Naturally Stellar https://naturallystellar.com/ Reinventing Life Over 40 Mon, 18 May 2026 05:28:42 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 https://i0.wp.com/naturallystellar.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/cropped-2020Favicon.png?fit=32%2C32&ssl=1 Naturally Stellar https://naturallystellar.com/ 32 32 249893364 The Benefits of Daily Walking + WalkingPad R1 Pro Review https://naturallystellar.com/benefits-of-daily-walking-walkingpad-review/ https://naturallystellar.com/benefits-of-daily-walking-walkingpad-review/#respond Thu, 07 Nov 2024 14:00:28 +0000 https://frizzy-town.flywheelsites.com/?p=22504

Let’s take a few minutes from all of the election chatter and high emotions to talk about our…

The post The Benefits of Daily Walking + WalkingPad R1 Pro Review appeared first on Naturally Stellar.

]]>

Let’s take a few minutes from all of the election chatter and high emotions to talk about our health. There’s no better time than the present to work on our physical and mental health, so let’s get into the benefits of daily walking. Thank you WalkingPad for sponsoring this post. 

A little further into this post, I’ve also included a review of the walking pad that I’ve been using to kickstart my home workouts after going through a tough period of burnout. So be sure to check it out!

Daily Walking: A Simple Habit with Big Rewards

Walking is a sustainable, lifelong habit that can greatly enhance our physical and mental well-being. But even though many of us are aware that it’s beneficial, we still continue to take walking for granted or don’t really think about it since we live in such a mobile world. And there are still many of us who don’t live in walkable neighborhoods, due to a lack of sidewalks and safe spaces.

But that’s all right. We’re gonna focus on solutions instead of the problem.

So, let’s break down some of the benefits of walking and ways that you can incorporate walking into your daily routine.

Improves Cardiovascular and Respiratory Health

Daily walking lowers blood pressure, improves circulation, and reduces heart disease risk. It can also strengthen your lungs and lead to greater oxygen transfer to your muscles. According to the American Lung Association, “Aerobic activities like walking, running, or jumping rope give your heart and lungs the kind of workout they need to function efficiently.”

Strengthens Muscles and Bones

Low-impact walking supports bone density and tones leg and core muscles.

Aids In Weight Management

Walking helps us to burn calories and boost metabolism, which in turn helps us to manage our weight.

Supports Joint Health

Walking can be easy on the joints and is an ideal exercise for all ages.

Reduces Stress and Anxiety

Daily walking gives us the perfect mental break from TV, computer, and mobile screens. It also can give us a break from our indoor environments. Fresh air and a nice walk promote mental clarity and stress reduction.

Boosts Mood and Energy

Studies show that daily walking can increase endorphin levels, promoting feelings of well-being and elevating energy levels.

Enhances Focus and Creativity

Walking stimulates the brain, potentially aiding in problem-solving and idea generation.

Fully Customizable

Your pace and duration can easily be adjusted to match your individual fitness goals. Talk to your doctor about your exercise plan and make tweaks to fit your situation.

Easily Integrated with Daily Life

If you’re not sure where you can fit walking into your daily life or how it can be done here are some options. Start a routine of lunchtime strolls, and morning walks with your pet, or start parking the car further from your comfort zone to get in more steps.

Flexible Exercise

Walking is the perfect exercise for people with tight schedules or limited access to fitness facilities. It’s free!

WalkingPad R1 Pro Review

For a little over a month, I’ve been using the WalkingPad R1 Pro Foldable Treadmill to help me get in my workouts at home.  Let me tell you, this has been a lifesaver for me!

I love how easy it is to set this treadmill up and fold it away when I’m done using it. Straight out of the box, the quick guide, manual, and accessories were organized to make everything easy. There are no pieces to this, everything is intact and ready to go, except for the power cord, which is packaged nicely inside with the remote control.

If aesthetics is your thing, then you’ll appreciate that the design of this is very sleek and it comes in a metallic silver color that gives it a luxe vibe.

WalkingPad R1 Pro folded

It comes with a stability bar so if you’re anything like me and lack balance sometimes on moving surfaces then you’re going to want this. The bar also has a media slot built in so you can stabilize your tablet or phone while you work out. You can also adjust it to your desired height or leave it folded down if you’d prefer to go hands-free.

You can expect some safety features such as an automatic shut-off/safety lock, a stop button to pause your workout, located on your remote, and footrails that are amply wide enough for resting.

Treadmill remote to WalkingPad R1 Pro

Pros and Cons of the WalkingPad R1 Pro

Pros

  • Foldable Design: This model is easy to store in small spaces. So, it looks good propped up against a wall. It can be stored away in a closet, or under a sofa/bed.
  • Dual Modes: Depending on your preference, you can walk or jog at speeds up to 6.2 mph
  • Display Panel: Shows time, distance, speed, steps, and calories.
  • Work While Walking: The WalkingPad can be used with a standing desk.
  • Quiet Motor: It’s ideal for home and office settings. You can use an equipment pad underneath for extra soundproofing or stability on hardwood floors.

Cons

  • Power Cord: I’d like it to be a bit longer so I’m not limited to where I can use this in the spaces around my home, but that wasn’t a deal breaker for me.
  • Weight limit: The weight limit for use on this model is 240 lbs. However, if you’re over that limit, they do have other models that extend up to 300 lbs, here.

Overall, I feel like the WalkingPad RI Pro is a great investment for anyone looking to make walking a regular part of their daily routine. It’s convenient and doesn’t take up a lot of space. It’s also very well-built and I’m pleased with how well it performs.

I really hope this post gave you some motivation to move. I’m so passionate about seeing my community, family, and friends live the healthiest lives that we can. And I don’t just mean physically. I want to see us mentally and spiritually healthy too.

So here’s a challenge. I want to encourage you to try walking daily for a week and see the difference, with or without a WalkingPad.

When was the last time you went for a nice walk?

Leave me a comment below

The post The Benefits of Daily Walking + WalkingPad R1 Pro Review appeared first on Naturally Stellar.

]]> https://naturallystellar.com/benefits-of-daily-walking-walkingpad-review/feed/ 0 22504 Multiple Ways To Upcycle or Reuse SHEIN Garment Bags https://naturallystellar.com/multiple-ways-to-reuse-shein-garment-bags/ https://naturallystellar.com/multiple-ways-to-reuse-shein-garment-bags/#comments Wed, 20 Jul 2022 22:30:13 +0000 https://frizzy-town.flywheelsites.com/?p=21357

Looking for some ideas on how to upcycle or reuse your SHEIN garment bags? Then you’ve hit the…

The post Multiple Ways To Upcycle or Reuse SHEIN Garment Bags appeared first on Naturally Stellar.

]]>

Looking for some ideas on how to upcycle or reuse your SHEIN garment bags? Then you’ve hit the jackpot.

Cool ways to upcycle or reuse SHEIN garment bags. NaturallyStellar.com

Let me first say that this post isn’t about the ongoing debate over fast fashion or whether or not you should choose to shop at SHEIN or retailers like them. Nope! Those discussions can be saved for another day or on somebody else’s blog.

This post is all about reusing those dope plastic mailers that you may have lying around after your SHEIN shopping sprees. Maybe you have a habit of tossing them because you can’t quite figure out what to do with them?

If that’s the case, I hope my suggestions will prove to be useful to you.

 

But First!…

It’s an ongoing joke/truth in the Black community that Black households must be the largest contributors in the world, to recycling and repurposing retail plastic bags. Because it’s pretty common to find a stash of good bags somewhere in our homes. But we don’t cape for any ‘ole bags. If a store bag tears easily or the handles stretch, it’s automatic trash! 

There are levels to this. Oh yes, there’s a hierarchy when it comes to bag quality and its usefulness. 

In my home, Target bags make THEE BEST deep conditioning bags, hands down. Those things are virtually indestructible! Ask any Targetista if she’s ever come home with a hole in the bottom of her Target bag and you’ll almost always get a NO.

Meanwhile, our Kroger grocery bags are predominately used to line small lightweight trash cans, because…they’re trash. Sorry, Kroger. Y’all are my go-to for groceries but those raggedy bags need a 2022 upgrade. 

Oh baby, but those SHEIN bags! Let me tell you what you can do with them. 

Cool Ways To Upcycle and Reuse SHEIN Garment Bags

If you’ve ever shopped at SHEIN, then you already know just how awesome those little plastic garment bags are.  How they manage to squeeze pounds of clothes into those little tiny bags all neatly folded is beyond me, but I promise you will NEVER see me throwing my bags away. 

Those suckers are getting used!

Here are some creative ways to reuse and upcycle those bags. 

Wig and hair piece storage 

Unless my hair pieces or wigs come in really good reusable packaging you’ll probably find mine in a SHEIN zip-up bag. 

I like them because they have air holes that allow your wigs or bundles to breathe and they provide a nice compact and dust-free space to hold your good pieces. 

You’ll discover that your hair pieces will last longer and stay looking fresh when you keep them separate and covered.

Use SHEIN bags to store your hair pieces, braiding hair and wigs. NaturallyStellar.com

Use them to make sanitizing safety kits for your purse or car

I’m the queen of keeping things like hand sanitizer, masks, and hand lotion close by at all times.  Now I can simply reuse my SHEIN bags to keep my glove box neat. 

Store your costume or hair jewelry

A good way to keep dust & tarnish from ruining your costume jewelry is to keep it free from the elements. That’s where your SHEIN bags can come in handy. Organize and store your favorites in separate bags. 

I’ve even used them to store my hair jewelry to keep them looking fresh. 

Use SHEIN bags to store hair jewelry and costume jewelry. NaturallyStellar.com

As a catch-all

Sometimes when I’m in a rush to clean I’ll often clean off a table or my bed by throwing everything into a bag to sort out later.  Shein bags are perfect for helping with quick cleaning and organization.   

Just toss it all in a bag. Zip it up. Then sort through whatever it is at a later time when you’re in a more patient mood. 

Snack bags

Before your mind goes left thinking that I mean that you should throw food directly in these bags…yeah, that’s a no.  Ewww!! But these do make great snack tote bags for prepackaged foods.  So, if you’re planning a nice day at the park or you need to pack multiple bags of snacks for the kiddos, these work perfectly. And you can keep washing and reusing them.

Use SHEIN bags to store prepackaged snacks. Snack bags. NaturallyStellar.com

Seasonal Clothes Storage or Organizers

SHEIN bags are a great option for storing seasonal outfits. Especially if you have a few of the larger-sized zip bags on hand. 

Personally, I use mine to store all of my bras and shapewear throughout the year, since these items tend to be bulky and take up a lot of space in my underwear drawer.

Even if you like to store your clothing in totes or storage cubes, this is a good way to keep things inside your storage containers organized. 

Use them as packing cubes

If SHEIN employees can fold and pack pounds of clothes into these thin little bags then why can’t we? Our folding might not be as nice but we’ll most likely be saving some room in our luggage. 

Use your SHEIN bags as packing cubes. NaturallyStellar.com

Toiletry case for an overnight bag

Whenever I’m worried about my toiletries possibly spilling in my overnight bag or suitcase, I’m quick to grab one of these zip-up bags to keep my products from moving around or potentially ruining my clothes. 

Pool/Beach Swim Suit Bags

Don’t carry your wet swimsuits or swim trunks around after a day at the pool or beach. Throw them in a SHEIN bag until you can toss them in the wash or hang them to dry. 

Reuse or upcycle Shein garment bags. NaturallyStellar.com

Shoe bags!

The best way to preserve your shoes for years is to protect them from the elements. If you’re not big on saving your shoe boxes and dust sleeves or having your favorites on display somewhere in your home then SHEIN bags may be the way to go.  

OTHER SHEIN BAG USES

  • store pool/beach toys
  • organize device cords, USB ports, and adapters
  • sheet mask fridge bag
  • toiletry/sanitary donation bags

I hope these suggestions were helpful to you.  There really are so many ways that you can reuse these bags. This is just a start. 

Remember, if reusing or upcycling isn’t for you, you can always recycle these at your local grocery store.  If you can think of some other ways that we can use our SHEIN bags, feel free to leave a comment or reach out by email. Your idea just might officially get added to these!

 

The post Multiple Ways To Upcycle or Reuse SHEIN Garment Bags appeared first on Naturally Stellar.

]]> https://naturallystellar.com/multiple-ways-to-reuse-shein-garment-bags/feed/ 3 21357 10 Black Virtual Wine Tasting Experiences To Book Now https://naturallystellar.com/10-black-virtual-wine-tasting-experiences/ https://naturallystellar.com/10-black-virtual-wine-tasting-experiences/#comments Sat, 18 Jun 2022 12:05:42 +0000 https://frizzy-town.flywheelsites.com/?p=21569 10 Black Virtual Wine Tasting Experiences

If you enjoy wine tastings, have never been to one, or are just looking for something fun to…

The post 10 Black Virtual Wine Tasting Experiences To Book Now appeared first on Naturally Stellar.

]]> 10 Black Virtual Wine Tasting Experiences

If you enjoy wine tastings, have never been to one, or are just looking for something fun to do indoors, this is the post for you! I put together this resource of 10 Black virtual wine tasting experiences you can enjoy solo, as a couple, or as a group. 

10 Black Virtual Wine Tasting Experiences You'll Rave About | Naturally Stellar

I’m all about amazing experiences and I really enjoy a good glass of wine. But I have to admit, my knowledge and palette are very limited when it comes to wine. That’s one of the reasons why I find wine tastings so helpful.  They’re so enjoyable and I get to learn about the differences, unique tastes, and history of the vineyards and brands. 

So much goes into making a good glass of wine and even more goes into creating a product and brand that stands out in a mostly non-Black wine industry. That’s why I put together this list.  To celebrate, support, and experience some amazing Black wines and tastings available to us from a virtual setting. 

Now, it’s totally up to you if you’d like to try these solo or with a group. Here are 10 black wine experiences you’ll never have to leave the comfort of your home for. 

10 Black Virtual Wine Tasting Experiences

The Best Black Virtual Wine Tasting Experiences

Wine Spencer

Wine Spencer has created a unique virtual format of offerings on their website to inspire wine lovers and wine novices to join the tasting experience from the comfort of their homes. In less than a year, Wine Spencer has facilitated virtual wine tastings for companies like Google, Netflix, and Major League Soccer.

Current Wine Spencer virtual wine experiences to choose from include:

  • Wine 101
  • Old World vs. New World
  • All White Everything
  • All Red Everything
  • Let’s Get Bubbly
  • South African Wine Tour
  • Black-owned Wineries
  • Female Winemakers
  • Ancient World Wines
  • Food and Wine Consultation
  • Create Your Own
  • Seasonal (Holiday Wine Guide, Rose All Day)

For more information on the tastings and the Wine Spencer services, please visit www.winespencer.com. Also please check out Wine Spencer’s Instagram page. To learn more about Shaunna and Shayla Co-Founders of Wine Spencer, click here.

Twisted Corks

This Tennessee-based and Black woman-founded brand specializes in a variety of private wine tasting experiences. So, whether you’re planning a fun night in or a corporate gathering online, Twisted Cork’s 1-hour virtual tasting starts at $100. 

To learn more about Jasmine Dary, CEO of Twisted Corks, or to book your virtual tasting, click here. 

Soul of Sonoma

Soul of Sonoma is a black-owned family-run business powered by bi-coastal wine lovers from Washington D.C. and Napa Valley.  This family’s unique perspective allows them to offer their customers unique curated wine tasting experiences and exposure to premium African American wineries.  When visiting in person, they keep their tastings exciting by adding personal touches such as custom music playlists, food pairings, and visits to African American monuments and points of interest.  http://www.soulofsonoma.com/

Wine expert, Sherri Sheffield leads Sonoma’s fun and educational virtual wine tasting experiences. For more information about the brands virtual tastings, check out https://www.soulofsonoma.com/virtual-wine-tastings


Zuri Wine

Zuri Wine offers virtual wine tastings, tours, a wine club, and a host of other wine-related services. They also host travel events in both Los Angeles, California, and Cape Town, South Africa. 

Tuanni Price is the mastermind behind the brand whose goal is to ease the intimidation that sometimes goes along with wine & the accompanying lifestyle. 

To get started with the basics, you can take her Wine 101 class at home for only $35

Want to host your own wine tasting party? Well, Zuri Wines offers a 1 hour class for that too! Which comes complete with your personal shopping list, suggested agenda, downloadable game, and pronunciation guides for your guests. 

For more information about Zuri Wines and all they offer, click here

Virtual Wine Tasting Experiences by Black Wine Professionals

Love Cork Screw

Founder, Chrishon Lampley launched Love Cork Screw, in Chicago, back in 2013 where the lifestyle brand started out with 6 varietals of wine. Today the brand has expanded to a wide variety of wines and related products such as candles & body butters, gift sets, corky tees, and more. 

You can also find Love Cork Screw wines in-store nationwide and online at a variety of retailers such as Target and Whole Foods. Products aren’t shippable to AL, MS, DE, RI, or UT. 

The brand offers a wine club and a nice variety of virtual wine experiences, including Date Night and Virtual Fun With Friends options. Prices range from $60 – $90 per person with customizable options before checkout. 

Charles Wine Company

Charles Wine Company, established in 2012, is a family-owned and managed boutique brand located in Los Angeles, Ca. They offer 4 varietals of wine including a Symphony, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir & Chardonnay. 

They currently offer a wine club and home parties/virtual tastings for individuals, groups, and corporate events. Their pricing is a flat rate of $200. 

Vino 301

Vino 301 is a black-owned wine concierge company in Maryland that specializes in wine tours and exciting wine-centered events.  Their virtual experiences are created to be fun and interactive so they include things like prompts and games to keep guests engaged. Some of the themes you can choose from are All About Reds, Bring Your Own Pajamas, Keep It In The Can (canned wine exploration), and more. They also offer a FREE wine club membership!

Fees for the virtual tastings are $15/per person. Wine can either be purchased directly from Vino 301 or on your own with their recommended shopping list. 

For booking info, click here. 

10 Black Virtual Wine Tastings To Try

Theopolis Vineyards

Since its establishment in 2003, Theopolis Vineyards out of Yorkville, CA, has grown into an exciting and award-winning brand. It was founded by Theodora R. Lee

They offer a wine club and limited virtual wine tasting events throughout the year. You’ll need to keep checking their events calendar for upcoming dates. 

Frichette Winery

Greg and Shae Frichette are the husband and wife team behind the Frichette Winery brand. With limited shipping to 15 states in the U.S., Frichette offers 3 virtual tasting themes to choose from, including a mystery wine challenge (blind taste test). Or, you can create your own custom experience. 

For a complete list of available shipping states and info about booking, click here. 

The Urban Grape

If you are skilled at putting together a group for a virtual tasting, then you should check out The Urban Grape, out of Boston, MA. This isn’t your average wine store.  This husband and wife duo runs an award-winning Black-owned/woman-owned small business that also focuses on education. 

They offer 7 different virtual tasting themes to choose from including a Pairing 101, Wine & Chocolate, and Collection Tasting options. 

Packages start at $25/per person + the cost of wine. There is also a $250 flat fee for the Urban Grape wine educator to lead your 1-hour Zoom Pro event. 

For more information or to book your tasting, click here. 

If you know of another great Black virtual wine tasting experience that should be added to this list, let me know. 

The post 10 Black Virtual Wine Tasting Experiences To Book Now appeared first on Naturally Stellar.

]]> https://naturallystellar.com/10-black-virtual-wine-tasting-experiences/feed/ 1 21569 Why I Chose Walmart Plus For Back To School Supply List Shopping https://naturallystellar.com/walmart-plus-back-to-school-supply-shopping/ https://naturallystellar.com/walmart-plus-back-to-school-supply-shopping/#respond Fri, 06 Aug 2021 21:04:08 +0000 https://frizzy-town.flywheelsites.com/?p=22176 Why I used Walmart Plus for my kids back to school supplies shopping | Naturally Stellar

Have you heard about the new Walmart Plus (aka W+) service? If not, then let me tell you…

The post Why I Chose Walmart Plus For Back To School Supply List Shopping appeared first on Naturally Stellar.

]]> Why I used Walmart Plus for my kids back to school supplies shopping | Naturally Stellar

Have you heard about the new Walmart Plus (aka W+) service? If not, then let me tell you how I used it to tackle our back to school supply lists. *This post contains affiliate links. It costs you nothing to click but does help to support this site. 

Here's why you should try the new Walmart Plus service for back to school shopping | Naturally Stellar

So What Is Walmart Plus Anyway?

I heard about Walmart Plus quite a while ago but I never dug deeper to see what it was all about. I just figured it was going to be another wasted subscription, out of a sea of many, for online shopping. But I was wrong.

Walmart Plus is a monthly or yearly subscription service that offers free shipping for any products shipped by Walmart. Price tag – $12.95 per month. 

So what is it that separates this from regular online shopping and why pay for it?

Well, for 1 there are no order minimums. So if you want to buy $10 worth of stuff you can. Ran out of diapers or Tampons and that’s all you need? This is THAT service.

It also offers free unlimited delivery from your local Walmart for just about anything and you can save 5 cents per gallon on gas at Walmart, Sams Club, and Murphy gas stations.

Plus, savings on prescriptions.

Lastly, it offers “mobile scan-and-go” so you can checkout contactless as you shop. This means no more waiting in those ridiculous lines. Been there, hate that. 

Why I used Walmart Plus for my kids back to school supplies shopping | Naturally Stellar
Everything my daughter needed for first grade! – using Walmart Plus | Naturally Stellar

Back To School Shopping With Walmart Plus

This week I decided to take advantage of the free Walmart Plus 15-day trial so I could test it out on my kids back to school supplies. 

As soon as I signed up, I got a pop-up message extending my free trial to 30 days.  So far so good! 

My plan was to sign up and use the service – since it was free delivery – so I could do a one-time shopping trip for their stuff without having to go to the store.

Then I was going to cancel. Because who needs another subscription service and another bill, right?

Why I chose Walmart Plus for back to school supply shopping | Naturally Stellar
All the stuff my teenage middle schooler needs to get started! – using Walmart Plus | Naturally Stellar

First of all, I wanted to see if they would actually have all of the stuff that was on the school supply lists in ONE place. Then I wanted to see what their delivery options actually looked like.

To my surprise, they really offered a wide range of delivery times and an easy shopping experience. I could pick my day and delivery window, including contactless drop off within 2 hours if I wanted. Bet!

Although I was already familiar with shopping for groceries and other household stuff with Walmart’s pickup option, I never tried having anything delivered from their stores.

My items arrived like clockwork the next day at my specified time. The driver followed my instructions for knocking and I only had 3 items out of 28 that weren’t available. *Note, at the time of my order, I selected no substitutions on a few things. So this was expected. 

Man, I’m kind of feeling this! I definitely think this can convince more people to shop at Walmart because it takes care of many of the hassles that people tend to complain about. Long or few open checkout lines. The in-store experience. Time spent in the store. And of course…customer service.

No more of that!

If you haven’t done your shopping for school supply lists OR have last-minute needs, I highly suggest signing up for the Walmart Plus free trial so you can try this out for yourself. 

 

 

The post Why I Chose Walmart Plus For Back To School Supply List Shopping appeared first on Naturally Stellar.

]]> https://naturallystellar.com/walmart-plus-back-to-school-supply-shopping/feed/ 0 22176 Where I Found The Best Back To School Clothes Deals https://naturallystellar.com/best-back-to-school-clothes-deals/ https://naturallystellar.com/best-back-to-school-clothes-deals/#respond Thu, 05 Aug 2021 02:23:17 +0000 https://frizzy-town.flywheelsites.com/?p=22164 Where I found the best deals for back to school clothes. For Basics - Children's Place | Naturally Stellar

Welp! School is officially back in full swing for us next week. This means back-to-school shopping and preparation…

The post Where I Found The Best Back To School Clothes Deals appeared first on Naturally Stellar.

]]> Where I found the best deals for back to school clothes. For Basics - Children's Place | Naturally Stellar

Welp! School is officially back in full swing for us next week. This means back-to-school shopping and preparation for 2 kids heading back to full days, in-person. This post contains affiliate links. It costs you nothing to click but does help to financially support this blog.

Here are the top 4 retailers to seek out for your back to school clothes shopping needs | Naturally Stellar

I’m still not very confident about the whole in-person school year since my kids have been learning virtually for all of 20/21.  I’m sure I could write a whole post about COVID, variants, and mask mandates. But I’ll save my opinions for another day.

Let’s talk about where to find the best back-to-school clothes deals! 

Four Places You Need To Check Out

I’m so glad that my kids’ schools decided to do away with Standard School Attire (or SSA) in their dress codes this year.  This means they can basically wear whatever they want as long as they’re not baring any skin, or showing offensive messages on their clothing. 

I actually find it easier to shop for regular clothing than I do for uniforms anyway.  So that’s was a plus.

When I shop for back-to-school items I like to do my research first. I comparison shop, read reviews and then google the best prices. Since I’m shopping for both my middle school-bound teenage son and my now 6-year-old daughter, I have to stay mindful of style trends all while paying attention to our budget.

So, after research, I narrowed my shopping trips down to these 4 retailers for the best back to school clothes deals.

Also, let me go ahead and give Amazon an honorable mention. They had the best deals on hair accessories – ’cause good barrettes are hard to find- face masks, lanyards, AND the best deal on my son’s sneakers this year. 

Amazon had great deals on face masks and lanyards for back to school | Naturally Stellar
Double layer PM 2.5 masks from Amazon retailers I like. Under $15 for packs of 5 plus inserts | Naturally Stellar

We’re a big Adidas family, so I tend to shop for sneakers either directly from Adidas, or I sometimes comparison shop at places like Finish Line or Amazon. Amazon beat them all this time around plus free prime shipping. 

Amazon had great deals on Adidas this year. Back to school shopping deals | Naturally Stellar
Adidas Daily 3.0 comes in 7 colors, $65 | Naturally Stellar

Best Back To School Clothes Deals

The Children’s Place

For both kids, ages 6 and 13, I was able to find good wardrobe basics here at low-budget-friendly prices. 

I found a lot of cute graphic tees in short and long sleeves, for my daughter. They were all under $7.

Children’s Place tees are kind of on the thinner side so they’re good for layering and for the still HOT summer temps. These will keep your kiddo cool. 

Where I found the best deals for back to school clothes. For Basics - Children's Place | Naturally Stellar
Children’s Place has cute graphic tees for under $5 | Naturally Stellar

For bottoms, I was glad to find many bootcut jean styles for my daughter. Especially, since I’m growing tired of the whole skinny jeans trend.  Some are so tight and hard for her to put on and take off. So we’re skipping them this year. 

Then I grabbed some denim shorts, a denim skirtall (so cute!), and some bike shorts that she can wear under her skirts and dresses.

Childrens Place has some great deals on kids clothes for back to school | Naturally Stellar
Children’s Place girls denim skirtall, $10.48 | Naturally Stellar

I also found accessories and extras on sale like socks, shoes, and a watch for my son.

Childrens Place has some of the best deals on kids clothes for back to school | Naturally Stellar
Girls glitter rainbow slip ons, on clearance for $13.98 – Children’s Place | Naturally Stellar

I was surprised to see that they still carried a lot of items in my teenager’s size. 

He started transitioning into men’s sizes this year so it was good to see that Children’s Place carried some items all the way up to size 18 for boys. 

Target

Target has been my regular go-to for both kids but they’ve gotten taller so both have grown out of their normal clothing categories this year. 

I’m glad I was still able to find my son some bottoms in his size. Target’s sizes for boys goes up to an 18 and includes boys husky. 

Target has tall boys/teen sizes up to size 18 | Naturally Stellar
Target carries boys sizes up to 18, including husky. Art Class super-stretch jogger jeans, $18.99 and  French Terry Jogger Pants, $15 | Naturally Stellar

This year, they beat out the rest (price-wise) for hoodies, sweatshirts, girls’ decorative jeans, girls’ and boys’ underwear, and boys’ socks.

Target has the best prices on girls overhead and zip up hoodies | Naturally Stellar

Hair accessories were priced right as well. 

Girls back to school hair accessories at Target | Naturally Stellar
Scunci and Goody hair accessories were all under $5 each – Target | Naturally Stellar

 

Target had lots of cute options for girls back to school clothes this year | Naturally Stellar
Girls Zinnia Zipper Sneaker, $19.99 and Cat & Jack Flip Sequin Unicorn Tee, $10 – Target | Naturally Stellar

I found that Target also had the cheapest prices on kid’s backpacks this year. And the quality was just as good if not better than what I saw at other online retailers. 

Target had great deals on girls backpacks this year | Naturally Stellar
My daughter just had to have this sequin backpack! $19.99 | Naturally Stellar

Burlington

Burlington doesn’t offer online shopping. This is one of the places where you’ll have to go in to find what you’re looking for.  They carry a lot of designer and name-brand merchandise that has been liquidated from other retailers so you likely won’t find the exact same merchandise between stores. 

Here’s what I found for my teen.

Burlington has the best deals for teens for back to school clothes | Naturally Stellar
Teens will love the designer options and styles at Burlington | Naturally Stellar
Burlington has a good variety of boys bottoms at excellent prices for back to school | Naturally Stellar
Burlington carries really good quality designer shorts and casual bottoms for boys. These were all under $13 | Naturally Stellar

Old Navy

I very rarely shop at Old Navy, but when I do I always seem to land on a good deal. This time around it was tees on clearance with an extra 20% off.  So each one was less than $10. 

Old Navy had boys graphic tees on sale for under $10. Back to school | Naturally Stellar

Well, I hope this post was helpful in your back-to-school planning. If you’d like to see more of what I found in these stores, just let me know in the comments and I’ll post a few more pics.

Oh, and if you want to see which retailer came out on top for their school supply lists this year, stay tuned for my next post. 

Happy Back To School Shopping! 

 

 

The post Where I Found The Best Back To School Clothes Deals appeared first on Naturally Stellar.

]]> https://naturallystellar.com/best-back-to-school-clothes-deals/feed/ 0 22164 Let’s Explore: Oceans VR Headset Mega Pack Giveaway https://naturallystellar.com/lets-explore-vr-headset-giveaway/ https://naturallystellar.com/lets-explore-vr-headset-giveaway/#respond Tue, 25 May 2021 14:30:12 +0000 https://frizzy-town.flywheelsites.com/?p=22103 Let's Explore: Oceans VR Headset review and giveaway

*Update – 9.16.21*  Unfortunately, this giveaways sponsor, Immotion VR, and their PR ( Agency Six ) has decided to…

The post Let’s Explore: Oceans VR Headset Mega Pack Giveaway appeared first on Naturally Stellar.

]]> Let's Explore: Oceans VR Headset review and giveaway

*Update – 9.16.21*  Unfortunately, this giveaways sponsor, Immotion VR, and their PR ( Agency Six ) has decided to ghost me and the winner of this giveaway.  They never sent out the prize. After 3 months of multiple emails to the agency and DM’s to the brand’s social media accounts teams, I haven’t received any follow-up from this brand OR my contact Simon, at Agency Six.

I will always make good on my promises. Even if that means paying out of my own pocket to cover the loss for my subscribers. But it’s brands and agencies like these that make bloggers/influencers stop collaborating on hosted giveaways with consumer brands.  With that said, I have decided to remove all sponsored links associated with this brand and will advise anyone that is reading this post…buyer beware.  I no longer endorse this brand or encourage you to buy.

Let's Explore: Oceans VR Headset review and giveaway | Naturally Stellar

It hasn’t sunk in yet that we officially have a TEENAGER in our house! My oldest just turned 13. In honor of his move to teenagehood, we would like to gift one lucky kid or teen with a Let’s Explore Oceans VR Headset Mega Pack by Immotion!

STEM Learning

I try to do whatever I can to keep my kids immersed in STEM or STEAM learning, especially through play. Science and technology are the current wave and wave of the future for these guys so I like to offer them a fun variety of tech to play with, to build their skills.

Let's Explore: Oceans VR Headset review and giveaway

What Is Let’s Explore: Oceans ?

Let’s Explore: Oceans is an immersive virtual experience in underwater exploration created by an awesome team of marine biologists, graphics artists, award-winning directors, cinematographers, underwater VR specialists, and scientists. 

Let's Explore: Oceans VR Headset review and giveaway

Your child (and you, because we know you like to play with their toys lol) will experience 360-degree virtual tours with underwater creatures such as sharks and seals.  Through the virtual goggles, they’ll be able to see what the divers and film crews see as they study magnificent animals and other marine life.

They’ll also have fun playing trivia games and other underwater augmented reality games like adventures with mythical sea monsters, mermaids, and even exploring a shipwreck. 

Let's Explore: Oceans VR Headset review and giveaway

Let's Explore: Oceans VR Headset review and giveaway | Naturally Stellar

I had a chance to try everything out for myself and it is really something! It’s so cool to be able to see a 360 view under the water. You can even turn around and see the cameraman holding his equipment! 

Once you adjust your headset, goggle view, and turn up the sound, you are ready to go. 

It takes a second to get used to the “feeling” and to figure out how to use your hands to select what you want to experience, on the cube. But you’ll soon get the hang of it. 

Let's Explore: Oceans VR Headset review and giveaway

This summer, give your kids something fun to do while filling their minds with information about ocean life. This is a great way to get them away from the TV screen.

To buy or to learn more about Let’s Explore: Oceans, click here: https://us.letsexplore.com/

Use My Special Code: VRoceans2021 for 20% off!

 

⇓ Enter Giveaway ⇓ 

To enter the giveaway, just follow the instructions on the entry form below. 

 

The post Let’s Explore: Oceans VR Headset Mega Pack Giveaway appeared first on Naturally Stellar.

]]> https://naturallystellar.com/lets-explore-vr-headset-giveaway/feed/ 0 22103 Easy Weekday Ready Mason Jar Salads + How To Stack Them https://naturallystellar.com/easy-weekday-mason-jar-salads/ https://naturallystellar.com/easy-weekday-mason-jar-salads/#comments Tue, 18 May 2021 13:30:54 +0000 https://frizzy-town.flywheelsites.com/?p=21983 Delicious and easy mason jar salads are the perfect meal prep idea. Stays crisp and fresh for days, so you can make lunch for the whole week ahead of time | Naturally Stellar

One of my favorite lunches during the busy work week is a delicious loaded salad. But I don’t…

The post Easy Weekday Ready Mason Jar Salads + How To Stack Them appeared first on Naturally Stellar.

]]> Delicious and easy mason jar salads are the perfect meal prep idea. Stays crisp and fresh for days, so you can make lunch for the whole week ahead of time | Naturally Stellar

One of my favorite lunches during the busy work week is a delicious loaded salad. But I don’t always have the time to make them fresh. So, lately, I’ve been enjoying them by prepping my favorites into simple mason jar salads that last for days! *As a #WalmartPartner, this post contains affiliate links

Mason jar salads are a great week day lunch or dinner idea | Naturally Stellar

 

Weekday Lunch Prep + Mason Jar Salads

But won’t your prepped salad turn into mush overnight? Nope!  It’s all about how you stack your salads into containers.  All of the wet ingredients need to remain on the bottom, and your leafy greens on top.

Then, when you assemble your salad, you load it up and pack it down tight with your lid to keep the ingredients from shifting (in case of tip-overs). This will give you the crisp and fresh results you want.

Delicious and easy mason jar salads are the perfect meal prep idea. Stays crisp and fresh for days, so you can make lunch for the whole week ahead of time | Naturally Stellar

Mason jar salads are really easy to make. Not only are they fun and pretty to look at, but they also store well in the fridge, and they keep your lunches fresh and airtight.

One meal prep session can yield enough salads for your busy workweek. And, preparing salads at home is a good way to save some coins or to take care of portion control, if that’s your thing.

These chilled salads are perfect for tossing into your work bag for lunch or even for outdoor meals, picnics, etc. Then, when you’re ready, just eat it straight out of the jar, or you can dump it all into a nice bowl and gently toss.

Mason Jar Salads are super convenient and can be dumped into your favorite bowl or eaten straight out of the jar | Naturally Stelllar

One of the ways that I reduce the spread of germs when meal prepping my salads or cooking meals during the busy week is by using the new Dixie Ultra™ Cutting Boards.

I really like using my stainless steel cutting board because it’s perfect for everyday meal prep and a quick clean-up. It also gives me a fresh & clean surface whenever I’m ready to throw down in the kitchen.

Meal prepping easy mason jar salads for the work week | Naturally Stellar
Invest in a good set of cutting knives for meal prep, like these Cuisinart ceramic ones.

These boards are cut-resistant, and once you’re done using them, you simply toss them in the trash. Try them out for yourself! You can find them at Walmart in the foil aisle.

Easy Weekday Mason Jar Salads Recipe

I’m all about simple, time-saving meals. Today I’ll be showing you how to make a delectable chopped cobb mason jar salad loaded with grilled chicken, egg, and bacon!

Ready to eat mason jar salads can last fresh in the jar for your entire work week | Naturally Stelar

Remember: The rules of how to assemble your salad in the jars remain the same, no matter which ingredients you prefer. Wet ingredients go on the bottom, and drier ingredients will be layered as you move up to the top.

To make this as easy as possible, I like to use a lot of ingredients already prepped and ready to go, such as pre-cooked bacon and prewashed salad mixes. But feel free to add or remove whatever you’d like. 

This recipe yields three mason jar salads

Ingredients:

  • 3 cups chopped salad greens
  • 3/4 cup salad dressing
  • 1/2 cup sweet onion, diced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, diced
  • 3 eggs, boiled and sliced
  • 1 cup English cucumber, diced
  • 7-8 grilled chicken strips, diced
  • 4-5 strips, pre-cooked bacon (in pieces)

Salad toppings of your choice are optional

Directions:

  1. Add salad dressing to each of your mason jars. This should be 1/3 cup for each one and will be the very first layer of your jar salads.
  2. Next, add in your fresh/crisp veggie toppings to each jar. This will be the onions, cucumber, and tomatoes divided evenly.
  3. The third layer will be your proteins and dairy.  So here is where you’ll add in things like your meats, eggs & cheeses.  In this case, add the grilled chicken followed by your bacon pieces and 1 sliced/chopped egg, to each jar.
  4. Top each jar off with salad greens and press down firmly to pack the jar as much as possible. Follow up with any dry salad topping ingredients.  I like to add things like nuts, dried fruit, or pre-mixed salad toppers.
  5. Lastly, seal your jar with a lid and refrigerate your jars until ready to eat.
Avocado Toast Mason Jar Salad | Naturally Stellar
Pre-mixed salad kits are a great time-saver to use to prep your mason jar salads.

I hope you enjoyed this post and will give mason jar salads a try. The fresh factor alone is a game-changer, especially as you prepare for outdoor entertaining and the summer grilling season!

What’s your favorite salad combination?

The post Easy Weekday Ready Mason Jar Salads + How To Stack Them appeared first on Naturally Stellar.

]]> https://naturallystellar.com/easy-weekday-mason-jar-salads/feed/ 3 21983 Sweet and Savory Street Corn Bake https://naturallystellar.com/street-corn-bake/ https://naturallystellar.com/street-corn-bake/#respond Tue, 04 May 2021 15:56:49 +0000 https://frizzy-town.flywheelsites.com/?p=22026

If you love Elotes or Mexican street corn then you’ll love this delicious side dish. Let me show…

The post Sweet and Savory Street Corn Bake appeared first on Naturally Stellar.

]]>

If you love Elotes or Mexican street corn then you’ll love this delicious side dish. Let me show you how to make a super easy street corn bake.   *This post contains affiliate links, which means this blog earns commissions from purchases, at no extra cost to you.

Sweet and Spicy Street Corn Bake | Naturally Stellar

Authentic Mexican Street Corn It’s Not, But It’s Good!

If you don’t already know, traditional authentic Mexican street corn begins by being boiled in water with spices and herbs. Sometimes, a little butter is thrown in the water. Or, it’s grilled/roasted. After cooking, it’s usually topped with Mexican crema, queso fresco or cotija, and chili powder, or smoked paprika. So, the flavor is very rich and savory. 

This recipe I’m showing you today is a quick take on that famous street delicacy. It’s not the traditional way of making it.  It’s an adaption that can be combined quickly with what you already have on hand in the kitchen, baked, and then topped with green onion and maybe a dash of hot sauce for a little extra kick.

Prepare this just in time for Taco Tuesday or whenever the mood hits you. 

What I love the most about this recipe is that you can add whatever flavor accents you like.

Ingredients for street corn bake in mixing bowl | Naturally Stellar

If parmesan and chipotle aren’t your things. You can substitute with cotija, chili powder, or smoked paprika, for a more authentic flavor.  Both items should be readily available at your local chain grocery store. 

You’re going to need:

  • Mixing bowl
  • Spatula
  • 13 x 9 baking dish
  • Non-stick cooking spray
  • Aluminum Foil

⇓ Here are some options if you don’t have everything at home. ⇓

Delicious and Savory Street Corn Bake

Street Corn Bake makes the perfect side dish for taco Tuesday or any day | Naturally Stellar

Ingredients:

  • 6 cups frozen corn 
  • 1 cup mayo 
  • ½ cup parmesan cheese 
  • 2 teaspoons chipotle pepper, ground 
  • 1 bunch green onions, chopped – reserve some for garnish 
  • Salt & pepper to taste 
  • Lime wedges, for garnish 

Hot sauce if desired, your choice, for garnish

Super easy and delicious street corn bake as a side dish | Naturally Stellar

Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees 
  2. In a large bowl mix together corn, mayo, chipotle pepper, salt & pepper, and green onions until well combinedMixing up ingredients for street corn bake | Naturally Stellar
  3. Spoon into 13×9 dish prepared with nonstick spray
  4. Sprinkle cheese over the top
  5. Bake covered with foil for 20 minutes, then uncovered for another 20 minutesThis delicious street corn bake makes the perfect weeknight side dish or meatless casserole | Naturally Stellar
  6. Sprinkle on the reserved green onion, squeeze on a bit of lime juice, and sprinkle with hot sauce if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Enjoy Your Street Corn Bake!

This delicious street corn bake is easy to make and can accompany just about any meal | Naturally Stellar

Easy and delicious street corn bake recipe | Naturally Stellar

Let me know what you think about this recipe and how you adapted your street corn bake recipe. As always you can leave a question or comment below. If you received this post via email, just click the little blue comment button.

Here are some other recipes to try!

Mini maple oatmeal cream pies - 25 Fabulous Oatmeal Recipes | Naturally Stellar Sutter Home Moscato Slushes #MoscatoMoments Frozen Strawberry Lemonade Moscato | Naturally Stellar Banana Chocolate Chip Cornbread Recipe | Naturally Stellar Loaded nachos for dinner instead of Taco Tuesday | Naturally Stellar

 

 

What’s your favorite quick side dish to whip up?

The post Sweet and Savory Street Corn Bake appeared first on Naturally Stellar.

]]> https://naturallystellar.com/street-corn-bake/feed/ 0 22026 Simple Ways To Relax + Mother’s Day Giveaways https://naturallystellar.com/simple-ways-to-relax-mothers-day-giveaways/ https://naturallystellar.com/simple-ways-to-relax-mothers-day-giveaways/#comments Sat, 01 May 2021 16:19:43 +0000 https://frizzy-town.flywheelsites.com/?p=21990 Simple Ways To Relax + Mother's Day Giveaway | Naturally Stellar https://naturallystellar.com

Us moms are always looking for simple ways to relax but simple isn’t always easy. Sometimes we get…

The post Simple Ways To Relax + Mother’s Day Giveaways appeared first on Naturally Stellar.

]]> Simple Ways To Relax + Mother's Day Giveaway | Naturally Stellar https://naturallystellar.com

Us moms are always looking for simple ways to relax but simple isn’t always easy. Sometimes we get so caught up in the hustle and bustle of life that we forget to prioritize our much-needed relaxation. 

Simple Ways To Relax + Mother's Day Giveaway | Naturally Stellar https://naturallystellar.com

Simple Ways To Relax

For some of us, relaxing may mean a few minutes of peace and for others, a full day or week (or year lol) of no responsibility, just rest. 

After all of the Mother’s Day festivities are over and it’s back to reality, I’m sure many of us are gonna need some ideas to keep the celebration of US going. So, here are some surefire ways to get us some guaranteed stress relief. 

Short Naps

Remember the things we used to hate as kids but now we desperately need as adults? Never underestimate the power of a good nap. 

A good power nap is our goal. According to medical research, the key to achieving the most benefits of a nap is to keep it between 30 to 90 minutes and to try to do it between 1 p.m and 4.  

Professional spa treatments

I share a lot of at-home pampering solutions on the blog but nothing really beats getting professional services done for you. I consider it a necessary investment in SELF to be pampered from time to time. 

Massages, facials, and body treatments aren’t just good for us physically. They can help to refresh and renew the mind as well. 

When’s the last time you scheduled a spa treatment? 

Creative distractions

Whatever creative things you can come up with, to ease your mind and to help you to focus on something other than your stressors, do those. This can include creative hobbies and events like paint and sips, light gardening, wine tastings, or giving yourself a fancy manicure. 

The point is to find something positive to do that can distract you from the things weighing heavily on your mind. 

Creative distractions are a great way to relax | Naturally Stellar

Deep breathing

When I think of deep breathing, I can hear every choir teacher and vocal coach I’ve ever had telling me to “breathe through your diaphragm!”.

Just a few minutes of deep breathing per day helps to relax the body, lowers blood pressure, and increases oxygen intake. But that’s not all. A regular regimen of deep breathing can:

  • increase energy
  • enhance your immune system
  • decrease pain
  • improve muscle stability
  • help you to recover faster
  • reduce anxiety and depression

When you practice deep breathing you’ll notice both your chest and belly rise. You’ll also hear a more pronounced breathing sound vs. quiet shallow breathing. 

Sex

Did you know that sexual intercourse can actually lower your blood pressure? It has been studied and medically proven that good sex and intimacy can lead to stress management, relaxation, improved mood and you can even burn some calories!

A healthy intimate life is important to your relationship, mental health, and well-being. So, be sure to monitor and manage your sexual health for better relaxation.

Vacation 

A good vacation, but not just any vacation is what many of us need from time to time. Relaxing getaways where you can completely disconnect should be regularly planned throughout the year.  But getting time off for extended stays isn’t always so easy. 

This is where short refresher trips come in. 

Whether it be a weekend staycation at your favorite local hotel or resort or a one-night stay someplace nice with a spa treatment thrown in, you deserve some time to care for yourself. 

Another great way to care for YOU or another mom, is by entering these Mother’s Day giveaways below where you can win some nice pampering beauty products!

Carol’s Daughter (Instagram Only) Mother’s Day Giveaway

Carol's Daughter Mother's Day Giveaway | Naturally Stellar
Click the photo or this link to enter!

Win this exclusive Carol’s Daughter Black Vanilla Shampoo Bar gift set. It comes with the new luscious moisture shampoo bar, a super soft flexible loofah, and a wooden soap dish to preserve your bar.

The packaging for this set is very unique and sustainable. So much so, that you can actually grow your own wildflowers with it! 

The paper is 100% recyclable and has actual wildflower seeds embedded inside. So, all you have to do is soak the paper in water overnight, cover it with soil and watch it grow! 

To enter the giveaway, click on this Instagram post and follow the instructions.  Good luck!

Wakati Mother’s Day Giveaway

Wakati natural hair products giveaway | Naturally Stellar

One lucky mama will win the complete line of Wakati hair products to pamper her natural mane. 

Wakati is a fairly new natural hair brand but has already made it to the shelves of some of our favorite retailers, Target and Walgreen’s. Wakati products are specifically formulated for natural black hair and include a starting lineup of 4 deliciously smelling products.

There’s a sulfate-free shampoo, water-activated conditioner, an oil-infused leave-in cream, and a conditioning mist. 

Here’s how to win! All you have to do is follow the instructions on the giveaway form to gain entries. The winner will be announced on Mother’s Day!

I hope this post gave you enough inspiration and encouragement to find your own simple ways to relax. Let me know in the comments if any of these have worked for you and as always, please take care of yourselves!

 

The post Simple Ways To Relax + Mother’s Day Giveaways appeared first on Naturally Stellar.

]]> https://naturallystellar.com/simple-ways-to-relax-mothers-day-giveaways/feed/ 2 21990 Fine Natural Hair Henna Gloss Routine + Tutorial and Hair Recipe https://naturallystellar.com/henna-gloss-routine-tutorial-hair-recipe/ https://naturallystellar.com/henna-gloss-routine-tutorial-hair-recipe/#respond Wed, 28 Apr 2021 20:10:19 +0000 https://frizzy-town.flywheelsites.com/?p=21890 Everything you'll need to make the perfect henna gloss deep conditioner for fine natural hair | Naturally Stellar

One of the best discoveries that I’ve come across in my 25+ year natural hair journey is ayurvedic…

The post Fine Natural Hair Henna Gloss Routine + Tutorial and Hair Recipe appeared first on Naturally Stellar.

]]> Everything you'll need to make the perfect henna gloss deep conditioner for fine natural hair | Naturally Stellar

One of the best discoveries that I’ve come across in my 25+ year natural hair journey is ayurvedic herbs.  My favorite: Henna.  So, today I’m sharing my henna gloss routine as well as a recipe tutorial showing you how to make your own henna gloss mix to strengthen your natural hair. 

Henna gloss recipe and tutorial for fine natural hair | Naturally Stellar

Why henna? Well, besides its ability to create beautiful body art, henna is also a great natural color enhancer and protective conditioning treatment for hair.

If you are brand new to the world of henna for hair, be sure to check out this post first. 

Henna Gloss Conditioning Recipe For Fine Natural Hair

It takes a few hours to see the results of a henna gloss treatment but the wait is totally worth it. Some of what you’ll experience are subtle color changes, strength, thickness, softness, curl elongation, or a slight relaxation of texture. 

Applying henna gloss to natural hair | Naturally Stellar
After applying henna gloss to my natural hair. | Naturally Stellar

I’ve been doing henna treatments for years because they help strengthen my fine natural hair and reduce breakage. I also love how henna covers my gray hairs and boosts my all-over shine. 

With henna, you’ll find that the benefits increase as you stick to a consistent routine. I like to do a treatment every 3 months.  Once a quarter seems to do the trick for me. 

If you have problems of breakage, thinning or stagnant growth, I highly recommend that you give henna gloss treatments a try.

Here’s my recipe and routine!

Henna Gloss Recipe + Freezing Leftover Henna

Everything you'll need to make the perfect henna gloss deep conditioner for fine natural hair | Naturally Stellar

Conditioning Henna Gloss Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup BAQ Henna
  • 1/2 cup Indigo Powder
  • 1/4 cup Generic Matrix Biolage Conditioner (Sally Beauty)
  • 3/4 cup Herbal Tea
  • 2 Tbsp Honey
  • 1 Tbsp. Oil

You’ll also need

  • Gloves
  • Plastic Bowl or container with lid
  • Small rat tail comb

Freezing Your Henna Mix

Yes, you can freeze it! If you should happen to have some leftover henna from your conditioning treatment or if you’d just like to make this ahead of time for a later session, it can easily be frozen.  Just thaw it out when you’re ready to use it. 

Frozen henna gloss pops are a great way to preserve leftover henna for hair | Naturally Stellar
Frozen henna gloss pops | Naturally Stellar

All you need is a good plastic container with a lid to keep things fresh. I like to use plastic popsicle molds. But you can also use things like ice molds, Tupperware, and Ziploc bags to hold your mixtures. 

 

My Henna Gloss Routine + Tutorial

For my henna gloss routine, I prefer to start with freshly washed hair. I find that the application is smoother and my hair performs better to the color process and deep conditioners. You can still do this on damp hair that hasn’t been washed but it’s best not to compete with heavy product buildup. 

I sometimes leave my henna on overnight and rinse in the shower in the morning. *shower is best*  You need a minimum of 4 hours to get the full effects. So, if you’re going to attempt this plan accordingly. I highly recommend rinsing your henna out in the shower to reduce the possibility of staining any surfaces. 

If you prefer to watch a video, here’s a quick one showing how I mix up my gloss. 

 

 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

A post shared by Naturally Stellar | Nashville (@naturally_stellar)

Steep your tea

Steep 3 herbal tea bags in hot water. For my latest henna gloss, I used a chamomile, honey, and vanilla tea.  But feel free to use whatever one you like. Some good options are green tea, chamomile, or black tea. It all depends on what your end game is.

Mix your henna base

In a plastic bowl or container, combine henna, indigo, and tea.  Mix well until you get the consistency of cake batter.

Add in conditioning

Add conditioner, oil, and honey into the mixture and mix well until it becomes smooth.  I like to use the comb end of a rat tail comb to get all of the lumps out of my mix.

Henna gloss is really easy to make and does wonders for fine natural hair | Naturally Stellar

Apply to damp hair

Using gloves, apply to damp detangled hair in sections.

Be careful to clean up any drips onto your surfaces or skin as it can stain once the dye begins to release.

Cover your hair

Place one or 2 plastic bags over your hair and secure it well.  Heat helps the dye to release quicker.

Depending on what your needs are you can then put on a conditioning cap, a cute headscarf, or head wrap.

Remember, you need to keep the henna mixture on your hair for a minimum of 4 hours to get the full effects.


Rinse

Rinse your hair well using warm water and a slippery cheap conditioner to help in the removal process.

Leave-in & Style

This is an optional step.  After rinsing thoroughly, follow up with a no-protein deep treatment or leave-in conditioner, and then style your hair as usual.

For more information about the benefits of using henna, Henna Sooq has been a highly regarded resource of mine for information on herbal hair care, using henna for coloring, and more.

 

What are your thoughts about henna or using a henna gloss?

 

The post Fine Natural Hair Henna Gloss Routine + Tutorial and Hair Recipe appeared first on Naturally Stellar.

]]> https://naturallystellar.com/henna-gloss-routine-tutorial-hair-recipe/feed/ 0 21890