Earlier this week, B. Simone had the internet in shambles when she seemingly confirmed a relationship with DaBaby after months of flirtatious online banter between the two. It wasn't until later when the duo revealed that the image was from a recently released short film that has since amassed more than 2 million views in only 24 hours.
B. Simone's latest move is only one example of the multihyphenate mogul's social media magic, and our good sis just dropped a book that gives us the method behind her marketing genius.
In Baby Girl Manifest The Life You Want, which has already sold 10,000 copies in two days, we see a compilation of the influencer's personal diary entries from 2014-2017 that will inspire you to stop self-doubt in its tracks and manifest the life that you want. She wrote on Instagram:
"You ladies (and gentlemen) that receive this book will embark on a new journey and it will help you start your road to manifesting the life you've always wanted 💕 I put my heart into this book and I know it's going to help so many people all over the world! I have personal diary entries in the book from my actual diary, and it's 4 chapters of information!!! MANIFEST YOUR FINANCES, MANIFEST AFTER THE SUCCESS, MANIFEST YOUR CIRCLE and MANIFEST AFTER THE BREAKUP!!!! Change your mind and change your life! It starts with your mind! I'm the MANIFEST QUEEN anything I want, I GET! Order my book now and start manifesting the life you desire."
For more news that's popping in the media this week, scroll below:
Details On Lauren London & Nick Cannon’s Touching Tributes To Nipsey Hussle On The One-Year Anniversary Of His Death
It's been one year since Nipsey Hussle was senselessly murdered outside of his store in South L.A., and 365 days later, his longtime partner Lauren London is still making sure that the marathon continues. In a touching Instagram post, Lauren wrote:
"Time is deceptive. It's been a year since you transitioned. The pain is as heavy today as it was a year ago. God knows I would give anything to see you again. I didn't think I was going to survive a second of any of this. Prayers have kept me together. The kids keep me going and Gods Grace and Mercy have carried me this far. As today makes a year, I stand strong because of you. Because I know you wouldn't have it any other way. Because I recall every late night conversation we had about resilience and fear. Because you were my greatest teacher and because you are still with us, in spirit."
Among other celebrities who showed love for the fallen legend was Nick Cannon, who released the trailer for Strong Enemies: The Untold Case of Dr. Sebi, keeping a promise that he made to the late-rapper shortly after his death. Nipsey, who was studying Dr. Sebi's federal court case, died before he was able to release his research, a cause that Nick has now made his mission. Last year, the Wild N' Out creator wrote on Instagram:
"Where you left off, we gonna carry one! It's a MARATHON, so I'm picking up the baton! Because they can't kill us all. Now, your message is my message! Your work is my work! I know you still rocking with us and your voice will never be silenced because to be absent from the body is to be present with the Most High!"
Kenya Moore Says She Wasn’t Allowed To Talk To Marc Daly’s Parents
Since tying the knot in 2017, Kenya Moore and Marc Daly's relationship has been nothing short of a rollercoaster, and recently, the Real Housewives of Atlanta star revealed that their split was one that had been months in the making. In a recent episode of RHOA, Kenya shared that communication was a major issue in their relationship, so much so, that she wasn't even allowed to speak to his parents:
"I'm not allowed to speak to his mother or father. If you don't know everything about that person's life, you're not being let in."
"One of my issues with him is not being able to have a conversation without yelling or anger or crossing lines. I know it's not me and I know how hard I've fought for this marriage. I stopped caring about my feelings and all I was trying to be was who he wanted me to be and work through everything as best I could to keep my family together."
Big Sister Shaves Head & Eyebrows In Support Of Her Little Sister’s Cancer Battle & I’m Not Crying, You Are
Every now and then you come across something on the internet that hits you right in the heart and this viral video of a girl shaving her head in support of little sister will have your eyes sweating uncontrollably.
In a video that has now gained the attention of stars like Jada Pinkett Smith and Janet Jackson, we see Cami remind her sister that hair doesn't make you beautiful and I'm not crying, you are.
While we're unsure of the details surrounding the video, we know that there are fewer things in this world sweeter than a sister's love. Cami captioned the video:
"Can't say everything that's been going on has been easy, it's been hard, it hurts. But this isn't for any of you or for me, this is for you Gaby. I LOVE YOU with every bone in my body. U fight…& you do it d*** well. Hair does not make you and even bald you still manage to be the prettiest sister..I love you so so so so much boot boot & every battle you go through, I promise to go through it with you [because] that's what... sisters do."
The #DontRushChallenge Epitomizes Black Excellence At Its Finest
I'm pretty sure that the internet was made for Black people and the #DontRushChallenge is proof that our creativity knows no limits. From doctors, nurses, and dads to those stuck at home, creatives from all over the world showed out for this viral Tik Tok trend that has given us our entire lives.
There Is A Free Virtual Mental Health Conference To Help You Cope With COVID-19 & This xoMan Is At The Helm
Home is where the heart is, but being stuck there for months at a time can be taxing. Luckily, this xoMan curated a free AF, Black AF online mental health conference that will help you get your mental health all the way together. Created by psychotherapist and mental health advocate, Rwenshaun Miller, the conference will be live on Friday from 3 to 6:30 PM EST and will feature commentary from founder of Therapy For Black Girls, Dr. Joy Harden Bradford.
Register online at Rwenshaun.com/centered.
Featured image by Kathy Hutchins / Shutterstock.com
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Anyway, one of them was recently expressing in the chat that, although, according to her doctor, her hormone levels seemed to be fine, she felt like certain perimenopause symptoms were telling her otherwise. She’s probably right because the reality is you can be in a state of perimenopause — the transitional phase that comes right before menopause — anywhere from 4-10 years (keep in mind that the average age for entering menopause is 51).
And so, after hearing about some of what she was experiencing and recommending things like evening primrose oil and raspberry leaf tea, it reminded me that I should also pen an article on seed cycling — a practice that is gaining more traction when it comes to all-natural ways of keeping certain hormones in balance.
If you’re curious about what seed cycling is all about, I’ve got a few details that may interest you — and might provide you with some perimenopausal relief — below.
What Is Seed Cycling and Why Is It Becoming More Popular?
GiphyProbably the easiest way to define seed cycling is it’s all about consuming certain seeds during certain times of the month in order to balance out your hormones — well, not only balance hormones but boost fertility and also decrease symptoms that are directly related to menopause.
The thought process of seed cycling is if you consume certain seeds during the first half of your menstrual cycle, it will help to balance out your estrogen levels; then if you consume certain seeds during the other half of your menstrual cycle, it will balance out your progesterone levels.
So, which seeds are you supposed to take?
Flax and pumpkin seeds during the first 14 days of your cycle and then sesame and sunflower seeds during the last 14 days. And what if your period isn’t on a 28-day cycle? Well, then what you would do is take flax and pumpkin seeds during your follicular phase (the first day that you start your period through the day that you ovulate) and sesame and sunflower seeds during your luteal phase (the time that happens right after your ovulate and ends once your period starts). And why these seeds in particular? Were they just pulled out of thin air? Nope.
Flaxseeds contain phytoestrogenswhich is a form of plant-based estrogen. Estrogen is low at the beginning of your menstrual cycle, so phytoestrogens can help your body build up your uterine lining. When you are going through the latter stages of perimenopause/menopause, estrogen levels can significantly decrease; phytoestrogens can help to bring your levels back up. That said, as far as periods are concerned, flaxseeds can help to regulate your cycle (which can also make it easier for you to conceive, if that is something that you are trying to do). As far as perimenopause and menopause are concerned, they can help to make their symptoms more bearable.
Pumpkin seeds are a rich source of magnesium and manganese which help to ease PMS symptoms and reduce menstrual discomfort. When it comes to perimenopause and menopause, magnesium can reduce anxiety and depression and help you to sleep better which can reduce symptoms that are associated with both conditions. And manganese? Manganese helps to regulate blood levels and improve bone density. Pumpkin seeds also contain a considerable amount of zinc that helps to regulate hormones. Fertility-wise, pumpkin seeds can increase testosterone levels and they can help you to have a healthier pregnancy.
Sesame seeds also have phytoestrogens in them; however, the reason why sesame seeds are recommended for seed cycling is because the zinc, selenium, vitamin E, and fatty acids in them are what help to give your progesterone levels a boost during the second half of your menstrual cycle. Progesterone not only creates a healthy uterine lining, if an egg isn’t fertilized, but it also helps your body to shed the lining. When it comes to perimenopause/menopause, progesterone is needed because it can help reduce the impact of hot flashes and menopause-related insomnia. When it comes to conceiving, sesame seeds can help to reduce inflammation and boost your immunity — making it easier for your body to get pregnant.
Sunflower seeds are loaded with vitamin Eand that alone makes them great when it comes to your menstrual cycle and dealing with perimenopause and menopause-related symptoms. That’s because vitamin E helps to reduce period discomfort and, if you happen to have heavy cycles, it can help to decrease the amount of blood that you lose during your cycle as well. For those dealing with perimenopause and menopause, vitamin E helps to bring relief to symptoms like hot flashes and vaginal dryness. Sunflower seeds can also aid in fertility, thanks to the fatty acids in them that can make it easier to conceive.
So, as you can see, there is a method to the madness when it comes to the seeds that are selected for seed cycling. Okay, but how do you actually incorporate seed cycling into your lifestyle? Good question.
How to Do Seed Cycling in Order to Receive the Most Optimal Results
GiphyIf you want to try seed cycling in order to see if it helps you and your hormones out, this is what you will need to do:
During days 1-14 (again, your follicular phase), you will need to take one tablespoon of ground flaxseeds and one tablespoon of ground pumpkin seeds.
During days 15-28 (again, your luteal phase), you will need to take one tablespoon of ground sesame seeds and one tablespoon of ground sunflower seeds.
The strategy here is if you do this consistently for 3-4 months, you should start to see an improvement when it comes to the imbalance of your hormones. It should also go on record that some health experts recommend adding 1200-1500 mg EPA/DHA to the follicular phase of seed cycling and evening primrose oil to the luteal phase. That’s because EPA/DHA are fatty acids that help to reduce bodily inflammation and evening primrose oil helps to decrease PMS symptoms as well as hot flashes.
As far as side effects go, there currently aren’t any drastic ones that have been reported. The main thing to keep in mind is that you may experience some gas, bloating, or changes in your bowel movement patterns for a moment. That’s because certain seeds are filled with fiber.
How These Seeds Will Benefit Your Health Regardless
GiphyNow that you know more of what seed cycling is all about, you might be wondering if it’s truly worth your while. The truth is that research is still being conducted which means that there are articles out in cyberspace that tend to Elmo shrug seed cycling more than anything else. My two cents? I mean, the fact that the four seeds listed have other health benefits, if you’re someone who prefers to take all-natural approaches to your health, it can’t hurt to up your intake of flaxseeds, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, and sunflower seeds anyway. Here are a few (additional) reasons why.
Flaxseeds. Aside from the fact that flaxseeds are a beneficial source of fiber and protein, they are also good for you because they are rich in omega-3s (which reduce inflammation and decrease cholesterol levels), they can help to keep your blood sugar levels in check, they are good at assisting with weight management and they can strengthen your digestive system.
Pumpkin seeds. If you’re currently trying to eat less meat yet you don’t want to do it at the sacrifice of your daily protein needs, pumpkin seeds are the answer to your prayers. They are off-the-charts when it comes to how much protein is in them (almost nine grams per serving), plus they contain a solid amount of copper, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, zinc, and antioxidants. If you want to improve your bladder health, pumpkin seeds can help to make that happen. If you want a stronger heart, pumpkin seeds offer support in that department.
Something else to keep in mind is, that since pumpkin seeds have antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, and anti-ulcerative properties in them, they can also help your body to heal from minor issues and wounds faster — which is always a good thing.
Sesame seeds. If you are looking to get more fiber and protein in, lower your cholesterol and blood pressure levels, keep your bones in good shape, uptick your vitamin B intake, and/or strengthen your immune system, these are the areas where sesame seeds can be of great assistance. Something else that’s cool about sesame seeds is they have a reputation for helping to keep your liver and kidneys in peak condition as well.
Sunflower seeds. As far as snacking goes, probably the most popular seeds (on this list, anyway) are sunflower seeds. If they are something that you enjoy indulging in, you can feel good about that since they contain properties that fight cancer, help to regulate your thyroid, assist with preventing muscle cramps, provide you an energy boost, reduce your blood sugar levels, and make your gut (where 80 percent of your immunity resides) healthier.
Hmph. Looks to me that if you take these seeds in, your health is only going to improve — if that includes when it comes to your hormones, then that is just a bonus.
___
Now that you know more about seed cycling, of course, it is totally up to you if you want to give it a shot. Again, though — since all of these seeds are good for you, what do you have to lose in trying it?
I don’t see one damn thing, y’all. Not one.
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