Eating Right - White Smoothie

     Two things I have discovered when it comes to staying fit: I have to keep moving, and blend at least one smoothie each day. Smoothies have proven to me that I can have things that taste good with out them being high in fat and sugar.

Watch this smoothie being blended!

     According to Harley Pasternak's "Body Reset Diet", a smoothie should have the following components:

- A liquid base (milk (dairy/non-dairy), water or flavored water...no juice)

- A lean protein (non-fat Greek yogurt or protein powder)

- Healthy fat (nuts, seeds, avocado)

- High fiber carbohydrates, which consist of any fruit or vegetable

     In the smoothie routine, Pasternak suggests having a white smoothie at the beginning of the day
because of the high fiber content. Some tips would be to to be sure to leave the skin on the apple for the fiber boost, freeze bananas ahead of time, and to add liquid first.

Ingredients:

5 raw almonds, whole or chopped
1 red apple, unpeeled, cored and chopped
1 small banana, frozen and cut into chunks (don't let this be a caveat; if you have a fresh banana, use that)
3/4 cup fat-free plain Greek yogurt
1/2 cup fat-free milk (I use almond milk)
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, or as you like it

     Blend everything together. Add protein powder for an extra boost, and ice cubes or cold water to increase the volume without adding to your caloric load.

Nutrition Info: Calories 325  Total Fat 4 grams   Carbs  56 grams  Protein  19 grams
                           Fiber   8 grams
For more information, check out  "The Body Reset Diet", by Harley Pasternak, available on Amazon.

 The Body Reset Diet: Power Your Metabolism, Blast Fat, and Shed Pounds in Just 15 Days 
by Harley Pasternak 
Link: http://amzn.com/1623362520
#harleypasternak

Christmas Tea

     This holiday season has been truly magical for me and my loved ones. I thought our vacation to SanFrancisco last year was great, but for the first time in many years, we had a wonderful stay-at-home Christmas with family and friends, enjoying this time to be together and celebrate the season with special dinner, baking, gifts and decorations galore! We even organized a family service project to put together baskets for a local women's shelter, along with an awesome Christmas Cookie Swap and cocoa bar. Everyone had so much fun and had plenty of cookies to take home!

     The best time, for me, had to be serving Afternoon Tea to my family. While it was not the first time, nor the most elaborate I have staged, the idea of fellowshipping over a cup of tea and relaxing by the fire as the wind blew outside made this little gathering quite special. My boys and my husband never object to the fineries; they usually select their favorite bone china tea cup, along with a spoon and a napkin for their tasty treats. My daughter enjoys each occasion as an opportunity to post and share with friends on her social media pages about how her family participates in this unique pastime. Most of all, I enjoy watching them take part in being with one another, sharing love and good conversation as we grow closer as a family.

No scones this time, but plenty of savory treats, fruit, and a variety of teas by the tree!

Chocolate Brownie cookies with Peppermint Glaze

Water is piping hot for waiting cups. A fruit platter is filled with grapes and clementines. 

Tuna Sandwiches..quick and simple, but when cut in triangles, they can be kinda classy!

Smoked Deviled Eggs

Pretty cups make tea time special! 

Trying Out Birchbox Samples!!!

    Take a look at my latest post on my channel to find out what the products were like in my December Birchbox!

It's amazing what's inside! Take a peek at  my channel to try out my
samples with me!

Birchbox December Opening

The samples this month are great! Plus I got a tasty chocolatey snack!
To visit the site, click here: Birchbox

     The Holidays are here! And boy, did Birchbox deliver the goods this month in celebration of the winter months ahead. I am happy to announce that the 9.99 per month subscription service did not disappoint with their five samples for December; they even added a bonus snack sample to enjoy.

   I believe that everything-every single thing- in my box this month is something that I can use and is relevant to my profile. It shows me that the team at Birchbox is paying attention and strives to satisfy each and every customer. From the charming blue dotted box and pink tissue paper, to the lip color that immensely surprised me, this December has been an act of over-delivering, and that makes my 10.00 a month a worthwhile investment.

Remember, if you wish to join Birchbox, it's easy! Simply click on the link below the photo above to visit the site. There are great samples, points and cool rewards that brighten your month, and full-sized versions of the sample selections that become your favorites. To see what's inside this month's box,  watch the opening on my YouTube channel, TheAlvinVision ...click here: December Box Opening!

Natural and Loving It!

     So it has been a few weeks since I have made a conscious effort to go natural. I cannot remember the last time I retouched my hair with relaxer: The general routine of a retouch has been replaced by another which involves more caring techniques and practices that protect my hair rather than cause it to break off; I have noticed this occurring less and less often. My husband can't seem to stop putting his hands in it, but I don't mind at all! My friends and family love all of the different looks I create without a weave or extensions in my hair. I learn how to keep my curls or how to stretch them out by chatting with strangers I meet while shopping or going about town. It's funny how this change has, in many ways, introduced me to a whole new community of women I'd probably never speak to otherwise. 

     There are so many tutorials on going natural that I found on YouTube to help me; I discovered the many outcomes that are yielded from braiding or twisting your hair. Each way dictates the look you will achieve, and various products will also affect the curl pattern of your hair. As I've stood in the mirror and worked on these locks, I have noticed that many of these methods we now use have always been a part of the grooming process, but mostly not a means to a particular end. But now, we have uncovered what a few of us have always known: The diligent care of your raw, natural hair is the only true way to stimulate growth, and that growth is substantial, leading to lengths we once thought weren't possible for black hair.

I'm going to list what I've been doing, along with the products I have used so far along the way:

1. It took a little while to find just the right products that worked on my hair. Some stuff out there is not very good, or at least it's not right for me. Since I like to smell my products, the scent also became an important factor when choosing something to use. I chose the following:

Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie- This stuff is great! I put a dollop in and through my hair each night before I begin my routine. It makes my hair so soft and manageable and it lasts for the entire day.

-Curls Creme Brûlée Whipped Curl Creme and Goddess Curls Botanical Gelle...I use this while I flat twist my hair; the Creme I use for the thicker, coarse parts and the Gelle I use for the more straight parts, toward the front. They both smell great, and I like the way they hold the curls after the twist out. 

-Next, my tried and true that my cousin Rashima (#Beautyrashima) introduced me to, Eco Styler with Olive Oil. It is a gel that does not flake, but holds wherever you apply it. I use it for edge control. 

-No wonder the castaways of Gillian's Island were so happy to stay on the Island...they had coconut oil! This stuff does everything, and when it comes to hair and skin, I am an advocate. I put a quarter sized dollop in the palm of my hand after I take down my hair, and run it through. It gives it shine and keeps it from drying out. I even have a little jar in my purse to use for a touch up, and to rub on my lips and hands in this cold, dry weather. 

-When edges are particularly zealous, ORS Edge Control gets the job done. It lays down my edges and stays all day. When I wear an updo, it is vital to have those edges on point. 

     I flat twist my hair using a spray bottle with conditioner, a wide tooth comb, clamps and bone rollers. I've selected the flat twist, because it is faster for me to complete after a long day, and it keeps the hair close to the scalp. If I want a more voluminous look the next day, I will twist individual locks. 

   Bone rollers finish my ends, since they are still straight. I chose to not cut all of my hair off, so the transition is still taking place toward the front of my hair and on the ends. However, I have noticed my new growth is straight and wavy; genetically, the curl pattern in my family is like this, so it will be interesting to see the final grow-out. 

   Am I happy with my decision? Yes, I am. While I may put braids in at the beginning of the year, I have joined ranks with my sister friends and family, and have even set examples for some younger girls in my circle to embrace who they are. I don't think I've taken as many selfies of myself as I have these past few weeks, confidently sharing my styles on Instagram and Facebook. I become passionate about things that are important to me, and promoting authenticity in such a simple way has made me excited. 

Take a look at my twist-out video. I hope it inspires you, or gives you tips on how to get the look you are aiming for!