I'm a Guest Blogger!!!

Hey Family,

I come to you so happy this evening! I was chosen to be a guest blogger on to of my favorite curly girl friendly websites NaturallyObssessed and NaturalSunshine.com. I'm so excited about this because I love, and have always loved, to WRITE! It has been my refuge, my joy, and my most prized possession. I write to purge myself of all things both good and not so good. I wrote for my middle school and college newspapers. I've kept a journal since I was in my early teens and when I look back at them now I laugh at how much I've grown yet managed to stay the same...

Just to give you an idea of what you can expect from me on either website, I will be doing a weekly post on NaturallyObsessed called "Food for Thought" where I discuss food and how it relates to hair. You can expect to see several posts from me throughout the week on NaturalSunshine.ning.com. The first one discusses the benefits of exercise on hair and you can view it by clicking here. I hope your day has been filled with peace and light. Feel free to leave your comments below. Cee ya in the next post!!

Heartfelt Recipes: Banana Hair Mask

Hey Family,

This week's recipe is for hair. I decided to do this Banana Hair Mask a result of my guest blogging for Naturally Obsessed. I do a weekly post over there called "Food for Thought" and this week's featured food was banana. During my research on bananas, I discovered that they are excellent for hair because of their rich content in potassium, vitamins a, b, c, carbohydrates, and natural oils. They even help heal psoriasis!! Here is the recipe for the hair mask I tried.

• 
  
  Two banana (depending on the length of your hair
• 
  
  5 tablespoons safflower oil
• 
  
  5 tablespoons grape seed oil
• 
  
  2 drops rosemary essential oil (optional)
• 
  
  2 drops eucalyptus essential oil (optional)

I mixed all the ingredients together with a fork until it was what I thought to be a smooth consistency. Video demonstration below. "The Sting" and "Feature of the Week" posts coming soon! Until next time, have a peaceful and productive day. Cee ya in the next post!



A Celebration of Life

Doves

This weekend marked the 16 anniversary of my uncle (Grady) Anthony Ouzts home going. When it was brought to my attention by my sister, I initially got quiet. There has been a lot of death taking place around me this year. I went to a funeral just this pass Monday to support a friend whose father was ill with cancer. We kept in touch with each other because my father had cancer as well. We have been a support to one another checking in from time to time. My great-grandmother passed in March which was the first death my family had experienced in a long time. She was 89 years old. It felt like a pillar was taken from us. She was our tree. We were the branches. The interesting part is that both my Uncle and Gran's birthdays are this month, the 23 and 13 respectively, and though I miss them both immensely, I am not sad. The tears I shed for them are now out of happiness because I honestly know that they are in a better place. My spirit is very light and I feel an overwhelming urge to pursue my dreams and goals with renewed vigor. That is what they would have wanted for those of us who they live on through. So that is my motivation this week. I will not wallow in dreams unfulfilled but rather continue on with my pursuits remembering that everyday is pregnant with opportunity. Tomorrow is no different and I resolve not to let anything stop me. I stand on the shoulders of giants, my Uncle and my Gran. RIP to you both. Your are loved still. Until next time, I wish you all love and light. Cee ya in the next post.

Song of the Day: "You Will Know" by Stevie Wonder

Hello Family,

Today's song is by my all time favorite Mr. Stevie Wonder. This is by far one the most relaxing songs I have ever heard. In this song, Stevie speaks as the voice of God reminding us that he is by our side and that we "will know" the answer to our most pressings questions. This song is very relevant for me today as I have been feeling an overwhelming urge to enlist in the military. I have been going back and forth with this decision for the past five months. There is just so much to consider family, friends, organizations, just my life here. I know it would be a huge sacrifice and is a decision that I never thought I would even consider. I plan on pondering the idea for a few more months. Whatever the case, you all will be amongst the first to know! Leave your favorite songs below I would love to hear them. Those of you who follow my YouTube channel know music is my love<3 I have a recipe coming for you all later today so look out for that! Link to "You Will Know" below. Cee ya in the next post!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TQomdqwfPLE

Song of the Day:

Janet Jackson

Today's featured song is "Enjoy" from the one and only Janet! (Miss Jackson if your nasty) lol I had to do that..This is one of Janet's more cool, laid back tunes. It's one of those songs you can put on in the car if your going for a long ride and just chill. The over all theme of the song is to enjoy the little things. Just the gift of life is worth celebrating. We didn't have to be here today but we are and even in the midst of our worst circumstance we have the next moment to pursue happiness, peace, goals, dreams, and aspirations. Check out the link below and tell me your song of the day.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DxD_CGjVafY

Song of the Day: Bob Marley "Jammin"

Today's song is from the legendary Bob Marley. There are no words to express the love I have for this man's music!! "Jammin" in particular has the best rhythms and uplifting lyrics. It puts mind at ease to be able to listen to a song with a nice beat and lyrics that don't make me go "What did he/she just say!" lol Check out the link below for some of the best vibes you will ever get from a song :^) Feel free to share your song of the day. I would love to hear it. Cee ya in the next post!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ffCmFDzaYyQ

The Sting

Check out the video above for the very first webisode of "The Sting!" What is "The Sting?" It is an outline of what you can expect from HoneyCee.blogspot.com each week. I hope you enjoy. If you have any comments or question leave them below. As always, have a peaceful and productive day :) Cee ya in the next post!!

Weekly Feature: Pamela Robinson of NaturallyDivine Co.!

Hung Cowrie

Hello Everyone!!

This week's feature is Pamela Robinson of NaturallyDivine Co. She is an incredible jewelry designer. I recently won her YouTube contest for a handcrafted Afro pic. It is GORGEOUS! For a glimpse of the video click here. I had a chance to catch up with her and find out the inspiration behind the pieces at naturallydivineco.com.  Check out the interview below..

　

HoneyCee:For those who are not familiar with your work, what was your initial motivation/inspiration behind creating Naturally Divine Co.?

Pamela Robinson: I live in Miami, Florida and it became very hard to find accessories that reflect my style which is very eccentric, so I decided to create my own and to help bring African culture inspired jewelry to the fore front of my city. It just seemed easier to tie fashion and culture together to get people thinking about our roots in a positive way.

 

Modern Madonna

HoneyCee: You have some of the MOST creative pieces I have seen anywhere! How do you come up with ideas for new accessories? Ex: dreams, every day experiences etc.

Pamela Robinson: Visions from God. There have been many nights that I would pop out of bed to bring those visions to life, even if it meant spending 6 to 7 hours on one piece.

  

HoneyCee:What is your favorite material to work with when making accessories and why?

Pamela Robinson: Leather! Its durable and flexible. I can create anything I want with leather. Leather comes in so many forms, textures and colors which makes it cool to use. 

 

HoneyCee: The quality of your pieces really sets you apart from many jewelry designers. Everything is impeccably made with fine materials. What has helped you to achieve this level of precision in your jewelry making? Ex: A jewelry class or mentor.

Pamela Robinson: My character..period! I have a simple system and every pieces has to meet " Would I personally wear this approved" My conscious would not allow me to ship anything if its not in impeccable condition. I want my clients to shop with me again and again. 

 

HoneyCee: When making your jewelry, what do you prefer to work with most your hands or tools?

Pamela Robinson: My hands are my tools...lol!

HoneyCee: What is your ultimate goal for Naturally Divine Co.?

Pamela Robinson: To expand throughout the U.S. so that I can hire within the urban communities. In the year that I have been doing this alone, I am finding that I need someone I can pass the torch to.

HoneyCee:Toss up: What is success to you?

Pamela Robinson: When friends and family believe in you so much that they are willing to do anything they can to help you see your dreams come to life and if at the end of the day they say,"We are proud of you." That is success to me!

 

HoneyCee: Where can HoneyCee.blogspot.com readers see more from you?

Pamela Robinson: www.naturallydivineco.com I hang out a lot on Twitter too @JewelryVixen305

 

Power Start Your Day with a QUICK Breakfast!

Almond Butter

Wheat Toast

I was browsing my yahoo this morning and saw this article for fast breakfast recipes for people on the go. I thought it would be great to share with you all. These fun, easy, no more than three step meals are packed with the healthy, tasty ingredients we need to greet the world energized and focused. Click here to view the article. Have a great day. Cee ya in the next post!

Song of the Day: "They That Wait" Fred Hammond Featuring John P. Kee

I chose "They That Wait" by Fred Hammond Featuring John P. Kee as the song of the day because it is inspirational and was really what I needed to hear today. The message is a resounding don't give up!!! God has got ya! I am not a very religious person but I am deeply spiritual and this song resonated so deep within me. I hope it does the same for you. Leave your favorite inspirational tune below. I would love to hear it! Until next time, have a peaceful and bright day :) Link to the song below. Cee ya in the next post!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e4ohThzZVog

Heartfelt Recipes: Strawberry Smoothie :)

Strawberries and Banana

Hello Everybody!

I'm back with another recipe. This one is short and sweet ;) When I'm sitting around the house and my sweet tooth starts kicking the one thing I always have a taste for is a smoothie! I got tired of running out to stores all over the city to buy one so I decided to start making my own. It was one of the best food decisions I've ever made. Not only do I save on time and gas, but also on calories! This is one tasty drink that you won't have to feel bad after gulping down. Here is the recipe:

• 
  
  One banana
• 
  
  4 tsp of honey
• 
  
  6-7 strawberries
• 
  
  1/4 cup milk (soy, whole, almond your choice)
• 
  
  6 cubes of ice

I blend everything together for about 1-2 minutes depending upon the consistency you like. I like mine really thick so I blend for about a minute. The longer you blend the looser the smoothie will be. This recipe makes about 2-3 servings. For video footage of me making the smoothie click here . Let me know if you decide to try it. If you have any smoothie recipes please leave them below I would love to try them. Cee ya in the next post!!

Song of the Day: "Don't You Worry 'Bout a Thing'"

Stevie Wonder: Innvervisions Album Cover

If I had to describe the role this song plays in my life I would call it my "Pick Me Up Song." If I am feeling a little down this is definitely one of the top five songs I would go to just to lift my spirit and get me back to feeling alright :) Stevie Wonder is also my all time favorite artist!! Second to Janet Jackson who was my favorite from about eight years of age until about 22. (More on that in another post) Comment below and tell me your favorite pick me up song. You never know, you might just brighten some one's day :) Link to song below. Cee ya in the next post!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QkBUx6Zn6mo

Song of the Day: Damien Marley "There for You"

I chose this song as the FIRST "Song of the Day" because it moves me. There is not a day that I could not listen to this song. You know how you can like a song but not be in the mood for it on a given day? That is not the case with this song. I fell head over heals in love with it the first time I heard it. Just the way the song opens is inspiring "Vexation of spirit is a waste of time/Negative thinking, don't you waste your thoughts/Verbal conflict is a waste of word/Physical conflict is a waste of flesh." I found myself grooving to the words like "exactly!!!" And the music behind the lyrics is just like an orchestra sooooo peaceful:) I'll put the a link to the song below. Feel free to check it out and let me know what you think. Comment below and share your song of the day. I love checking out new music so put me on! Cee ya in the next post :)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xda02V8KLzU

Homemade Facial Toner!!

Homemade facial toner how to:

1. Steep two bags of green tea for about 15 minutes in about 3 cups of water
2. Get a spray bottle of some sort
3. Poor in 4 table spoons of lemon or lime juice
4. add aloe juice 1/4 cup aloe juice
5. add steeped Green tea water
6. add 2 drops of peppermint oil

Your done! I love this because, unlike most facial toners, it does not burn upon application. It is chemical free, fights bacteria, helps heal dry, itchy, irritated, or inflamed skin, and helps restore the skins natural pH balance. If you decide to try it leave a comment below and let me know how it works for you. If you have any homemade facial toner or moisturizer recipes please leave them below I would love to try them :^). Cee ya in the next Post!!

America's 25 Worst Beverages?!

One Aunt Annies Lemonade =11 bowls of Cookie Crisp cereal!

I saw this story while browsing my yahoo and I had to come share it with you all,  America's worst 25 beverages. Now some drinks I expected to be not so good like coldstone and starbucks but Green tea!! I was truly surprised. Granted it wasn't like the green tea that I have in the morning with the tea bag and all, but the Sobe kind you know? Well any who, they revealed how many cookies or snacks it took to make up each drink and let me tell you it was appalling! This is in no way to discourage you from having your favorite drinks, because I know I won't lol, but rather to share and encourage everything in moderation. Check out this link for the picture slide show. It was a huge eye opener. Until next time, I wish you all a blessed and fruitful day! Cee ya in the next post!

Isn't She Lovely?!

I absolutely adore her! I got her this past weekend at a Pan African day of solidarity event. She was a gift from my big head :) It was funny because out of everything I saw amongst vendors, she was the one thing that stood out to me. I am not a wasteful person so I pondered the idea of purchasing her for the longest time even pointing her out to a few people I was with including my big head lol I decided to leave her be for awhile and just enjoy the performers at the event. When I looked around I couldn't find my big head so I went looking for him. I found him at the stand where she was. I saw him standing there conversing with the lady selling the prints. He handed her to me and said "I got this for you." Needless to say I swooned lol It wasn't so much the fact that I was getting something as it was something I REALLY wanted. She reminds me somewhat of myself or should I say who I'm striving to be. Calm, reserved, introspective. She is just so powerful in a very subtle away. I love the message that is conveyed in her position. To me, she represents poise, grace, strength, and beauty. She is currently hanging on my wall as a daily reminder of the self assurance and tranquility I strive daily to cultivate in my life. She is my everyday double dose of happy because every time I look at her I am reminded of my aspirations and my big head and that makes me smile. Ok enough of the mushies lol For more like her visit culturebeautiful.com. Cee ya in the next post!!

Contest!!!

Hey Everybody!

I'm holding my second youtube contest and I'm so excited! This contest is for subscriber appreciation which means it is open to all of YOU here at HoneyCee.blogspot.com :) I'm going to post the video below and I hope you all decide to participate! If you have any questions comment on the youtube video. I will leave the link to the youtube video beneath the video below. Thanks to you all! Cee ya in the next post!

Click here for Link to youtube video!!

Deep Condition Your Hair From Your Kitchen!!

Recently, I have been collecting all natural organic body and hair care recipes. To my surprise many of the things we need most for the health of our skin and hair can be found right in our refrigerators and cabinets. The recipe I wanted to share with you all today is a deep conditioner for hair. All you need is:

• 1 avocado
• 1 table spoon of honey
• 1/2 cup of mayo
• 3 drops of essential peppermint oil (optional)

You mix it all up in food processor until it is nice and smooth and apply to hair! It's that simple! Now let me tell you how I made it hard :( lol


I don't have a food processor so I tried to use my blender. That was a fail! So I scooped the mix out of the blender and tried to mash it up more with a spoon and it kind of worked but still had avocado chunks in it.

So when I went to apply the mixture there was avocado clumps everywhere!

I must stress that the kind of mess in the picture above can be avoided! lol I could have easily fished out all the clumps before applying but I didn't think of that until after lol I left the mix on for about thirty minutes and rinsed it out. I did like the results. My hair had added shine and strength. I still had to go back and apply regular conditioner and let it sit because you cannot detangle your hair with the mix in. I will definitely be trying this recipe again :) Outside of the Avocado clumps the consistency was great! Let me know if you decide to try it and if you have any recipes for organic body or hair care leave them below I would love to try them :) Until next time I wish you all a blessed and wonderful day. Cee you in the next post!!

Labor Day Weekend Recap

Hello everyone! I'm back home in MD and wishing I was still on vaca lol But I thank God for the brief vacation I did have :^) It was much needed. The picture above pretty much depicts my mood over the last couple days, happy and chill. Even though we did a lot, it didn't feel like a strain at all. I went to my family's annual neighborhood cook out at Aberdeen park in Brooklyn, NYC. It was so much fun. Most of my family was there even a few of my cousins and extended family came from uptown. There was tooooo much food! lol I ate so much it was ridiculous Smh I got to spend a lot of time with my nephews Artis and Prophet who are just my heart<3 They try to drive me up a wall but I'm love them more for it lol Now that I think of it I wanna thank all my family and friends for making this weekend so very special and fun. I love you guys! You are what makes life really worth living<3 Cee below for a short clip of the cook out festivities...Sorry I didn't get more footage from the weekend it was pretty busy. Cee ya in the next post!

Egg Mask Facial

OK before you laugh to hard let me just say there are some really good benefits to me looking like this... I am a journey to clear skin and have incorporated this egg mask facial in my facial routine. I do it about once a week usually after I have steamed my face. It pulls off black heads, white heads, and and cleans pores. I have been struggling with acne since I was about twelve. I'm twenty four years old now and I'm sick of it! lol I started using more natural products on my skin in November. Products like black soap, eggs, honey, green tea, aloe vera gel and juice, shea butter, and lemon juice have really made a significant difference. I have been doing much better with eliminating dark spots and preventing break outs. However, about a month ago now I had a really bad break out and I have been struggling to recover from it. I realized that the three things I need most are a natural cleanser, toner, and moisturizer. I do have some cleansers that I adore! These include the Desert Essence Facial Cleanser or Black Soap depending on how dirty my face feels. I also steam my face at least twice a week to rid it of impurites. Sometimes I cut open and green tea bag and but that in the water after it has boiled.

I then place my face over the bowl with a towel wrapped around my head for 10-15 min. My face always feels so clean and soft after:) I cleanse with Desert Essence, use my green tea, aloe, and lemon juice toner, and moisturize with whats left of my acne free moisturizer with SPF (I'm trying to get rid of my left over store bought items). When that runs out I'll start moisturizing with my vitamin E liquid again. I really would like to find an all natural moisturizer. I heard Desert Essence has a good one and I'm going to look in to that. If you have any ideas for natural facial care products I can use please comment below. I will be uploading a post about my Labor Day weekend later today. Cee ya in the next post!

Wishing You a Happy Labor Day Weekend!!!

Hey Yall!


I just wanted log in really quick and wish you all a very happy Labor Day weekend! I hope you have sometime to kick back chill and enjoy some good friends, food, and family :) I have to say this three day weekend is just what the doctor ordered! So glad to have the entire weeked off this year! I'm headed to Nyc to visit family and a few friends:) Cant' wait! Who knows I'm might even get some must needed rest lol Comment below and tell me your labor day plans. Cee ya in the next Post!!

I was selected for Style101 Magazine's People Watch!!

Humble thanks to Avon Dorsey and the staff over at Style101Magazine. I truly appreciate being selected for their People Watch segment, even though I really don't consider myself to be very fashionable lol, I'm just humbled to know that my contributions are being recognized. They really know how to make a girl feel special lol Check out the link below for the interview!

http://style101magazine.blogspot.com/2010/08/people-watch.html

Mission: Winter Purse

So I'm on a quest to find the most suitable winter bag. After much internet shopping, I discovered that there are many I like but all of them lack at least one desirable trait. (Yes, a bag must have character lol) This search for my winter bag began in my very own closet. I wanted to make sure that I didn't already have what I was looking for. The frugal in me I guess. Needless to say, that didn't work. The bags were all nice but none of them fit the bill so I started thinking, what is it that I really want in a an every day bag? Here is what I came up with:

• It HAS to be big and cute
• It needs to have an inside pocket that stretches the width of the bag and zips up to conceal my personal items and provide easy access to my lip glosses etc without the tedious digging lol
• I'd like the straps or handles to be leather.
• I'm short, about 5'2 so I don't want the bag to hang extra long. The straps need to be a suitable length.

I know some of you all are tripping like all that in a bag? Danggg! But, this would be my everyday bag so I really want it to suit me. I have decided to make it myslef yea!!!! I'm so excited the picture above is my pitiful attempt at drawing the bag. The illustration really doesn't do the vision justice :( Leather straps and a leather flap that clasps over the bag with a denim base. My eyes are watering just thinking about it lol. As you can tell I haven't decided on the strap design yet. I made purses, skirts, and belts in high school so I thought hey maybe I can make my own bag? We shall see. I'll be keeping you all posted. If you have any tips and tricks that would help me out please comment below. Cee ya in the next post!

Honey Recipes: Veggie Wrap!

Hey everybody! Today I wanted to share a bit from one of my personal journeys with you all and that is my journey to vegetarianism. The picture above is of a burrito wrap I recently made for dinner. I came up with the idea after having lunch at work and not being able to eat the meat items that were available to me. Here is the recipe:

• 
  
  Wheat wrap (or whatever wrap you enjoy)
• 
  
  Veggies! 1/2 cucumber, 1/2 green pepper, 3 sticks green oninon, regular onion chopped to taste, 1/2 avocado, 1/2 tomatoe
• 
  
  sour cream
• 
  
  salsa
• 
  
  1/2 cup rice
• 
  
  1 lime or lemon
• 
  
  lemon pepper, sage, and season salt seasoning

The recipe makes 2 full wraps. Video tutorial below!

*Disclaimer: If your a meat eater feel free to add the meat of your choice I think it would fit well within the recipe. I don't discriminate! I made it this

way for myself :)

I hope you enjoyed and if you decide to try this recipe please let me know. Happy eating!