Naturelle Me...Sunday Modest Feature!

I am so late with this post, I know. Sorry!

It was such a beautiful Sunday morning and I have all the reasons to thank God. Even when the body is weak, the spirit is willing and boy my spirit was willing. That is why I thank God every chance I get for awakening my spirit, getting me up each morning and starting my day. I was not feeling well whatsoever and did not want to get out of bed. I was getting hit with aches. A fever that was on and off and a sore throat. I felt terrible!

But my spirit was not having it at all. It was pushing me to get up and go to church. I obeyed. Got myself together, and said Lord I am going to praise you anyhow, despite how I feel. So, I phoned a friend to see if I can hitch a ride with her and visit her church. I am so glad I went. There was some coughing here and there while in worship, but that did not hinder me from giving God praise. I was feeling better. My throat wasn't as sore as it was before and I didn't feel as achy as I was that morning. I don't have much of my voice back yet but I know I will regain it soon.

I got a great word on God's faithfulness even when we are faithless. That is something most of us must work on. Having faith and stepping out on faith as well as looking to please God and not people. Lastly, to know that when God has done great things for you before, he will do it again. So don't doubt. Keep pressing and trust in him to help you reach the unreachable and do the impossibles that you thought could not be done. He is a can do God, not a can't do God. He's so able. His word says it in  Ephesians 3:20 Now unto him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us. (King James Version) Also here in 2 Corinthians 6:8 Besides, God is able to make every blessing of yours overflow for you, so that in every situation you will always have all you need for any good work.(International Standard Version). So go on ahead and have faith and trust in the Lord. Watch and see how much you can conquer. You're in good hands and Allstate sure can't give you that, lol!

And now, my Sunday Modest Feature 
Enjoy, and feel free to comment.

The Bauble Necklace

Necklace: Ebay
(Similar: Purchase here)

Dress: House of Fraser

Dress: Alice Temperley "Molina" (here)

The Platform Pumps

Shoes: Delicious (Purchase here)

Shoe: Aldos (here)

He is the sunshine and light in my life!

Let him shine, and remember we are fearfully and wonderfully made.

Psalms 139:14

Review Of The Day: Basil + Seed + Honey= Drink!

Do you know what time it is?

Mens watch: Fossils

Borrowed from my Dad for my prop.

Clearly it's too big for my wrist. 

Womens watch: Fossils ( Purchase here)

Yup, it's time for

Naturelle Me... Review Of The Day.

A few weeks ago, I stumbled across something. Well, my mother introduced me to it and I wanted to tell you about it.

Drum roll please! 
Ok I don't have any drums!  But I do have this:

Source: Otherfishlandlocked.wordpress.com

The Basil Seed Drink with Honey

Mmm... sounds yummy doesn't it? 

Uh ...

Nuh! 

When I first saw it, I was like "What in the heavens is this?
Looking closer at the picture I went on asking. "What is swarming in that glass?"  and of course more questions. "What is a basil seed? When did they have this drink out and where does my mom get these weird concoction for a drink?"

I'm sure it reads Basil Seed with Honey.

There it was, right on the table just staring at me. My mother on the other hand is just chugging this baby up like it was the last supper. And I'm looking at her like this:

Source: FashionWestie.blogspot.com

She really liked it and thought that I should consider trying it before passing off judgment. Yes, I did hesitate a little. But could you blame me?

So, I said alright I'll give it a try. Mind you, my mom did not give me much detail or fair warning about the drink as I was bringing it to my mouth.

Before I spill the beans on what my taste buds experienced. Let me fill you in on the Basil Seed (Thai Basil).

 What is it ?

Basil Seed (Thai Basil) is a herb that is mostly found in  India and in the southern regions of Asia and is used in various Asian cuisines. The Thai basil itself has more of a licorice or anise flavor. The leaves are smaller than the regular basil leaves used in Italian cooking. There are an array of basil cultivars such as sweet basil, cinnamon basil (smells like cinnamon), holy basil, lemon basil and the list goes on.

Source: Knitting Non Pareil

Dry basil flowers. The stems (doesn't have pods) contain the
black seeds that you see above this picture.
Source: 500M2 In Sydney

Source: Cookthink.com

The seeds when it sits in water can expand and produces a jelly like ball, which is used in drinks or as a dessert. To get the seeds, normally people wait till the plant turns dry and brown.

Do you see the seeds inside?
Source: mrbrownthumb.blospot.com

What are the benefits ?

Seeds are nutritious and a great source of fiber. Basil seeds (Thai basil) aid in digestion. It helps to relieve cramping, constipation, indigestion and irregular bowel movements. Relieves colds, stress and if crushed and mixed in oil can be used for skin infections or cuts.
I heard that it reduces your appetite and minimizes food cravings which results in weight loss. 

Why do you lose weight?

Due to its jelly or gelatinous texture as it swells in water, it makes you feel full, which could help to curb your appetite if you consume it before meals. 

Ingredients: Water, Basil seed, cane sugar, honey, banana flavor .

So now that you know a little bit about the basil seed, I will tell you how my tasting test went.  

Don't laugh!

As the can got closer, the liquid began to pour into my mouth. Suddenly, I felt a bunch of stuff enter my mouth and touch my tongue and palette. I instantly pulled away from the can with my mouth full. All I can hear is my mom  laughing and saying " Oh gosh girl, just chew it and swallow. You're always dramatic about everything" I didn't know what to do, it was as if I forgot how to swallow and chew at the same time. In my mind I was screaming " AHH what the big bird is this in my mouth?". I had to woman up and just drink it. I really felt like I was one of the contestants on Fear Factor. 

I chewed and I swallowed and you know what it wasn't that bad. It was weird but not bad. I poured some into my cup and this is what I found.

It freaked me out a little because you automatically think you just ingested tadpoles or some odd species. These were the basil seeds in their gelatinous form when soaked. Here is a closer look:

Soaked basil seeds
Source: eatfoo.com

This actually taste good. It is sweet, not overly sweetened which is good.  I could taste the banana flavor that they added. The seeds were crunchy not hard to chew. I thought it was easier for me to chew and then swallow, some folks just gulp it down (like my mother). I like it and my mom loves it. My mom has been drinking this for about a week or two and she did say that she felt full and didn't have much of an appetite. And yes this is good for digestion. It did make it easier to go and didn't cause any stomach discomfort. Overall I think this drink is good. I wouldn't drink it simply because I don't want to lose weight. I would only drink it if I felt constipated. 

You can find this at any Asian market or buy online (here). Also, you can make it yourself all you need are the seeds, water and some honey and a little bit of pure sugar. But make sure you let the seeds soak to swell. 

P.S. You can do further research on your own if hesitant about it. Consult with your physician before trying if you are diabetic. If you choose to try, it feel free to let me know what your experience was like.

God Bless!

False Lashes! Girl is that a pigeon on your eyes?

In the words of Martin Lawrence: 

WAZZUP, WAZZUP, WAZUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUP!

Hope you are having a great day!

I have a comedic rant just to stir up something or to get you laughing, wherever you ladies are. Before I start, I just want to say I am not trying to offend anyone in anyway. Just sharing my random thoughts, and use my sense of  humor to make light of things. Sometimes we need a good laugh once in awhile to get our minds off of situations we might be going through.

Now let's begin!
I have been noticing that now a days most women are into wearing false lashes more than the God awful lace fronts. Even the commercials display the need for us to get some falsies or to achieve the look of full thick lashes.  Now we know good and well that the women in the Cover Girl, L'oreal and Rimmel commercials are all wearing fake lashes. Am I right?

Source: Makeuponmymind.blogspot.com

" Have I been bamboozled? I thought that I would look like her, dang it MAYBELLINE! I put like 20 coats of your bat poop and I aint got that (singing) MAYBE ITS MAYBELLINE effect. All I end up getting is (singing)  MAYBE IT'S MAYBENOT!

Yes, purchasing those products to some folks might work, but who knows!. Maybe they already have thick long lashes and once the mascara is applied KAZAAAAAAAM they got big beautiful, full lashes.

Solange Knowles Rimmel London
Source: thefrisky.com

Our little girls are wearing falsies before their training bras. For real? Yup,  and its not just on Halloween. There was one time at church, I saw one of my youths wearing some. That girl was batting or blinking her eyes so much I thought if we look in our hymnals that song would be rephrased just for her. Are you familiar with the tune " I'll fly away" you can sing it with me  it's " Sheeeeee's gonna fly away oh glory, she's gonna fly away. Those things on her eyes, oh my goodness that girl gone fly, oh lawdy she done fly  awaaaaaaay!" lol.

Who would do this to their baby? SMH
Source: infosoupfashion.blogspot.com

My goodness, I could not believe it. When church was done she came up to me to greet me. She said " Hey sister Lyn, how you doing?" I said "I'm fine, girl I'm fine !" and I couldn't help but ask. " Girl, where did you get those pigeons?" She was laughing and said " What are you talking about?" Batting her eyes even more. A gust of wind brushed my face each time she blinked.

She knew what I was talking about. ( I'm straight up with the youth in my church ). " It's lashes sister Lyn, lashes ! " I responded " I know what they are, why are you wearing it?" and she replied saying " I like them, they cute !" Mind you this girl is like 14 yrs old, she doesn't need any of that stuff. Not yet.

Man, these young bucks need to slow down and stop trying to be grown. Yeah it looked nice but it was taking away from her real beauty and made her appear older than what she is. She is still a child and I am gonna be quite honest I don't think girls around that age and younger need to be wearing that. Have you seen toddlers and tiaras? **crickets-eyes blinking**SMH *** crickets** (sorry couldn't find sound effects)

Source: photo from afeatheradrift.wordpress.com
dogcanyon.org

Source: Inevitablemedia.wordpress.com
They turn out to be the worst adults. This is sad!

As for our adult women, I feel that some go way over board with it or just don't know how to apply them. If you want them to look a little more realistic, get the individual ones not the thick ones that look like the janitors broom. Nawh man, we all know that the castor oil did not grow them overnight! Who are you trying to fool? You do not want to be looking like that drowsy elephant on sesame street:what's its name, yes  SNUFFALUFFAGUS! lol!!!!!

Source: Muppet wikia

Another sad thing is women who want to follow trends and want to get the real deal lashes which are fox fur or orangutan ( IDK I heard about the fox fur lashes though). Please if you can't financially, afford to keep current don't try the foul disguise out, by getting a Remy or Fremy Serbian or Indian weave and glue it on. That is a crime, a violation or whatever. Its just wrong. Keep the weave on the head not on the eyes, it wasn't manufactured for that. Come on now! RAAAAAAATID!

Source: Shefinds.com

Source: Heatherfink.blogspot.com

Lastly, I merely suggest that some of the ladies tone it down and let the peacocks, pigeons and  turkeys keep their  spot light or showcase their wings. They want to fly. I mean shine too. I am not knocking anyone who wear lashes or anything like that. Lashes are okay to wear,  just make sure that:

1. They are professionally or self installed correctly
(Go for individual lashes. They look more natural)

2. Go with your gut feeling, if they don't feel right or don't look right. Either take them off or fix it.

3. Don't you dare ask your frenemy or angry friend if they look lopsided they are most likely gonna tell you they look good.

4. If the lashes are super thick DO NOT, I repeat DO NOT try to maximize them  with 15 coats of mascara. We will assume you are sleepy or you are just resting your eyes, cause your eyes look closed all the time. I mean I saw movements but I thought you were fighting in your sleep.

I hope I didn't miss anything, If I did please do share !

I guess I will leave you all with this

HAVE A BLESSED and VICTORIOUS DAY!