Cream Cheese Banana Nut Bread w/ Cinnamon Crumb Topping

I love when my bananas are overripe. I was looking to do a Banana Nut Bread but if you know me, you know I had to kick it up a few notches. I took a few recipes and made this one my own. This recipe makes two loaves so freeze one for later. You can use frozen bananas but you will have a few wet spots. For the bread: 3 cups all-purpose flour 1/2 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon salt 1Ttsp Cinnamon (my addition) 3/4 cup butter, softened 8 ounces cream cheese, softened 1/2 cup sour cream (my addition) 2 cups granulated sugar 2 large eggs 1 & 1/2 cups mashed bananas (about 4 medium bananas) 1 cup chopped pecans, toasted (walnuts:my addition) 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/4 tsp rum (my addition) For the topping: 1/2 cup packed brown sugar 1/2 cup chopped pecans, toasted (walnuts:my addition) 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour 1 tablespoon melted butter 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon Instructions: Preheat oven to 350°. Grease and flour two 8″x 4″ loaf pans.Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.Using an electric mixer, beat together butter, sour cream and cream cheese until creamy. Gradually add sugar, mixing until light and fluffy. Add eggs, 1 at a time, mixing just until blended.Gradually add flour mixture to butter mixture, beating at low speed until blended. Stir in bananas, pecans,rum and vanilla extract.Divide batter evenly and spoon into prepared loaf pans. To make the topping, combine all topping ingredients in a small bowl. Sprinkle evenly over batter in both loaf pans.Bake for 1 hour, or until a wooden pick inserted in the center comes out clean. If necessary, cover pans loosel y with aluminum foil for the last 15 minutes to prevent excess browning.Cool bread in pans on wire racks for 10 minutes. Remove from pans to wire racks to cool completely.

Natural hair Journey

The big chop! I decided to chop up my comb. My hair is my favorite feature. I was approached to make my own products since i have become a little mix master of hair goo. I've fallen in love with Grapeseed Oil. It's not heavy and has a soft nutty scent that can easily blend with an essential oil. I use a Shea Butter cream my best friend made for the kids and I. I use it on our hair and body. It has mended split ends, moisturize dry flaky scalp and soften the texture of the hair. 

Now I have realized that going all natural has improved my skin a lot. In learning that, I've become addicted. Like any addiction, it is very expensive. I am using a few commercial products. With the natural hair market growing so rapidly, there are a lot to choose from. I read their ingredients carefully. I know what works for me does not work for my children. Different texture need different methods. As long as you have a perfect base to start with,  just about anything works. I can not stress enough how important it is to add moisture, moisture MOISTURE! I rinse my hair between washes to reduce build up. My hair is fine and I use Jamaican Castor Oil and it is very heavy. Great to use for growth and scalp simulation. I use Jamaican Castor Oil, Olive Oil, Coconut Oil, Tea Tree Oil and Grapeseed Oil as a Hot Oil Treatment. I  shampoo with Garnier because it doesn't strip the oil or hair. Mix avocado and mayo as a great moisturizer and rinse. I use Cantu Leave in conditioner and my weekly treatment is done. Daily, I use a little water to hydrate my hair and Shea Butter Cream and go. 

Embrace your natural hair. I do!

Happy New Year

It's a new year. I have allot to look forward to. Do you make resolutions? If so, is it one or more? If it more likely that you will stuck to one or if you have allot the chances of you seeing at least one is more possible? I don't make resolutions. I make daily promises. Even God did things one day at a time. He is an on time God and awesome in every way. So, if you have not been successful with your long term goal/resolution.. Try a short term. I am sure you will be more successful and happier. Happy New Year and New You... Kisses