Cherries!!!

Let's talk cherries! A few years ago I was a cherry snob. I only liked Jamaican Cherries. I'm not sure why. And please don't ask me to explain the difference between Jamaican cherries and American cherries. They're just different lol. Somewhere along the line things changed, and well I love cherries here too!

It sucks that I have to only buy them in the summer months (because I'm frugal and they are cheap [er]). But seriously though, who is buying any fruit at 5 and 6.99 PER POUND??? This summer has been great thus far because most grocery stores have been having cherries on sale for anywhere from $1.99 to $2.99 per lb--and a sista has been going hard in the cherry paint!

For the Love of Cherries!

Since I have been eating them so much, I figured I should learn more about them and the health benefits (if any) they provide. I was surprised at what I learned:

• Sleep- Cherries contain melatonin--a hormone that helps you feel sleepy.
• Workout Recovery- Studies suggest cherries greatly reduce muscle soreness and inflammation. (about 1 cup)
• Arthrities - A USDA study found that uric acid (excess amounts in the blood cause swelling and inflammation) can be reduced by up to 15% by eating 2 cups of cherries.
• Blood Pressure- Cherries are a great source of potassium, which is known to lower blood pressure by regulating sodium levels.
• Weight- Cherries contain many B-vitamins that are major components of energy conversion and metabolic rate. Great especially for the tummy area!! Get waisted with cherries!

And because I love a sale...if you are hunting for cherries in the DMV or Delaware areas checkout these stores for their sales this week:

Stalking Cherries all season!

• Safeway/Giant/Shoppers--$2.99 per pound
• ShopRite (Delaware)--$1.99 per pound

Do you love cherries too? Are you addicted? What is your favorite summer fruit? Be sure to share, like, and comment!

Summertime Hair..

My favorite season of the year is the SUMMER.  A lot of wonderful things happen in the summer... My birthday, no snow, concerts, picnics/cookouts, my birthday, roadtrips, beaches, vacation, and MY BIRTHDAY! 

I think the hardest part of the summer for me is deciding what to do with my hair.  Right now my hair is in a transition state or should I say states.  I am currently sporting three different textures: natural, texlaxed, and relaxed.  Trust me it is a struggle handling all three states.  I am always dealing with breakage at the demarcation line of where the textures meet; however, I refuse to do a big chop.  I have transitioned to natural before without a big chop and I am determined to do it again.  Although I am transitioning to natural right now, this is not necessarily a permanent thing.  For now I am just trying to get one texture in my hair, and then I will decide if I want to go back to being relaxed.  So back to the problem at hand….3 textures and summer time humidity.

My current options: braids, wigs, flat iron, and natural state

Here are MY pros and cons for each

Braids/Twists

Pros:        minimal work for upkeep

                Protective style

               

Cons:       can cause damage if not proper care isn’t taken

                Heavy

                Hard on edges

Wigs

Pros:        Easy to wear

                Easy access to my hair

                Protective Style

                Minimal work for upkeep

Cons:       Feels like a winter hat

                Double hair duty (Hair has to be taken care of while maintaining your own hair regimen)

Flat Iron

Pros:        new style

                Length checks

                Smooth cuticles

Quick styling

Quick night time routine

Cons:       Heat damage is a possibility

                Durability is slim due to humidity and workouts

Natural State

Pros:        no heat styles

                Durable in humidity and workouts

                Easy on edges

Cons:       longer night time routine

                Daily maintenance

                         

Does anyone else have any suggestions on what I should do with my hair?

What are you guys doing with your hair this summer?