Everyone should know about.......Bitter Leaf

'The only reason to give a speech is to change the world'

- John F Kennedy

Hi Everyone

So today's post is about Bitter Leaf, another marvelous plant I learnt about whilst living in Nigeria. So lets get to learning about this plant.

-The scientic name is Vernonia amygdalina and it is a leafy shrub or small tree that can reach over 20 ft when fully grown.

- It can grow anywhere

- Every part of the plant is bitter from leaves, roots and stems.

- has a high amount of zinc

- saponins

- glycosides

- alkoloids

- it is said to be anti malaria

- it is said to be anti cancerous

- it is said to be anti bacteral

- it is said to be anti parasite

- Useful in toning vital organs such as liver and kindey

- Great for diabetic patients as it lowers the sugar levels as well as said to repair the pancreas

- This leaf is used in herbal treatments for ailments such as fevers and vector borne diseases.

- The plant is great for menopausal women because it takes care of symtons such as hot flashes, and rheuratism.

How to use Bitter leaf

- In some African countries- Nigeria, Togo, Kenya, Tanzania and Ghana - it is a major food vegetable.

- In Thailand (Chopoo) and Lao (E-lert) it is eaten raw, as soup or as salad

- It can be eaten raw or used to make a strong soup.

- adding honey to the tea takes away some of the bitterness

- also by boiling the leaves and making it into a soup also takes away some bitterness, or it can be added to another soups like spinach.

Other uses for Bitter leaf

- Some women in Africa rub the leave on breasts to wean babies off breast milk

- Other people use the seeds as an aphrodiasc

-Some people use the stem for dental hygiene

Bitter leaf can be bought in most African food shops and as well as Asian/Chinese shops. In Stockholm, there is a Chinese Bitter leaf.

So there you have it. Now you know a little bit more about Bitter leaf. Its an overall tonic that can be taken even if you don't suffer from any ailments.

Blessings, Peace and Learning

My cool brother and my cool gift

'Apparently we love our own cell phones, but hates everyone else's'.

- Joe Bob Briggs

Hello all

So a few months ago, I told my brother in passing that my phone had seen its last days. It kept dying after I had just charged it, I would get sms's from days ago, it would switch on and off by its self. Basically, it was dying a slow painful death. And I was holding on for dear life.

Now, my brother he is a sweetheart - last week, he asked me if I wanted my gift now or later because it was a gift I need at the moment. How is a Queen suppose to answer that? So I told him, brother man, get to gettin' and he surprised me with a brand new phone!!!!!!!! I literally had tears in my eyes. I was firstly shocked that he remembered and secondly that he bought me such an extravagant gift........

Just a little tidbit - my momma raised us kids to always look around for a good bargain. Shop around and you will find something somewhere else cheaper or better. So when my bro was strolling in the mall, he came across a promotion on these phones. Before they were selling for 500 bucks and now had been marked down to 130 bucks (roughly converting from Swedish Kroner to US dollars). Nothing wrong with the phone, all brand new. Apparently, the shop had ordered too many and were now basically 'giving' them away. So My brother scored. Well actually we both did. He bought me the phone 2 weeks ago. This past Saturday we went back to the store to get another one and the original price had returned. So this was really a win.

htc Desire

This is mine

I love it!!!!!!!!

Now, we are all family here, so I am gonna let you know some things about me. I took typing at school, I didn't take computer class. Technology as a whole scares me. Its too advanced for me. It goes above my head.

I mean, I only got my first laptop last year at the age of 27 (it took me a while to figure out the Desktop. Heck I didn't even know that was a word. I thought it was just the Computer), I got my first cell phone at 20. Shoot, my first Ipod was this year February and I am still learning to figure that one out at almost 30. Don't nobody ask me about an Ipad. I am a pen and paper kinda girl. So when my brother gifted me this amazing gift, I Google'd it (honey child- I may not know a lot, but I know Google is your friend).

Here's what I learned about my new baby - Htc desire (which I named Desi).

- its a smartphone and an Android. ( Don't ask me - according to my brother, thats good)

-Internet

- I can watch, record and load videos on YouTube on it.

- has FM radio

- a camcorder

-Video

- Flashlight (you know and I know, we all use our phones for this)

-Google search

- Mail

- Latitude,

- maps

- news

- search people

- voice recorder,

- PDF viewer,

- Navigation

-connect to Facebook, Twitter, Flickr

- has gps

-updates the weather constantly

-Google maps

- WiFi, Bluetooth and WiFi hot spot

-Digital compass

- 5 mega-pixel camera with face detectably capabilities

- Auto focus and flash (this I know from photography)

And a whole lot more.

Then I did more extensive research (basically I Google'd some more). I know about Apps from my Ipod (and my brother) . Thats Applications to add to your phone or Ipod. So I got me some cool apps (boy, this techno talk is to cool)

- I got Horoscopes - Just because I swear there is a Gemini out there living my life. Because I know I am not strolling along the ocean holding hands with my soul mate, whilst money is raining down on me and being the center of attention at work. Anyways, I like to keep up with Said Gemini. Her life is amazing.

- Spotify (its a music sharing website)

- Recipes (because I love to look at the pictures)

-Blogger (ummmmm because I had to)

-Yoga

- Butt, abs and arms workout

- brain memory trainer

- TripAdvisor

- Hangman and Tic Tac Toe (because, I need something from my youth to take into my old age)

-drinks recipes (because in the unlikely event, I am called upon to mix drinks at a fancy do, I want to know what to mix)

- Swedish, French and Tourist phrases

- Adobe Photoshop express

And more

And my personal favorite: Beauty tips

This app gives tips on hair, skin, makeup, nails and healthy nutrition.

Like this gem for skin:' Wash your face with coconut water, it will leave your face clear and gives you glowing skin'.

So along with my watch-ring and my phone. I am good to go. All I gotta do is live that Fabulous Gemini life!!!!!!!

Ohhh, I have added a link, in case you want to know more about htc- desire.

Blessings, Joy and Technology

Health Benefits - Aloe Vera

'Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity' .

- World Health Organisation

Good morning all

So recently I blogged about the benefits of Aloe Vera for hair and skin. But did you know that you can also greatly benefit from drinking it as well? Well, I didn't until my sister told me about it. So I did some research and here is what I found out......

- Aloe Vera gel contains 19 of the 20 amino acids needed by the body

- Aloe Vera gel contains group B Vitamins, Vitamin C, Vitamin E and Folic acid

- Minerals found in Aloe Vera include calcium, sodium, potassium, iron, chromium, magnesium, manganese, copper, zinc as well as enzymes and sugars.

- Aloe Vera is known to be anti-inflammatory

- Aloe Vera stimulates Fibroblasts (which are specialized cells found in the skin that produce fibers such as collagen and elastin) to reproduce faster - thus aiding in healing wounds

- Aloe Vera Gel provides nutrition to feed the basal cells - thus skin is healthy

- It is said that drinking Aloe Vera Juice (gel) regulates weight and energy levels

- It aids in a healthy digestion - its good for the digestive tract

- Its good for dental health and hygiene

- Supports the immune system

- Improves skin

Many more benefits.

Overall, Its great!!!!!!!! So here is what I got.

I started with one of these.

This is the consistency of the Stabilized Aloe Vera Gel. Its the one I have started drinking.

I ain't gonna lie, the taste was sourish (I guess its an acquired taste that I will have to acquire huh), so I topped it with Orange juice - I plan on drinking in the morning and at night, I will pour a small amount into my glass and top with juice. OK, so I got the stuff to drink, now what am I hoping to gain from this drink....

1) Great skin

2) Regulate my 'situation' - I really don't want to get into what 'situation' (I hope you all get me)

3) If it helps with weight loss, then Its solid gold for me.

4) Dental health and dental hygiene is a plus (I am an ex smoker- so this here will come in handy).

Overall, I am moving in a new direction with my body, skin and hair. A more natural way of living. So I am hoping this will greatly improve in all areas - hair, skin, nails and the inner workings in my body.

Disclaimer: I am not associated with Forever Living. Actually, I am not affiliated with anybody !!!!!!!! Also, please note everything, I test and try out, I firstly do my own research and come to my own conclusion. Please do not take my word as law. All this stuff is new to me too. I am no expert - shoot I had to Google and Wikipedia some of those big words. Boy, if only my science , biology and sports teachers could see me now. They would be so proud.

Here are links to help you learn more about Aloe Vera.

Forever Living (only because this is what I am drinking)

Aloe Vera Land

Aloe Vera Benefits

Peace, Light and Sharing

Happy Mother's Day!!!!!!

'Mother's love is peace. It need not be acquired, it need not be deserved' .

- Erich Fromm

Here's to all the Mother's out there.....

And some....

This is a picture of my mommy. Her eye color changes from green, to brown to yellow with specks of green in it. Its so cool to watch her face sometimes. Her eye color changes almost every minute. Its like a mood ring.

Peace, Blessings and Mothers.

And it tells the Time!!!!!!!!

'Sisters are different flowers, from the same garden'

- Author Unknown

Hi again,

My darling sister got me an early Birthday Gift - I turn 29 on the 25 of May (which is also Africa Day). So she bought me this cute ring which doubles as a watch because you know........ I ain't never on time and I use my cell to know what time (and sometimes day) it is (but doesn't everybody?). I love it because it so cute firstly and its totally me. I just screams out my name. Plus I just love checking out the time on it. Here is my little gem......

I love gifts that are practical and completely show off my personality. Something that someone went into a store and said wow 'Now that is Totally ...... insert name here.

Ohhhhh, in case you were wondering if this was the only gift, little sis is getting me, the answer is No. She is getting me something for my real real Birthday. I mean she has toooo (I am almost off the calender---- slowly making my way) besides

1) she is a follower, so hint hint wink wink (just joking......)

2) Her birthday is coming up later in the year (this would count greatly towards her unwrapping) Whether she will receive 1 or 2. (just joking again.....)

Me just sayin.......... I kid, I kid.

Love, Joy and Sisters

Two Strand twist and curl - revisited

'Hair style is the final tip-off, whether or not a women really knows herself'

- Herbert de Givenchy , Vogue July 1985

Hi

Ok, so I really wanted to retry the two strand twist and curl ( I washed my hair and then twisted with a leave in conditioner and my Castor Oil infusion and Shea Butter at the ends. Then I used straws and bobby pins to curl the ends)

Now the pictures below are day 5 hair.

So I am really really happy about it. I have yet to re twist or even oil my scalp. Its not dry or itchy. Its just perfect. My night time routine is wrap my hair is a scarf and go to sleep. In the mornings I just fluff it out and I am good to go. I Am totally loving this style for a couple of reasons

1) Low Maintenance

2) I can do different styles with it e.g tie it back with a head band, bun it, Mohawk, half up & half down and an up do.

3) I seems easy to redo - just re twist the hairs that need twisting.

4) Its a protective style, in a way, that its off my shoulders and if I don't want to brushing up against my clothes then I do an up do or tie it in a bun on top of my head.

5) Its cute!!!!!!!!!!! Important factor this one.......

So I guess, I will remain with this style for a while and alternate with cornrows, wash 'n go's and maybe braid my hair towards the end of summer will see how Autumn is. For now, this is my go to style.

Joy, Love and All Things Hair

Weekend Special part 1

The most beautiful discovery true friends make is that they can grow separately without growing apart.

- Elizabeth Foley

Hiya

So remember when I went to London and stayed with my very good friend of 17 years? Well she and her sister came here for the weekend and I showed them a bit of Stockholm. So on Friday night we went to the Ice Bar here is Stockholm. FYI Absolut Vodka comes from Sweden. So off we went to get out party on in a -5 degree bar. We Namibians, we go hard like that.

We doned capes, gloves, paid our entrance and were ushered in. Then we and about +20 other tourists (I think) took pictures, waited for our drinks and danced. The music was great although it just goes to show how old I am or how sad I am. I didnt know one song from the next. I mean, there were teenagers (older than 18) and old folks all dancing and singing to the music and your's truly didnt even know one singer or song. Gone are the days of just being able to know the song from just the first few beats. Anyhooooo our little party lasted for 40 minutes and then we all were ushered back out and then next group went in. Then we went out for a bit and just walked around until we came home.

Come back for part 2...... But first here are pictures.

The bar

The drinks menu - first drink is included in the price

My drink - Icemolitian- yummyyyyyyy

Our three drinks

looks comfy, but its cold.

I am pretending to lick the ice- I really didn't. My face just looks like it came close.

Grinning because I am realizing that my butt might be getting wet.

Otherwise, it was a good night.

Ohhhhh, I am rocking a twist out from dry single braids that I had done in my hair for that week. They came out great. Even lasted through that weather!!!!!!!!

Blessings, Love and Vodka