Candace Candace

8. Castor Oil

• Treats hair loss
• Protects hair and scalp from infection
• Moisturizes hair
• Thickens hair

7. Tea Tree Oil

• Unclogs pores on the scalp
• Conditions hair
• Heals damaged hair

6. Avocado Oil

• Helps treat and prevent hair loss & dandruff
• Helps maintain hair color & shine
• Protects hair & scalp from UV rays
• Improves blood circulation of the scalp

5. Argan Oil

• Repairs damaged follicles
• Improves circulation of the scalp
• Moisturizes hair

4. Jojoba Oil

• Moisturizes & conditions hair
• Removes blockage at the root
• Adds shine to hair

3. Lavender Oil

• Prevents hair loss
• Combats Alopecia Areata
• Disinfects the scalp

2. Olive Oil

• Promotes blood circulation of the scalp
• Reverses hair loss
• "There are several types of olive oil on the market: Olive oil, virgin olive oil and extra virgin olive oil. The best type of olive oil to use is extra virgin. This signifies that the oil comes from olives harvested fresh, without chemicals, and is cold pressed. The greener the oil is, the better it will be for you." (Chitty, 2011).

1. Coconut Oil

• Prevents hair loss
• Nourishes hair
• Reduces protein loss in damaged hair
• Treats dandruff

Sources: (1), (2), (3)

5. Ice Cream Maker

Have soft serve ice cream in just 20 minutes. There is even 3 spaces to store your favorite mix-ins (chocolate chips, sprinkles, etc) to add on! Buy it: Here

2. Louisa Bookmark

Buy this funny handmade bookmark for the bookworm(s) in your life. Get it: Here

By: Candace

4. ColorMeCourtney.com

I probably visit Courtney's blog everyday. She formally worked at Coach and now earns money blogging. She has a very unique style and has helped me form my own new style after having my second child. I first discovered her on Instagram: @ColorMeCourtney. She has me shopping at Macy's & Old Navy. Truth be told Macy's outfits look better on Courtney than on the selected models. You have to check her out! 

3. Method

I first purchased their all purpose cleaner, the pink grapefruit scent, from Home Depot. Their products are natural, non-toxic, and biodegradable. Since then I've purchased their lime+sea salt and French lavender scented all purpose cleaner from Harris Teeter. I've also used their body washes, the surfside scent from Harris Teeter and my favorite, the white tea scent from Publix. They also have candles, air fresheners, hand wash, laundry detergent, and dish soap. 

2. Organix

I have used their shampoos, conditioners, and Argan oil. My favorite this week is the coconut miracle oil lotion with vanilla bean extract. It is creamy and keeps my skin super soft and moisturized. It is THE best lotion  have used, ever. Pushing Palmer's Cocoa Butter to second place, at least in my book. So, if you have super dry skin I recommend this.

1. Baby Breeza Formula Pro One Step Bottle Maker

Okay this is like the Keurig, but for babies. Why didn't anyone get this for me at my baby shower? My best friend is having a baby and she is due February 2017. She added this item to her Target baby registry. I had to order this for my son. He was breastfed for a few months, but we now use formula for him. FYI I was late to the Keurig party because I didn't start drinking/craving coffee until I got pregnant with my son last year. Anyways, this is a great product!

By: Candace

I figured this was the perfect way to start off December. I'm more of a tea drinker, but since I've been pregnant with my second child; I can't seem to stay away from the Hot Almond Joyful Lattes (with Almond Milk of course) at Port City Java. Lately I've been craving Gingerbread. I don't know if it's because of the pregnancy or because Winter is approaching (December 21st). Either way, when I saw this on Style Me Pretty via The Cookie Rookie, it put those cravings into overdrive. If you're a vegan, like me, you only need to make a few tweaks to this recipe and enjoy.

INGREDIENTS:

• 8 cups almond milk
• ¼ cup pure maple syrup
• 2 tablespoons packed brown sugar
• 3 teaspoons ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• pinch cloves
• ½ teaspoon fresh ground nutmeg
• 3½ cups strongly brewed coffee or espresso
• whipped cream, graham cracker crumbs, caramel sauce, and gingerbread cookies for garnish (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Add all ingredients to a large slow cooker.
2. Cook on low for 3 hours or until heated through. Monitor to make sure it doesn't boil.
3. Turn slow cooker to warm setting and cook for another 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
4. Stir again right before serving and taste.
5. Dip rims of cups in caramel sauce and then in graham cracker crumbs to create the look above (optional). Top with fresh whipped cream and caramel syrup if desired. For extra fun, top with gingerbread cookies.
6. Enjoy!

Sources: (1)

Posted by: Candace

So, I was looking for a wig that looked natural and I saw this one on EBay. I turned to my natural hair YouTubers for reviews. After watching several I decided to purchase it. I bought the Vanessa La Jay wig from BlackHairSpray.com and I spent less than $30 total after taxes and shipping. It got here in about 3 days. I usually purchase wigs from HairSisters, but I couldn't find it on there. Anyways...it looks and feels natural. It is a big wig. I didn't brush or add anything to the wig. I just put it on and use my fingers to get it just how I want it. This is a half wig, but I am wearing it as a full right now. The color of the one I have on is a 1. I usually get highlights, but I wasn't sure if it would look natural or not. But, I will definitely go for it next time. I have been natural for years now, but I recently did the big chop again. It's a great wig for transitioning and protective styling. I highly recommend it.

Posted by: Candace

MissCharmsie.com

Freehand & tie dyed pieces by Charmaine Daudu.

Instagram: @ShopCharmsie

By: Candace

During the summer of 2013 I had the chance to visit my 2nd favorite city, Washington, D.C. After completing a trolley tour my family and I were looking for a place that everyone could eat. I was a pregnant vegan who was hot, tired, and hungry. Despite all that I was enjoying myself. My friend wanted me to meet him at a Vegan restaurant, but I couldn't find it or him and I needed to eat right away. We walked to the next block and I saw an advertisement for a green wrap in a window. They sold vegan food and had chicken for my non vegan family members. My family swears they didn't like it, but they ate everything they ordered. I'm sure if they didn't know it was vegan they would have loved it, lol. Anyways...I created my own green wrap filled with quinoa, avocado, corn, chickpeas, cucumbers, red onions, tomatoes, olive oil, and balsamic vinaigrette wrapped in kale. I loved it and if there were one in my hometown Wilmington, North Carolina; I'm sure I'd eat there quite a few times a week. The closest one to me is 4 hours away in Charlotte, N.C. 

Freshii has other menu items like rice bowls, salads, burritos, soups, frozen yogurts, juices, and smoothies. They even serve breakfast. They have locations in other popular cities like Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Detroit, and Houston. Click here for more locations. They also cater and have franchise opportunities. 

For more information, visit Freshii.com