Hot Menz - Jonathan Rhys Meyers

He's so hot, yet so unstable. Jonathan Rhys Meyers (Tudors, Bend It Like Beckham) attempted suicide Tuesday night, but luckily was found and rushed to the hospital in time. Dear Jonathan, please don't try taking your life again. You are way too hot to go out like that. *sigh*

Your Skin's Best Friend - Raw Sugar, Honey, Witch Hazel, and Vitamin E

Friends, I'd like to share with you a simple and easy way to get rid of blemishes and skin discolorations on your face. This is a great routine to do each night. If you don't see a difference within 2 weeks, then you can return to this blog to cuss me out. You don't need expensive treatments. All you need to do is visit your local natural foods and health store for this easy remedy. Here's what you need:

1) CLEANSE -  First, wash your face with a natural and moisturizing cleanser. My favorite is Burt's Bees Soap Bark and Chamomile Deep Cleansing Cream. Also, African Black Soap is another good one.

2) EXFOLIATE - Next take about 1/4 cup of raw honey and 1/2 of raw sugar. Combine both ingredients into a small bowl. Then take the mixture and apply this natural scrub to your face. Gently rub it on in small circular motions being careful not to get it in your eyes, and try not to eat it :) Leave this mixture on for a minute or two, as long as you can stand it. Raw sugar contains glycolic acid which fights discoloration and helps to restore the skin's natural oils. Raw honey contains healing antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that protect the skin and stimulates new tissue growth.

3) CLARIFY - Next clarify with natural Witch Hazel astringent. You can find this at any local drugstore. Just make sure it's 100% witch hazel. Take a few cotton balls and using a liberal amount, wipe all around your face. This removes any excess grease and dirt, without drying the skin. Witch hazel is also known to reduce redness and sooths irritation of the skin.

4) MOISTURIZE - Finally, take pure Vitamin E oil and apply all over your face. The best brand out is Nature's Bounty Natural Vitamin E Oil, 30,000 IU. Vitamin E is an antioxidant and aids in skin cell regeneration. Even if you have oily skin, don't be afraid to apply this oil to your face. Allowing it to soak in overnight will remove the blemishes, the pimples, and any other skin problems. Trust me.

In the morning, wash your face, and use your favorite moisturizer (as long as it's natural!). I guarantee if you follow the above steps, you'll have beautiful, clear skin in no time!

Shoe of the Day

EAT ME WHOLE - That's the name of this shoe. These funky and ecclectic polka-dot, platform sandals will definitely add a new twist to your outfit. I'd rock these attention-grabbing, wacky sandal/boots. They're actually pretty cute to me. The only downside about this shoe is the price. I'm not sure if it's worth it for some fabric, but then again, I can't find a shoe like this anywhere else except Amazon.com. That's when you gotta look for coupon codes and free shipping. Yeah...I'm a sucker.

Retail: $189.00 at Irregularchoice.com
http://www.irregularchoice.com/shop/womens/product/3822/eat-me-whole.html?offset=4

I found it on Amazon.com for a little cheaper at $158.88
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0054Y70XC/ref=pd_lpo_k2_dp_sr_2?pf_rd_p=486539851&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B004QCCQ5A&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=04EBRHGQ2GR5TT2WZWYX

Hot Menz - Lenny Kravitz

Lenny can do no wrong in my eyes. The rocker was spotted in NYC recently with this cool retro phone attachment.

Shoe of the Day

Question - Who would actually rock these? I think they're cool to look at, and they look like a work of art. Would I actually wear them? Maybe on a dare. The crazy wedge heel is what make these shoes cool, but the rest of the design disappoints me. It seems as if the designer only focused on creating a unique heel, but gave up afterwards.

Retail: $167.99
http://www.modcloth.com/

Your Hair Won't Grow? Here's Why.

I've been an advocate for natural hair and beauty products for quite some time. My friends are amazed at how healthy and thick my hair is. One of the main reasons for this is because I do not put synthetic products in my hair. Most of the products women use today carry harsh chemicals designed to keep your follicles in poor health, leaving clogged scalps and lackluster locs. Go grab any bottle of shampoo, no matter what brand, and I guarantee you'll find some of the ingredients listed will do more harm than good. You may think you're getting results, but in fact, you'll continue to buy the same products, and your hair will continue to remain stagnant in growth. Below is a list of ingredients to avoid when picking out hair products:

Mineral Oil and Petrolatum - Both of these products are widely used because it's super cheap. Both claim to condition and protect the hair, but instead, it does the complete opposite. It clogs the pores, preventing your scalp from getting the proper oxygen it needs to allow the hair follicles to grow. These ingredients are both extremely drying and toxic. Petrolatum is a crude oil used in plastics, solvents, and pesticides. So why would you want to use it in your hair? Mineral Oil is a liquid version of petrolatum and it widely debated on whether not it's ok to include in our hair and skin products. I don't understand the debate. It interferes with the absorption of vitamins and other nutrients needed for healthy hair and scalp. Avoid these ingredients at all cost.

Imidazolidinyl Urea and Diazolidinyl Urea - These ingredients are preservatives that act as a  formaldehyde releaser. Need I say more?

Methyl and Propyl and Butyl and Ethyl Paraben - Widely-used preservatives that have been proven by the Environmental Protection Agengy (EPA) to cause "estrogenic response on uterine tissues."  These are known to cause many allergic reactions and skin rashes. The estrogen levels in your body are increased significantly and the effects are known to stimulate breast cancer. Why are we putting this on our hair and scalp again?

Propylene Glycol - Supposedly used as a humectant, it breaks down the proteins and cellular tissue in our skin. Ummm...our hair and skin is made of proteins. How counter-productive. Don't use it!

Sodium Lauryl Sulphate and Sodium Laureth Sulphate - These foaming agents are used in most of our shampoos and conditioners. There are claims that it's damaging to the immune system and they are extremely harsh on your hair, and rightfully so since it's also used as a degreaser for engines. These agents may cause hair loss, because the truth is that like Propylene Glycol, they break down the proteins in your hair, resulting in hair-loss. Also, studies show that it causes skin rashes and eye problems such as cataracts.

Why do comapanies use these harmful ingredients in our hair products? It's simple. They're cheap and easily produced in large quantities. Big businesses rarely care about the health of the general public. They care about the bottom line. If you want great results and healthy hair, look to more natural and holistic options. Look for hair products that don't contain the above products. Some of my favorites are Burt's Bees and Herbal Choice. Visit your local natural foods store to find out what products they have to offer, and HAPPY GROWING!

Shoe of the Day

I love its unique color and honestly, these shoes remind me of a teal pair that I have. Maybe that's why I made it shoe of the day. I'm partial to blue shades, but it's difficult to find a really versatile shoe in royal blue. I feel that I could wear this with a few outfits, but this shoe would be the star. If you don't like the color, they also have the same style in pink, black, and white. Oh and the price is right too!

Retail: $65.00
http://www.musthaveshoes.com/mhs/products?shoes=heels-shoes&gclid=CJKitvq52KkCFSQRNAodlXObMQ&page=15&shoe=reba-royal-blue

Shoe of the Day

Beautiful, flat sandals are in! Why must we women kill our feet, legs, and back by attempting to walk in 4 inchers or more? I don't know why, but we do. That's why I love summer! The hot weather allows our toes to breathe a little more, stretch a little more, and get some much needed air. With that said, check out these sparkly little numbers found on www.shoefly.com. Here is an example of having the perfect night out, without killing your feet. The price is little up there at $99.00, but they look expensive, so to me, they are worth it!

Shoe of the Day

I missed yesterday's "Shoe of the Day" since I went to Six Flags. But to make up for it, check out this lovely addition to the blog.

Leifsdottir sandals (see more platform wedge heels)

This neutral beauty is sophistocated, sexy, and different. At a price tag of $230, it's definitely not for the frugal and thrifty shoenista. However, this is a head-turner, and unique shoes are worth the splurge. Le sigh...

Where to buy? http://www.leifsdottir.com/sale/ilona-6314148780005/
Retail: $229.95

Oil Pulling

I'm always struggling between indulging myself in life's pleasures and being healthy. I mean, one can do both, right? Well, to me, it's usually one or the other. For life's pleasures generally involve food - the bad kind - the clogged artery, fattening, delicious kind.

Welp, I'm not getting any younger, so I know in my heart that it's time to grow up and exercise some discipline. Hell no, I'm not giving up all the pleasures that life has to offer, but I must be smarter about my decisions. What I do during this next decade of my life will affect the years that follow. I want to be one of those 70 year olds that look and feel 40 or 30. I want to remain disease-free and healthy, so now it's time. Along with increasing my water intake and eating a much cleaner diet, I'm trying something called "oil pulling."

Oil pulling is a unique Ayurvedic method of removing toxins from the body by literally pulling oil through the teeth and swishing around the mouth for 15-20 minutes. Supposedly, only Sesame or Sunflower oils are effective. It sounds strange to most of us, but the benefits mentioned are astounding. There was a study done in India where several respondents mentioned clearing of arthritis, allergies, asthma, diabetes, and even certain cancers. Not bad, huh? Don't believe me? Check out the information for yourself here:

http://www.oilpulling.com/users.htm

I'm trying this on myself and my 10-year old for a few months to see what happens. I'll make sure to post about it then. In the meantime, who's joining me?

Shoe of the Day

I'm in a pink-patent leather-strappy-platform-crazy heel type of mood. I think I'd actually rock these...

This shoe came out about 2 years ago and retailed at $69.95 at Bakers' website. Who knew??? Bakers used to be this cheap little teeny bopper type shoe store, and to know they have cute and fresh styles like this is eye-opening to say the least.

Will Bakers please bring this shoe back?

Shoe of the Day

I just love these Betsey Johnson Pink Floral Espadrilles! They are perfect for summer and oh so girly! Betsey Johnson is one of my favorite designers, because her style is fun, sweet, and a little edgy. With these darling little shoes, you can pair them with just about anything - from a light sundress or capris, there's no going wrong.

Retail: Zappos for $89.95

A Reintroduction of Sorts

Donuts n' Puddin' was slated to begin as a web show last year, but due to a series of unfortunate events, that is not going to happen (for now). However, there is no reason to igore this blog, and not put it to good use, right? I mean, there's so much to talk about in this world, and it simply doesn't make sense to wait for small things like cameras to get my point across.

With that said, Donuts n' Puddin' is moving on! The format will be the same - anything I feel like posting, I will post! You want new music from some of the hottest indie artists on the scene? You got it! You want fashion? Sure! You want politics, gossip, and current events? Why not! You want shoe of the day??? But of course!!!

If there's anything you'd like to see on this blog, send an email to donutsnpuddin@gmail.com or leave a comment here.