Boho Inspiration

Kate Bosworth, Liv Tyler, Christina Ricci

Floral Dresses X3

Vanessa Hudgens, Jessica Szohr, Emmy Rossum

Boho Dresses with High Heel Sandals X3

(people.com, fanpop)

Beauty & Skin Ethos | Skin Quick Tip: 5 Tips To Fade Dark Blemishes!

Alek Wek has the most beautiful skin I have ever seen! [source:]

Tired of spending money on skin care products chock full of hard-to-pronounce ingredients that do more harm than good? Here are a few quick, easy, and most importantly effective natural solutions to fade unsightly blemishes!

Fruit Scrub Formulated with Alpha & Beta Hydroxy Acids: Alpha & Beta Hydroxy Acids are extremely helpful in fading dark spots, as well as evening out skin complexion. Specialty products formulated with Alpha & Beta Hydroxy Acids usually start at $20 on up. Save your cash, and formulate your own products at home for a fraction of the cost; as these acids are easily found in Apples, Oranges, and Grapefruit at your local supermarket. - Take one apple, orange, lemon and puree in a blender. Mix in about 1/3 cup of fine raw cane sugar [the glycolic acid found in cane sugar helps minimize wrinkles, even skin pigmentation, and gently exfoliate skin], and apply the mask to your face. Gently massage mixture into skin, and allow the mask to sit for about 15 minutes, then rinse with cool water. [use 1-2 weekly]

Vitamin E Oil: Apply Vitamin E Oil to face nightly to help fade blemishes, and protect the skin from additional post inflammatory breakouts caused by acne. You can purchase vitamin E capsule's, puncture them, and use the oil from the capsule. [use twice daily]

Lemon Juice + Manuka Honey mixture: Lemon juice has long been praised for it's ability to lighten dark blemishes. - Apply lemon juice to affected area, allow to dry, then apply a small amount of Manuka honey over the area you applied the lemon. Manuka honey is naturally enriched with lactic acid which is very helpful in lightening skin blemishes. Manuka honey also has strong medicinal and antibacterial properties which makes it very effective in eliminating issues with acne, and maintaining an even skin complexion [use twice daily].

Tip: Manuka Honey can be found in most health food stores. I purchase mine from Vitamin Shoppe

Sour Milk Treatment: This treatment is similar to a low-grade chemical peel, as the lactic acid acts as a natural exfoliant, and skin brightener. Apply sour milk nightly to entire face, allow to dry, then rinse well with cool water. 

Lemon Juice + Multani Mati Mix: Mix enough lemon juice with Multani Mati Powder to make a thick paste; then apply the mixture onto each spot, allow to dry thoroughly, and rinse with cool water. You can use this mixture on your elbows, knees, as well as your face! - Fuller's Earth powder is enriched with silica, iron oxide, lime, as well as magnesia and is a skin-clearing/brightening powerhouse. It gently removes dirt/toxins, draws out excess oils, and helps lighten dark spots caused by acne. [use twice daily]

Tip: If you can't find Multani Mati in your local Indian Grocery Store, try a health food store for Fuller's Earth powder [as they are one in the same].

 

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All About Hair: Start At The Scalp For Healthy Hair Growth

[source]

Did you know that maintaining a healthy scalp is essential for the overall growth and health of your hair? Your scalp is responsible for sending sebum [natural oils] and nutrients along the hair shaft resulting in hair that is properly hydrated and nourished. 
 

How many of you exfoliate your scalp? Did you know that exfoliation helps to remove dead skin cells, product buildup, as well as excess sebum? Dead skin cells, buildup and the likes can all cause inflammation [aka; an itchy, flaky scalp], which can later lead to thinning hair, and even hair loss [in fact, inflammation is one of the number one causes of hair loss in women today]. 

Another culprit for hair loss is products loaded with PETROLEUM. Petroleum "seals" off the scalp, thus trapping dead skin, bacteria, and perspiration under the layer of petroleum, which can also result in inflammation of the scalp; and later hair loss. 
 

What Can You Do?

Pre-Shampoo - A pre-shampoo treatment is necessary as shampoo is water-soluble, therefore it will not remove sebum [sebum is oil-soluble], toxins, and pollutants that are lodged in your hair follicle. Oil dissolves oil, in our case; the oil from your pre-shampoo treatment will dissolve excess sebum, and other oil soluble residue on your scalp. [pre-shampoo 1x weekly]
 

Tip: Formulate your Pre-Shampoo treatment with herbal infused oils to deliver nutrients deep inside the hair shaft, as this will strengthen the hair and nourish the follicle. 

Here's A Great Pre-Shampoo Recipe:

Add 1/2 cup Coconut Oil to a Crock Pot set on low; drop in 1 teaspoon each of the following herbs: Horsetail, Rosemary, Sage, and Burdock Root. Allow herbs to steep in the oil for about 20-30 minutes. Remove the herbs from the oil and let cool. Apply herbal infused coconut oil to unwashed, dry hair and follow your normal pre-shampoo routine.

About This Formulation:

• Horsetail: Purported to speed hair growth, clear skin inflammations, and strengthen hair follicles
  
• Rosemary: Rosemary is purported to stop hair loss, add sheen, and impart shine and nutrients
• Sage: Sage is great for clearing up skin inflammations Burdock: Imparts shine, strengthens hair at the follicle, and nourishes hair with essential fatty acids

Exfoliate Your Scalp Once Weekly - You can also gently exfoliate your scalp in lieu of pre conditioning treatments.

Here's A Great Scalp Exfoliant Recipe:

Mix 2 Tablespoons of Brown Sugar + 5 tablespoons of Jojoba Oil and 2 drops of Tea Tree Oil in a small bowl. Massage the exfoliant mixture gently onto scalp with the balls of your fingertips [do not scratch] for about 1-2 minutes. Rinse well with cold water, then follow up with an ACV rinse to remove any additional product residue.[exfoliate 1x weekly]

Nourish & Stimulate Growth                                                                                                                     

Scalp Massages - Massage your scalp at least three times weekly with the balls of your fingertips for about 10 minutes, as it stimulates blood flow to the follicles and promotes hair growth. Using a natural bristle brush, brush your hair to distribute natural oils along the hair shaft. Brushing your hair stimulates the scalp as well.
 

Enrich Your Scalp Massage Oil With Nourishing Essential Oil                                                              

Add 3 drops each of the following essential oils to 1/4 cup of Jojoba Oil: Tea Tree, Rosemary, Lavender. Mix well then add 3 drops of Vitamin E oil. Add to a dark amber bottle, and store in a cool location. 

Tip: Store all products formulated with a large amount of essential oils in dark, amber colored bottles [like these]. As light has a tendency to damage essential oils. Storing your formulation is bottles is also recommended, as essential oils can degrade plastic containers.

About This Formulation: 

• Jojoba Oil: Jojoba Oil is non-greasy and most closely resembles the skin's sebum. It's antibacterial properties help to clear and prevent skin inflammation on the scalp. Purported to help aid in speeding up hair growth. Removes the buildup of sebum and other oil-soluble buildup. 
• Tea Tree Oil: This natural anti-viral, anti-bacterial, and anti-fungal essential oil is highly effective when it comes to preventing skin inflammation, and keeping bacteria at bay.   
• Lavender Oil: Stimulates circulation which aids in hair growth, and also helps eliminate drandruff 
• Rosemary Oil: This essential oil nourishes the scalp, slows down premature hair loss, imparts mega-shine, and also helps eliminate and prevent skin inflammations. 
• Vitamin E oil heals the scalp, and also helps protect the hair shaft from harsh environmental elements

Want An Easier Alternative? Try Some Of These Over-The-Counter Products:

Jane Carter Scalp Renew  $20 2oz

SheaMoisture, Shea Butter Hair & Scalp Serum $9 2oz

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Epicure: Chicken Tetrazzini

Have you ever made a meal that was so good you had it for breakfast the next morning? Meet Chicken Tetrazzini, an amazing baked Chicken Linguine dish with a rich cream-based sauce. This recipe has been on my radar for sometime, but because of the mass of butter, heavy whipping cream, and the addition of 4 cups of Whole Milk, I decided to save this for a cheat day. 

It was labeled an intermediate dish, but I wouldn't say that it was complicated to make. Time consuming yes. Difficult no. Indeed it has several steps, and it includes a reduction, but it's so easy, a beginning cook could complete it with stellar results.  

Chicken Tetrazzini - Recipe Courtesy of Giada De Laurentiis

Ingredients:                                                                                                                                               

• 9 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 2 1/4 teaspoons salt
• 1 1/4 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
• 1 pound white mushrooms, sliced
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme leaves
• 1/2 cup dry white wine
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 cups whole milk room temperature
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream, room temperature
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 12 ounces linguine
• 3/4 cup frozen peas
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh Italian parsley leaves
• 1 cup grated Parmesan
• 1/4 cup dried Italian-style breadcrumbs

Directions:                                                                                                                                                    

Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F.

Spread 1 tablespoon of butter over a 13 by 9 by 2-inch baking dish. Melt 1 tablespoon each of butter and oil in a deep large nonstick frying pan over medium-high heat. Sprinkle the chicken with 1/2 teaspoon each of salt and pepper. Add the chicken to the hot pan and cook until pale golden and just cooked through, about 4 minutes per side. Transfer the chicken to a plate to cool slightly. Coarsely shred the chicken into bite-size pieces and into a large bowl.

Meanwhile, add 1 tablespoon each of butter and oil to the same pan. Add the mushrooms and saute over medium-high heat until the liquid from the mushrooms evaporates and the mushrooms become pale golden, about 12 minutes. Add the onion, garlic, and thyme, and saute until the onion is translucent, about 8 minutes. Add the wine and simmer until it evaporates, about 2 minutes. Transfer the mushroom mixture to the bowl with the chicken.

Melt 3 more tablespoons butter in the same pan over medium-low heat. Add the flour and whisk for 2 minutes. Whisk in the milk, cream, broth, nutmeg, remaining 1 3/4 teaspoons salt, and remaining 3/4 teaspoon pepper. Increase the heat to high. Cover and bring to a boil. Simmer, uncovered, until the sauce thickens slightly, whisking often, about 10 minutes.

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the linguine and cook until it is tender but still firm to the bite, stirring occasionally, about 9 minutes. Drain. Add the linguine, sauce, peas, and parsley to the chicken mixture. Toss until the sauce coats the pasta and the mixture is well blended.

Transfer the pasta mixture to the prepared baking dish. Stir the cheese and breadcrumbs in a small bowl to blend. Sprinkle the cheese mixture over the pasta. Dot with the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter. Bake, uncovered, until golden brown on top and the sauce bubbles, about 25 minutes. 

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Reclaim That Positive Energy Pt 3 - Work Smarter Not Harder!

 [source] I love her colorful Caftan! 

This is our 3rd and final installment on how to Reclaim Positive Energy. If you haven't checked out the first two, you can find Part 1 here [How To Reclaim Your Positive Energy - Part 1], and Part 2 here [Reclaim That Positive Energy Part 2 - Bring Light & Balance Into Your Life]. 

In today's virtual meeting of the minds, we are going to talk about creating healthy habits which in turn fosters productivity. Creating healthy habits and increasing your productivity level is essential if you are going to quench your insatiable thirst to improve the quality of your life. 

These very simple tactics, have really helped me change a lot of my undesirable habits [like procrastination, very poor work habits], and made more time for me to work on accomplishing the things that mean the most to me [such as fitness, getting more in touch with my spirituality, community outreach, and generating content for my blog]. I am still very much a work in progress, but I can honestly say that without implementing these principles and values I would still feel overwhelmed and unsure of where to start. 

Habits:

Write down the habit you wish to change, and how you wish to change it - Since we are focusing on productivity, try to identify your habits that prohibit your productivity; these can be issues with television, internet, an active social life, procrastination etc.  

Devise a "workaround plan" -  Identify the triggers for these bad habits, then identify your replacement habit. For instance; if stress triggers you to sleep more which takes a toll on your productivity, you can opt to meditate, walk, run, or listen to music when stressed vs sleeping. It's all about identifying triggers to your current habits, and replacing them with more ideal habits. 

Work on ONE habit per 30 days - Don't overwhelm yourself with all of these resolutions. Studies show that the best way to change a habit, is to work on ONE at a time. Ever wonder why most New Years Resolutions fall through the cracks? It's because most people tend to bite off more than they can chew.

Make a commitment to exercise those new habits for a minimum of 30 days - Stay focused, try to complete your new habit repetitively for 30 days without exception. 

A Few Reasons Productivity Is Important:

• You will work more effectively; it will be much easier for you to cut the fluff and dive into the work that creates the most impact!

• You get more work done faster with less angst, energy, and stress!

• Working more efficiently helps prevent fatigue and burnout [don't you feel much more energized about a project when you have accomplished a goal vs looking at an unfinished task that has been staring you in the face for the past two weeks?] 

• Productivity will allow you to have MORE free time! 

• Productivity will push you to become so efficient you can excel in various aspects of your life simultaneously

How to Stay Productive:                                                                                                                            

Get Into Do Not Disturb Mode: If possible, turn off your cell phone, and just say no to Twitter, Facebook, Blogs, Online Magazines etc. while working, as these vices tend to drain productivity. Save the multi-tasking for work-related duties and you will find that you get work done twice as fast. 

Set Daily Goals: Every night before bed, write out a list of simple goals that need to be done by the end of the next day. Setting daily goals helps you to better manage your time, and workload. - Do not add any new goals to your list until the existing goals have been completed. You can also take it a step further and implement sanctions for missed deadlines. You can either dock 10 minutes from your weekly "quiet time", or drop $5 into a jar. 

Find Your Natural Working Rhythm: Are you most productive at night? In the morning? If possible, tailor your workload around your natural working rhythm to ensure you stay motivated, and have optimal levels of energy.

Spend A Reasonable Amount of Time Weekly Doing Nothing: This is your "me time", this isn't time to pick up the kids, cook dinner, do your hair regimen, catch up on your budgeting, or your reading for school. This can be time you mediate, window shop, brunch, spa, or lay around and watch Lifetime Movies [my personal fave]. This time is meant for you to recharge your energy, maintain your sanity, and focus on things other than a "to-do list". - My me time is 30 minutes daily.

If Possible, Work Outside The Home: Confession; when I blog at home, I get nothing done. I normally blog at my local Cafe because it's more conducive to work [there are no tv's, sofa's, beds, I'm less likely to answer my phone etc] - If working outside your home is not a viable option, try a tip I listed in this post and clear your workspace of everything except for what you need to complete the task you're working on. For instance, if you are to get two chapters of reading in for school, you don't need a cpu, blackberry, ipod, etc. A book, pen, pad, sticky notes, and highlighter should suffice. 

30 Minute Self Assessment Sessions: Spend 30 minutes a week assessing your weekly progress, roadblocks, and solution brainstorming. 

Learn How To Say No: There may be times you may have to miss a movie date, or let a call from your BFF go to voicemail. Learn how to be firm with friends, associates, and family without guilt [even if they run the guilt trip on you]. Do not allow anyone to delegate your time!

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All About Hair: 5 BIG Tips For Shiny Hair NOW!

[source]

Before we get started, I want to announce the winner of our Affirmation Bracelet Giveaway Sponsored by Brace Yourself Boutique!! There were so many inspiring entries, I wish we could offer a bracelet to everyone! - I am pleased to announce that the winner is Cottony Curls! Cottony Curls said;

 These are super cute and though I'd love to wear them all, if I were to choose one, it would definately be 'Love'. Reason: I've been on an amazing journey throughout the past few years. Stemming from a desire to learn, Love and understand 'me' better, my journey has taught me to embrace all of the experiences placed in front of me (the positive and the challenges). The biggest underlying theme has been: I am Love; everyone is Love. When I began to understand that I am Love and that I am 'innately good,' my perception of this voyage we call life changed tremendously. I now know that because of Love, I am the creator of my destiny. I'm filled with magnitudes of positivity, appreciation, confidence and patience these days. I've learned that Love is more than just a feeling you can have for a friend, family member or signifcant other. It's a divine presence, a way of life that can only lead to contentment. I've learned that we are all on this Earth to serve a great purpose and that Love will bring out great potential in every person, no matter his/her circumstances. With that said :)... I'd Love to win the 'Love' bracelet. When people comment on how cute it is, I'll prbly reply: 'Thanks... Love is a beautiful thing'.

Please email me via nikole@themoptopmaven to claim your prize [please also include your full name + address]! Thank you to everyone who entered! There will be many more opportunities to win in the future, as I have a more few lined up!!

-----

Now on to the deets; I receive a lot of comments about my hair regimen in relation to the sheen, so I thought I would touch on it in this post!  These are all methods that I implement regularly, and they all contribute to "the shine factor"

1. Shampoo Thoroughly - Don't underestimate the importance of thorough shampooing! Product residue is a hindrance to shine, and makes for dull, lackluster hair that may also lack body. I generally part my hair in four sections and thoroughly shampoo each section whilst in front of a mirror, vs standing over a sink

What To Do: 

Depending on how much product you use daily/weekly; it may be best to clarify the hair at least twice monthly, and then follow up with a moisturizing shampoo. Following up with a moisturizing shampoo deposits nutrients, and moisture into the hair shaft, and also restores the PH Balance of the hair; which prevents that stiff, dry, brittle feeling that may sometimes happen after clarifying.

Why Should I Clarify That Much?

If you use an excessive amount of product [and more importantly non-water soluble silicones], your regular shampoo may not be able to cleanse your strands of leftover creme's, butter's, oils, glycerin, etc. This results in product buildup on the scalp as well as the strands of your hair.

Natural Alternatives To Clarifying Shampoo's:

Bentonite Clay: 1/2 cup Bentonite clay + 1/2 cup water, mix well; then apply the mixture to hair with an applicator brush. Leave on for about 30 minutes, then rinse!

Apple Cider Vinegar: [1/2 cup ACV + 1 cup water, spritz hair with mixture, then cover with plastic cap] for about 20 minutes prior to shampooing, as this will gently clarify the hair.

2. Rinse Cool -  When you rinse out your conditioner, rinse it old using COLD water; as this closes the cuticle. This is extremely important as a closed cuticle reflects light much better than an open cuticle. Closed Cuticle = Shine. Using warm/hot warm water to rinse out your conditioner should be a no-no as heat tends to OPEN the cuticle. 

More Facts:                                                                                                                                                

If your cuticles are closed, your hair is less prone to frizz, tangles and matting

Styling your hair with raised cuticles can lead to breakage, and split ends

3. Always Use A Leave-In Conditioner + Seal In The Moisture - This helps keep the cuticle closed, and also makes for properly hydrated hair. It is also imperative that you use a water based solution as your leave-in of choice [water based molecules are smaller, therefore more permeable], and use an oil to seal in the moisture [the larger oil molecules acts as a barrier to help keep water molecules trapped inside of the hair-shaft].

My Leave-In Conditioner Recommendations:

Paul Mitchell The Conditioner [most professional beauty supply stores]

Oyin's Honey Hemp [online only]

Giovanni Direct Leave In [most health food stores, as well as ULTA and Rite Aid]

My Oil Recommendations:                                                                                                                       

Jojoba Oil - Perfect for those with fine hair [yet suitable for all hair types], this oil absorbs easily and doesn't leave a greasy residue

Coconut Oil - One of my favorite oils for sealing in moisture. Be careful as a little does go a long way, too much can leave your hands, hair, face, and clothes greasy

Olive Oil - Great for highly textured thick hair

4. Seek Ingredients That Enhance Shine - Skip the silicone's, and look for products that contain some of the following ingredients, as they are water-soluble [which means they don't "stick" to your hair like silicones], and lightweight [won't weight your hair down].

Look For These Ingredients:                                                                                                                    

Silk Amino Acids - This is a water soluble protein that binds to the keratin in the hair which protects the shaft and also helps seal in moisture. Products containing Silk Amino Acids imparts shine to the hair, and also increases manageability. >>Transitioners should seek out conditioners and styling products with Silk Amino Acids as it is also beneficial in strengthening chemically processed hair.

Lecithin - This multi-purpose ingredient imparts shine, strengthens hair, maximizes hair growth, and restores hair texture.

5. Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse: This is another natural product that helps close the cuticle, and restores the PH balance of the hair. This is also a good rinse to implement if you have hard water, as this gently removes mineral deposits left behind from tap water.

How to Use It:                                                                                                                                            

After rinsing out your condish, do a final rinse with TWO TABLESPOONS of Apple Cider Vinegar per THREE CUPS of bottled spring water [Start off with this formula, then up the ante with the ACV as needed]. Simply pour this mixture throughout your hair [be cautious of your eyes, this stuff burns], and voila. 

There is no need to rinse out the ACV.  You will notice a distinct smell, however as your hair dries the smell dissipates. 

For an added treat, add 1 teaspoon of honey to your ACV rinse for additional shine and moisture

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Instant Funk Part Deux

 Here's another installment of Instant Funk; because a girl can never have too much inspiration. 

Braids are a wonderful option for hassle-free protective styling. When getting your hair braided, keep the following in mind:

- Use Human Hair if possible, as synthetic hair tends to cause splits & breakage [because of the texture]

- Exercise caution when pulling your hair up in high-pony's, up-do's or braids; as the excess tension can cause hair loss in weaker areas such as the nape, and hairline. 

- Moisturize your hair even when it's braided, I like to use a mix of water + glycerin [4 parts water + 1 part glycerin]. Oyin's Juices & Berrie's is a wonderful ready-made option.  

- After taking down your braids, opt for a protein + deep conditioning treatment to add strength and moisture back into your tresses. I recommend Sebastian 2+1, or even Dudley's Hair Rebuilder.

If you've newly BC'd [congrats]; You still need to keep your hair hydrated, and soft. Oyin's Burnt Sugar Pomade is a wonderful styler that can be used to smooth down hair, and seal in moisture.

As your hair starts to grow, you may need to reach for richer moisturizers, I recommend Qhemet Amla & Olive Heavy Cream for highly textured curlies, and Qhemet Burdock Root Cream for fine-haired curlies.

  Making a mix of 1 part water to 1 part S-curl activator [yup that stuff] can keep your curly fro super curly, and extra moisturized!

 I'll always love a funky frohawk!

Large accessories makes a wonderful accompaniment to a TWA

 I just love her blow-out

Kinky Curly Curling Custard is the go-to product for new naturals rocking their TWA, it defines the curls with natural hair loving ingredients.

Pic Sources [FuckYeahCurls] [KinkyCurls] [KurlyKinkyKeekers] [BlackWomenWithStyle]

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