Suzette Riddick's Blog, page 24

Summer and Nick -They said what?

Stepping into their master suite, Summer rolled her eyes as her husband paced back and forth holding their twelve week old infant son, Daniel in his arms. To an outsider it would appear he was calming the babe. She knew better. He was still ticked off about the chat they’d stumbled upon on facebook a couple nights ago.

Taking the sleeping baby from his arms, she kissed Daniel’s forehead before placing him in the crib. Turning back to Nick she asked him, “Are you still pissed off about what those women were saying about us?”

“You damn straight!” he thundered.

“Nick, if you wake Daniel up you’re staying up with him,” she hissed. It had taken her longer than usual to get NJ and Autumn settled for the night. The little monsters came up with every excuse not to go to bed. She had breathed a sigh of relief that Nick had already put the baby to sleep. She loved her children, but taking care of two toddlers and a newborn was exhausting. As much as her mother worked her nerves, she was looking forward to her visit next week.

Taking off her jewelry she was rather matter of fact when she said, “Why do you care?”

“Did you hear that crap they were saying?” He loved his wife and didn’t need anyone reminding him of how much of a jerk he’d been. Trust and believe, he lived with it every day of his life. And spent every waking moment making sure she knew and believed he loved and cherished her and their children with his every breath.

She placed her rings, bracelet and earrings on the dresser. “Yes, Nick… I heard them,” she murmured. This is going to be a long night.

They both sat on the foot of the bed and begin removing their shoes. Summer cut her eyes at her husband. “Honey, you were a bit of a jackass back then.”

Giving her an incredulous look he wanted to know, “So you’re saying you agree with them?”

Summer giggled. “Of course not baby. You just had issues that you should have dealt with before I came along is all I’m saying.”

Boy, did he have some serious baggage. His ex, Veronica had done a number on him. Talk about messing with a man’s ego. Not only had she cheated on him, but had managed to get pregnant in the process and tried pinning the baby on him, and swindling him out of thousands. After that fiasco Nick had zero trust in women.

He rubbed his hands over his short cropped head. “I know I did and we’ve gotten past all of that. Why can’t everyone else?”

Summer sighed, totally feeling her husband’s frustration. “I haven’t a clue.”

Standing and pulling his dress shirt from his trousers, he looked over his shoulder at his beautiful wife. “One of those chicks was talking about busting me upside my head with a lamp,” he seethed, yanking down his trousers. “And what about that other one talking about blowing me up in my damn car!” He didn’t care if he woke the baby. He’d just take his son downstairs to his man cave and watch a movie until he got him to go back to sleep.

Pulling her blouse over her head, Summer nearly fell off the bed as she begin to laugh. “Now that was funny.”

Nick scowled, yanking their clothes off the floor and throwing them in the hamper.

“Come on honey, you have to admit that was pretty hilarious.” Lifting an arched brow, she pointed out, “And that’s not what she said.”

Nick couldn’t help from laughing, too. “Well, what the hell did she say?”

“She said she wanted to blow her baby daddy’s car up.”

“Same damn thing,” he grumbled.

Stripped down to her lacy bra and panties, Summer sashayed to the mirror. Picking up a comb she began combing her hair out before twisting it in a topknot bun. “Well, one of them said I got on her nerves.” Rolling her eyes she added, “And others said I didn’t have a backbone.”

She didn’t get all worked up like her husband. No one had tried on her shoes and walked in them. All that mattered to her is that in the end she and Nick had worked things out. And her husband loved and fiercely protected her and their babies. And yes, she loved him and his dirty drawers.

Waiting until she finished with her hair, Nick walked up behind her. Turning her around to face him, he held her face between his large hands. Leaning down he kissed her long and deep. This little woman was his everything. He hadn’t known what living was until she came in to his life.

Breaking the kiss, he whispered against her lips, “I love you so damn much.”

Wreathing her hands around his neck she stood on tippy toes placing a tender kiss on his full lips. “I love you, too.”

“Maybe one day they’ll understand our love.”

Summer smiled up at her man. “Maybe… But if they don’t it’s alright with me.

Nick chuckled, squeezing her tight. “That’s my baby.”

 

 

 

Winterizing Hair Part 2 – Washing

Having healthy hair means having a clean scalp free of buildup. Most of us grew up using shampoos that contained sulfates. Sulfates are the detergents in cleaning supplies that produces suds. If you’re thinking dishwashing or laundry detergent, you’ve got it. Yup, the same stuff you wash your dishes, pots, pans and clothes with is what’s in your shampoo.

 I can remember thinking years ago that my hair was nice and clean when it squeaked after washing it. Oh boy, how wrong was I! That nice squeaky-clean feeling was a result of the natural oils being stripped from my hair.

Our natural oils are designed to keep our hair moisturized. With textured hair it’s difficult for the oils to travel from the scalp down to the ends of the hair. Because this isn’t happening the hair will become dry and brittle causing it to easily break off. Now couple that with winter’s cold and dry air. Not to mention the dry air from indoor heating.

It’s probably best to use a moisturizing, sulfate-free shampoo to avoid stripping your hair of its protective oils. If you’re a cowasher (washing with conditioner) be sure to wash your hair with a clarifying shampoo as soon as you begin to feel buildup. The hair will feel like there’s a coating on it. Buildup will prevent the hair from taking in the moisture it needs leaving it vulnerable to breakage.

Here’s a pic of some popular sulfate-free shampoos. I’ve personally tried Carol’s Daughter, Organix, Loreal, and Shea Moisture. Of them all Shea Moisture is my favorite.

 

 

 

 

Stay tuned for part 3 – Deep Conditioning

 

Until Next Time,

Suzette

 

 

 

5 Delicious Foods for Breast Health

Since it’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month I want to share some foods that are healthy for our breasts.  If you’re not a picky eater, I’m sure you’ve enjoyed these foods.

Sweet potatoes – are rich in carotenoids that contains compounds that help to regulate cell growth, defense and repair.

 

 

 

 

 

Mushrooms – a study in the International Journal of Cancer did research on 2,000 Chinese women. The subjects who ate 10 grams or more of fresh mushrooms daily were 2/3 less likely to develop breast cancer than subjects who didn’t eat them.

 

 

Salmon – this fish is rich in Omega- 3 fatty acids, also known as the “good” fat. Studies published in the British Medical Journal (BJM) found women who consumed Omega 3-fatty acids were 14% less likely to develop breast cancer.

 

 

 

Green Tea – contains polyphenols, which is an antioxidant. Antioxidants are known for their cancer fighting, heart health and immune properties.

 

 

 

Pomegranates – a study published in Cancer Prevention Research suggest ellagic acid in this fruit may suppress estrogen production, preventing the growth of breast cancer cells.

 

 

 

 

Hope you enjoyed this post. Eat healthy!

Until next time,

Suzette

 

Winterizing Natural Hair – Part 1 Pre-pooing

Whether your hair is natural – like mine – or relaxed, maintaining moisturized hair is key to having healthy hair. The winter months are especially harsh on our tresses, zapping them of moisture. Living in the northeast region of the country, my hair can get extremely dry and brittle. Dry and brittle hair will most definitely lead to breakage and damage.

Maintaining moisture rich hair during the cold months can be a little tricky. For the next few blogs I’d like to share with you what works for my hair in achieving adequate moisture. Please keep in mind I’m not a professional hairstylist. However, I don’t mind sharing what’s worked for me. Who knows, it just may help you along your journey.

To get my hair prepared for the cold weather, during the month of October I begin pre-pooing my hair. Pre-pooing is a process where you apply a mixture of water based conditioner and oil to your hair. What this mixture does is add moisture to your hair prior to the washing. It’s really up to you which conditioner and oil you use.

Personally, I use an inexpensive conditioner like Tresemme Naturals which is silicone free, hypoallergenic, and infused with aloe vera and avocado. I also use either grapeseed oil or extra virgin olive oil because they both are known to have moisturizing and conditioning properties. And for extra goodness I throw some honey into the mix. Honey acts as a humectant (retains moisture), an emollient (softner) and antioxidant (hair growth).

 

 

 

 

 

 I don’t measure any of the ingredients. I just mix until I’m satisfied with the consistency. CAUTION, if you have thin or fine hair be sure to wash your hair clean or go light on the oil and honey. Once I apply the pre-poo to my hair I sit under a hooded dryer for 20 to 30 minutes. The heat from the dryer allows the hair cuticles to open and penetrate the hair for some major moisturizing and conditioning.

Finally, rinse well with warm water. Beware: If you rinse your hair in the shower make sure to thoroughly clean stall or tub to prevent future falls.  The next step is washing/shampooing.

 

Until Next Time,

 Suzette

 

It’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month – Sisters Beware

 

Breast cancer is the second leading cause of death in women. As a woman gets older her risk for breast cancer rises. However, African American women suffer from breast cancer at a younger age. It also tends to be more aggressive in African America women vs. White women. Sadly, the death rate is higher in our women, most likely because tumors are found late and at more advanced stages. Unfortunately, the survival rate is lower compared to our counterparts.

Risk factors such as being a woman, age, family history and your ethnicity/race are things you can’t change. The good news is you can lose weight if you’re overweight, if you’re pregnant – you can breastfeed, you can limit your alcohol consumption, you can exercise regularly, and you can eat healthy. Doing all of these things can decrease your risk of breast cancer. Check out www.breastcancer.org/risk/factors

The signs of breast cancer are:

Lump, hard knot, thickening of breast or underarm area

Swelling, warmth, redness or darkening of breast

Change in breast size or shape

Dimpling or pucker of skin

Itchy, scaly, sore rash on breast

Nipple suddenly becomes inverted

Sudden nipple discharge

New pain in one area of breast that doesn’t go away

Early detection is the key to surviving breast cancer. If you have a close relative, such as your mother, sister, aunt or grandmother with a history of breast cancer, you should start getting mammograms at age 35 and yearly clinical breast exams. For women without a family history, yearly  mammograms and clinical breast exams starting at age 40. Self breast exams can start as early as puberty. The best time to perform a self breast exam is 3-5 days after your period starts. Hormones are the lowest this time of the month and breast tissue tend not to be as lumpy. If you’ve reached menopause or have had a hysterectomy, it’s best to pick a date you’ll remember, such as your birthday and do your exam on that date each month. http://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/breast-self-exam

If you can’t afford a mammogram, check out these sites for low-cost or free mammogram in your area.

http://ww5.komen.org/LowCostorFreeMammograms.html

http://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/national-mammography-program

http://www.lindacreed.org/programs.php

 

Until Next Time,

Suzette

 

Understanding Hair Porosity

How Porous is Your Hair?

In my quest to have healthy hair, I’ve been doing lots of research. The one subject I’ve come across is hair porosity.

Porosity has to do with how much moisture, product, or chemicals hair can absorb. Apparently, the porosity of one’s hair is linked to how healthy it is.

There are three types of porosity: low, normal and high. Low porosity hair doesn’t easily absorb water, products or chemicals. Normal porosity hair allows water and chemicals to absorb as needed. And high porosity hair becomes over saturated with water and chemicals. High porosity hair is very damaged hair, usually due to chemicals and excessive heat. At the bottom of this post I’ve listed three links that will better describe and explain hair porosity.

After reading the articles and doing the “Porosity Test”, I discovered that I have low porosity hair. This type of hair doesn’t easily absorb moisture, products or chemicals, and actually repels water. I always wondered why it would take my hair several minutes to become saturate with water when I washed it…now I know! Protein and products can cause buildup on low porosity hair making it feel like dry straw and coated. My hair is super protein sensitive. Even to the point where coconut oil (which isn’t a protein, but acts like one) makes my hair hard as a brick. So shampoos and conditioners with heavy proteins are a no-no for my tresses. I once made the mistake of using coconut oil as a pre-poo. It took my hair approximately a month before it felt moisturized and soft again. To rid my hair of product buildup, I use a clarifying shampoo once a month.

Do you want to know you hair’s porosity? If you do, it’s really simple. Take a few strands of shed (not broken) hair from a comb or a brush after wash day. Place it in a glass/bowl of water. If the hair floats it’s low porosity. If it slowly sinks to the bottom, it’s normal porosity. And if it sinks immediately, it’s high porosity.

Check out the pic below of my porosity test. The first time I performed this test, I let my hair sit in the water for 24hrs, and my hair was still floating. The second time I performed it, I allowed it to sit for 48hr, and it was still floating.

 

 

 

 

 

Here are the links to check out:

http://www.hairtx.com/hair-growth/hair-physiology/

http://www.naturallycurly.com/curlreading/curl-products/curlchemist-porosity-and-curly-hair

http://www.dralisyed.com/hairdamage.pdf

 

Until Next Time,

Suzette