The L-O-C Method

 The rise of natural hair awareness (trend or not) has sparked many questions from natural haired woman. The most frequently asked question being, "How do I keep my hair moisturized?". I think alot of woman relaxed or natural have come across this issue more than once in their life time. It's a "hair thang" that alot of woman from all walks of life have to deal with, but mostly black woman. The lack of retaining moisture will bring any naturalist to their knees. Most woman in general run out and try to buy or find any miracle product that will promise or ensure their hair will be fully packed with moisture. Which sadly becomes a lost cause and another product to bury in the product stash grave yard. Maybe it isn't just what you pt in your hair, but how you your using the products. Which leads my to the topic at hand. The L-O-C Method (Leave in, Oil, Conditioner) I first came across this method my first few months post big chop (Dec 20 2011) after transitioning for 7 months. After watching so many youtubers explain and break down this unique and easy method for retaining moisture. The "L-O-C Method" is simply applying certain products in a general order on wet or dry hair.

(The Break Down)  L-O-C

 

1. Leave In
2. Oil
3. Conditioner

Leave in conditioner acts as the foundation product that helps continue the conditioning process which soften, detangles, and makes the hair more manageable.

Oil works as a sealant for the hair shaft and nutrient for the scalp. Oils vary in uses and benefits research which oil works best for your personal preference, seasonal weather and health.

Conditioner (moisturizer) is used to soften, strengthen and moisturize the hair making the hair soft, shiny, and healthy.

This is the only method I personally used that really locks the moisture in my hair. I've tried different ways but this simple 3 step method is a sure way to keep the moisture in my hair longer. Another key ingredient is picking the right product for your hair texture, porosity and hair type.

 

Spicy Tofu Scramble

My on going love affair with Tofu has yet blessed me with another favorite dish. This has got to be one of my favorite Sunday morning dishes to date. (sorry pancakes) It a vegetarian take on the imfamous "Scramble eggs" even though it tastes like a stove top quiche to me. All you need are a few select around the house ingredients. This is what I call a "Kitchen sink" recipe, because no matter what you have around the old fridge it will always taste great. For this dish I used 4 eggs, extra firm tofu (DRAINED AND CRUMBLED), an array of diffrent spices,canola cooking oil spray, olive oil, two types of onions (white and green), a good ole' green bell pepper,Rotel brand tomatoes and chiles, and mild cheddar cheese. It's quite simple just preheat(medium to low heat) skillet and spray canola oil cooking spray and drizzle olive oil to coat the pan. Saute onions and bell pepper in skillet for only a couple of mins (DON'T FORGET TO STIR). Next add in the Rotel tomatoes and chiles and tofu. Make sure you stir to keep everything from burning or sticking to the pan. Then while everything is sauting crack the 4 eggs and beat with a fork. Add the spices of your choosing, I chose a dash of salt, pepper, garlic&pepper, Tony's brand creole seasoning (love that stuff), crush red pepper flakes. Add just a dash of each then later while cooking you can go back and add more as desired. Once eggs and spices are mixed in add them to the veggies in the skillet. At this time add a sprinkle of cheese to the dish. Stir the ingredients as the scramble begins to bond together. This process only take a couple of mins so keep stiring. When the dish is almost in scramble egg form sprinkle more cheese and spices as desired until everything has been completly cooked. Turn off the heat and plate the scramble. I normally eat this dish with a small bowl of oat meal or fruit in this case, along side a glass of almond/soy milk, green tea, lemon&honey or a cool glass of my favorite fruit juice. This dish will keep you full through out lunch time. Hope you enjoy!!!

CHEF SIDE NOTES: YOU CAN ALSO ADD AND MIX IN DIFFRENT TYPES OF PEPPERS, SPICES, AND VEGGIES TO MAKE A NEW SCRAMBLE TO CALL ALL YOUR OWN. TRY USING SEASONAL VEGGIES GROWN IN YOUR LOCAL FARMER MARKETS. THERE IS ALSO A VEGAN ALTERNATIVE TO THIS RECIPE:INSTEAD OF EGGS YOU COULD USE MORE TOFU OR SEITAIN, AND USE A SOY BASED VEGAN CHEESE LIKE DAIYA

The Art of Orange Salad

A simple dessert recipe for any day of the year. I've been making this recipes for a few years now and I always make it for hoildays and birthday or summer parties. I got this recipe from my great-grandmother who got it from my great-aunt who found from (you get my point). Im so glad she found this from where ever or who ever I'm simply in love with it it. My brothers, sisters, my 1 year old neice and guy friends ABSOLUTELY LOVE THIS RECIPE. I don't know if it's the fruit,cool whip and marshmallow combination but men LOVE THIS STUFF. It's very simple to make I'll try to make a video of this later. Follow the recipe posted I've tried this with diffrent brands of products some are better with this dish than others so through trial and error I've found this recipe to work the best to make a great ORANGE SALAD. ENJOY!!! :)

ORANGE SALAD
1 LARGE BOX OF JELLO brand orange jello
2 Cool Whip brand whipped topping
2 Sour Cream (brand of your choosing)
1 Bag of miniture Marshmallows (Kraft,Jet puff or nice quality brand)
1 Large or 2 Small cans of DOLE PINAPPLE (chunks or crush)
2 Small or 1 Large can of MANDARIAN ORANGES (Nice Quality)

In a large bowl add Cool Whip and Sour Cream
next drain the Pinapples and Mandarin Oranges then place in bowl
now pour in the Miniture Marshmallow
Finally add the large box of Orange Jello brand gelatin
fold mixture until it is a even orange color
Let refrigerate over night then serve
Makes one large organge salad dish
(You can also cut large marshmallow in half)


NOTE: You don't have to only use pinapples and oranges you can mix and match diffrent combinations of "summer fruit" well as JELLO mixes to make a simple sweet treat to call your own.You can always make more or make less by simply using or not using 1 smaller sizes of each main items
Told you it was easy : ) ENJOY!!!