, continue to teach I.O.B. teens and leaders to be hidden in you, so we can grow together in relationship with you.
I praise you for answering this prayer, for listening to an unworthy servant. I thank you for your mercy and forgiveness, may you teach me to forgive others despite my hardened heart.
Saddle Up
After discovering a blog titled "Towards Sustainability," I have become inspired to update my blog. So here's a picture of a sign pre-digital camera. It was taken in Boston in 2005. In case the quality is too poor, as it was taken while waiting for friends to buy booze, the billboard ponders, "How do you ride?" Well, how do you?
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Haiti
So this new label has been inspired by my daily devotionals. I'm currently reading Mark, and I've never fully realized how revolutionary prayer can be. I'm still not sure I fully comprehend the power of prayer and the vulnerability of believing my prayer with complete faith is scary, but I must apply my theory.
The revolutionary verse is Mark 11:22-25.
My goal with this Prayer: completely, faithfully label is to pray for different regions of the world. I am to believe completely that God is in the process of making my prayer happen. If I can do that, God and I are changing the world. Won't you change the world with us?
Dear Heavenly Father,
You are a God of the living. I know you have welcomed the tragic victims of the earthquake in Haiti with welcome, loving arms. They have conquered death; they are safe in your presence. The survivors are also safe in your presence.
Jesus, I have a friend going to Haiti next week. This is the reason why I am beginning with Haiti. I know you will keep him safe and guide all that he does. Jesus, I trust you will use my friend as an extension of your body. You will fill my friend with your love, peace, and mercy. My friend will then shine your light all over Haiti. Haiti will become ablaze in your glory.
God, I know you love the people of Haiti. I have seen you inspire many people to donate to Haiti. I trust you will keep that spirit of generosity alive as time passes. I trust you will not forget about the people in Haiti and that you will not let others forget about Haiti.
God, you will rebuild Haiti so it is better than it was before the earthquake. You alone will make this happen. Blessed be the people in Haiti for they truly know your glory and your love.
Jesus watch over everyone involved in the rebuilding of Haiti, as I know you already are.
Thank you for your love and mercy.
The revolutionary verse is Mark 11:22-25.
My goal with this Prayer: completely, faithfully label is to pray for different regions of the world. I am to believe completely that God is in the process of making my prayer happen. If I can do that, God and I are changing the world. Won't you change the world with us?
Dear Heavenly Father,
You are a God of the living. I know you have welcomed the tragic victims of the earthquake in Haiti with welcome, loving arms. They have conquered death; they are safe in your presence. The survivors are also safe in your presence.
Jesus, I have a friend going to Haiti next week. This is the reason why I am beginning with Haiti. I know you will keep him safe and guide all that he does. Jesus, I trust you will use my friend as an extension of your body. You will fill my friend with your love, peace, and mercy. My friend will then shine your light all over Haiti. Haiti will become ablaze in your glory.
God, I know you love the people of Haiti. I have seen you inspire many people to donate to Haiti. I trust you will keep that spirit of generosity alive as time passes. I trust you will not forget about the people in Haiti and that you will not let others forget about Haiti.
God, you will rebuild Haiti so it is better than it was before the earthquake. You alone will make this happen. Blessed be the people in Haiti for they truly know your glory and your love.
Jesus watch over everyone involved in the rebuilding of Haiti, as I know you already are.
Thank you for your love and mercy.
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