Ingredients (rough estimates):
2 scoops conditioner (from your stash)
2 scoops shea butter
1 tbsp honey
1 tbsp peppermint oil
1 tbsp castor oil
1 tbsp of amla
1 tbsp of hibiscus powder
Instructions: See video below ...
Monday, November 12, 2012
Mixology || Shea Butter and Hibiscus Deep Treatment
Ingredients (rough estimates):
2 scoops conditioner (from your stash)
2 scoops shea butter
1 tbsp honey
1 tbsp peppermint oil
1 tbsp castor oil
1 tbsp of amla
1 tbsp of hibiscus powder
Instructions: See video below ...
...the BIG BANG
So here are some of your thoughts on part one of manifesto - all red and green - and yes of course, in glorious Black and White too!
It's here for you to digest and g r o a n o v e r - what, no bullet points - no action plan - a nice little framework perhaps?
No, NO a thousand times NO. You can pick one of those up from any fly-by-night, five-a-day, quick fix consultants. In for a penny, in for a pound. £
Grease me palm with your hard fought-for coffers and I'll tell you what you want to hear. Elixirs, miracle cures? The arts'll solve it all - heal your wounds, cure your aches and pains and tuck you up in your bed at night?
Instrumental - temperamental? Fine art - pop art? Reductionist - Irrationalist?
It's a point in time. Histrionics? Maybe - but born full-term and bursting for a fight.
Enlightened and Romantic without a seconds glance back to your bean counting gibberish..."we want to weight it, measure it and standardise the little beauty."
Oh, but the market my dear, the fragile economy, the BIG things, the STUFF... the words and important THINGS about our fiscal state - of policy being informed by the finest STUFF...you know: research informed policy! Yes that's it, policy made on the basis of the finest research - ahhh the randomised controlled trial - the GOLD standard...a model of pharmacological impartiality and rigorous analysis - the midas touch.
Oh yes, that's the one - only it's not - and has no pretensions to be - it's a baby; a big FAT baby, born of a 1000+ loving parents!
A thousand mothers and fathers thrown into the gene pool...the progeny and lineage are all messed up. There’s my none-too-perfect DNA and yours too.
Beautiful hybrid eh?
...and is it a Northern child, ruddy cheeked and all flat vowels? Is it European? Eurasian? Venusian? It's an exotic little fellow...and it's still mutating....
Have a cup of coffee - a glass of red - better still, a bottle of water
Go On...A Toast! To you, and you and us...
Where to now for this baby? We need to bring it up, of course...how we do it - well, its for us to decide...
mmmmmmm, how will we do it?
SCENARIOS, SCENARIOS - lets start to imagine some scenarios
S C E N A R I O S: in arts, health and wellbeing JANUARY 2013 across our
GLORIOUS NORTHERN LANDS...
dates coming soon...
The bipolar disorder pendulum: Depression as a compensatory adaptation
As far as explaining natural phenomena, Darwin was one of the best theoretical researchers of all time. Yet, there were a few phenomena that puzzled him for many years. One was the evolution of survival-impairing traits such as the peacock’s train, the large and brightly colored tail appendage observed in males.
Tha male peacock’s train is detrimental to the animal’s survival, and yet it is clearly an evolved trait ().
This type of trait is known as a “costly” trait – a trait that enhances biological fitness (or reproductive success, not to be confused with “gym fitness”), and yet is detrimental to the survival of the individuals who possess it (). Many costly traits have evolved in animals because of sexual selection. That is, they have evolved because they are sexy.
Costly traits seem like a contradiction in terms, but the mechanisms by which they can evolve become clear when evolution is modeled mathematically (, ). There is evidence that mental disorders may have evolved as costs of attractive mental traits (); one in particular, bipolar disorder (a.k.a. manic-depression), fits this hypothesis quite well.
Ironically, a key contributor to the mathematics used to understand costly traits, George R. Price (), might have suffered from severe bipolar disorder. Most of Price’s work in evolutionary biology was done in the 1970s; toward the end of his life, which was untimely ended by Price himself. For many years he was known mostly by evolutionary biologists, but this has changed recently with the publication of Oren Harman’s superb biographical book titled “The Price of Altruism: George Price and the Search for the Origins of Kindness” ().
Bipolar disorder is a condition characterized by disruptive mood swings. These swings are between manic and depressed states, and are analogous to the movement of a pendulum in that they alternate, seemingly gravitating around the "normal" state. See the figurative pendulum representation below, adapted from a drawing on Thinkquest.org.
Bipolar disorder is generally associated with creative intelligence, which is a very attractive trait (). Moreover, the manic state of the disorder is associated with hypersexuality and exaggerated generosity (). So one can clearly see how having bipolar disorder may lead to greater reproductive success, even as it creates long-term survival problems.
On one hand, a person may become very energetic and creative while in the manic state. This could be one of the reasons why many who suffer from bipolar disorder have fairly successful careers in fields that require creative intelligence (), which are many and not restricted to fields related to the fine and performing arts. Creative intelligence is highly valued in most knowledge-intensive professions ().
On the other hand, sustained acute mania or depression are frequently associated with serious health problems (). This is why the clinical treatment of bipolar disorder often starts with an attempt to keep the pendulum from moving too far in one direction or another. This may require medication, such as clinical doses of the elemental salt lithium, prior to cognitive behavioral therapy. The focus of cognitive behavioral therapy is on changing the way one sees and thinks about the world, particularly one’s “social world”.
Prolonged acute mania, usually accompanied by severely impaired sleep, may lead to psychosis. This, psychosis, is an extreme state characterized by hallucinations and/or delusions, leading to hospitalization in most cases. It has been theorized that depression is an involuntary compensatory adaptation () aimed at moving the pendulum in the other direction, out of the manic state, before more damage ensues ().
Elaborate approaches have been devised to treat and manage bipolar disorder treatment that involve the identification of mania and depression “prodromes” (), which are signs that a full-blown manic or depressive episode is about to start. Once prodromes are identified, cognitive behavioral therapy techniques are employed to prevent the pendulum from moving further in one direction or the other. The main goal of these techniques is to change one’s way of thinking about various issues (e.g., fears, pessimism). These techniques take years of practice to be used effectively.
Identification of prodromes and subsequent use of cognitive behavioral therapy seems to be particularly effective when dutifully applied with respect to manic episodes (). The reason for this may be related to one interesting fact related to bipolar disorder: manic episodes are not normally dreaded as much as depression episodes.
In fact, many sufferers avoid taking medication because they do not want to give up the creative and energetic bursts that come with manic episodes, even though they absolutely do not want the pendulum to go in the other direction. The problem is that, if depression is indeed a compensatory adaptation to mania, it seems reasonable to assume that extreme manic episodes are likely to be followed by extreme episodes of depression. Perhaps the key to avoid prolonged acute depression is to avoid prolonged acute mania.
As someone with bipolar disorder becomes more and more excited with novel and racing thoughts (a prodrome of mania), it would probably make sense to identify and carry out calming activities – to avoid a fall into despairing depression afterwards.
Tha male peacock’s train is detrimental to the animal’s survival, and yet it is clearly an evolved trait ().
This type of trait is known as a “costly” trait – a trait that enhances biological fitness (or reproductive success, not to be confused with “gym fitness”), and yet is detrimental to the survival of the individuals who possess it (). Many costly traits have evolved in animals because of sexual selection. That is, they have evolved because they are sexy.
Costly traits seem like a contradiction in terms, but the mechanisms by which they can evolve become clear when evolution is modeled mathematically (, ). There is evidence that mental disorders may have evolved as costs of attractive mental traits (); one in particular, bipolar disorder (a.k.a. manic-depression), fits this hypothesis quite well.
Ironically, a key contributor to the mathematics used to understand costly traits, George R. Price (), might have suffered from severe bipolar disorder. Most of Price’s work in evolutionary biology was done in the 1970s; toward the end of his life, which was untimely ended by Price himself. For many years he was known mostly by evolutionary biologists, but this has changed recently with the publication of Oren Harman’s superb biographical book titled “The Price of Altruism: George Price and the Search for the Origins of Kindness” ().
Bipolar disorder is a condition characterized by disruptive mood swings. These swings are between manic and depressed states, and are analogous to the movement of a pendulum in that they alternate, seemingly gravitating around the "normal" state. See the figurative pendulum representation below, adapted from a drawing on Thinkquest.org.
Bipolar disorder is generally associated with creative intelligence, which is a very attractive trait (). Moreover, the manic state of the disorder is associated with hypersexuality and exaggerated generosity (). So one can clearly see how having bipolar disorder may lead to greater reproductive success, even as it creates long-term survival problems.
On one hand, a person may become very energetic and creative while in the manic state. This could be one of the reasons why many who suffer from bipolar disorder have fairly successful careers in fields that require creative intelligence (), which are many and not restricted to fields related to the fine and performing arts. Creative intelligence is highly valued in most knowledge-intensive professions ().
On the other hand, sustained acute mania or depression are frequently associated with serious health problems (). This is why the clinical treatment of bipolar disorder often starts with an attempt to keep the pendulum from moving too far in one direction or another. This may require medication, such as clinical doses of the elemental salt lithium, prior to cognitive behavioral therapy. The focus of cognitive behavioral therapy is on changing the way one sees and thinks about the world, particularly one’s “social world”.
Prolonged acute mania, usually accompanied by severely impaired sleep, may lead to psychosis. This, psychosis, is an extreme state characterized by hallucinations and/or delusions, leading to hospitalization in most cases. It has been theorized that depression is an involuntary compensatory adaptation () aimed at moving the pendulum in the other direction, out of the manic state, before more damage ensues ().
Elaborate approaches have been devised to treat and manage bipolar disorder treatment that involve the identification of mania and depression “prodromes” (), which are signs that a full-blown manic or depressive episode is about to start. Once prodromes are identified, cognitive behavioral therapy techniques are employed to prevent the pendulum from moving further in one direction or the other. The main goal of these techniques is to change one’s way of thinking about various issues (e.g., fears, pessimism). These techniques take years of practice to be used effectively.
Identification of prodromes and subsequent use of cognitive behavioral therapy seems to be particularly effective when dutifully applied with respect to manic episodes (). The reason for this may be related to one interesting fact related to bipolar disorder: manic episodes are not normally dreaded as much as depression episodes.
In fact, many sufferers avoid taking medication because they do not want to give up the creative and energetic bursts that come with manic episodes, even though they absolutely do not want the pendulum to go in the other direction. The problem is that, if depression is indeed a compensatory adaptation to mania, it seems reasonable to assume that extreme manic episodes are likely to be followed by extreme episodes of depression. Perhaps the key to avoid prolonged acute depression is to avoid prolonged acute mania.
As someone with bipolar disorder becomes more and more excited with novel and racing thoughts (a prodrome of mania), it would probably make sense to identify and carry out calming activities – to avoid a fall into despairing depression afterwards.
Sunday, November 11, 2012
Salad (Fruit, Nut, Cheese)
Hi friends! It's good to be back:) Over the weekend we went to my son's school Fall Festival and had a great time. He is at that absolutely delightful age of 2 1/2 and I cannot get enough of him! Just look at those cute cheeks and squishy little arms and hands!
The problem with the festival was each parent had to bring a dessert, so I made chocolate covered toffee, and then I couldn't stop eating it! This stuff is seriously addicting. Now, I'm craving a detox and think I need to incorporate a few salads into my meals this week.
One of my favorite combinations of salad is fruit, nut and cheese. The salad below is a combination of Romaine and butter lettuce, apricots, walnuts, and goat cheese. I drizzle a little olive oil and balsamic vinegar and that's it! Super fast and easy. Add grilled chicken for extra protein.
One of my favorite combinations of salad is fruit, nut and cheese. The salad below is a combination of Romaine and butter lettuce, apricots, walnuts, and goat cheese. I drizzle a little olive oil and balsamic vinegar and that's it! Super fast and easy. Add grilled chicken for extra protein.
Of course, you can use whatever lettuce you prefer, then switch up the ingredients with various kinds of nuts (like almond slices or pecans), fruit (peaches/cranberries), and cheese (parmesan shards, feta). Enjoy!
p.s. If you want the toffee recipe, go HERE.
* * * * *
Friday, November 9, 2012
Protective Style Lookbook || 6 Styles for Small or Mini Twists
By popular demand, this is a series showcasing various protective hair styles. Protective styling does not have to be boring. :o)
Model: MsTanish
Style description: High bun, beaded updos, mini twist headband, bantu knotout, etc. (The latter styles are towards the end of the below video.)
Difficulty level: 2/5
Underrated || Lanolin or Lanolin Oil for Hair
Disclaimer: Lanolin is not recommended for use by those who have wool allergies.
Lanolin is a natural, waxy substance extracted from the wool of sheep (and, in rare cases, other wool-bearing animals). Unfortunately, it has been labeled a "bad" ingredient in certain hair care communities, possibly because it is a barrier to water. However, outside of this reality, lanolin can be very useful in other arenas of hair care. If you don't know much about it, you might want to continue reading ...
WHY LANOLIN IS WORTH TRYING:
WHY LANOLIN IS WORTH TRYING:
1. It seals in moisture. Lanolin, secreted by the sebaceous glands of sheep in order to protect the skin and wool from the harsh environment. It would then not seem unreasonable that lanolin would work well as an effective sealant on our own hair. Though this waxy, thick substance locks out moisture (i.e., preventing water from penetrating the hair) it also locks in moisture (i.e., retains water that is already present in the hair strand). NOTE: If you have fine strands, lanolin may feel too heavy; try the oil form (of lanolin) instead.
2. It has conditioning properties. Lanolin can be very lubricating.
3. It can aid in styling. Due to the waxy consistency of lanolin, it can help to define twist outs, braid outs, and roller sets. It can also help to smooth down any frizzies or stray hairs and add shine (or sheen).
HOW TO USE LANOLIN:
1. Use it to seal your ends. Depending on your hair texture and density, lanolin may or may not be too heavy for use. If it is too heavy, try using it sparingly or opting for lanolin oil instead.
2. Use as a pre-shampoo treatment or to enhance a conditioner. Use lanolin (or lanolin oil) alone or with other ingredients as a pre-poo treatment. Add some melted lanolin (or add lanolin oil) to your conditioner for an enhanced conditioning treatment.
3. Use it to make a styling pomade or grease. Lanolin can be used alone or mixed with butters and/or oils to create a pomade or grease. Check out this previous post on a hair grease recipe using lanolin. (The recipe creator is Lola Zabeth.)
4. Use it as an anti-humidity agent. Because lanolin can act as a barrier between your hair and the environment, it can work well to protect your styles from being ruined by humidity.
4. Use it as an anti-humidity agent. Because lanolin can act as a barrier between your hair and the environment, it can work well to protect your styles from being ruined by humidity.
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