CNN Video: 'Can I Touch It?'

Read Full Article!

Boho Fix With Folake Huntoon

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Does she look familiar?

It's probably because you love her work at Wewe Clothing too lol!

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Florals.

Bright Colours.

Baggy flared free-flowing flares/dresses/skirts

This sums up my Summer perfectly!

Dr Adanna Video: Is Natural Hair "Professional"?

Wow. This is one of the top question I always get on locs - and natural hair in general... this video breaks it down with a brilliant response, everything I agree with! So if you ever have any doubts, watch this! (and pass on this positivity!)

Yes!

Dayna Lynn- Electricmind Astrology

I'm forever searching for more reliable websites/books/links/etc on astrology - I have been drawn towards lunar astrology in the last fews years and it's worked really well so far!

I often feel that choosing an astrology reader/writer is like choosing a crystal to use... you have to be drawn to them and the way they express their readings to you. Translating astrology readings to others feels like a form of story-telling... there will naturally be certain people who you feel tell the story and transmit that energy in tune with yours. This lady is a recent find through FB and she has been spot on all the time for me - please see her website.

Dayna Lynn - An accomplished Progressive Soul/Jazz singer, composer/songwriter (see website) and an Astro-Metaphysicist. Her voice is beautiful! And here is a recent video from her!

Happy Holidays & Facebook!

Hey guys!!!

Wishing you all a lovely Christmas & 

a very Happy New 2011....yay!!!

I'm taking a mini break from this blog to celebrate and reflect... 

BUT I am still posting up on our Holistic Locs facebook page... more thoughts, music, posts etc.

So join in and share the fun! 

And I will see you all on the other side ;o)

Daily Om: What You Believe

I hope to bring much more positivity into this blog and this reading felt so true... especially today. I was just having a really off day lol.... really yucky!

This brought clarity right back to me...

I reflected on it.

Holistic Locs On Facebook!

"Like" us on facebook

It was about time to do so... Thank you to the readers who wanted to keep updated with posts up on here via facebook!  I will be posting much more on the facebook page, so stay tuned while I set up...

Holistic tips, videos, natural hair inspiration, articles that are inspiring and more!

And thank you to everyone who joins and for your support!

Looking forward to connecting with you all on it ;o)

Love Blogs? Check Out Natural Belle

Today's inspiring blog (I go to it regularly for inspiration) and a London blog too (woo-hoo!) is...

Natural Belle

If you haven't already, please please please check it out!!!

Your Feedback: The Next Step Is...

Hey everyone!

I've enjoyed writing this blog... I just love writing in general and sharing stuff... but now I'm looking for a little more inspiration and would love some feedback from you - I'm asking myself: what next for this blog?

Or should I say... what would YOU like to see in this blog?

Thank you for all the comments and emails in the past, it has been very positive and uplifting! It's also given me many ideas and inspiration for previous blog posts.

Right now, I feel like I'm reaching another stage... I'm looking to take time out here (and in a few other spaces for some "digital-detox" lol) and see what the next steps are... whether to carry on or not with some projects, what next to write, what new projects to start etc.

Part of this stems from my desire to write articles again for magazines/websites. I miss working with other writers and magazines. I miss working on projects that made me reflect on topics that I otherwise would have skipped... or seeing the published article in print. I miss the challenge of setting deadlines, networking etc. I took a break from all of that for 2 years now (mainly to get back to a study routine), after having a steady stream of published work in various places - it was so much fun and it kept me motivated and inspired to learn more about the holistic journey and natural lifestyle.

So now, I'm thinking whether or not I should start to dedicate my time more on getting back to that side of writing...

Hmmmmmmmmm. It's just another step that I am actively reflecting on!

I am also starting up new projects in my new business. Then there is Summer - I will be out and about and on the move lol!

So..... I'm leaving this space open to you, the readers here... I need inspiration!

You are welcome to leave your ideas/feedback/comments on anything you would like to see in this blog or on what you have read so far...

Please leave your comments and ideas here.

Many thanks!

Travel Talk: Top 10 Blogs With Insight On LIfe Abroad!

There are 3 topics that I usually love when reading blogs... natural hair, natural/holistic lifestyle and... insights on life in other countries! These topics are almost guaranteed to get me hooked lol.

Travel is my passion - I LOVE it! I need it lol. So, having first hand insider's thoughts to living/travel in different parts of the world is such am inspiration. I hope to move from the UK and spend more time abroad again... not sure where just yet! I just know that my "itchy feet" are calling out to tread new paths out there...

Choosing just 10 of my regular blogs with great insights to life abroad is very difficult - there are so many out there that I follow.

But, if I had to choose, this list would be it...

My Top 10 Travel Blogs

Running Mommy - Life in Abu Dhabi, Middle East.

My So-Called Life In France - Life in France and Europe.

American Black Chick In Europe - Mixed bag of insights in different parts of Europe.

This Time Now - Life in Seoul, South Korea.

Paris Focus - Life in Paris, France.

Wife. Bride. Life - Life in Scotland.

Nikita The Traveller - Mixed bag of travel insights.

Kiratiana Travels - Mixed bag of travel thoughts.

Afro-Europe - Mixed bag of news on European life.

Urban Travel Girl - Mixed bag

Immerview: Andrena Simmons

Andrena Simmons

http://lion-essence.blogspot.com

How long have you been natural and what inspired you to begin?

I’ve been natural since 2000. I big chopped unexpectedly on a normal day in September. I had recently come back from holiday in the NYC. I was more concerned in preparing for that holiday and the idea of attending university in the US. So much so that my form teacher in sixth form didn’t bother to submit my UCAS form on time and I didn’t noticed. So after two months in NY, a breakup and being 18, I felt rebellious and needed a drastic change. I asked my sister to cut off my hair while washing them and that she did with glee.

In 5th January 2001, I started locing my hair. I always wanted to have locs and fancied myself being in love with all of the Marley’s. My uncle had amazing long bongo-natti locs and I used to think that one day I will have locs – even if it was a “taboo”. I’ll have it and show everyone that you can be successful in the corporate world or at which ever career you choose, no matter the condition or style of your hair.

I guess you can say for the next 9 years, I did that and inspired many friends to start their journey with dreadlocs. Between ages 19 and 25, I interned every summer during university and then after university at an international finance company. First few years, I was the only black employee in the department. In some way, my dreadlocs give me courage and a certain fierceness.

But since 2008, I started longing for a change. I went through some upheavals and started longing for a change in direction. I wanted to give back more to the community. I wanted to volunteer and do more artistic and creative stuff.

Now in hindsight, my prayers got answered. In a nutshell, my passport got stolen while starting a new job in March, 08. I had to stop working, apply for a new passport and my residency in August 08. I’ve been waiting since then for my residency and cannot work until all that is sorted. I started blogging and writing more poetry, which was a challenge coming from a mathematics and scientific background. I’m also volunteering at two major youth organisations – International Award for Young People and YEP Enfield.

I realised that I was hiding in many ways from myself and behind my hair. At the start of the New Year, I transitioned from having beautiful dreadlocs to wonderful natural hair. I feel as if I’ve lost my identity, but it is a slow process and I’m getting there – back to the caterpillar and soon to be once more a butterfly.

I thought that I would have had dreadlocs for ever, but I feel as if in the past 2 years being out of work, I have learnt so much about myself and it is as if I’m entering into a new era. What better way to signify this, but my hair.

Did you find your family/friends were supportive in your decision to go natural?

My mum used to threaten to cut off my dreadlocs while I sleep and I had nightmares for months. But they were very supportive and they love to show off to their friends that I have dreadlocs.

Some of my friends thought I was crazy when I started. It’s great to see them now with their own dreadlocs and natural do. One girl at my old job told me that I’m the first person she saw with dreadlocs that made her want to have them.

Now, it’s taking a long time for them to get used to me without my dreads. My bf says that it’s as if he has a new girl friend.

Do you feel where you live is open to natural hair?

Thankfully, London is very metropolitan and I’ve been seeing many beautiful people with beautiful dreams. Adornment (natural hair show) was amazing - so many wonderful dreads in the crowd.

What do you love most about being natural?

I love being true to me and not hiding behind accessories. I love being natural and knowing that what you see is what you get. No makeup – no weaves – no fake eyelashes – just me

What do you love least about being natural?

Bad hair days – I’ve been having them since this is the first 2 weeks of me without locs. It’s been frustrating. I’m trying to roc a fro, but the detangling process afterwards is a nightmare. But, I’m learning.

Have you learned anything about your Self through this journey of natural hair?

I have learnt a lot and then I have to relearn. It’s an amazing journey. Life and Time is fluid and so am I. This month, I learnt that I am not my hair. I was afraid that I wouldn’t be a lion-ess anymore when I cut my locs. 

What is your hair routine?

Thank God for all these natural hair blogs. When I started locs, I couldn’t find any. Now, I subscribe to so many.

I tried out my new hair regime today actually. It was crazy, but I learnt patience.

I pre-pooed over night with Organix coconut milk conditioner + rosemary and olive oil

I shampooed with John Masters Organics evening primrose shampoo and clarified with diluted apple cider vinegar.

Detangled with Organix coconut milk conditioner – two-strand twist my hair in fours.

Deep-conditioned with Aubrey Organics Honeysuckle rose conditioner for 3 hrs (I cooked dinner in the meantime)

Moisturised with John Masters Organics Rosemary and peppermint detangler as leave-in and whipped butter from Anita Grant mixed with coconut and olive oil and spritz with John Masters Deep Scalp Follicle Treatment & Volumizer

Tell us a little about where you live... What do you love about the city/country? And where would you recommend to go?

I’m from the Caribbean island of St Vincent and the Grenadines, which is a must-go if you like unspoilt beauty and not just the boring sun, sand and see. In St Vincent, we have everything – high mountains and volcano for hiking, 3 waterfalls, natural trails, rough beaches for water sports, tranquil and beautiful sandy beaches, corals reefs for snorkelling, over 15 inhabited and uninhabited islets to sail around and explore, vibrant and cultural events like carnival throughout the yr and tasty Caribbean food, drinks and music.

I’ve been living in London for 11.5 yrs. For a hint of what it is like to party in the Caribbean, check out Busspepper - http://busspepper.com/ for their events.

Any advice to anyone thinking of going natural?

Take the plunge and do it. There are so many resources via blogs, forums and youtube. A huge family awaits and will support you.

Raw Foodie: The Live Green Smoothie 85% Challenge

I have been on the look-out for a way to add much more raw food into my diet, slowly able to transition from cooked or to combine it. I found this (click to enlarge)!

Then, taking it one step further, I found a fantastic blog with with information and the perfect challenge...

Welcome to The LGS 85% Challenge!

Your mission should you choose to accept it: to use Live Green Smoothies (LGSs) to radically jack up the raw and living foods in your diet to around 85%.

Why 85%?

Because in my personal experimentation, that seems to be The Magic Zone, where weight, well-being, and wellness seem to find a beautiful, easy, natural balance.

Trying to lose weight and feeling stuck? Then try jacking up your LGSs to 3 blenderfuls a day, add a raw meal or two, and you’ll start to break through that plateau (just be sure you’re getting your sweat on for a good 30 minutes at least 3 times a week, as well)!

Feeling sluggish, no energy, heavy, or depressed? Honestly, I haven’t spoken to one person yet who jacked up their diet with 3 blenderfuls of LGSs every single day who did not report a wonderful increase in energy, well-being, and mood!

Those Live Green Smoothies really are like magic!

Everyday, challenge yourself to see if you can hit the 85% marker with the amount of raw and live foods you include in your diet.

Do this by: The Live Green Smoothie “85% Challenge”:

Consume three blenderfuls of Live Green Smoothies every day.  A blenderful is at least 32 oz., and my recommendation is that you make two in the morning and pour them out over ice in 4 water bottles, and then drink them by mid-afternoon. Then make another blenderful before dinner. That’s fully 96 oz. of Live Green Smoothies every single day!

Make one of your meals 100% raw. Doesn’t matter which one it is. Could be brekkies, could be dinner. Be flexible. Do what fits into your day. But learn some recipes that you really enjoy and make one every day. If the raw realm is new to you, spend $5 for one month of access to my recipe library and explore the possibilities. Start with “Angela’s Favorites” category and see what appeals to you. Or browse the EZ Browse Recipe Library for ideas. There’s some good stuff there.

Make one of your meals “rawish”… meaning, with lots of raw, living foods in it, but paired with something cooked. For example, a salad sandwich, or a great chopped salad or raw salsa eaten with avocado and organic tortilla chips. Or have that roast chicken you made for the family, but with something raw on the side… a tasty salad, perhaps. Greens optional, just make it yummy.

And that’s it!

The “85%” part is approximate, and I judge it by quantity, not by caloric density. If you’ve eaten mostly raw and living food all day long and then have a piece of grilled steak with greens at dinner, that’s definitely “in the zone”.

Are you in?

Read more in this website...

Check out these great recipes too!

I started up the challenge today, combined with workouts, so this should be interesting! My cooked section will rotate around the following foods: lentils, chickpeas, red kidney beans, quinoa and other protein packed cooked foods.

YAY! Afrobella On Youtube!

I was so excited to see this post. As always, she wirtes up on a lot of interesting stuff - I hope to see more videos too!

From Afrobella.com

Great Blog Tips! Create A Vision Board

I came across this wonderful blog and website today, with really inspiring Self growth tips and articles:

Moitivated Sista

I have known about doing the vision board for a while but it's fantastic to find a video on it too!

Work That Big Ol' Brain Of Yours!!!

Janine Jackson (from the great blog PlantFolk) has kindly let me re-post this fantastic article!

Work that big ole' brain of yours or 'get your sylar on' for the Heroes fans ;)

1.Breath deep. More air in means more oxygen in the blood and therefore in the brain. Breath through your nose and you'll notice that you use your diaphragm more, drawing air deeper into your lungs. Several deep breaths can also help to relax you, which is conducive to clearer thinking.

2. Meditate. A simple meditation you can do right now is just closing your eyes and paying attention to your breath. Tensing up your muscles and then relaxing them to start may help. When your mind wanders, just bring your attention back to your breath. Five or ten minutes of this will usually relax you, clear your mind, and leave you more ready for any mental task.

3. Sit up straight. Posture affects your thinking process. Prove it to yourself by doing math in your head while slouching, looking at the floor and letting your mouth hang open. Then do the mental math while sitting up straight, keeping your mouth closed and looking forward or slightly upwards. You'll notice that it's easier to think with the latter posture.

4.Good thinking habits. Just use a problem solving technique for several weeks and it will become a habit. Redesign everything you see for a while, and that will become a habit. You can develop many good thinking habits with some effort, and then be more resourceful effortlessly from that point on. Use the power of habit.

5.Use extra time. This is time that is otherwise wasted or just under-utilized. Driving time, time spent in waiting rooms, or even time spent raking your yard can be included in this. With a tape player and a trip to a public library, you can start to use this time to listen to books-on-tape. You may spend 200 hours a year in your car. What could you learn in that time?

6.Learn a language. Learning a new language has been shown to halt the age-related decline in brain function. It also introduces your mind to new concepts and new ways of looking at things (in English we are afraid, whereas in Spanish we have fear). It is one of the best brain exercises.

7.Rosemary. This common herb may have an effect on the brain when the scent is inhaled. Some people swear that just sniffing rosemary wakes up their brain.

8.Mindfulness exercises. Concentration and clear thinking are more or less automatic once you remove distractions. Learn to stop and watch your busy mind. As you notice things that are subtly bothering you, deal with them. This might mean making a phone call you need to make, or putting things on a list so you can forget them for now. With practice, this becomes easier, and your thinking becomes more powerful.

9.Write. Writing is good for your mind in a number of ways. It is a way to tell your memory what is important, so you'll recall things more easily in the future. It is a way to clarify your thinking. It is a way to exercise your creativity and analytical ability. Diaries, idea-journals, poetry, note-taking and story-writing are all ways to use writing to boost your brain power.

10.Develop your intuition. Intuition can be an important part of brainpower. Einstein and others have relied heavily on their intuitive hunches.

11.Avoid foods that cause subtle allergies. These can include wheat, corn, peanuts and dairy products. Watch yourself to see if you have a problem with any of these. They cause digestive problems and brain fog in some people.

12.Sleep better. As long as you get a certain amount of sleep - probably a minimum of five hours - the quality seems to be more important than the quantity. Also, short naps in the afternoon seem to work well to recharge the brain for some people.

13.Avoid sugar. Any simple carbohydrates can give you "brain fog." Sometimes called the "sugar blues" as well, this sluggish feeling makes it hard to think clearly. It results from the insulin rushing into the bloodstream to counteract the sugar rush. Avoid pasta, sugars, white bread and potato chips before any important mental tasks.

14.Hypnosis audios. The power of suggestion is real, and one way to use it is with hypnosis tapes, CD's or downloads. This type of brain "programming" has more evidence for it than subliminals.

15.Speed reading. Contrary to what many believe, your comprehension of material often goes up when you learn to speed-read. You get to learn a lot more in less time, and it is definitely a good brain exercise.

16.Exercise. Long term exercise can boost brainpower. Anything that affects physical health in a positive way probably helps the brain too. Cognitive function is improved immediately after just ten minutes of exercise. If you need a brain recharge, you might want to walk up and down the stairs a few times.

17.Imaginary friends. Talking to and getting advice from characters in your mind can be a great way to access the information in your subconscious mind. Imagine a conversation with a person who has a lot of knowledge in the area you want advice in.i hear and see you laughing! lol

18.Develop your creativity. Creativity gives power to your thinking. creativity! yes!http://plantfolk.wordpress.com/2010/01/19/colorful-living/

19.Learn more efficiently. When you decide to learn something, take notes from the start. Leave each "learning session" with a question or two in mind, to create anticipation and curiosity. Take short breaks, so there will be more beginnings and endings to your studies (Things learned at the beginning or ending of a class or session are remembered better).

20.Use techniques for clear thinking. Cluttered rooms and offices can contribute to cluttered thinking. Organize a space for mental work. Sigh, stretch, and take a deep breath before you start on a tough mental job. Plan some distraction-free time for brainstorming.

21.Talk. Talking is only good for the brain if you are actually exercising it, of course. Try explaining something that you don't understand very well to a friend, though, and you'll notice that the process of explaining will help you clarify your understanding.

22.Do something you enjoy. This is a way to both lower stress and rev up your brain. The key is to do something active. Watching TV doesn't count. Whether it is playing Scrabble or building birdhouses, when you are actively engaged in an activity that you enjoy, you worry less about things and you start to think better.

23.Adjust your beliefs. Believe you are smarter, and you'll become smarter. For this, affirmations may work, but even better is evidence. Make a note of your successes. Tell yourself, "Hey, that was really creative," when you do something creative. When you have a good idea, make a note of it. Gather the evidence for your own intelligence and you'll start to experience more of it.

24.Brain exercises. Do math in your mind while driving. Think of a new use for everything you see. Regular use of the brain has been shown to generate new neuronal growth, and even halt the decline of mental function that often comes with age.

25.Learn new things. This is another way to exercise the brain. It can also be done with little time investment if you use books-on-tapes while driving.

26.Walk. Exercise has been shown to benefit the brain, and walking is one of the best exercises for many. It is low impact, and the rhythmic nature of it seems to put you in a state that is very conducive to clear thinking. In fact, carry a tape recorder with you to take notes, and a twenty minute walk can be a great way to solve problems.

27.Model others. Find others that are creative, intelligent, or very productive. Do what they do, and think what they think. This is a key principle of neuro-linguistic programming. Be careful about taking their advice, though. Successful people often don't really understand why they are successful. Do what they do, not what they say.

28. Avoid unnecessary arguments. When you defend a position too vigorously, especially when it is just to "win" the argument, you invest our ego into it. This is not conducive to the easy acceptance and use of new information. In other words, you put your mind in a rut, and you dig it deeper with each argument. Debate can be a valuable thing, but when the ego takes over, the mind closes a little. This is not a recipe for better thinking.

29.Laugh. The release of endorphins caused by laughter lowers stress levels, which is good for long term brain health. Laughter also tends to leave you more open to new ideas and thoughts.

30.Play. Stimulating the brain causes measurable changes in the structure of the brain. New connections are made and new brain cells are grown. Intellectual play, as well as any playing that involves hand-eye coordination stimulates the brain. have you played today? or even within the last week? hmmmm?http://plantfolk.wordpress.com/2009/05/26/you-need-some-p-in-your-life/

31.Do puzzles. Crossword puzzles, lateral thinking puzzles, and even good riddles are a great way to get brain exercise. You can work on them while waiting for a dentist appointment, or on the bus, if you are short on time.

32.Sing. When you are alone in your car, try singing about something you are working on. This taps into and exercises your right brain. Have you ever noticed how it is easier to rhyme when you sing than when you just speak or write? This is because the right brain is better at pattern recognition. By doing this brain exercise regularly you can train yourself to tap into the power of the right brain. This will make you a more effective problem-solver. If you doubt the distinction between the hemispheres of the brain, look at how stutterers can stop stuttering as soon as they start singing. Try it.

33.Nuts. University students in Brazil and other South American countries often eat several Brazil nuts before an exam, believing they are good for their mental power. The evidence is starting to confirm this. Other nuts that have minerals and amino acids that are beneficial to the brain include almonds and walnuts.

34.Olive oil. High in mono-unsaturated fat, olive oil has been shown to improve memory.

35.Vitamin supplements. In studies, children scored higher on tests when on a regimen of daily vitamin supplements.

36.Fiber. It isn't just what goes in, but what comes out that is important to brain function. Toxic build-up in the body and brain can cause "brain fog." People often report clearer thinking as one of the benefits of curing their constipation.

37.Self awareness. This may not seem important to brain power, but it is. When you know yourself better, you can avoid the usual effects of ego and emotion in your seemingly "rational" thinking. Or you can at least take it into account. Watch yourself, especially as you explain things or argue.

38.Motivate yourself. Motivation is as important to mental tasks as it is to any other. Learn a few simple techniques for self motivation.

39.Avoid too much stress. "Stress causes brain damage." Long term stress has repeated been shown to hurt the brain, not to mention the rest of the body. Learn a few stress reduction techniques if you get stressed out often.

40.Get educated. Scientists have known for a while that the less educated get alzheimer's more frequently. Education in any area seems to make the brain stronger.

41.Avoid too much fat. In laboratory studies, animals consistently learn slower when they are on a diet high in fat. Type of fat may make a difference, so you may want to stick to using olive oil and other non-saturated fats. Saturated fats have been shown to actually stunt the growth of brain cells.

42.Eat less. Overeating has the immediate effect of redirecting more blood to the digestive process, leaving less for the brain. Long term, it can cause arterial obstructions that reduce blood flow to the brain permanently. In at least one study, rats on a restricted-calorie diet had more brainpower.

43.Avoid suspect foods. There is evidence that the following foods can be bad for your brain: Artificial food colorings, artificial sweeteners, colas, corn syrup, frostings, high-sugar drinks, hydrogenated fats, sugars, white bread, and any white-flour products.

44.Eat breakfast. When kids who didn't eat breakfast started to eat it, researchers found that their math scores went up a whole grade on average.

45.Avoid diabetes. The development of diabetes coincides with a dropping of IQ scores.

46.Eat foods high in antioxidants. Antioxidants protect all your cells, including brain cells. Some of the foods highest in antioxidants include: prunes, raisins, blueberries, blackberries, garlic, kale, cranberries, strawberries, spinach, and raspberries.

47.Folic acid. According to one study, 200 micrograms of folic acid, the amount found in 3/4 cup of cooked spinach, alleviates depression and reverses memory loss.

48.Potential brain foods. Other foods that may be good for your brain include: Avocados, bananas, brewer's yeast. broccoli, brown rice, brussel sprouts, cantaloupe, collard greens, flaxseed oil, legumes, oranges, peas, potatoes, romaine lettuce, and spinach.

49.Vitamin E. 400 I.U.s of vitamin E daily. It is an antioxidant, and reduces the clogging of blood vessels, including those going in the brain.

50.Vitamin C. Taken in the form of orange juice in a study at the Texas Women's University, vitamin C increased the IQ scores of children.

51.Selenium. 100 micrograms of selenium has been shown to be a mood-elevator. Your brain almost certainly functions better when you are in a better mood. Foods rich in selenium include Brazil nuts and garlic.

52.Ask questions. This is a great way to keep your brain in shape. Just get in the habit of asking questions often, even if it is only in your own mind. Why are taller buildings better? What is the purpose of curbs? Ask anything that comes to mind, and ponder the possible answers. my first question to you is >http://plantfolk.wordpress.com/2010/04/14/what-do-you-want/

53.Sniff basil. This another of the herbs that may be good for your brain. No studies yet, but many report a brain boost from smelling basil.

54.Temperature. Many people have noted that they think better at certain temperatures. In general, it seems that being slightly cool, but not uncomfortable, is most conducive to good thinking. Try experimenting on yourself to see what temperature works best for you.

55.Use systems. From the time I was ten years old, 12 x 49 was always (12 x 50) - 12. It's easier to figure in your head this way (588, by the way). I didn't get any credit for my personal algorithms then, but they are selling these shortcuts on late-night TV now, because they work. You can find your own easier ways to do mental math or other mental tasks, or read a good book on them.

56.Make a brainpower plan. It takes about twenty to thirty days of repetition to establish new habits, many psychologists will tell you. This means that when you create your plan for better brainpower, be sure you plan to use that new problem solving technique, or eat those new brain foods for at least three weeks. You can use many of the brain boosters here and get immediate results, but it is creating new habits that will give you the most brainpower.

GREAT advice ;o)

Afrobella Explores Acupuncture

As most nappturals know, Afrobella has an amazing blog, full of inspiring insights and information.

I was looking through her youtube channel and found this really amazing video, exploring acupuncture...

Euronap Blog: My So-Called Life In France!

I have always been curious about life in France... As I love reading blogs, I was pleasantly surprised to find this blog of a beautiful napptural American woman (who I think looks SO much like Jill Scott! What'ya think?!?) living her dream as an artist in France... the honest ups 'n downs, mixed in with great life photos and a huge dose of humour, napptural hair talk and creativity! A great insight of life in France as an expat and following her Self journey since 2005...

I LOVE this blog!

Enjoy ;o)