Self Care + How I Overcome Stress

currently playing// Optimistic by Sounds of Blackness

These last couple of months have been nothing but a nonstop rollercoaster for me. Between graduating, looking for work, and other personal matters -- I have had to create various methods to overcome the stress that has ensued. This is no pity party, because let's be real, EVERYONE deals with stress but not all cope with it the same or even admits to it.

For me, self care consists of taking care of both mind and body. Having an accountability partner is amazing, but I had to start being accountable for myself. Here are a few methods I use to focus on self care and avoiding stress.

1. Nutrition 
There are so many different view points when it comes to what individuals should and should not be eating, however, I look at it from a scientific-based research point of view. To me, food is medicine that may prevent diseases so that you don't have to go looking for cures later on down the line. Focusing on nutrient-dense food has helped me overcome preceding health issues. I started keeping track of my calories and a few of my nutrient consumptions by using the MyFitnessPal app. I did this because of a certain goal I am trying to reach and I am simply just fascinated by how much food I'm putting into my body on a daily basis.

2. Physical Activity
I have always been very fond of cardio workouts, but my love for strength training is definitely growing. I was so ignorant to the importance of strength training integrated with cardio. Exercise helps to release endorphins, the neurotransmitters of the brain that help you feel good. When I workout regularly I notice that I am able to get to bed earlier and get a good nights rest.

3. Words of Affirmation
When it comes to self doubt, discouragement, or what feels to be bouts of depression, it's all about introspection. I am capable, I am worthy, I am a survivor. Words of affirmation also help by allowing me to address the problem at hand. Why am I upset? Have I overcome something similar in the past? If not, how can I find the motivation? If I have, why do I think that I am not capable of doing it again?
+ I also incorporate words of affirmation with my yoga workouts.

4. Talking It Out With Others
Sometimes the best form of help can come from others. If you're like me then you think that your opinion is the only one that matters when it comes to self-help, but I'm biased *wink*. I've found that whether it's in prayer or talking with a close friend, I'm able to find a new perspective with an issue I'm handling. New perspectives are often such an aha moment for me in that I am able to step out of the dilemma, stay out of my head, and create new approaches.

5. Writing
I have quite a few journals that I write in when my thoughts begin to cloud my judgement. Instead of allowing those thoughts to consume me, I've found it much easier to get them out through writing. It also becomes material that I can examine for later use.

That's it! Overall wellness is something that is very important to me. Though I sometimes still deal with stress, these are some of the techniques I apply and find effective.

I am not a professional but these are the steps that I take to help me out during overwhelming times.

Chili Stuffed Avocado

My relationship with avocados went from utter disgust to true love. They contain fat, mainly monounsaturated fat which is good for your heart, as well as a number of vitamins, minerals, phytochemicals, and plenty of fiber. They taste so delicious raw, seasoned, or stuffed.

Anyways, back to the point at hand. I had some ripened avocados just waiting to be devoured along with some leftover turkey chili, so I figured WHY NOT EAT THEM TOGETHER!? This recipe was totally inspired by my favorite dietitians over at foodheavenmadeeasy.com. One hass avocado is easily >250 calories, so I would recommend eating only one half or one stuffed avocado. Honestly, this is a super basic meal/snack, but it was so delicious I had to share.

I started with two hass avocados and decided to season them with a little salt and pepper, but that is absolutely optional.

Chili is my lazy winter go-to meal and is equally yummy without meat. You can add a variety of beans and veggies to this recipe. I'm no chef, but this is what I do!

Chili Recipe

1 15 oz. can low-sodium red kidney beans

1 15 oz. low-sodium can black beans

1 8 oz. can tomato sauce

1 15 oz. can diced tomatoes

1 lb. ground turkey meat

1 tbsp olive oil

1/2 - 1 cup chopped onions

1/2 - 1 cup chopped bell peppers

2 tbsp chili powder

2 tbsp garlic powder

2 tsp onion powder

2 tsp ground cumin

1 tsp paprika

1 tsp cayenne pepper

salt and pepper to taste

Directions

Dump the beans and tomatoes in a large pot and place them on low-medium heat. Mix the spices in a small bowl and heat olive oil in a pan on medium heat. Add onions and bell peppers to pan and allow to simmer for a minute or two. Place turkey meat in pan with onions + bell peppers and cook until brown. Add seasoning mix to the meat + a splash of water and allow the spices to cook into meat. Once there is no more liquid in the pan, dump it into the pot of beans and tomatoes. BOOM, lazy chili. 

I lightly seasoned my avocados with salt and pepper then proceeded to smash them making it easier to scoop. Add chili to the avocados and voila. You can eat them plain or enhance it as you would a regular bowl of chili. 

This meal is both nutrient and calorie dense. For a lighter option I would either cut it down to one or gut most of the avocado out. 

Lands End

currently playing// Unstoppable by Lianne La Havas

I have had the pleasure of spending my late teens and early twenties in Northern California -- from the East Bay on up to Sacramento. As much as I complained about missing my immediate family, I would not have traded this experience for anything else.

My days of living in California are quickly coming to an end and I am now realizing how much I am going to miss it. Over the next couple of months I'm going to share some old, and possibly new, photos of my life here being a somewhat West Coast transplant.

Here we are at Lands End park/trail/shoreline and my goodness is it an experience. You get the opportunity to surround yourself with landscape and breathtaking views from the steep rocky hills or with your feet drenched in the high tide of the ocean.

This is not your typical beach, but you know what makes this one feel a little more special? The hard work you've put in to enjoy it. The hike is not extremely strenuous, but it will have you feeling it the next day from the waist down.

Driving on the San Francisco hills scares the mess out of me, so we took the BART and uber'd it around town. It also gives me a chance to view the city in all of its eccentric beauty. On this ride we dropped off another rider at the California Academy of Sciences and heard an uber drivers story of riding a man around town to find a hooker. Yikes.

Our last stop was at a delicious eatery called Brenda's French Soul Food. This was my second time eating at this location, and neither time was I disappointed with my selection. 

Experience San Francisco and put this on your list of places to visit. It is truly an unforgettable and magical experience. 

It's super hard to figure out where to start using the internet, so in your google maps enter 916 El Camino Del Mar and voila! 

Summertime Skin Care Regulars

currently playing// Special Affair by The Internet

I started wearing foundation regularly about 2 years ago, and ever since then my skin has been more prone to acne. More acne yields more acne scars. Once the summertime weather made its debut, I decided to say farewell to all forms of foundation on my skin. It's the best decision I've made for my skin in a long time. 

My skin type? Oily, oily, and OILY. Since I've been taking a break from wearing foundation on my skin I have not had any breakouts, except for the occasional hormonal flare-up.

Here are a few things that have helped me reduce blemishes and minimize the size of my pores.

Six Months Post

It has been 6 swift months since I chopped all most of my hair off for the second time. I can't exactly say that that the journey has been smooth or difficult considering that I've had it in a protective style for 3 out of the 6 months. 

Before I took my very frizzy box braids down on Friday, I made a stop at Target to pick up an ammonia-free hair color.  Being in such a rush to color my hair back to jet black, I forgot to deep condition prior to the dyeing process. OOPS!

Great, my hair was jet black, dry, and not properly detangled. Be anxious for nothing, Caela. My twist-out came out a frizzy and dehydrated mess. Not to mention, I still have damaged ends at the front of my mane that I had prior to my big chop. 

It is now Sunday and I could not wait to get home to deep condition my hair after church. Deep conditioning and a proper finger detangling session made all the difference. I'm not going to lie, I was scared because this morning my hair was drier than this California drought. I ended up twisting my hair with my favorite hair butter. I've talked about this product on my Instagram and YouTube channel, y'all, this hair butter is just AMAZING! It is the Camille Rose Almond Jai Twisting Butter. 

This product smells like butter cream and the consistency is silky, melting into my hair (and skin) like nothing I've ever owned. Most hair butters leave a bit of a sticky residue following my styling routine, but this one soaks into my strands allowing them to swell into fluffy excellence. Oh yea, it's ALL-NATURAL & VEGAN too! For that very reason, I will be trying more of this brands various products. 

Tomorrow I am going to get the rest of my damaged ends cut off so I don't have to continue dealing with different textures. I'm so glad that my hair is healthy again. 

Cae.

ftc: As a full disclosure, all of these opinions are my own and I was not compensated for expressing my thoughts on this product.

Smooth & Melodic 3.0

*previously called SMS*

Here are five new and old songs that I currently love listening to.

Heavy Love -Mali Music
I have been listening to this guys music since his debut album The 2econd Coming in 2009. I was anticipating his new work for such a long time, and after 5 long and gruesome years... I didn't listen to it, until a week ago. It's so hard for me to get into new music and honestly, I don't know why I didn't try harder with this one. I saw him live a week ago and I just fell in love with it. It's all I've been listening to.

Lights and Camera -Yuna
If you guys have seen Beyond the Lights then you heard this song before. I am only slightly familiar with Yuna's music, but I can say that I have never been disappointed. The lyrics to this song fit the movies message to stay true to yourself no matter the circumstances.

Right For You -Lil Silva ft. Banks
My younger sister introduced me to this song and I cannot stop listening to it. The lyrics say enough. Blah.

Kiss of Life (Sade Cover) -Chris Turner
Heart be still. The lyrics accompanied by his heavenly voice is just enough to make me want to curl up in a ball and fantasize about my future husband. Okay, I took it too far. I was so hoping that he would sing this when I saw him live, unfortunately I'll have to wish for next time.

Let It Burn -Jazmine Sullivan
I cannot think of anything bad to say about this girl. Of course I saw her live when she announced that she was holding a show in San Francisco. You think I'd be crazy enough to miss that? Up close and personal with this woman so effortlessly set the stage on fire. This song is so fun and even my oh so single self can get into it.

Search for these songs via YouTube or SoundCloud, and if you love them enough, purchase the song to support the artist.

cae.

Skin Probs, What's New?!

I don't know how the girls with flawless skin do it, but I sure as heck need to find out.

As of late, I have started to pay better attention to the products I use to cleanse my face. If I forget to take my make-up off at night then I know my skin is bound to feel and look gross in the morning. That also leads to issues with dirt transfer onto my pillow case, and my goodness I cannot stand a dirty pillow case lol. 

I have oily skin during each season and there are so many different ways to supposedly combat excess oil secretion throughout the day. Unfortunately nothing has successfully worked for me so I will continue to carry my oil absorbing sheets with me.

Here are a few face products that are currently in rotation:

MORNING

Lush Cosmetics Dark Angels

Alba Botanica Hawaiian Facial Cleanser

Alba Botanica Hawaiian Facial Toner

Alba Botanica Hawaiian Oil Free Moisturizer 

NIGHT

Shea Moisture African Black Soap Body Wash

Shea Moisture African Black Soap Body Lotion

OCCASIONALLY 

Shea Moisture Lemongrass & Ginger Body Scrub

Bentonite Clay

Murad Oil Control Mattifier

10 For '15

I've never been one to truly challenge myself at the beginning of the year. This year I think that I will change that and see what making an annual to-do list can do for me. When a task arises I find it crucial to stay organized and put everything in my planner, but as soon as I reach about week 3 of that task... where is my planner again?! 

I want to be more successful with the things I put my mind to. Whether or not I succeed, I want to be able to say I executed what I planned to do. 2014 was not my absolute favorite year, but I usually see my glass as half full. 

When In Napa...

The morning started out as any typical Sunday morning would, "Where are we going for brunch?" After delving in on yelps search list for some new places to try, we ended up finding a yummy looking waffle spot. 

Just so you aren't confused, this is not the waffle spot. Half a mile until our destination we saw First Street and on First Street lies Gott's Roadside. We have never gone wrong with this locally sourced establishment. Napa is such a tranquil and welcoming city filled with locals and tourists alike. It's such an awe-inspiring city you will not even fill guilty or gluttonous when you stuff your face. 

Traveling Checklist!

 the struggle is always real when I'm packing. I usually make a checklist in my notebook but I think this virtual one is a bit more fun. Plus, I spent too much time trying to figure out how to make this dang chart!

Hi, I'm Caela and I overpack. My friend told me to challenge myself and pack lightly for this trip... yea right. I usually only take week long trips home to Texas, this time around I'm adding two more. A girl needs options.

If you're wondering where my shoes are, they're in my duffle bag ridiculously stuffed. It's way too embarrassing to show. Luckily I'm staying with family so if I forget anything they most likely have it. Holla!

---

If you guys are traveling this holiday season be safe and I hope you can use that checklist I created as a good reference. Felices Fiestas!

xo, Cae

Super Easy DIY Frozen Yogurt

In the words of the ever so hilarious Tom and Donna, "Treat Yo Self!"

A lot of ice cream on the market contain empty calories so get into this nutrient-dense treat!

fiber, B6, potassium, protein, calcium, and vitamin C are all of the main nutrients you will receive from this recipe. 

1 cup of frozen strawberries

1 1/2 frozen bananas

6 oz. greek yogurt

---

blend, blend, blend.

mm hm, go ahead and gawk over it.

cover & freeze.

voila!

enjoy y'all!

---

You can absolutely use whatever fruit that your heart desires. 

If you try this out, let me know!

I Just Big Chopped, Now What?! part 1

For some, you have planned this experience months in advance. You already screenshot your favorite hairstyles you liked from instagram and you already went to Target and stocked up on some shampoo, deep conditioner, and styling butter. For those of you, who like me, just decided in that moment that it was time to part ways with the different textures and cut that bish off, I am here to help. 

I started doing my research about natural hair back in 2009 when YouTube was less complicated and everyones favorite was literally everyones favorite. Anyways, keep reading guys to see what items I think are important to have post big chop.

The Blueprint

When I get dressed I love to turn things up a notch in the simplest way possible. Denim on denim on denim is the perfect way for me to display that.  

Usually this style is embellished with a bold statement necklace but I think that the thrice layered denim and bold dark lip is audacious enough. 

SMS 2.0

Oh, you liked the music?! I could share music with y'all all damn day.


Down -Emily King
There is a song by Emily King called U & I that I used to play out. It is such an amazing song and when I heard Down play on my Dwele Spotify radio station I got so excited! She has a new look and still such an amazing voice.


Valentine -Jessie Ware feat. Sampha
Just listen to the beat. OMG. This two minute delight is so perfect. I featured Sampha in my previous SMS post, can you tell that I love him?

Subject -Dwele
Dwele always swoons me with his lyrics and soothing voice. Most of his music makes me fantasize about being in a huge loft in New York City with a brick accented wall with his music so loud that it drowns out the city's commotion. I'm being weird, I know.

Snow -Chrisette Michele
I have been admiring Chrisette Michele since 2009 when I first heard her music. I was utterly obsessed with both I Am and Epiphany and could not stop talking about her on twitter. It took me a while to listen to her latest album, Better, but it is really such amazing work! Take my word for it.

Every Other Freckle (Big K.R.I.T. remix) -Big K.R.I.T.
Big K.R.I.T. is one of my favorite rappers. He works hard and I've supported his music since I first heard him in 2010. He makes his own beats and might I add are so damn perfect. He's bae.


side note: I get to see Dwele, Chrisette, and Krizzle in October and November, so it was only right that I feature them! Enjoy!

cae.

BxW Fixation

What's more classic than black and white? It is what my eyes fixate toward when clothes shopping and I mean, c'mon, it goes with everything! Although we are going through a very miserable Indian summer here in Northern California, the fall season is upon us and I'll enjoy the brisk mornings until the noonday heat flares up. 

 

Since I've cut my hair short I decided it would be a great idea to play around with hats. I for one, have never been a hat kind of gal but, hey, whatevs! I paired this black and white striped blouse with a pair of olive green pants from H&M. I'm that person that gravitates towards dark colors year round because, well, I love the way dark colors look on me.  I am truly an Autumn baby. COME THRU FALL! I would definitely wear this outfit to a brunch or any holiday party because of how loose the top is. Eat your effing heart out!!

     -photos by: Chantal Page

top: H&M | pants: H&M | shoes: Marshalls | purse: Forever 21 | hat: Target | earrings: Aldo

*my style is my own. i love to grab, mix, match, and go. create what fits you and define your own personal style.

TWA Trial & Error

Since I've had short hair I have referenced maybe two YouTube videos on how I should style it. I've learned that it's all about what works for your hair and how you want it to frame your face. 

So far I love how my short hair brightens up my face, in a way. It showcases my dimples a lot more and the structure of my face. I have been using Jamaican Black Castor Oil religiously because I forgot how much my hair LOVES it!! I moiturize with whatever hair butter and/or lotion I want to use then I put the castor oil all over. I especially love it on my edges because it aids with laying then DOWN! 

I tried to soft bristle brush method on my hair to define my curls and my hair hated it! Either my hair is too frizzy or too long to maneuver that technique. 

I ended up doing a coil out on the sides and back of my hair. It allows for a more defined and natural look. Pulling at the roots to add more volume and voila, easy as that! How you want to style the front is pretty much a personal preference. 

 Watch my VIDEO |here| to see how I maneuvered this hairstyle. 

I Big Chopped, AGAIN!

As some of you may know, I was in dire need of a big chop number TWO. To make a long story short, I put way too much heat on it in the beginning of this year. My hair was so flat and limp that it looked as if I was transitioning again. I literally wore the same hairstyle for 5 months. 

I was referred to Madusalon in San Francisco by the lovely Cassidy Blackwell of NaturalSelectionBlog.com. This salon specializes in curly, wavy and natural hair; they are also specialized to do deva cuts. I was extremely happy with the service at the salon!! My stylist Isabel had so much personality and just went in for my cut. In my head I was like, "WAIT, I need to take this all in." I was sitting there trying to mentally prepare myself but as she was talking, she started chopping. Despite being anxious of how it would come out, I was very calm the entire time!

As you can see, the top of my hair still has some heat damage on the ends. The natural struggle is so real. I did my first big chop on September 6, 2010 and for me to do my second one so close to my big chop anniversary is SO CRAZY. *Beyoncé voice*

How do I feel? I feel happy and liberated! I'm beautiful and feel a lot more confident with my curls back. It is just hair and it will grow back. I cannot wait to update you guys on my new journey of healthy hair growth! Check my instagram for photos! Love y'all.

cae.