Health

Healthy Hair Vid- Product Review and Contest- Morning Dew Hair Products

2012-08-05T03:58:54Z

Hey Hey Hey. A hair care video is long over due so I'm back with not only hair talk but with a contest! I'm reviewing a fantastic all natural hair moisturizer from Morning Dew Hair Products based in Gainesville Florida. In the video below, I'm sharing my thoughs and reactions after using this product for over six months. In short, I love it. This is a great all natural product that leaves your hair moisturized, protected, light and smelling like GREATNESS! There are not mineral oils or petroleum and a little goes a long way. It's a great product for relaxed girls and it's a miracle product for defining the curls for all of you natural girls out there. I used the products for my braid out and twists outs and to moisturize my hair when protective styling. It's a winner!

Please get into the video and if you'd like to try Mango Coconut Sunshine check out the video and leave a comment on the Youtube page to enter to win the contest. The contest runs from Sunday August 5th and will run for seven days until Sunday August 12th at 11:59pm EST. Contest Rules are listed below. Please visit www.MorningDewHair.com and support this thriving small business. I can assure you, you won't be sorry. Happy Hair Growing!

Contest Rules

1. Must be subscribed to my Youtube Channel- www.youtube.com/NothinButTreble1220

2. Must like The GlamNERDS.com Facebook Fan Page - http://www.facebook.com/TheGlamNERDS

3. Must like Morning Dew Hair Products Fan Page- http://www.facebook.com/MorningDewHairProducts

4. Leave a comment on the video page stating your interest in being entered in the contest

Contest Runs August 5th- August 12th and 11:59am EST

Winner will receive a jar of Mango Coconut Sunshine

1st Giveaway of Back to School Month on www.TheGlamNERDS.com. New blog posts every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Check it out and Tell A Friend.

KettleWorx Diary- Entry #4

2011-01-26T17:17:52Z

I haven't updated you all on my fitness in a week or so , so that 's the first order of business for today. I'm more than half way through the six week Kettle work transformation and I'm loving the results. I haven't gotten on a scale , as my inevitability of my femininity has made its presence known. I'm sure you ladies know that water weight gain is often a side effect so for that reason I've elected to keep my tail of scale to prevent any and all tantrums and self depreciation. But despite all that I'm seeing and feeling progress. My stomach is flat, like flatter than it's been in months. My posture is improving and my clothes are fitting better. I feel lighter and leaner and to top it off at choir rehearsal on Saturday, my friend Lashaunda said the three magic words " You look smaller" *Booty pops then toe touches into a gravity defying death dip and all that after expertly hitting my dougie* FTW!!!

I'm officially forever a fan of the Kettle Worx Program. Not only am I seeing results but I'm feeling them. I'm making it through the workouts with a bit more ease and I feel stronger. Exercises that I struggled to do when I started the program are coming a lot easier. And in only an hour a week, I feel like I'm really getting into shape and conditioning my body. I actually feel the urge to workout slowly creeping back into my ddaily routine. Which is exactly what I was hoping to achieve when I started this program. This week I'm going to try to integrate some of the other area specific workouts into my week. I'll keep you guys posted on that.

I still have work to do. I need to grow and get better especially when it comes to my eating. As I've stated in previous posts I'm really trying to stay away from removing food groups from my diet this time around. I'm learning portion control and integrating the foods I want with control and in moderation. But between you and me, (lean in close) I'M HUNGRY! Especially due to physical conditions described previously, (PMS, Post MS and the MS itself) I want to eat the foods that I want. Deep sigh! Ugh.. Right now everything about me wants a veggie burger and sweet potato fries! *Insert Slave Cry HERE* As I suck my teeth. I can't promise that I won't go just that in a few minutes. But I'll try to balance it out SMH! Why can't I just eat what I want and still by fly.

KettleWorx Diary- Entry #3

2011-01-12T02:22:51Z

I've just started the third week of my program and I gotta tell you. I'm feeling good. I didn't think I would say this so early but I'm impressed. Last night, I did NOT feel like working out but I made myself do it and after I finised I was really so glad I did. If there is one thing you can say about me, I'm not cliche and I got two big hips that I tend to shoot straight from. You can always expect my honest feelings and reactions about the products I purchase. I've ordered my fair share of workout DVDs and gadgets and I can't even lie, I'm glad that I invested in the KettleWorx system. The workouts are short, you do a different one every time so you don't get bored and they are presented in a way that pushes you to keep going even when your muscles are aching for relief. At first I was like how hard could these lil 20 min workouts be? Or am I really getting a full body workout in such a short amount of time? But last night the back of my wife beater was DRENCHED and my breathing was labored..If I'd spent those 20 minutes on the elliptical I'm certain it wouldn't have been that serious.

As usual when I decide to take my fitness seriously I'm good for two weeks before I start getting lazy. I feel the slothfulness brewing, but I will press on, lol. Its not just the working out, it's eating, one of the things I've always loved to do. Previously I've completely cut out types of food. I'd stop eating meat or carbs or dairy. I can keep it up for a bit but when I try to integrate those things back into my diet I feel really guilty and beat myself up. This time, I've decided that I won't be so strict in limiting myself in what I can and can not eat. While being vegetarian/vegan for a period of time did teach me how to integrate healthier options into my diet and enjoy them, I've learned that living with out chicken and cheese is just not the life that I'm about. #judgemefreely I don't even care. Frankly, I'm just too much of a foodie for all that. I think that if I work hard I deserve to have the things that I enjoy, I just need to learn some restraint. This time that I will really work to strengthen my discipline and learn how to eat the foods that I enjoy in moderation. I know this is going to be HARD because,as embarrassing as it is for me to admit this, I LOVE FRIED CHICKEN and when I eat it, I tend to want to eat it as much as I can. *Sigh* Anyway, while I'm doing this 6wk Kettleworx program I've decided to allow myself chicken and fish but only baked. If I make it through I will treat myself to Popeyes! I won't go crazy. I'll have just two pieces and I'll make sure it's midday on a double workout day. I'll skip the seasoned fries (although I love them) and I'll have lots and lots of water. This way I'll have something to work toward. Fair enough?!

I'll wrap up this entry here, and stay tuned. I've been keeping track of my progress by taking my measurements. My tail is looking great in my jeans already so I'm sure I'll have good news when I finish the 6wk transformation. Happy Healthy Living Guys!

Hair Talk- My Pretty Gross Protein Treatment

2011-01-05T21:53:58Z

Back again to share another step of my healthy hair regiment, a solid protein treatment. At least once a month I do a hard protein treatment to make sure remains strong and soft. There are solid protein treatments available from several companies such as Aphogee, Giovanni, Paul Mitchell and more. But if you're budgeting like myself. you can get just as much bang for half the bucks making your own treatment using the contents of your own refrigerator. Through several YouTubers and hair care forums I've learned the Egg Treatment. I've made it my own and I'm here to share it with you. Below you'll find the ingredients and a video showing you how I do it. If you have any questions you know how to reach me.

The Recipe

1 Egg

A Spoonful of Conditioner ( ORS Hair Mayonnaise)

A Capful of Natural Oil Mixture ( Olive, Jojoba, Coconut, Avocado)

Mix all of the ingredients together and apply to damp hair and let sit from 10-40 minutes

Wash with Clarifying/Moisturizing Shampoo and Condition

Style as Desired

Video

KettleWorx Workout Diary Entry #2

2011-01-04T05:37:20Z

So I've officially completed one week of the KetteWorx program and I'm still walking like Sophia Petrillo. I have to say that I feel a little bit better than I did after the first workout, but I still feel that resounding ouch would be in order. I've done three of the 20 minute workouts, with the required day of rest between each and I feel good. The program requires a 1 cardio, 1 core, and 1 resistance workout a week. As for week 1, I think resistance was my favorite and if you're wondering which one I loathed, I believe the cardio workout to be the devil. I guess that's where I need the most work. I actually just finished the cardio workout to for week 2. I dreaded it but just made myself do it to get it over with. At the end I was super grateful and lowkey souped that I'd made it though and honestly I did a lot better than I did last week. Today I actually completed both workout segments, where last week I watched the majority of the 2nd. So I guess that's some level of progress. But I will say if the workouts get worst from this point, I am HORRIFIED.

This week also marks the start of my attempt at healthy eating to compliment the exercise program. For me this is the hardest part. At first I was going to cleanse by eating only veggies and whole grains. I’ve done this vegan diet before to detox and then I’d slowly integrate meat and dairy back into my healthy lifestyle. But the last time I did that I didn't find it to be all that effective. I’ve found that when I started eating meat again I would feel terribly guilty and be paranoid that doing so would result in me gaining a lot of weight. I don’t feel like going through that again. This time I’ve decided to try and learn to integrate lean meat and protein into my diet the right way from the start. This should be interesting. Also while reading the message board at Fierce Fit and Fabulous I realized that I don’t eat enough. I eat once maybe twice a day and while the consensus seems to be smaller meals more frequently, to get my metabolism going. I need to do some research and . I’ll come back and post more about that soon.

Keep it where you got it.

KettleWorx Diary- Introduction

2010-12-29T06:23:26Z

So as you may or may not know I’m a foodie fighting a life long battle of the bulge. My pediatrician put me on my first diet in the 7^th grade thus marking the dawn of a very unhealthy self concept and perception of the health and physical fitness. I’ll spare you the details but lets just say I’m the brand of woman who’s jealous of the girls that can eat what they want and still look great. I’ve decided to blog about the next episode in this saga. I recently purchased the Kettle Worx Body Transformation Program and will be documenting my journey and progress through the program here on TheGlamNERDS.com.

I placed my order on the December 18^th and received the system probably around December 23^rd. Today, December 28^th, I decided to open the box. Between Christmas dinner and the blizzard that had me house bound I’ve been eating like I don’t have any sense and was feeling just plain guilty so please don't judge me for not opening the box sooner. Today I decided I wouldn’t officially start but would watch the introductory video and do the sample workout to give myself and overall feel for what I was about to get myself into.

My reaction in two words… I’m scared. I used to be a gym bum, faithful to my fitness commitments and working out at least 3-4 times a week. I’d go to the gym after work and spend about 60 or 90 minutes there. When I started school in 2008, I was still going but found my motivation feigning at the hands of my homework, the blog and other more pressing priorities. It wasn’t long before I was completely uninterested in going. I’d become lazy and bored with the workout machines and if I made it to the gym once a week I was proud of myself. Instead of working out regularly I decided to change my eating habits. This year I started experimenting with fasts and detox programs and vegan and vegetarian diets. It’s worked for the most part in maintaining my weight but lately I miss moving. On top of everything else, I also suffer from Rhematoid Arthritis and working out helped me deal with condition by contributing to my strength and mobility and working against my stiffness. I bought the Kettle Worx program because the workouts are intense but only 20 minutes and the program only requires that you do them three times a week. Additionally, from what I could gather from my research, the program didn’t really require a lot of strain on your bones and joints . You can read up on the program on their website, www.Kettlworx.com.

After doing the first workout I think I may have been off the mark slightly. I’ll keep an open mind and commit to the program but I’m not so sure if my RA will get in the way.

Honestly I can’t tell if I’m just out of shape or what but this what not easy. I couldn’t make it through the thing without stopping. I felt old and obese. iEmbarrassed! SMH. Also the cold weather and snow doesn’t really help my situation. Maybe I shouldn’t bworking out at 11:30pm either. I’ll try to figure out what works best. I’m going to try and see it through and hopefully will be able to keep track of my progress here on the blog. I’ve also joined www.fiercefitfab.com a new discussion board that was started by Jia of www.missjia.com. I’ll be participating there as well in hopes to get some support and motivation to get up off my spreading backside and keep the children gagging at my itty bitty waist, toned arms, pert backside and things. This should be interesting. I can’t say that my goal is to be mega mad skinny or even be a particular size. I just want to look good and feel good. When I was a gym bum my confidence was better than it has ever been, since I’ve gotten lazy I can see a difference in how I carry myself. I just want to get the “you can’t tell that bish nothing” back in my walk. I’m thinking that Monday January 3^rd will be my start day. Although I cringe at joining the cliché “I’ma lose weight” New Years resolutioners, I do not want to put this off any longer. Here goes…

Healthy Hair Update December 2010

2010-12-09T20:26:56Z

Back again to share my progress.. Each year on Thanksgiving I chart my progress on my healthy hair journey. I'm very pleased with and grateful my growth and I'm here to share my regimen to encourage anyone who's been thinking about learning how to care for their hair properly. On my Youtube channel I have several videos on some of the things that I've been doing to care for my hair. Check it out and feel free to subscribe if you haven't already. If you have you already rock my socks and for that I thank you.

I've listed my general hair care regimen below as well as my December 2010 Update video. Get into it. If you have any questions ya'll can always send an email here or check out my twitter by clicking HERE!

Update Vid

My Regimen

Prepoo Overnight

Wash 2x with Sulfate Free Shampoo( I use a wide range of products, Organix, Giovanni, Jason's Biotin)

Deep Condition( I often use ORS Replenishing Packet, or my same Prepoo mixture with HEAT) I follow up with Aphogee 2min Reconstructor and/or Aussie 3 min mask. I then rinse my hair with cold water... to seal the cuticle

Add Leave Ins- CHI Silk Infusion, Infusium 23, Aphogee Green Tea Restructurizer, Neutreogena Triple Moisture Leave Silk Leave in Cream

Air Dry

Style

I wash once a week and throughout the week I minimize the combing and manipulation and moisturize and seal with a very small amount of Herbal Essences Long Term Relationship and Coconut Oil. I also keep a hair calendar where I chart what I'm doing every week. I try to alternate between protein and moisturizing treatments and the calendar helps me keep track of that as well as trims and relaxers. I also take a daily vitamin, drink lots of water and try to eat well. What goes in your body has a lot to do with maintaining your healthy hair as well.

This is just a very general regimen I make changes and revisions all the time. Everyone's hair is different. It's best to just get out there and try and figure out what works for you. Do your research and learn your hair type. Armed with that knowledge you won't waste a lot of time and money on products and styles that don't work best for you hair.

I hope this is helpful to you and if you have any specific questions you know how to reach me. Happy Hair Growing!!!!

Tykeia

The Truth About the Freshman Swole

2010-09-02T15:42:30Z

Freshmen can gain weight in college for several different reasons. Mainly it's a matter of accessibility. Now a days college campuses can easily resemble all inclusive vacation resorts. Campuses boas of on site laundry, state of the art exercise facilities, contemporary interior/design and decor and 'round the clock eateries. The food is not only is available at all hours of the day and night, but it’s almost as if it’s free. You can walk around campus with lint all up and through you pockets and with one swipe of your ID card you've got chicken fingers and fries for you and your homies. I'm talking fast food chains in the student union, desserts and ice cream in the dining hall, and that damn Belgium waffle maker at Brunch on the weekends. With amenities like these, it is very easy to get carried away. You could be well on your way to Fashions by Clareece Precious Jones by or before Christmas Break. Don't let it happen to you.

Today we’ll tackle the responsibility and restraint to be exercised when it comes to food. My aim is to make you aware of the dangers of cafeteria/campus dining better known as the Freshman 15, ( or even 20 or 30, YIKES.)

WERQQQQ!

The best way to combat the Freshman 15 is to realize that it can (and will) happen to you. There are no tricks or special strategies, it’s really just common sense. Think about everything that you’re eating (and drinking) and how your diet interacts with the rest of your life. If you eat a cheeseburger, fries and a milkshake and then go to your room and take nap EVERYDAY then the chances of your booty meat swelling are increased exponentially. I'm not telling you not to enjoy yourself. By all means take advantage of the amenites available to you. I'm just urging you to be cognizant of your actions and the consequences thereof. You're body is changing and so is your schedule. Dorm life is totally different animal and frankly makes matters worst. Think about it, when your bed is literally across campus you nap more. Additionally, you have a lot more free time, sit , chill, lay up, SNACK, etc. These changes often lead to weight gain. Keep these things in mind and be thoughtful in what you choose to eat and drink.

Additionally, think about your eating habits prior to coming to college and try your best not to stray from what you're accustomed to. Your body may respond negatively to a radical change in your eating habits. I’ll use myself as an example. I didn’t grow up in a Kool-aid house. You may have gotten a cup of OJ with your breakfast, but for the most part we drank water with our meals. On Friday, Grandma would buy a soda to have with dinner but that’s it. When I got to college, the fountains drink machines, and the empty calories therein, did me in. Drinking juice with every meal would’ve pushed me straight into Ashley Stewart's fabulous fashions had I not been paying attention. Around the end of the first semester of my freshmen year, I noticed that my hips were spreading and my sweat pants were TIGHT! I took inventory of what I eating and drinking and realized that the two glasses of passion fruit juice that I was having with every meal were the cause of my weight gain. I begin to limit my fruit juice and was back in my "GETTUM" jeans by the summer time.

Again, I’m not saying that you can’t eat what you want to eat, I'm just encouraging to do so in moderation. I’ve seen one too many cases of the Freshman Swole set in on girl's who never thought it could happen to them. I'm telling you, you'll be chubby faced and unimpressed before you really even realize it. I just wanted to post this to help us all remain concious of our choices when it comes to food. And just in case I'm too late and some of you have already out grown your clothers and are in denial about it. You are so much better than camel toe and I want you know that.

Dear Ms. Hunny, tell the truth and shame the devil. Accept the fact that you’re now giving stuffed sausage, liberate yourself of your smedium clotes, buy your size and be fabulous. Love Keia. PS Your heels are leaning. Do. Better.

Anyway, I hope this helps and the next time you feel yourself getting carried away in the dining hall remember, the food will be here tomorrow, so you don’t have to eat it all today. I too must remind myself, every day. Take care guys.

How You Doin?? No Really, How Are you Feeling?!? - Coping with Health Conditions

2010-01-20T17:42:13Z

Fact of the matter is, we all come with our issues and conditions. As we thank God for life, health and strength it is reality of life that many of us are also dealing with various health conditions and concerns. I know I am.But the operative word here is we're dealing with them. Our lives as students are sometimes complicated by disabilities but those complications don't have to define us. I was diagnosed with a health problem my Junior year in college and it took some getting used to but I eventually learned to manage my condition and succeed despite it.

In 2001, I was diagnosed with a mild to moderate case of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). I was sitting in class and really struggling to hold my pens and pencils while taking notes. I mentioned it to my doctor during a physical and he ran some tests and discovered my problem. RA is an interesting strain of arthritis as it's the product of deficiencies of my immune system. My immune system is actually attacking my bones and joints which make certain areas of my body stiff, swollen and tough to function. This is a chronic condition, which means it persists but thank God through my faith and my medication we've been able to keep it under control for the most part.

When I was diagnosed I was devastated and I admit that it definitely resulted in a drop in my grades and productivity. In retrospect, having someone to tell me that my world wasn't tumbling down around me would've been helpful. Hopefully, I can be that help to anyone reading this and facing the same or similar problem.

1. First, everything is gonna be alright. These things do happen and you are not at fault. When I was diagnosed, I couldn't understand how a 20 year old girl could end up with arthritis so I proceeded to blame myself. I sulked and pouted and had pity party for a couple of months. Don't do this. This is not your fault, everything does happen for a reason and God doesn't make any mistakes. He won't give you any more than you can bear so if you've got that means you've got what it takes to deal with it. Trust me, I know this is easier said than done. But if you say it enough you'll start to believe it. Trust me, it's still a source of anxiety for me personally especially as I sit here typing this posts with swollen wrists and bad case of the aches but we just have to keep it moving and keep trusting that everything will work out. Just like it always has.

2. You've Got to Fight It and Fight Smart- Don't just roll over and take this. Get with your doctors and get professional information on how to cope and live with your condition. Whatever it is, all hope is not lost. Trust me. Ask about specific things that you can do to make your life the best it can be. Learn certain foods and vitamins, exercises and/or health practices that may be advantageous or work well with the medications you're taking. Be responsible for yourself. Make sure that your prescriptions are filled and refilled on time and take your medication as prescribed. If there are side effects that you don't like, talk to your doctors and work with them to identify other means of dealing with your problems.

3. Don't Try to do This By Yourself. I wouldn't at all suggest you go running around campus telling everybody on a campaign for pity and preferential treatment but I would strongly advise against harboring your condition as a huge secret either. Your campus probably has offices and services in place provide you with specific assistance and I strongly encourage you to seek out those resources and take full advantage of them. Also, I'd encourage you to tell your friends and roommates as a courtesy to those who interact with you closely. They should know what's going on and how to respond in the event of an emergency. If you are dorming , you should most definitely make sure your hall director and RA's are in the loop so that various precautions can be taken should an emergency take place. Confidentiality laws prohibit them from publicizing your personal business, so don't be embarrassed to do it. Also, depending on your condition and the side effects or complications surrounding your treatment you may want to inform your professors. Early in your semester find a way to let them know. This will give them the heads up ahead of time should you have to miss any classes, leave early for doctors appointments, etc. Most professors are more than accommodating to students dealing with health concerns especially if they are given the proper notice.

Finally, don't stress. Almost every health condition is further complicated by worry and anxiety. Accept that you're dealing with something and then deal with it, one day at a time. Fill your days with hope, surround yourself with encouraging people who love and care for you and love and care for yourself. Live you life and enjoy your life. Watch your favorite DVD, call your favorite relative, eat your favorite food and try your best to make it through the achy and tough days. Remember I'm right there with you and we can do it ..

Till Next Time,

Tykeia

aka

TheGlamNERD

How You Doin?? No Really, How Are you Feeling?!?

2010-01-13T15:41:43Z

Top 10 List – Combating Sinus Woes

So we’re all back in the swing of things. The New Year, a new semester but that also means that’s we’re back in the germ infested public places of the colleges/universities we attend. The dorms, the libraries, the classrooms, the cafeteria are all places where germs run rampant. Many of us have allergies that further complicate things and we need to be geared up to combat getting sick. One of my best good friends and favorite 3rd year law students has an arsenal of remedies she’s employed to deal with her sinus issues. They helped me out, so I thought some of you could benefit from them as well. Again, neither one of us are trained physicians but the following list features, as Jess says, “Just stuff I've been doing 4 years once I decided I wasn't gonna take claritan for the rest of my life.” Get into it!

She writes,

It sounds like a lot of people suffering from sinus problems. I have lots of remedies for those considering I have sinus issues every year

Top 10 Tried and True Remedies to Combat Sinus Woes.

#1 Avoid MEDS! They only SUPPRESS & don't get rid of the problem. They often make u feel sick longer. Be patient & let it take its course.

#2 Drinking lots of water really helps hydrate and restore the moisture to your sinuses. It also alleviates sinus headaches.

#3 Avoid having your minor sinus issue from becoming a major infection by boosting your immune system with eating right and taking vitamins.

#4 You can also put either oil in an oil burner (peppermint/eucalyptus) to clean the air and open your sinuses.

#5 If you are congested and stuffy, use a peppermint or eucalyptus oil in the shower and few drops on your pillow. Works like Vics!

#6 Make sure its sinus problems & not a cold or flu. Sinus issues usually don't cause a fever INITIALLY. It will if it becomes an infection.

#7 Avoid dairy like the plague! It only produces more mucus. Some say orange juice and soy milk does also.

#8 Keep your sinuses from draining by doing nasal irrigation. It will make your nose blowing more productive and loosen mucus.

#9 If you’re suffering from a sore throat its probably mucus draining. Gargle with warm salt water, drink lots of water and throat coat tea.

#10 You’ve probably turned your heat up as it has gotten colder. The dry heat is drying out your sinuses. This especially the case if you’re living with the housing authority heat of most college dormitories. It’s blessing and a curse. Use a humidifier to bring back moisture

Follow Jess on Twitter @JetsettingJAG