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Tuesday, April 22, 2025

Grow Your Hair Like You’re Growing a Tree: A Natural Haircare Tip


Let’s be real: growing your hair is like growing a tree. You can’t just throw seeds in the ground and hope for the best—you’ve got to nourish the roots, water the soil, and protect it from harsh elements. Your hair is no different. Whether you’re bouncing back from breakage or just want thicker, healthier strands, the key is consistency, care, and the right ingredients—straight from nature.

The Roots: Nourishment from Within

Before anything touches your scalp, remember that real growth starts internally. A healthy diet rich in biotin, zinc, vitamin A, and omega-3s sets the foundation. Hydration is crucial too—just like trees need water, your hair needs moisture from the inside out.


The Soil: Scalp Health

Your scalp is the soil your hair grows from. A clogged, dry, or irritated scalp chokes hair at the root. This is where our homemade herbal spray comes in.

This blend—featuring bay leaf, star anise, cloves, and hibiscus—isn’t just random. It’s packed with hair-loving compounds:

  • Bay Leaf helps reduce dandruff and stimulates follicles.
  • Rosemary Sprigs are rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties that combat dandruff, reduce scalp irritation, and prevent hair thinning.
  • Star Anise promotes circulation and has antimicrobial properties.
  • Cloves are rich in antioxidants and boost hair growth by invigorating the scalp.
  • Hibiscus is known to prevent hair fall and thicken hair.
  • Essential Oils (like rosemary or peppermint) increase blood flow to the scalp and promote hair growth.


The Water: Daily Care

Use this spray like a daily mist. Spray directly onto your scalp and gently massage it in. Use it on clean hair, whether dry or damp. Don’t rinse it out—it’s meant to nourish your scalp over time.

Just like trees need regular watering, your scalp needs regular attention. Use this spray at least once a day, and combine it with a weekly scalp massage and protective styling to avoid breakage.


The Sunlight: Environment & Protection

Limit heat styling and harsh chemicals. Think of sunlight in moderation—it helps plants grow but too much burns them out. The same goes for your hair. Protective styles, satin scarves, and gentle detangling help maintain moisture and avoid stress on your strands.


Hair Growth Spray Recipe:

Ingredients (In a Jar):

  • Hot Water (500 ml) (boiled)
  • Bay Leaf (4-5 leaves) or Rosemary (3-4 Sprigs)
  • Cloves (1 tablespoon)
  • Hibiscus Petals (3)
  • Star anise (1 tablespoon) (optional)
  • Essential Oil (A few drops – your choice: rosemary, peppermint, or lavender are great for hair)


Instructions:

  1. Add all the ingredients in a clean jar.
  2. Pour 500 ml of hot water over the ingredients.
  3. Let it steep for 12 hours.
  4. Strain the mixture.
  5. Pour into a spray bottle.
  6. Spray onto scalp and hair as needed.




Your hair is a living thing. Give it the roots, soil, water, and light it needs—and then be patient. With nature as your stylist and consistency as your guide, your crown will flourish.





Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How long will it take to see results?

A: Most people begin to see signs of growth and reduced shedding in 3–4 weeks with consistent use. Full visible results usually appear around 2–3 months.


Q: Can I refrigerate the spray?

A: Yes. Refrigeration helps preserve it longer (up to 2 weeks). Just shake before use and bring to room temp or use cool for a refreshing feel.


Q: How often should I apply it?

A: Once daily is ideal, but 3–4 times a week can still be effective if you’re busy.


Q: Can this work for bald spots or traction alopecia?

A: Yes, especially when combined with scalp massages and reduced tension hairstyles. However, results vary depending on how long the follicle has been inactive.


Q: What essential oil should I choose?

A: Rosemary is best for growth, peppermint for circulation, and lavender for soothing the scalp. Use what your hair needs most—or combine them for extra strength.


Q: Will it make my hair greasy?

A: Not if you use just a few drops of essential oil and apply the spray mainly to your scalp. If you have oily hair, start every other day and adjust as needed.




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Traditional Bahamian Thanksgiving Recipe


BAHAMIAN TURKEY AND STUFFING 

Even a turkey knows it’s better in the Bahamas, because of our close proximity to the United States and their influence through television. Of course we put our Bahamian Flavor to Thanksgiving and Christmas. 

Ingredients
1 Turkey 
2 cloves garlic 
1 Box Salt 
1 tablespoon Thyme 
Cooking oil 
½ lemon juice 
1 tablespoon Black pepper 

Preparation: In order to have a succulent turkey that is season all the way to the bone preparation must begin at least a day in advance. Once thawed place turkey in a sink or container big enough to allow it to be covered completely with water Remember to remove entrails and neck from the inside. Add 1/4 cup of salt and ½ cup lemon juice to water don’t be alarmed it takes a lot to season a turkey. Cover the container and allow to sit for 4-6 hours. Dice and crush garlic add salt, Italian seasoning, thyme and black pepper into a small bowl and mix. Remove turkey from water drain and place in baking/roasting pan. Rub seasoning over turkey and inside allow to sit for 15 minutes. 

Pre-heat oven at 425 degrees, bake turkey for 2 hours covered with foil wrap. Remove foil, baste with the juice from the pan and continue to bake another 30 - 45 minutes uncovered at 325 degrees. Auntie Rie would tell me to take foil and wrap the tips of the wing and the bottom of the drumstick. I pondered this for a while, and then I asked her why. She said, “Child you don’t want to eat charcoal tips do you?” At this point she would add the stuffing if she decide to bake it in the turkey. Turkey is done when the thigh joint easily slips out of socket. 

Serving Suggestions: There are so many items you can add to your table to compliment this succulent bird, here are just a few: Peas ‘n Rice, macaroni & cheese, coleslaw, Crawfish (Lobster) stuffing, Avocado garden salad take your pick.


BAHAMIAN PEAS ‘N RICE 


Peas ‘n rice is a staple and main stay in every Bahamian home. A delectable, mouthwatering part of almost every meal. To prepare a meal especially on Sunday or Christmas without a pot of Peas ‘n Rice is like breaking one of the commandments. So please whatever you do, don’t forget the peas ‘n rice. Auntie Rie and mama used to take turns each Sunday making the pot of rice and I seldom could tell who had made it from one Sunday to the next. A word of warning, over indulgence in this delicacy will result in what we call here in the islands a peas ‘n rice shape (protruding buttocks). To many other cultures this figure is not very appealing but to our Bahamian men it as delightful as the dish that caused it.

Ingredients:
3 cups Long grain Mahatma Rice
2 oz Cooking oil
1 small onion, chopped
½ teaspoon thyme leaves or two twig of fresh thyme
½ teaspoon black pepper & Salt to taste
1 - 1 ½ cup Pigeon Peas
3 cups water
1 ½ cup ripe tomatoes, canned tomatoes or 2 tablespoons tomato paste
¼ pound of salt pork (chopped small cubes), bacon dripping or ham skin/scraps and fat chunks


Preparation: This recipe will require a large pot (6-8 qt) with stove at medium, heat oil add ham skin/scraps or salt pork and allow to cook until ham fat or salt pork is almost crispy. Add onion, thyme leaves and black pepper cook stirring occasionally until onion are cooked. Add tomatoes (ripe, canned or paste) cook stirring for about two (2) minutes. Add peas and 3 cups of water. Bring to a boil then add rice, stir to distribute rice evenly. Add additional water until it is one inch above the rice. Add salt to taste. Allow to boil vigorously with lid off until water has disappeared from the top of rice. Stir rice rotating rice from the bottom of the pot to the top (about two (2) turns) then cover pot and reduce heat to low. Cook for 30- 45 minutes or until rice is fluffy. If rice is still grainy and hard add ½ cup of seasoned water and cover pot, ensure that heat is low.

Sunday, April 20, 2025

DIY HOME REMEDY: Rid Pesky House Insects

The Silent Invaders: When Your Home Turns Against You

That creeping dread. The unease that settles in your stomach when you suspect… something is wrong. It's the moment you realize your sanctuary, your home, has been breached. Not by burglars, but by an army of tiny, relentless invaders. Bugs. Critters. The things that make your skin crawl and your heart pound. Fear, disgust, and the unsettling feeling of your safe space being violated – it's a gut punch.

Before panic sets in, take a deep breath. You can reclaim your home. But first, you need to know your enemy. We're talking about the most insidious house pests, the ones that turn your life upside down. And yes, we'll give you some DIY battle plans, but let's be real: sometimes, you need to call in the professionals.

Reclaim Your Home: A Guide to Conquering Common Pests

Get to Know The Usual Suspects:

  • Bed Bugs: Rapid infestation, difficult to identify bites. Look for physical signs on mattresses and furniture. Professional extermination is strongly recommended.
  • Spiders: While some consume other pests, they can bite and carry diseases. Use traps and pesticides, but professional help may be needed for large infestations.
  • Cockroaches: Disease-carrying and difficult to eliminate. Clean thoroughly, use traps and pesticides, and seal entry points.
  • Fruit Flies: Annoying kitchen pests. Maintain cleanliness and use apple cider vinegar traps.
  • Meal Moths: Pantry pests that infest stored goods. Use pheromone traps and insecticidal sprays.
  • Termites: Destructive pests causing structural damage. Regular inspections and professional extermination are crucial.


Stop Wasting Money On Insecticide: 


Many have wasted a lot of money on insecticide, not knowing that there's also another way through which you can get rid of insects both the ones flying and creeping in your house. What it takes to get them permanently rid of in your house and compound is at your disposal. 

Get Salt, Kerosine and any Detergent 
Many of us make use of Kerosine, the same as everyone uses Salt, and detergent is in everyone's home because it is one of the most used in many families. Get an empty container (it could be Eva water empty container) get salt, Kerosine, and any detergent of your choice, and follow the steps provided below. 

HOW TO MIX INGREDIENTS TOGETHER:

Get the empty container.
Pour about 10 teaspoons of Salt into the empty container. (Spray bottle)
Get any detergent of your choice, and pour detergent into the container, 
Now get your Kerosine, pour till it gets to half of the container, 
Cover the container and shake it very well. 
 When you want to apply it, make a little hole on the cover of the container and apply gently. 

 Have you been disturbed by mosquitoes, bedbugs, ants, flies, centipedes, snakes, lizards, insects, and reptiles of all sorts, both creeping and flying insects, now their ends are he...

After mixing ingredients together, you can now apply them where necessary to kill any insects disturbing your peace in the house. 

Apply in and around your compound every three (3) months to avoid snakes and any creepy creature, for bedbugs, apply it around the affected places including on the foam, and see the wonder of the mixture. For mosquitoes, drop around some strategic places around your room and leave for 20 minutes, your peace is restored. 

 For flies, drop around the places, and u won't see them again. After trying this and it works for you, don't keep it to yourself alone, tell others about it, and spread the good news.

The Real Truth About Designer Goods Made in China

Let’s clear the air. You’ve probably heard it a thousand times: “If it’s made in China, it must be fake.” But let’s not be so quick to sip that tea—because some of your favorite luxury brands? Also made in China. The real question isn’t where it’s made, it’s who’s making it and how.

I’m speaking from experience here—years of experience that costed me more than just coins. Trust me, I’ve been on both ends: duped and disillusioned, then later connected and clued in. And if you’re thinking of diving into the world of designer dupes, reselling, or even just curious about the behind-the-scenes of fashion’s gray market, buckle up. It’s a wild ride.

Not All “Made in China” Is the Same

Let’s break it down: Made in China doesn’t automatically mean it’s poor quality. In fact, some of the exact same factories producing items for top European fashion houses also produce goods for other clients—some legally, others… well, not so much. What matters isn’t the country, it’s the factory, the craftsmanship, and the materials.


Some fashion brands even quietly outsource to China for parts of their production process, from stitching to packaging. They just send it back to Europe for “finishing touches” so they can slap a Made in Italy label on it. It’s all marketing, baby.

Understanding Grades: A, AA, AAA, 1:1

This is where most people get lost in the sauce. 

You’ll see vendors on WhatsApp, Instagram, and TikTok shouting about “AAA quality!” and “1:1 mirror copies!” But do you really know what that means?

Here’s the real tea:

  • A or AA: These are lower-end replicas. They might resemble the real thing, but only at a glance—and the materials, stitching, and logos usually give it away.
  • AAA: Slightly better. Think of it as the “budget luxury” of the replica world. Better materials, decent structure, but still very hit or miss.
  • 1:1 or Mirror Quality: Supposedly identical to the authentic piece. These are usually made in the same region or even same factory lines as the originals, using similar materials. These can be very close—but only if you’re dealing with a trusted, high-level source.

Spoiler alert: anyone can say “1:1”—that doesn’t mean what you’re getting is actually that. And if you’re paying $80 for a “mirror-quality” Chanel… you’re probably being played.

The Trap: Overseas Ordering Without Knowing the Game

This is where people fall flat. They find a vendor online, see some flashy photos, get hyped, place an order, and boom—regret in a box.

A lot of vendors will post sample photos from a good batch, but when it comes time to ship, they’ll send you a cheaper version from a different factory. It’s a classic bait and switch. Others don’t even know what quality they’re selling—they’re just middlemen trying to make a quick flip.

And don’t get me started on “TikTok plug” culture. While there are some legit connects being shared, a lot of it is smoke and mirrors. By the time you message that vendor everyone’s raving about, they’re already flooded with orders and cutting corners to keep up.

The Only Way to Win: Boots on the Ground or a Trusted Agent

Look, if you really want top-tier replicas—or even just quality fashion items from China—you either need to go yourself, or have someone there who knows what they’re doing.


A good agent can:

  • Visit factories and suppliers in person
  • Verify quality before shipping
  • Handle sample batches
  • Negotiate prices and avoid middleman markups
  • Ensure you’re actually getting what you paid for

Yes, you’ll pay more for an agent. But if quality matters to you—and you don’t want to get scammed again and again—it’s worth every penny.

Final Thoughts: Be Smart, Not Sorry

China produces everything—the good, the bad, and the downright embarrassing. The secret to navigating this world isn’t to avoid China—it’s to understand it. Learn the grades. Ask for QC (quality check) photos. Know what you’re paying for. And if you can’t go in person, find someone who can.

Otherwise? You might end up like I did once upon a time—excited to unbox, only to find something that looked like it came from a carnival prize counter.

So be smart, do your research, and most importantly—don’t let hype or hashtags rush your decisions.



Bonus Tip: 

If you’re ever unsure about a vendor or an item, check out communities on Reddit, Discord, or even Telegram groups where people share legit reviews, QC pics, and vendor feedback. 

There’s a whole world of fashion detectives out there helping each other avoid the fakes of the fakes.



Floyd “Money” Mayweather — Flashing Cash or Faking Wealth?

When you hear the name Floyd Mayweather, images of luxury cars, private jets, designer drip, and mountains of cash pop up almost instantly. He’s built an empire around the persona of wealth. But when you start to dig into the numbers and stories behind the scenes, a different narrative begins to unfold—one that’s less about being rich and more about looking rich.

The Illusion of Unlimited Money

Yes, Floyd is one of the highest-paid athletes in history. His net worth is still estimated around $500 million as of 2025. A large chunk of that came from legendary fights—especially the $300 million payday from fighting Conor McGregor in 2017. That was peak “Money Mayweather.”

But net worth doesn’t always mean cash in hand—and it definitely doesn’t mean someone is financially responsible. In 2017, the IRS came knocking, demanding more than $22 million in back taxes. He ended up paying $18 million to settle it. That’s not pocket change—even for someone like him.


Trouble in Dubai?

More recently, Mayweather reportedly faced detainment in Dubai over unpaid debts, unrelated to boxing. That’s wild considering how often he boasts about money on social media. If you’re so rich, why are you in debt? It’s giving “cappin’ for the ‘Gram.”

What’s the Real Story?

Here’s my take: People who constantly flash money usually have something to prove—or something to hide. It’s often smoke and mirrors. The watches, the private jets, the $100,000 shopping sprees… it’s all curated to maintain the image of wealth, even if the reality is loans, liens, or lawsuits behind the scenes.

Just like regular people, celebrities can live beyond their means. But when you’re in the public eye and your whole brand is built on being “rich,” the pressure to keep up appearances can be overwhelming—and expensive.

So, Is Floyd Broke?

Not completely. But is he as wealthy and liquid as he pretends to be? That’s debatable. And the truth is, being worth $500 million doesn’t matter if you’re spending $510 million.


Final Thoughts

As someone watching from the outside—especially outside the U.S.—it’s clear that the obsession with flex culture can be toxic. Real wealth is quiet. It doesn’t need validation. Floyd’s story is a reminder that flashing cash doesn’t always mean financial security.

Sometimes, the louder the flex, the bigger the debt.


Karmelo Anthony & Austin Metcalf — When Tragedy Meets Truth

When I first heard the name “Karmelo Anthony” trending, I thought it had something to do with the basketball star. The irony didn’t escape me when I realized this was about a teen involved in a fatal altercation, not a professional athlete. But beyond the familiar name was a story that’s been dividing opinions across social media, fueling conversations about race, youth violence, and justice in America.

To sum it up, a young man named Karmelo Anthony, reportedly 17 years old, is accused of fatally stabbing Austin Metcalf, also 17, during a confrontation at a high school track meet in Frisco, Texas. According to reports, a fight broke out over seating arrangements, and things escalated quickly. Witnesses claim that Anthony was sitting under another team’s tent and was asked to move by Metcalf. An argument ensued, during which Anthony allegedly warned, “Touch me and see what happens.” When Metcalf attempted to physically remove him, Anthony pulled out a knife and stabbed him in the chest.

At the time of writing this, Karmelo Anthony has been charged with first-degree murder and is currently under house arrest after his bond was reduced from $1 million to $250,000.  Public outrage is intensifying. Some are calling Anthony a murderer, while others say he was defending himself. And, as expected, the race narrative is fueling much of the discourse—Black vs. white, aggressor vs. victim, inner city vs. suburbia. But that’s exactly where I believe many people are missing the point.

I don’t live in America, but I see how deeply racism still runs in the fabric of everyday life there. It’s disheartening to watch how quickly people pick sides based solely on skin color, without examining the facts, the context, or the bigger picture. But here’s my honest take:


Both were wrong.


Yes, Anthony may have felt threatened. If he was being pursued, like some witnesses claim, I understand the fear. But excessive force is still excessive force. And when it ends in death—especially a stabbing to the chest—it crosses a line. In my opinion, there has to be accountability. Not necessarily to destroy a young Black boy’s future, but to make it clear: we cannot normalize deadly violence as a response to fear or threats. We cannot let teenagers grow up thinking that if someone swings at you, it’s okay to respond with a fatal blow.

This isn’t about race to me—it’s about life. About young people, poor decision-making, and the tragedy that comes when tempers and fear collide. As a parent, as someone who values human life, I can’t help but think about the heartbreak on both sides. One family has lost a child. Another family is watching their child face a potential lifetime behind bars. Two futures destroyed.

We need to stop pretending that choosing sides makes us moral. The truth is, both boys were failed—by society, by their environments, by the systems that should teach de-escalation and emotional intelligence. Race may complicate how the world reacts, but it shouldn’t confuse us about right and wrong. We don’t need to turn this into another cultural war. We need to sit down and ask ourselves: how do we stop this from happening again?

Let justice take its course. But let’s also call for more than just legal justice. Let’s call for better role models, better conflict resolution, and real conversations about accountability—no matter your skin color. Because defending a life shouldn’t mean taking one.



— City Chick Island Kick


Note: The names and details mentioned are based on publicly available information as of April 2025. The case is ongoing, and all individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.