Photo by Katarzyna Gonsior on Unsplash

Where Love Is, Nothing Else Can Be

Where Love Is, Nothing Else Can Be- Go(o)d Mornings with CurlyNikki

Go(o)d Morning, beautiful!

Take a while to listen to today’s 7-minute-long check-in and reset from “Go(o)d Mornings with CurlyNikki”!

Join our free community of Go(o)d Friends to deep dive into today’s practice with us!

Where Love Is, Nothing Else Can Be – So where does that leave your problems? Where does that leave ‘you’? Only Love is here. Breathe. Smile. Rest.

Today’s Quotes:

“This way of desirelessness is the way to attain your desires.” – Rumi

“Where God is, nothing else can be.”
– John Stephenson, Fullness of Joy

“The challenge for (St.) Francis was not to give up desire but to remember what he really wanted. ”
– Dr. Bruce Davis, “Simple Peace The Spiritual Life  of St. Francis of Assisi

Bonus Quotes:

“Love is a flame that burns everything other than itself.  It is the destruction of all that is false and the fulfillment of all that is true.”
– Adyashanti

“The thing you want is to want nothing.”
– Cory Allen

“You make known to me the path of life;
in your Presence there is fullness of joy;
at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”
-Psalm 16:11

“The most exquisite paradox… as soon as you give it all up, you can have it all. As long as you want power, you can’t have it. The minute you don’t want power, you’ll have more than you ever dreamed possible.”
-Ram Dass

Today’s Practice:
1. Stop for a moment (as many times as you can remember throughout the day)
2. Close your eyes
3. Smile and think,” where God is nothing else can be.”

Feel into what the words are pointing toward.  This ‘nothing else’ includes your problems, your desires, your darkness, your goodness… it includes YOU!  When you’re fully aware of the Presence of God, fully remembering God, you forget (your belief in) the world.  You know by feeling, that God, this Love is the only power and you rest and dissolve in That.  When you’re ‘here’ no seeming other power can touch you.

I Love you,
Nik
nikki@curlynikki.com

If you want to help me out, please subscribe, review and share with someone that needs it! Let’s start a new morning routine, a dope self-care ritual, together, TODAY, and everyday weekday morning at 7 am ET!

With you in and AS Love,
@curlynikki

**10% of revenue generated from this podcast will be donated to “Showering Love” a non-profit organization that restores good mornings, dignity, hope, and health to people experiencing homelessness by providing showers and other supportive services.

If you have questions you want me to answer on future episodes, message me at nikki@curlynikki.com.

Check out my recent FORBES feature, here!

More spiritual content, HERE!

DMTBeautySpot

via https://dmtbeautyspot.com

Jacqueline Samaroo, DMT.NEWS, DMT BeautySpot,

Photo by Christina @ wocintechchat.com on Unsplash

Benefits of Wheat Protein Treatment for Hair

(With 5 Awesome Product Examples!)

By Jacqueline Samaroo

Protein gets lots and lots of attention when it comes to natural haircare and, in particular, natural curly haircare. That’s not surprising, really, since hair is mostly made up of proteins that give it structure and strength. Also, all types of curly hair are more susceptible to being dry, brittle, damaged, and breaking. What’s more, texture curly, coily, wavy, and kinky hair is much more likely to be be over-manipulated during styling than straight hair.

What is wheat protein?

What is hydrolyzed wheat protein?

Is wheat protein gluten free?

Benefits of a wheat protein treatment for hair growth

How often should you do a wheat protein treatment for hair growth?

5 Wheat protein hair products – a look at:

• OGX Thick & Full + Biotin & Collagen Shampoo and Conditioner
• MakingCosmetics – Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein
• Carol’s Daughter Monoi Repairing Leave-In Conditioner
• KERASTASE Nutritive Masquintense Thick Hair
• L’Oreal Paris Elvive Total Repair 5 Protein Recharge Leave-In Conditioner

What is wheat protein?

Wheat protein is derived from wheat germ. About 80% of the protein in wheat is gluten, which is actually a group of water-insoluble proteins. The two main gluten proteins are gliadin and glutenin.

Wheat protein acts as a stored food source of vital proteins. These are used for growth and tissue building by the new plant growing in the seeds of the wheat plant.

What is hydrolyzed wheat protein?

Often times you will see the term hydrolyzed wheat protein in skin care and hair care product ingredients. This simply means the protein has been broken down into smaller molecules. This makes it much easier for it to pass into the skin and hair shaft.

In fact, wheat protein is not the only protein that can be hydrolyzed. Other proteins can be broken down in a similar process. Many natural hair care and skin care products make use of hydrolyzed proteins for how well they are absorbed, their strengthening properties, and how well they lock in moisture.

Is wheat protein gluten free?

As we learn more and more about gluten sensitivity, the question of whether foods or other products are gluten-free is often asked. In the case of “Is wheat protein gluten free?” the answer is “No.”

It is true that wheat protein hair products, such as a hydrolyzed wheat protein conditioner, are only used topically and not ingested. But, it is still best advised for anyone with gluten or wheat sensitivity to avoid using wheat protein hair products.

There are plenty of other protein-packed and hydrating proteins. These produce similar results to wheat protein but do not contain gluten.

Benefits of a wheat protein treatment for hair growth

Hair is mostly made up of fibers of keratin protein. These fibers are joined together by disulfide bonds. Broken disulfide bonds result in brittle hair. These same disulfide bonds are present in wheat protein. It is thought that wheat protein has the ability to fill in the broken bonds between the keratin fibers, making hair smoother and stronger.

Here are some of the other benefits of wheat protein for hair:

Adds moisture and protein.

A hydrolyzed wheat protein treatment for hair primarily works as a strengthening hydrator.  It adds protein to the strands while helping to draw in moisture then lock that moisture in. In this way, it contributes to maintaining the protein-moisture balance in your strands.

Improves the appearance of your hair.

Wheat protein in hair products leaves the strands smoother, more flexible, and more elastic. Your hair looks shinier and your curls are bouncier. Your hair is also much better able to put up with styling and manipulation without breaking.

Is lightweight and volumizing

Hydrolyzed wheat protein is lightweight and its small molecules easily penetrate the hair shaft. Once there they pull in water, plumping up the strands and making your hair appear fuller and thicker.

Works for all types of hair

A wheat protein treatment for hair produces wonderful results for hair that is

• Chemically-treated
• Color-treated
• Heat-damaged
• Damaged by over manipulation
• Dry and brittle

It is also good for curly hair (even if your hair is already in pretty good shape). That’s because naturally textured hair tends to be drier and more susceptible to damage.

Vegan-friendly

Although it is not gluten-free, wheat protein is a vegan-friendly product. Wheat protein is a completely plant-based protein. That said, you should always read the product information on the label to ensure any product you use is of the standard you are trying to maintain.

How often should you do a wheat protein treatment for hair growth?

As with any other hair care treatments that contain protein, you should avoid using hydrolyzed wheat protein too often. Overuse can add excess protein to your strands, leaving them brittle.

A wheat protein hair treatment can be done once every four to six weeks. Use it along with other deeply hydrating and moisturizing conditioners for maximum benefit.

5 Wheat protein hair products

1. OGX Thick & Full + Biotin & Collagen Shampoo and Conditioner

What’s in them?

Hydrolyzed wheat protein, vitamin B7 (biotin), and collagen

What are they good for?

This shampoo and conditioner set from OGX offers color protection along with strengthening and hydrating benefits. The formula adds volume to your hair and leaves your strands shinier-looking.

2. MakingCosmetics – Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein

What’s in it?

Hydrolyzed wheat protein

What’s it good for?

This is a cosmetic ingredient that can be added (following the directions) to your usual shampoo or conditioner. Gives any shampoo or conditioner a hydrolyzed wheat protein boost! It can also be added to skincare products.

3. Carol’s Daughter Monoi Repairing Leave-In Conditioner

What’s in it?

Hydrolyzed wheat protein, provitamin B5, aloe vera leaf juice, coconut oil, and Tahitian garden flower extract

What’s it good for?

Strengthens hair, making it more manageable and less prone to breakage. This leave-in conditioner softens and smooths your strands for lustrous, healthy-looking curls.

4. KERASTASE Nutritive Masquintense Thick Hair

What’s in it?

Hydrolyzed wheat protein, iris rhizome extract, and sunflower seed oil

What’s it good for?

Protects hair from damage, thanks to the antioxidants in its formula. Also, improves the feel, manageability, and look of your strands. Provides a boost of nutrients and strength, as well.

5. L’Oreal Paris Elvive Total Repair 5 Protein Recharge Leave-In Conditioner

What’s in it?

Hydrolyzed wheat protein and almond oil

What’s it good for?

This leave-in hydrolyzed wheat protein treatment for hair is also a heat protectant, offering maximum benefits to dry and damaged curls.

For more CurlyNikki articles about protein for hair growth, read:

• Protein Treatments for Hair Growth – 6 Things You Should Know
• Natural Hair Care: Protein and Hair – 7 Questions Answered

If wheat protein in hair products just isn’t your thing, be sure to check out our series on another tasty grain that’s gluten-free and works beautifully for curly hair!

• 5 Fantastic Fermented Rice Water Products for Curly Haircare
• Rice Water Shampoo for Natural Hair Care: Check Out These 3 Must-Try Examples!
• Rice Water Rinse for Curly Hair: What Is It, Benefits, and 3 EASY Rice Water Recipes

Do you have any hydrolyzed wheat protein hair care products? Tell us about it!

DMTBeautySpot

via https://dmtbeautyspot.com

Jacqueline Samaroo, DMT.NEWS, DMT BeautySpot,

DMTBeautySpot

via https://dmtbeautyspot.com

nospam@example.com (Dianna Baros), DMT.NEWS, DMT BeautySpot,

It’s hard facts that the fashion person on your gifting list is hard to please. Their taste? Specific. Which makes shopping for a 10/10 present pretty dang stressful. But we’ve got a holiday hack guaranteed to evoke a genuine personal happy dance rather than a flat, gritting-through-their-teeth “thank you” — H&M’s holiday selection of knitwear, athleisure, glittering party pieces, and more.

Yes, we know they have a one-of-a-kind aesthetic, but, hear us out, H&M’s offerings cater to every brand of fashion person, whether they’re the pristine minimalist, vibrant maximalist or cozy homebody. From rhinestone-lined halters to vibrant knits, ahead, shop our 10 aesthetic-right picks they’ll love.

Split-hem trousers guarantee an amped-up effect in place of basic black flares. 

Obviously, the cozy girl on your list will love a new knitted bralette for stylish lounging. 

A lamé dress is one thing, but for the serious statement-maker, it better come with cutouts. 

What would a winter wardrobe be without an easy-to-toss-on shearling layer? 

Every minimalist knows the power of an oversize blazer, particularly one in winter white for party season.

A sequined mesh midi is the way to level up from an LBD during the holidays. 

Y2K lovers will swoon over this rhinestone halter top for the party circuit.

For the daring minimalist, this bodysuit blouse “wows” with tonal trousers. 

This white cardigan makes for a flawless gift for the homebody this winter. 

The maximalist always thinks beyond jewel tones and shimmer, making this checkered knit a holiday must. 

Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?

DMTBeautySpot

via https://dmtbeautyspot.com

Laura Lajiness, DMT.NEWS, DMT BeautySpot,

Nothing beats the mood-boosting gift of scent — specifically, the prestigious present of a personal eau de parfum. As a luxury product that boasts a multi-sensory appeal, a vanity-ready spritzer has the potential to earn you a gifting gold star — but how to suss out which fragrance is going to float your recipient’s boat? Each scent is going to waft differently from nostril to nostril, and it’s near impossible to put yourself in someone else’s shoes nose when it comes to the highly unique gift of aroma.

Enter: the multi-scent-sory fragrance gift set. Instead of limiting yourself to a single eau-dor that might not pass muster with your recipient, you’re giving them the opportunity to discover for themselves which flavor suits them best. Some savvy parfumeurs even equip their fragrance kits with a coupon towards a customer’s next purchase, offering your loved one a sweet-smelling score when they decide which bottle holds their forever fragrance.

Click ahead to see the prettiest and most gift-able perfume gift sets, from affordable $20 assortments all the way to triple-digits treats pushing the $300 mark. Everyone from well-known brands like Versace and Marc Jacobs to seen-on-the-feed fragrance friends like Dedcool and Snif has a perfectly presentable set to send everyone on your list on their own scent-discovery journey.

At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. All product details reflect the price and availability at the time of publication. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.

Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?

Your Guide To Beauty Gifts From Black-Owned Brands

The Best Beauty Advent Calendars

29 Bright Ideas For Gifting Your Best Friend

DMTBeautySpot

via https://dmtbeautyspot.com

Mercedes Viera, DMT.NEWS, DMT BeautySpot,

If you don’t have plans this Saturday night, don’t sweat it. There’s a powerful new moon total solar eclipse in Sagittarius taking place that will provide more than enough weekend entertainment for all of us — in a good way. While eclipses are often strikingly intense, the upcoming lunation on December 4 is bringing a much more positive, optimistic tone to the astrological world. Forget about
New Years’ resolutions — now is the season to focus on your eclipse epiphanies.

“The astrology of this eclipse is about an ending of a chapter and asking us to let go of the things we are trying to control or releasing things we have outgrown,” says Madi Murphy, the co-founder of The Cosmic RX and The Cosmic Revolution. New moon eclipses tend to be seen as a chance to make positive changes, and the nearness of this one to Mercury, and its positioning in Sagittarius, gives it an “if you believe in yourself, anything is possible” vibe, Murphy says. In essence, we’re being “asked to free ourselves from anything that is not connected to the core of our most authentic and spiritual selves,” she explains.

There’s a distinctly hopeful mood to this new moon solar eclipse, thanks to the influence of Sagittarius, a sign ruled by the lucky planet of Jupiter. “Sagittarius is the sign of the higher mind that focuses on expansion and the big picture,” says Narayana Montúfar, senior astrologer for Astrology.com and author of Moon Signs: Unlock Your Luminary Power. “So, during this lunation, we get cosmic permission to think big and feel optimistic about our future growth and all its possibilities.” Right now, the world is quite literally our oyster. Ask yourself, what would you try out, if no one could tell you no? Envision it, then go do it.

“Sagittarius and Jupiter like to do things in a big way,” adds Leslie Hale, psychic astrologer at Keen.com. “Go big with a plan and you will have a good chance at accomplishing something worthwhile.”

But Montúfar makes an important distinction: While eclipses can open and close doors, it’s more useful to plan on surrendering to the universe’s plans during this time, rather than on harnessing the energy of the lunation to push through your own plans. And as many of us know, the universe’s plans for us are often bigger and better than anything we can dream up for ourselves. So, pay attention to what’s naturally being brought into your life or taken out of it, and work on letting it happen.

This eclipse also marks the end of a cycle that began in early June 2020, when the first eclipse in Sagittarius took place, says Montúfar. “Since this is the last eclipse that will occur in the sign of the archer in many years, we are closing a cycle that began back then,” she says. The major themes of that very first Sag eclipse were revolution and anger — two things that were undoubtedly prominent in the thick of the pandemic and during the protests aimed at fighting racial inequality, police brutality, and systemic racism in the United States. Since then, how have you used those emotions to create meaningful change? Have you put in effort to make the world a better, more equitable place? Although we’re rounding out this eclipse cycle on a positive note, it’s still important to ask yourself these questions and be truthful with your answers — if you are disappointed in them, vow to work harder in 2022.

In other planetary news, this particular solar eclipse in Sagittarius aligns with Mercury and Saturn. It’s also sharing a minor frustration with Uranus, the Planet of Rebellion. “This is giving us the drive and power to move away from the constructs that have been holding us back,” says Lisa Stardust, the author of Saturn Return Survival Guide and The Astrology Deck. “It’s bringing a major release as we move towards the next vision.”

There’s also the involvement of Neptune, the Planet of Dreams — which just went direct — and the asteroid Vesta, which gives this lunation a very deep, spiritual nature. “While Neptune’s influence can be confusing due to all these Sagittarius planets forming a square to it, we can use it to attune to this planet’s higher vibration and inspirational energy,” Montúfar says. “Approaching Neptune’s energy means focusing on activities like meditation, visualization, and creative pursuits.” And if 2021 has been a particularly brain-foggy year for you, these practices are even more important to try out.

Release. Freedom. Change. This is what the new moon total eclipse is gifting us. Murphy says that the end of this eclipse season is a good time to “separate truth from illusion, to liberate yourself from outdated beliefs and to welcome in beneficial cosmic change.” Although we might not know what’s in store for us, we do have the power to set our own course — or, at least, to embrace it.

Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?

Mercury Is In Sagittarius — Embrace The Chaos

What Mars In Scorpio Means For Your Sex Life

What The End Of Neptune Retrograde Means For You

DMTBeautySpot

via https://dmtbeautyspot.com

Elizabeth Gulino, DMT.NEWS, DMT BeautySpot,