7 DEADLY SINS

seven great things in your life.
7. My relationship with Chief
6. My health
5. Our apartment in Mt Washington
4. My teeth/smile
3. My wonderful parents and siblings!
2. My best friends (I have 4!)
1. My life and the chance I was given to live it to the fullest 

seven things you lack and covet.
7. Sympathy... I tend to be more black and white about things
6. Cart wheels... cant do one to save my life
5. Free time... I have very little and I have a lot of hobbies so many things fall by the waist side.
4. Good memory
3. Flawless skin or the tools to fake it
2. Hips
1. people who live near their friends... all of mine are out of state or 2 hours away. :(

seven things that make you angry.
7. Selfish people
6. People who make fun of nice, harmless people. (pick on someone your own size)
5. Loud people... men, women, children HUSH NOW!
4. Fanatic sports fans who have never played organized sports or competed in anything. 
3. Bad drivers
2. No turn on red signs
1. MC Lyte's voice

seven things that you neglect to do.
7. Pay my bills on time... for shame
6. Study for exams... smh
5. Cook more than once a week 
4. Exercise
3. Reply to texts, notifications on social networks, or emails in a timely fashion
2. Keep my car clean inside or out
1. Visit my grandparents more smh...

seven worldly material desires.
7. a closet full of oxfords and military boots
6. A new bike. Im refurbishing my mom's from the 70s currently.
5. Natural ability to play the guitar... currently taking lessons. 
4. A new car, I hate my Hyundai... not hate thats strong I dislike strongly my Hyundai
3. A cell phone that never freezes , crashes or drops calls
2. A second bedroom to our apartment
1. the new Kindle fire

seven guilty pleasures.
7. Love and Hip Hop ATL and NYC
6. Bad Girls Club
5. Chocolate donuts
4. Jolly ranchers
3. Jeggings
2. Girl Fight videos on youtube
1. FOOD TRUCKS!

seven things you love about love.
7. Waking up next to this face 

6. Someone to share my secrets, hopes, and dreams with must listen no matter how long winded I am haha

5. THE HIP HOP CHEF! yes ladies and gents he can cook and he does a damn good job.

4. Kisses after a bad day... kisses after a good day

3. Someone to laugh with, our sense of humor is the same which makes everyday a riot. 

2. Those eyes that see me for who I really am and no labels that society puts on us

1. His hugs which hug away all worry.

Black Tea Rinse (Locs)

Monday Must Haves: Pyrex

When I was single and living alone I cooked often. But I must say since I've been in a relationship I have been slacking *smacks back of own hand*. But Im back on my grind and committed to more home cooked meals. First things first though. TOOLS!

Pyrex with lids... doubles as cooking pans and storage for leftovers. Target was having a huge sale, I believe it lasts until 7/23. This pack of 3 was $19.67.

3 cups

6 cups

3 quarts

-Ash 

TUNES for TUESDAY!!! Mariah Carey Feat. Miguel - #Beautiful

Absolutely love this song. 2 of my favorites with a classic cool homage to your significant other. Youre beautifuuulllll!!!!



-Ash

MONDAY MUST HAVES: PURE SHEA EVERYTHING!

YO,

So I stopped by the local flea market, PATAPSCO Flea Market, just to go by this stand. PURE SHEA STORE.

I love this small business and everything they stand for. Here's some back story: "Savannah Essentials, LLC dba Pure Shea Store was born out of the need for a premium hand-made soap created the way Grandma Pearlie and Dee Dee once made it. The company was founded by Chris Thigpen in 1999 in his garage in Maryland. Pure Shea Store had its growing pains like most small enterprises but has grown and thrived. Our passion in natural products started as a hobby almost thirty years ago in rural North Carolina and suburban Illinois. Our founders grandmothers made soap in the old fashioned way, in an old black cast iron pot with herbs, flowers and wood ash in the yard. As a kid, the family would make soap to barter and trade with our neighbors and friends. As the years passed, so did both Pearlie and Dee Dee, but the tradition of soap making still lives on in the Thigpen family. "



I know right... how can you not love that backstory? And the product??? Well put it like this... ive been using it for 3 + years. I will drive alll the way down to South Baltimore for his  products. My boyfriend even uses the products! He gets jeers from coworkers about smelling so good but he loves it! So here are my fav products right now while they sell everything from candles, to lip balm, to shampoo bars, to lotions and oil here are my go to  products below.

total costs: $40.28

I gush over this oil ALL THE TIME. Im sure folks are tired of it. Cocoa Mango Hair and Body Oil. Soy Oil, Shea Oil, Castor Oil, Vitamin E, Jojoba Oil, and Cocoa Mango fragrance oil. 

I use it for my bi weekly oil treatments, everyday oil, body oil, and my boyfriend uses a drop or two of it daily in his hair. His hair is thicker and softer than ever!

Cocoa Mango Soap Bar: Bars are 3.5oz. Ingredients: Soponifed Soybean oil, Shea butter, and coconut oil with fragrance or essential oil and orris root.

Cocoa Mango Sugar Scrub are a blend of raw and brown sugar that take the dry and dead skin away. It leaves your skin silky smooth when you need that little extra exfoliating. The scrubs are packed in 16oz tubs.

Ingredients: Brown sugar, Raw sugar, Soy oil, Vitamin E, and fragrance oil.

skin glows, it glistens, and leaves you smelling divine!

I dont know what it was about this Winter but my hair has been extra dry since then so naturally this product was a god sent. If you have dry locs and in need of a leave-in conditioner, you have found it!. This is a hair balm for dry and brittle hair, it will not clog your pores or hair follicles. Its consistency is similar to firm cream of wheat. It melts upon touch at room temperature, softens, and conditions. Your natural hair will love you for this treat!

Ingredients: Raw Shea Butter, Organic Hemp oil, Coconut oil, Castor oil, Shea oil, Soy oil, Rosemary Extract, & Mango Fragrance oil. 16 oz tubs.

{The shea tree is a traditional African food plant. It has been claimed to have potential to improve nutrition, boost food supply in the "annual hungry season", foster rural development, and support sustainable landcare.}

-Ash

THIRSTY THURSDAYS: H20

Are you drinking enough water???

Every day you lose water through your breath, perspiration, urine and bowel movements. For your body to function properly, you must replenish its water supply by consuming beverages and foods that contain water.

So how much fluid does the average, healthy adult living in a temperate climate need? The Institute of Medicine determined that an adequate intake (AI) for men is roughly 3 liters (about 13 cups) of total beverages a day. The AI for women is 2.2 liters (about 9 cups) of total beverages a day.

But How much water do YOU need? Everyone is different click this link to see how much you should be drinking.
WATER CALCULATOR

What are the health benefits of water?

Water is your body's principal chemical component and makes up about 60 percent of your body weight. Every system in your body depends on water. For example, water flushes toxins out of vital organs, carries nutrients to your cells, and provides a moist environment for ear, nose and throat tissues.

Lack of water can lead to dehydration, a condition that occurs when you don't have enough water in your body to carry out normal functions. Even mild dehydration can drain your energy and make you tired.

What advice can I lend to drinking 8 glasses a of water a day?

Everyone has heard the advice, "Drink eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day." That's about 1.9 liters. Although the "8 by 8" rule isn't supported by hard evidence, it remains popular because it's easy to remember. Just keep in mind that the rule should be reconstructed as: "Drink at least eight 8-ounce glasses of fluid a day," because all fluids count toward the daily total.



BE KIND, AND DONT USE PLASTIC BOTTLES PEOPLE! Here is my water storage of choice! 


ECO VESSELS, Free Shipping with orders over $25.00
"Eco Vessel is based in Boulder, Colorado at the base of the Rocky Mountains. Our products are developed from safe, sturdy, sustainable materials while offering innovation and practicality. Our complete product line provides options for everyone from toddlers to adults.  You can feel secure knowing that our water bottles and food storage containers are made of high quality, non-leaching materials and are designed for your safety, ease of use and convenience.  All of our products are BPA and phthalate free, recyclable and environmentally friendly. "-{ecovessel.com/about.htm}

my bottle of choice :)

with a filtration system

for the kids!

 “Water does not resist. Water flows. When you plunge your hand into it, all you feel is a caress. Water is not a solid wall, it will not stop you. But water always goes where it wants to go, and nothing in the end can stand against it. Water is patient. Dripping water wears away a stone. Remember that, my child. Remember you are half water. If you can't go through an obstacle, go around it. Water does.”- Margaret Atwood, The Penelopiad

-Ash

Tunes for Tuesday: Robin Thicke Blurred Lines and Sevyn Streeter I Like It

These songs really get me going... haha. Is it just me?

-Ash

MONDAY MUST HAVES: Fitness gear

My MUST HAVES are truly must haves so Ill be acquiring them shortly. This is I guess a catalyst to ensure that I purchase them. Ive heard good things about the products below and strongly believe they'll help me reach my fitness goal.

Nike Fuel Band retails at $149.00 Nike Store

This is the Neko S trek bike. Good on roads and trails. ITS A HYBRID!retails at $649.99 Trek Bikes

Vibram's FIVE Fingers toe shoes  retail at $100-129.99 Vibram Five Finger Shoes

Some may say these items are pricey but they are worth it. And youll have them for years if you take care of them. If you want it, need it, gotta have it.... welll then i say GO GET SOME!

-Ash

New Hair Do and Baltimore Vs D.C. Food Truck Rally

New Hair Do...

It was a random heat wave in Baltimore. HOT AS HELL! So I had to get an upstyle. I only get my hair professionally done about 4-5 times a year. This is my second time this year and MY FAVORITE. 

Its like a platter of loc styles with a faux bob on one side. Enjoy.

Done By J at Naturally Loc'd Salon on Liberty Rd. 

"To get more out of life, give more of yourself."- Ash

THIRSTY THURSDAYS: OOGAVE Organic Soda

You dont have to give up on soda... there are healthier alternatives and OOGAVE organic sodas definitely delivers.

They have all kinds of flavors from Strawberry Rhubarb to Ginger Ale and Watermelon Cream. Im partial to watermelon creme myself.

Ive only been able to find them in higher priced health food stores (Fresh Market, Moms Organic Market, and Wegmans).

A little pricey so I only treat myself to these once a month. $5.99 for 4 bottles... yikes! But on a hot Spring day lol like today in Baltimore its perfect with a cold cut sub and Pop chips. 

"I went to the fridge to get me a nice cold POP!"- Sweet Brown

Take Care, Ash

WOW WEDNESDAYS: EASY, CHEAP, and QUICK Breakfast Smoothies

Soooo sometimes like most people my funds get low. Even so I still want to eat healthy. Breakfast smoothies are best with fresh fruits and organic greek yogurt and those items can be expensive. But that's no excuse to not make them because there are alternative ways to make a quality healthy smoothie. Here is my favorite quick, cheap, and easy smoothie.

flax seed from local Food Co Op

about 3 whole strawberries sliced, 3 tablespoons of yogurt, 13-15 spinach leaves, 1/4 cup of the Bolthouse, 1 tablespoon of flax seed

BOTTOMS UP!

-Ash