Established in 1993 by Ayo Handy Kendi, Black Love Dayās mission is to preserve the legacy, culture, and tradition within our community.
And, to feel good internally and externally is the ultimate goal for all us.
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September is Self-care Awareness Month and a healthy mind, body, and soul is how you glow...
We glow...
If you've been apart of the Grace of Melanin family for a while, you know I push Self-care heavily and for many reasons....
-Self-care can improve your physical health.
-Self-care can reduce stress and anxiety.
-Self-care can boost your self-esteem.
-Self-care protects your mental health.
-Self-care can lead to better relationships.
I've created a Marketplace filled with hundreds of products and a wealth of knowledge and resources on all of my social media platforms to help you all #GETTHEGLOW AND #KEEPTHEGLOW.
Be sure to follow us @graceofmelanin on Facebook, Instagram, Tiktok, Threads, YouTube, Pinterest and Melaninterest.
Utilize these curated with love resources and shine on Graces.āļø
Best,
Graceš«¶š¾
]]>WHAT DOES SOFT LIFE MEAN?
Check out my latest tiktok on cooking with lower salt alternatives if you have High Blood Pressure(HBP) or a family history of it.Ā
What exactly is High Blood Pressure?
High blood pressure (HBP or hypertension) is when your blood pressure, the force of your blood pushing against the walls of your blood vessels, is consistently too high.
Causes Include:
Decongestants-
People with high blood pressure should be aware that the use of decongestants may raise blood pressure. Many over-the-counter cold and flu preparations contain decongestants.
Salt-
The American Heart Association recommends no more than 2,300 milligrams (mgs) a day andĀ an ideal limit of no more than 1,500 mg per dayĀ for most adults.
Alcohol-
If you drink, limit your consumption to no more than two drinks per day for men and no more than one drink per day for women
Hot tubs and saunas-
People with high blood pressure should not move back and forth between cold water and hot tubs or saunas. This could cause an increase in blood pressure.
Weight gain-
Did you know you may experience health benefits from losing as few as 10 pounds?
Sitting-
Just a few minutes of light activity for people who sit most of the day can lower blood pressure in those with Type 2 diabetes.
Stress (section updated 3.24.23)-
There's no proof that stress alone causes long-term high blood pressure. But reacting to stress in unhealthy ways can increase your risk of high blood pressure, heart attacks and strokes.Ā Certain reactive behaviors are linked to higher blood pressure, such as:
**Add on:Ā
Relieving stress often relates to your specific stress response:
Overexcited stress response:Ā If you tend to become angry, agitated, overly emotional, or keyed up under stress, you will respond best to stress relief activities that quiet you down.
Underexcited stress response:Ā If you tend to become depressed, withdrawn, or spaced out under stress, you will respond best to stress relief activities that are stimulating and energizing.
Source:https://www.helpguide.org/articles/stress/quick-stress-relief.htm
Symptoms:
High blood pressure usually has no warning signs or symptoms, and many people do not know they have it.Ā Measuring your blood pressureĀ is the only way to know whether you haveĀ high blood pressure.The best way to know if you have hypertension is to get regular blood pressure readings. Most doctorsā offices take a blood pressure reading at every appointment.
For example, if you have a family history of heart disease or have risk factors for developing the condition, your doctor may recommend that you have your blood pressure checked twice a year. This helps you and your doctor stay on top of any possible issues before they become problematic. Source: www.healthline.com/health/high-blood-pressure-hypertension#symptoms
Ways to treat:
Sources: www.heart.org and www.mayoclinic.org
Now that you have this vital information, let's work on this, as our community is one of the highest to suffer from HBP. Take the gems listed above and attribute to your lifestyle. Live longer and prosper.
Be well.š¤
Grace
]]>Health Benefits of Oatmeal:
Studies show that oats and oatmeal have many health benefits. These include weight loss, lower blood sugar levels, and a reduced risk of heart disease. Oats are among the healthiest grains on earth. They're a gluten-free whole grain and a great source of important vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants.
Is Oatmeal good for the skin?
Yes. Colloidal oatmeal has many benefits and can help relieve dry skin and symptoms of eczema and other skin conditions.
These benefits include:
Beta-glucan, which is a substance that can absorb water.Why you should eat more Oatmeal:
Oatmeal recipes are customizable, filling and super nutritious. There are so many different preparations, toppings and sweeteners to add or subtract. Go to town and be creative with your bowls.
Be well, Graces.š¤
-Grace
]]>RECIPE:
Grace's Mac & Cheeseš¤
1 lb Al dente Elbow Macaroni
*al dente- cooked so as to be still firm when bitten.
2 cans Evaporated Milk
2.5 cups shredded Mozzarella Cheese
1 cup shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese
1 cup shredded Pepper Jack Cheese
1 stick Butter
1/3 cupĀ All Purpose Flour
1 tsp each Black Pepper, Smoked Paprika, Slap ya Mama Seasoning, Salt, Ground Mustard, Minced Onion
Dash Cayenne pepper, Allspice or Nutmeg
2 tsp Sugar
Steps:
Some history on this famous dish via Moguldom:
The story, passed down through the generations, goes that while traveling in Europe in the late 1700s prior to becoming president, Thomas Jefferson first tried a European version of macaroni pasta and cheese. He brought the recipe back when he returned to Virginia. But what is left out of that lore is that Jefferson was traveling with a slave who was his chef, and it was James Hemings who came up with a version of mac and cheese for Americansā taste. But Jefferson and his wife, Martha, took the credit.ā
Here on Grace of Melanin, we give flowers where they are truly grown..
Major props to Chef Hemings. Thank you immensely for your contributions to our culture.
Be well.
Graceš¤
]]>Salmon is one of the most nutritious typesĀ of fish that offers several health benefits. Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, B12, and other essential nutrients, salmon is wonderful for hair and skin health. The great taste and excellent health benefits of salmon makeĀ it one of the most loved fish in the world.
Salmon is a popular oily fishĀ that contains good fats. This makes it good for heart health and cholesterol. AĀ good amount of protein, vitamins, minerals, and omega-3 and -6 fatty acid content contributes to overall health.
Considered a superfood, the nutrition facts of salmon include antioxidant elements like selenium and other minerals like phosphorus, zinc, and potassium, as well as the vitamin D, vitamin B groupāriboflavin, niacin, thiamin, B6, folate, and B12. Therefore, salmon aids in good health, as it makes up for most of the mineral and vitamin deficiencies in our bodyĀ if we make it a part of our diet.
Source:Ā https://safebeat.org/cardiac/heart_health/12_health_benefits_of_salmon_for_the_heart_brain_and_much_more/
Remember, the Grace of Melanin Marketplace is a great resource and always there to get you what you need to #relaxrelaterelease.
This drink is super refreshing, nutritious, delicious and will instantly take you away like Calgon lol.
In case you didn't know, there are great health benefits when you drink Hibiscus Tea. Did you know Hibiscus is naturally low in calories and isĀ caffeine-free?
According to the USDA Nutrient Database, it has a good supply of minerals includingĀ calcium,Ā iron,Ā magnesium,Ā phosphorus,Ā potassium,Ā sodium, andĀ zinc. It also containsĀ B vitaminsĀ likeĀ niacinĀ andĀ folic acid.
The Hibiscus Flower is a good source of anthocyanins, which may make it beneficial forĀ managingĀ elevated blood pressure levels. Hibiscus can also promote weight loss, boost immunity, lower blood sugar and help ease urinary tract infections (UTIs).Ā
Cheers to great health, Graces.
Be well.š¤
Grace.
]]>Ā
June 23Ā is National Hydration Day, a holiday that serves as a reminder for all of us of how important it is to drink water and keep hydrated. This day falls on the first week of Summer, as it is even more crucial to keep hydrated during the hotter months. Water is vital in keeping us alive and healthy, and several health issues come with not drinking enough of it.
Also be sure to keep your skin hydrated as well with these lusciousĀ products from the Grace of Melanin Marketplace. #GETTHEGLOW and #KEEPTHEGLOW.
Blueberries contain vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that provide notable health benefits. For example, blueberries are rich in vitamin K, which plays an important role in promoting heart health. The vitamin is also important to bone health and blood clotting.
Blueberries are one of the best natural sources of antioxidants. While antioxidants arenāt necessary for your body to function, they help protect your body from damage byĀ free radicals.Ā Your cells produce free radicals as waste products, but these particles can go on to hurt other cells. Eating blueberries regularly for just two weeks can help reduce damage to your cells by as much as 20%.Ā
Be well.
Graceš¤
]]>Mental health is wealth, especially during Mental Health Awareness Month, which is celebrated in May. The stigma around mental health and treatment has long existed, even though this has started to change. Still, people hesitate to seek help or even talk about it with their loved ones for fear of being judged and facing unnecessary backlash.
Mental Health Month was established in 1949 to increase awareness of the importance of mental health and wellness in our lives, and to celebrate recovery from mental illness. Mental health is essential for a person's overall health. Prevention works, treatment is effective, and people can recover from mental disorders and live full and productive lives.
Do not suffer in silence. Especially, since there are so many resources and coping tips (shared above) available to you nowadays.Ā
If you need suicide or mental health-related crisis support, or are worried about someone else, please call or textĀ 1-800-273-8255Ā or visit theĀ National Suicide Prevention Lifelineās chat online to connect with a trained crisis counselor.
Be well.š¤
GraceĀ
]]>
And what we do presently, builds wealth for ourselves and our community. It can also open doors for our children when they grow up.
The Vagina and Vulva, that is.
Us, ladies can have a complicated relationship with our V's, but it doesn't have to be...I got you..keep on reading.š¤
From the onset of puberty, to child-rearing and menopause, our V's are dear partners in this journey called life. However, what exactly is a Vagina and what is a Vulva?
It's very important to know the differences between the vagina and the vulva and how they work together harmoniously. However, to keep them in sync and healthy, let's discuss tips to keep you well and smelling fresh down there:
What is a Affirmation?
Leggooo...
Reasons You Need a Self-care Plan:
I'm so very happy to launch the #SELFLOVEONTOP collection to celebrate you.
Be well.
Graceš¤
]]>If you love Vanilla like I do, you definitely gotta try out this recipe. I love adding vanilla extract to pancakes, french toast, baked goods like cookies, cakes, pies, and so much more. This recipe is cost effective, you know what's in it, and its extremely easy to make. Just need minimal prime ingredients and patience.š¤
EQUIPMENT:
ā¢ 1 Bottle or Jar (a little bigger than 8 oz. for this recipe. Use larger/smaller as needed.)
INGREDIENTS
ā¢ 8Ā oz. BourbonĀ
ā¢ 6-8 qualityĀ Vanilla BeansĀ (1 oz. by weight is the goal. Actual number of beans may vary.)
INSTRUCTIONS:
ā¢ SliceĀ each bean lengthwise and place in bottle. (If it helps to cut them into smaller, tootsie roll-sized pieces so they fit in the bottle better, go for it).
ā¢ PourĀ one cup of bourbon (or alcohol of your choice) into the bottle. Make sure the vanilla beans are completely submerged. No cheating now - the whole cup needs to go into the bottle! Seal bottle with lid or cap.
ā¢ ShakeĀ once or twice a week.
ā¢ WaitĀ at least 12 weeks, but 9-12 months or longer is ideal. The longer brewing time allows the flavor to fully develop.
ā¢ Nice, your alcohol has turned into delicious homemade vanilla extract! Store at room tempertaure and out of direct sunlight. Enjoy!
NOTES:
The ratio of beans to alcohol is calculated based on the weight of the vanilla beans. The standard for pure vanilla extract isĀ 1 oz. of vanilla beans (by weight) per 8 fl. oz. (1 cup) of alcohol.
Bourbon is commonly used to make vanilla extract as it adds additional richness and flavor. You can use any bourbon you like (you can experiment and find what you like - popular alternatives are vodka or rum).
Fyi, the longer it sits, the darker and the more concentrated it gets. So delicious.
Be well.
Graceš¤
]]>If so, keep on reading.šš¤
If this has ever occurred, try to give it another shot, but I need you to do three things:
1. Read the directions and ensure you are using it accordingly.
2. Invest in a tool to use along with the product.
3. Give it time to work.
For the reasons, a lot of consumers unknowingly misuse their Bodycare products. Especially when they do not turn over and read the instructions on proper use.
Let's play a game.š
Let's imagine you spent $$$ and years or months developing a product. You sourced all ingredients and packaging, you've tested on yourself, you've tested on others, you handmade or had it manufactured. Basically, you know the product inside and out.
So... best believe you will know the best and most efficient way to use the product. This is why reading and following product directions is so important. Because you learn how to use the product optimally, from the creator themselves.
Furthermore, a lot of products have time limits. If you leave on for a shorter or longer time, you are misusing.
There is also a shelf life symbol, called the PAO symbol. The period-after-opening symbol or PAO symbol is a graphic symbol that identifies the useful lifetime of a cosmetic product after its package has been opened for the first time.
You definitely want to pay attention to this,Ā as the product is optimal during this time period.
Ā
Now to be fair, some product directions are vague and give room for trial and error. In this case, it is very easy to contact the seller for more details. A lot are receptive to improving your product experience and will oblige.
Now let's discuss the importance of Tools...
A facial brush gently lifts dead skin, dirt, oils and sebum more efficiently and can help your cleanser work even better.
Now, if you have sensitive skin or acne-prone skin, using your hands to cleanse may be preferential, since it is the most gentle approach. But, if you have normal, oily, dry or combination skin, a face brush can give you better results by cleansing and exfoliating at the same time. Tools are a great partner to your Bodycare products.š¤
Be sure to check out the Top 3 Reasons Bodycare ToolsĀ help your routine video. This quick and informative video is courtesy of our Tiktok.
Patience is a virtue...
Donāt be discouraged if you donāt see results right away when using new tools or products. It usually takes 1-2 months for noticeable changes to show. But if you keep at it consistently, they will show!
To close out this blog, there's an important reason why we have directions, drills, nails and hammers. For they make building, so much more efficient. This applies to Bodycare as well.
So....please read product directions entirely, give tools a chance and have patience.š¤
Be well.š¤
Grace
]]>Benefits Include:
Yes, you can use lemon as well.š¤
Ā
So good for you and your body. It definitely increases energy, which is the main reason I recommend you try this as a coffee alternative in the morning. Come back and share your feedback.
Be well.š¤
Grace
]]>We have all sat on the floor and had this rich grease or pomade applied to moisturize the scalp, prep the hair for styling and/or promote hair growth. Whichever reason you indulged, it was definitely a time to bond, to relax and get some hair TLC.
Some history..
Let's rewind. Our people have always treated our hair as our crown. Tracing back to our early ancestors, haircare and hairstyling have always been super important and a necessary meanĀ to celebrate style, culture and lineage.
Local plants, butters and oils were used in recipes to treat and grow hair. For example, chebe powderĀ is a popular ancient african hair growth secret that was commonly used in the Northern parts of Africa, particularly among the women of Chad. It is a powder made by mixingĀ Shebe seeds,Ā cloves,Ā Samour resin,Ā Missic stoneĀ andĀ Mahllaba seeds. Ancient Egyptians used castor oil from the castor bean to moisturize and nourish their hair and wig pieces.
And it wasn't until enslavement that our ancestral traditions were oppressed and discarded. We were beaten down mentally, spiritually, physically and culturally. Specifically, haircare and hairstyling became non-existent, due to lack of homegrown ingredients and supplies to produce salves, pomades and cleansing methods for optimal haircare. We were forced to wear scarves or head wraps to hide scalp disease and hair loss. Along with being stripped of our humanity, haircare was no longer a priority, instead survival was..
Fast forward to 1900s entrepreneurial titans, Annie Turnbo Malone and Madam C.J. Walker. These women took on hair issues, such as scalp disease and hair loss, by creating products and processes to nuture the scalp and promote hair growth. They worked diligently to sell and market hair products that actually worked. This turned the haircare game around by helping women cure scalp disease and grow healthy hair. These new ventures also made these ladies and many others, millionaires in the process. It was definitely a win-win situation for the culture.
Nowadays, there are millions of products to care for our hair. We have come a long way and now we're flourishing.
However, there is so much focus on hair, but scalp care is super important, as the scalp is the foundation of your hair follicles. Consider it the soil for your hair. You water and add nutrients to the soil for plant growth. Trust me, the same thing applies to the scalp.Ā
To close out this blog, you want to use plant based oils, butters and extracts to nourish the scalp and provide nutrients and vitamins to grow the hair root. This is very important. I recommend greasing your scalp 2-3x weekly and pairing with a scalp massager to stimulate the hair follicles even more. Also, follow up with a clarifying shampoo to cleanse the scalp of dirt, sebum, dead skin and debris.
On the Marketplace there is a vast assortment of hair essentials to care for and maintain your crown. Be sure to check them out, because there are a lot of gems for your hair regimen.
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Ā
Be well.š¤ #ProtectYourCrown
Grace
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