Natural Hair Care Recipe.

So, my sister recently shared with me that she had switched over to a natural hair care regimen using baking soda & apple cider vinegar.   I know, this sounds a little, different (for lack of a better word) and even drying to me, but after sticking to it for over a month she has been pleasantly surprised with the results.  She has found that her hair is holding more shine, has been less frizzy and even a little fuller with some new growth showing around the hair line.  Being that my daughter and I are due for our refill with shampoo and conditioner, I have decided to take the plunge and try this out.   I decided to do my own research, and share it with y'all.

Using the Baking Soda as your Shampoo:

You're going to mix about 4 to 5 spoonfuls of baking soda in a squeeze bottle ( around 400 ml) with warm water.  Shake well until it seems evenly mixed and apply through out  your scalp, and as close to your scalp as possible.  The baking soda can be drying on your hair so stay right at your scalp.  Let it sit for a hot minute and rinse well.  As you rinse the baking soda it will clean the rest of your hair as it makes it's way down the hair shaft and off your hair. 

   Apple Cider Vinegar as your conditioner:

Your going to need a spray bottle for this part and you'll mix about 1 part of the ACV to 4 parts water. Squeeze out extra water from your rinse and begin to spray away, covering your hair well.  Rub the ACV in through out your ends and let it sit for a moment.  Rinse really well.

Side Notes: Your hair might not feel as clean as with your normal shampoo and conditioner but once it is dry it will feel clean and "normal" so to speak, and soft.  Also, I am told to stick with it because you might feel like tossing it out the window after your first few times.  But if you can make it through a month, you'll be glad you switched...or not, and that's cool, you tried it.  Don't do this every day.  I would recommend no more than 3 times a week, so if you shampoo more, then substitute your regular shampoo for those other times.

If you are worried about the scent, yes it doesn't have a much of an attractive scent, then you can add a natural oil to it.  I have attached a chart below from a blog that I found this idea from.

How to Choose Essential Oils for Your Hair

Essential Oil	Effect
Chamomile	Lightens blonde hair & good for dry hair.
Lemon	Lightens blonde hair.  Lemon with heat (from the sun) can turn hair orange.
Peppermint	Stimulates growth & may irritate very sensitive scalps.
Rosemary	Adds shine & and great
	(for more info. visit here: http://andreajoy.hubpages.com/hub/Natural-Hair-Care-Baking-Soda-and-Apple-Cider-Vinegar)     Let me know if you try it, and I'll let you know my progress as well!     Blessings!                        ~Mama C's

Cake Pops for Easter.

                                                            Happy Easter!

"Esta receta es muy versátil y muy adictivo. Usted puede mezclar y combinar sabores del pastel y el icing, así como las coberturas de chocolate. Si usted quiere hacer algo diferente, las bolas de la torta se puede rodar en las nueces, confites, coco, etc, o doble sumergido en chocolate blanco y oscuro. Usted podría utilizar las barras de chocolate de la hornada de las tiendas ".

Usted necesita:

 *1 (3 onzas) de la barra de chocolate con sabor de recubrimiento confiteros.

 *un paquete de mezcla para pastel de chocolate

 *1 (16 onzas) Glaseado preparados de chocolate

Para Hacer:

1.Preparar la mezcla para pastel según las instrucciones del paquete usando cualquiera de los tamaños de recipientes recomendados. Permita que la torta se enfríe por lo menos 40 minutos, se desmoronan en caliente en un tazón grande, y revuelva en el glaseado hasta que estén bien mezclados. 

2.Derrita la Cobertura de chocolate en un recipiente de vidrio en el microondas o en un recipiente de metal sobre una cacerola de agua hirviendo, revolviendo ocasionalmente hasta que esté suave. 

3.Use un melón o cuchara pequeña para formar bolitas de la mezcla de pastel de chocolate. Bolas refrigere por lo menos una hora. 

4.Dip las bolas en el chocolate con un palillo o tenedor para sostenerlos. Colocar sobre papel encerado para ajustar.

Tengan una maravillosa y bendita Pascua!

"This recipe is very versatile and heavily addictive. You can mix and match cake and icing flavors as well as the chocolate coatings. If you want to do something different, the cake balls can be rolled in nuts, sprinkles, coconut, etc. or double dipped in white and dark chocolates. You would use the baking chocolate bars from the stores."

You need:

*1 (3 ounce) bar chocolate flavored confectioners coating

*1 package chocolate cake mix 

*1 (16 ounce) container prepared chocolate frosting

To Make:

1.Prepare the cake mix according to package directions using any of the recommended pan sizes. Allow cake to cool at least 40 minutes, crumble while warm into a large bowl, and stir in the frosting until well blended.

2.Melt chocolate coating in a glass bowl in the microwave, or in a metal bowl over a pan of simmering water, stirring occasionally until smooth.

3.Use a melon baller or small scoop to form balls of the chocolate cake mixture. Refrigerate balls for at least one hour. 

4.Dip the balls in chocolate using a toothpick or fork to hold them. Place on waxed paper to set.

Have a wonderful and blessed Easter!

Home Sweet home.

There is something that just feels good when your house smells good, isn't there?   Sometimes it gives us that nostalgic feeling that reminds us of a holiday, or a happy time in our child hood.  And we all love when someone comes over and comments about how good our house smells.  It instills a sense of ownership pride. But really, over all, it just makes the home feel even more enjoyable when there is a sweet aroma in the air.  I get to have that almost daily due to all of the baking I do, and so I wanted to be able to share some easy and quick ways that you all can have the same thing...with out having to bake cookies and breads and cupcakes.
Enjoy!



Orange peels & Vanilla extract:

If you want your house to smell heavenly, boil some orange peels with a 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon on medium heat for about 10 minutes, and enjoy the sweet aroma of some southern hospitality.

Heat a little Vanilla up on your light bulbs:

Put a dab of vanilla extract on light bulbs when the lights are off. Once the lights are turned on, the bulb will heat up the extract and emit a yummy smell.  What a quick trick for when guests are coming over, huh?

Make your own Lemon Potpourri :

Fill water to about 1 inch below the rim in you pot, place it on the stove and simmer on low heat.  This has an awesome scent!

Recommended amounts:

• 1 – 2 sliced up lemons:
• 2 – 3 sprigs of fresh rosemary
• 1 – 2 teaspoons vanilla

Coffee beans paired with a Vanilla candle:

Coffee lovers will love this one!  Simply place a vanilla scented candle in a secure (and safe) place in the middle of a good amount of coffee beans and enjoy the scent you'll get as the candle warms up the beans...simply delicious!

Look for more home recipes as I come across them and share!

                                              To a happy home...with a sweet scent!!

                                                               ~Mama C's