White Water Rafting
White Water Rafting with New Mexico Adventures was totally awesome! The last time I went White Water Rafting was 20 plus years ago down the Zambezi River in Zimbabwe. You can get jacked up in that river because the waves from Victoria Falls makes the waters rough. But the river here in New Mexico was just as rugged. Check out the pictures below.
Hanging off of the raft.
More On Ojo Caliente
The hot mineral springs, filled with iron, arsenic and lithia, have been known to heal the digestive system as well as arthritis. Native Americans have used the waters for thousands of years.
The mud pool. My favorite!
Mud Monster!
“I don’t wanna go to Ojo Caliente…”
Yoga class.
Waiting to get a body wrap.
The body wrap! YES!!
Private mineral pool with Kiva fireplace (not shown).
I was so busy jumping in and out of mineral pools I wore absolutely no makeup during the entire trip. I don’t think I am going to do that again.
We Made One Year!
The Hubs and I made our one year anniversary on June 4. A week and a half later we celebrated at Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs Resort and Spa in Ojo Caliente, New Mexico.
The entire atmosphere at Ojo is extremely relaxing and rejuvenating. At first I wondered how on earth are they able to do this? Then I realized the staff used essential oils that are calming to make the body just drop. What a wonderful experience.
On the last day of our celebration we added a little adventure and went white water rafting. I experienced this sport 20 plus years ago in the Zambezi River in Zimbabwe. It was about time I ventured into the wild waters again and had so much fun doing so.
There are a lot of pictures and most will be posted during the next few days. So feel free to return to enjoy another sweet find in the southwest!
A bunny rabbit greeted us on the first day.
Our suite.
Even during the summer months a fire can still be lit in the early morning and at night.
Cliffside view with a private soaking tub that was filled with mineral water.
Spa logo.
Sauna.
Trying to melt away some unwanted pounds. We went into the steam room too but it was too cloudy to take pictures.
Custom massage. I needed this. Why is my butt in the air like that?
Spa grounds.
Mmm hmm. You read right. Mountain lion safety rules.
But only in this small area.
This might be markings for a trail. There were several along the path.
Chatting with other guests at the fire pit.
Our own fire later.
Lime Deodorant
I eliminated using deodorants with aluminum more than eight years ago. When I first started to use aluminum-free deodorants, I didn’t like my experience because they didn’t work, especially in the summer.
But just as I was about to give up and switch back to deodorants with harsh chemicals someone suggested I try lime juice instead.
Since I believe God made items can heal I was open to giving it a try, and to my surprise, I was pleased with the results.
Juice directly from a fresh lime cuts odor like nothing I have ever experienced before. After about a year, I tried aluminum-free deodorant again and this time, during the summer, it worked nicely and I was no longer embarrassed.
I still use lime juice as a deodorant and recommend it to all. This is what I do. It’s very simple.
- Cut a fresh lime in half.
- Squeeze the juice from one slice under each arm pit after bathing.
- The juice may sting but it’ll go away after a few seconds.
That’s it!
Wrap up each lime piece separately and place it in the refrigerator. You can use the same slice for about three days then toss and use the other portion.
Key limes work as well.
Exploring The City
The Hubs and I spent Memorial Day weekend exploring parts of the city in a way we haven’t experienced before. One adventure included floating around town in a hot air balloon. Riding in a hot air balloon is dangerous, but I tell you, while in the air, I wasn’t scared at all. The ride was calm and comfortable. Peaceful and gentle. I can do it again anytime. Check out the pictures below.
Every thing starts at sunrise.
The Hubs helped inflate the balloon.
Hot air got it going.
Ready to go.
More hot air.
In the air.
We hovered over the Rio Grande river so low we could reach down and touch the water. We also saw fish swimming and looking at us.
The city.
After an hour and a half in the air we landed and deflated the balloon.
Champagne celebration followed. It’s tradition.
It was a good day.
Natural Hair Box
I had the opportunity to review samples from the Natural Hair Box sent to me by Natural Hair Community. I am not going to beat around the bush with my thoughts on the products. This is how I feel – I loved them.
Here’s why:
After my regular wash and condition I used five of the six products provided.
Naturalista’s Juicy Leave-In Conditioner is my favorite. I applied the conditioner to every two-strand twist I made. This leave-in, that can also be used as a styler, made my hair feel thick, rich and creamy. The best part is it smells soooo wonderful. The experience for me was like sweet vanilla cookies, the kind you make around the holidays. My hair felt very moist and I can never get enough of that. Plus it is organic, so of course, I’m in love.
To seal, condition and style I then added Authentically Company’s Total Moisture Styling Butter. My hair felt thicker. Even if it really isn’t thicker it felt that way. Plus my tresses were moist, soft and conditioned.
The Delux Butter Laiche Cream is a moisturizer and styler as well. The creamy and smooth base was applied to various parts of my scalp. I need to moisturize as much as possible all of the time. I live in a dry climate.
Since there were two leave-in conditioners in the box, I decided to use CC’s Natural Hibiscus Leave-In Conditioner for my next wash. There will be a single product review soon.
Vanilla Buttercream…OMG! Butternut cookies with cinnamon and vanilla. My second favorite. This product can be used on your hair as well as your skin and I used it on both everyday. Before taking out my twists I applied Vanilla Buttercream to my hair. Divine richness is all I can say.
This is Butter Cup. Yes those are real coffee beans. It goes on your body and is best used straight out of the shower while your skin is still damp. I used it on my hands after I washed them. Since I have a dog I am always washing my hands so Butter Cup comes in handy.
I am very satisfied with the samples in my Natural Hair Box. Job well done Natural Hair Community! The Hubs likes the products too. He said they made my hair soft like cotton.
The products left my hair feeling fluffy, thick and soft. Detangling wasn’t a problem and there was no shedding. I can wear a twist-out all day and my hair won’t feel hard and brittle. No one appreciates that more than natural heads living in New Mexico.
In addition, when applying the products, it was nice not to feel a cold watery substance (that happens when using gels). It was comforting to experience something warm, rich and creamy.
For more information and to order your very own Natural Hair Box just click HERE.
Braids and Beads
I had to share. This painting is so sweet. Happy Friday Everyone!!
Cloud Atlas
Ummm…I was so excited to see that Cloud Atlas is finally available on DVD I just had to let the world know!
This is the most complex movie I ever enjoyed. It’s worth watching two or three times to sort of get what’s going on.
PomSmooth Shampoo and Conditioner by Juice Beauty
I love Juice Beauty. I started using their skin care products maybe six years ago for acne. I was impressed with the organic line’s results and became a regular client for almost four years. But, because my skin won’t let me use anything for a long period of time, I had to switch and use something else.
Recently I decided to go back to Juice Beauty. It’s been years since I was a regular customer so I think my skin will be okay with my return. I remember when applying Juice Beauty twice daily, I received the most compliments ever on the way I looked. Many people said, “Whatever you are doing, keep doing it,” and that made me feel good.
So, as I was online ordering skin care products I noticed for the first time Juice Beauty’s Juice Organics hair care stuff. I might be a little slow with this because I haven’t been on the site for a while, or I can’t remember seeing it before, but this time around I noticed it and became excited. I ordered PomSmooth shampoo and conditioner for normal, dry and color-treated hair.
The certified organic products are free of: parabens, pesticides, petroleum, phthalates, sulfates, propylene glycol, artificial colors and synthetic fragrances! I’m in love! Here are my thoughts.
This is the amount I used for 2 weeks of heavy product build-up.
The gel-like shampoo lathered nicely right away. There was no scent, oddly, but the shampoo made my hair feel moist. After the wash my hair was soft but felt more moist. There was some shedding but not a lot.
My curls take a lot of conditioner.
This is not enough.
So I added a bit more. Conditioner is important to my hair.
During the second huge heap of conditioner my hair felt very moist, not very soft, only moist if that makes sense. I left the product on for 5 minutes. After rinsing my hair was soft and moist! I was pleased! There was no shedding. I was pleased again.
Overall on a scale of 1 to 5, I give Juice Beauty’s Juice Organics PomSmooth Shampoo and Conditioner, 4 curls.
A 3 is the regular score. I added 1 more point because it is organic with no harsh chemicals. I truly love that!
I would say my $10.00 for each product was nicely spent.
