HOW SWEET IT IS TO BE LOVED BY (YOU)

It has been such a long time since my last post, therefore, this one is a little personal (as if all of them aren't relative) So much has occurred in my life this year, that I haven't much time to do what I love....and that is to write! 

Today, I want to touch on such a sensitive and important subject; loving yourself! I know you have heard the saying "You can't learn to love until you learn to love yourself" ...

Loving yourself (I think) is to accept EVERYTHING about yourself...the good, the bad, and the "ugly". Once you've accepted theses things, your expectations for yourself will change. For example: Accepting your natural hair as it is (short, long, kinky, thick, thin, and/or curly) your expectations for your hair no longer causes disappointment. You now EXPECT your hair to be as it is. 

Just because you're a neat freak doesn't necessarily mean you have OCD, or just because you love being alone that you are anti-social! View the things that make you feel good as something positive, no matter how other people view it! 

Lately, I have been questioning a lot of things about myself. And after much meditation, I asked myself "WHY"....Why am I questioning who I am? Who's expectations am I trying to fulfill? I realized that I should be completely happy with how I am "right now"! And I say "right now" because I have changed over time because of what I have experienced! Which is something that I love about myself; I have the ability to transform! 

Now know that there is nothing wrong with wanting to change, just make sure that this change will be beneficial to YOU first, and then others. And that this change isn't because your are insecure about something. 

If you are questioning yourself, just ask yourself this:

Why do I want or need to change?

How will this change benefit me? and/or others?

Am I trying to fit in? Or make someone else happy?

Will this make me happy?

Never second guess yourself, be proud of the weird, odd, and crazy things that you do or feel! I call it being "One with yourself"! Honestly how can you learn to love someone else and their ways, their style, and their flaws without loving your own??? So embrace that kinky hair, embrace that imperfect shape, or that sweet tooth (me lol) and live your life for you!!! Keep things positive and surround yourself with positive people!

SELF-HATE & DEPRESSION IS NOT ALLOWED!!!! 

Be happy! Much LOVE && PEACE!!! 

I love graphic tees; Especially ones that promote black culture && natural hair! What better way to embrace blackness and show off your love for natural hair than to rock a super hot graphic tee with Afro Picks on it?! Most of them are very expressive and they definitely turn heads!  Shopping online is a wonderful place to find fabulous graphic tees; and below are some pic && links to those sites!!! **Just Click the Name to view the site! 

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BON BON VIE

Bon Bon Vie. com is an awesome company! The creator is a Chi Town native! This site offers tees, jewelry, and totes!  In the past, I purchased the "Brown Skin Lady" and "You better pick your afro" tees online! The quality is great, and they did not shrink or fade! 

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KURLY KUTIE

I met a beautiful, young natural sista at the CurlyNikki meetup, who had given me her business card for this site! She mentioned a particular shirt that sparked my interest; it reads "I'm a very Kinky girl"! I had to visit the site! It is Atlanta based, the prices are reasonable, and the shirts are hott!!!

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DIFFERENTLY

Differently is an urban lifestyle company that provides environmental friendly clothing! They offer Rastafarian, Reggae, Natural Hair, and Politically & Socially Conscious graphic tee!!! They are offered in a variety of colors and you can also create your own design! The tees are American Apparel 100% certified organic & recycled cotton! The creators are natives of St. Thomas V.I.!!!

I am so excited to see the "natural hair movement" growing daily & how it is being embraced in so many different aspects; clothing, hair products, jewelry, and more! It is liberating && should definitely be motivation for us all to continue doing what we do to contribute to the "movement"! Check out the sites above and see if you'd like to rock a stylish graphic tee this summer; along with a fly natural do, and some bangin' accessories to top it all of!!!  

PEACE && Love!!! 

MUSIC VIBZZZZZZZ

Tonight I am listening to FRANK OCEAN's new album  "Channel Orange"....This alternative album has a classic sound and I am definitely feeling great vibes right now! 

Frank Ocean (24) is a singer-songwriter from New Orleans; who began his career as a ghostwriter for people like Justin Bieber, John Legend, and Bridgett Kelly! He became a member of  OFWGKTA (an alternative hip hop collective) and released his debut mixtape "Nostalgia, Ultra" in Feb. 2011 (CLASSIC) which caught the interest of people like Kayne, Beyonce & Jay-Z. He made an appearance on the "Watch the Throne" album! Frank also performed at Coachella this year;Below is a link to his performance on the Jimmy Fallon show on July 9th!!! It was epic! 

FRANK OCEAN on JIMMY FALLON SHOW

Channel Orange is comprised of 17 songs (some are interludes) and a digital booklet when purchased on iTunes! I am loving the sound of this album & I definitely plan on purchasing for only $9.99!!! The sound is so laid back with a cool vibe that just gets you in some kind of mood! His voice & style is amazing! 




On Independence day this year, Frank Ocean published an open letter on his Tumblr blog that he'd fallen in love with a man back when he was 19 years old. The letter basically was to thank the guy for his influences and to thank his family for their support. He stated that he now felt like a "free man" and was "unsure" about what happens from that point on. I honestly respect this man for being brave enough to liberate himself regardless of what others may think. I'm not one to judge anyone, and I love his music regardless of what he chooses to do in his free time.


FRANK OCEAN IS STILL THE "ISH &&& IS ON SOME NEXT LEVEL 'ISH!!!! 


Please check out the free stream of the album "CHANNEL ORANGE"......

CLICK 2 LISTEN

Let this cool music take you to a place where you just want to let go of all inhibitions!!! Check him out! 

PEACE & LOVE

MY STAPLE PRODUCTS.......



Yesterday, I restocked my cabinets with more of my favorite products! Most of these products can be purchased at Walmart, Walgreens, and/or any local beauty supply store! 

My hair regimen is very simple; and I have found that the less products I use, the better. I restocked up on :

ECO Styler Gel-$3.50 Sally's

Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie-$9.99 Walgreens

Tropic of Isle Living Black Jamaican Castor Oil-$12.93 Amazon.com

CURLS Passion Fruit Curl Control paste-$7.99 Target

Herbal Essence Hello Hydration Shampoo & Conditioner-$4.97 Walmart

Organic Root Stimulator Replenishing Conditioner-$6.99 Sally's Beauty Supply

My hair functions smoothly with these products. In time, I may have to change things up, but at the moment I hold these products "tried & true"!!! 

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The ECO Styler gel and Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie are great products to use to  create a soft to medium hold without the dry, crunch associated with gel alone! I just take a scoop full of both products and mix them together. I apply the mixture to clean, damp, detangled hair and proceed to braiding or twisting! That mixture always leaves my hair soft and defined! Some people use the Curl Enhancing Smoothie for Wash n Go's; and the ECO Styler gel is great for smoothing down edges as well! 

The Black Jamacian Castor oil is a wonderful natural oil that I use to seal my ends, as a pre-poo, and/or to detangle my hair! The scent is not the best, but it helps with growing out natural healthy hair! Its very thick and perfect for my thick, kinky hair!!! 

The CURLS Passion Fruit Curl Control Paste smells wonderful! I use this product to smooth down my edges because it creates a soft & shiny hold. Some people use this product for twist and braidouts, but I find it a bit heavy on my hair for that purpose. 

Herbal Essence Hello Hydration shampoo & conditioner are heavenly! They both create a wonderful "slip" in my hair, and are very inexpensive! They smell great, are thick and slippery enough to use for detangling! 

I use the Organic Root Stimulator Replenishing Conditioner for deep conditioning. Honestly, my hair does not respond to products that contain protein, but it is essential to incorporate it into your hair regimen to help strenghen your hair. 


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If you are a newly natural and are still searching for your "staple" products, you may want to try these popular item to see if they work for you!!!!

Peace & LOVE

"Live Strong my friend"

I am all for a natural holistic lifestyle, and I try my best to be health conscious as much as possible! Taking care of ourselves and our family gives us peace of mind! There are several ways to practice a healthy way of living. Ranging from eating right, exercising regularly, and maintain a healthy mental state.

Some of my favorite places to shop are Nature's Remedies, Whole Foods, Earth Fare and Trader Joe's! I purchase tasty healthy natural foods and care products from these places, and I am always satisfied!

In hopes that you, my readers, are interested & willing to try some new healthy holistic practices, I am going to list a view tasty recipes for you all to try! I will also list other healthy activities that may interest you as well!!! Enjoy!


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 Celebrate summer with a cool refreshing beverage....All Natural & Healthy!!! Drink up!!!









Strawberry Honey Lemonade

****Serves 4-6****

1 pint of fresh strawberries (washed, trimmed, & cut in half)
1 cup of fresh lemon juice (about 4 lemons)
2/3 cup of raw honey
1/2 cup of warm water
5 cups of cold water

Directions:

1. In a blender, pl;ace strawberries and 1/4 cup of lemon juice and blend until smooth. Pour through a fine sieve and press with the back of a spoon or pour through a strainer lined with a cheese cloth to extract as much juice as possible. Discard pulp.

2. In a pitcher, mix together honey and warm water and stir until honey is dissolved. Add strawberry juice, remaining lemon juice and cold water. Mix well and serve over ice!!!






Cucumber Lemonade Chiller

****Serves 4****


3 large cucumbers
1 tablespoon of chopped rosemary (plus 4 sprigs for garnish)
1/2 cup of lemon juice
3 tablespoons of agave syrup


Directions:


1. Cut 12 thin slices of cucumbers for garnish


2. Peel and chop the rest of the cucumbers, and transfer into a food processor. Add rosemary  and puree.  Press on the solids to extract all the juice. Add water,  lemon juice and agave syrup to the cucumber juice; stir until the agave is dissolved. Divide among 4 ice-filled glasses. Garnish with cucumber slices and rosemary sprigs!!!


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Here is a recipe for a nice and light Pasta salad with mixed veggies! This goes great with one of the refreshing healthy beverages above!! Enjoy! 








Pasta Salad with Mixed Veggies

*****Serves 8****


12 oz of whole wheat rotini pasta
1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil
1/4 cup of low sodium chicken broth
1 garlic clove, chopped
2 medium onions, chopped
1 can diced tomatoes (unsalted & in juice)
1 lb of mushrooms, sliced
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 green bell pepper, sliced
2 medium zucchini, shredded
1/2 tablespoon of basil
1/2 tablespoon of oregano
8 romaine lettuce leaves 


Directions:

1. Cook pasta according to the package directions. Drain the pasta thoroughly. Place pasta in a large serving bowl. Add the olive oil and toss. Set aside.

2. In a large skillet, heat the chicken broth over medium heat. Add the garlic, onions and tomatoes. Saute until the onions are transparent, about 5 minutes. Add the remaining vegetables and saute until tender-crisp, about 5 minutes. Stir in the basil and oregano.

3. Add the vegetable mixture to the pasta. Toss to mix evenly. Cover and refrigerate until well chilled, about 1 hour.

4. Place lettuce leaves on individual plates. Top with the pasta salad and serve immediately.

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There are other great ways to ensure you look and feel your best! Not only can you eat right, but you can exercise your mind and body! Below are some helpful tips and places to visit for a healthier, holistic lifestyle!!! 

• Don't Smoke....Just as exercise helps everything, smoking hurts everything
• Practice stress relief...whether it is meditation, church, a hobby, or exercising
• Get at least 7 hours of sleep EVERY night
• Laugh & Smile! DO things that keep you happy....and healthy

If you are in the UPSTATE....drop on by!

Yoganize 

2105 Old Spartanburg Rd. Greenville

(864) 325-6053

www.Yoganize.com

Southernom 

1440 Woodruff Rd Greenville

(864) 329-1114

www.southernom.com

Equilibrium Zen Gym

2110 Augusta St. Greenville

(864) 419-2596

www.equilibriumzengym.com

Bridge to Wellness, LLC

607 Main st Simpsonville

(864) 963-4466

www.bridge2wellness.com

All Natural Health and Beauty Center

101 College St. Simpsonville

(864) 963-2882

www.naturalfarmacy.net

July 2, 2012

Natural Hair Types

In order to maintain healthy natural hair, one must identify his/her hair type and use the proper hair products & care techniques accordingly. Textured hair requires special care and styling depending on the curl pattern! Naturally textured hair is divided into 3 categories; 

Type 2- Wavy hair

Type 3- Curly hair

Type 4- Kinky/Coily hair

Type 2 Wavy hair :

The waves and curls in Type 2 hair forms a "S" shape and lay closely to the head. Wavy hair will not bounce, even if layered. 

*Type 2 textures include light to very wavy patterns.

*Waves benefit from mousse, gels & lotions that will enhance waves without weighing them down.

Product Recommendations

*DevaCurl One Condtioner

*MopTop Gentle shampoo

*Curl Junkie Coffee Coco Curl Cream Lite

Type 3 Curly hair:

Curly hair tends to have a lot of body, and can be easily styled in its natural curl state or straightened with a blow dryer. Hair will appear straight while wet, but the curl pattern will appear once hair begins to dry. 

*Type 3 textures include lightly curly to very curly patterns that are well defined

*Curls benefit from leave-in conditioners and dependable stylers. 

Product Recommendations

*Jane Carter Hydrating Invigorating Shampoo

*Jessicurl Too Shea Extra Moisturizing Conditioner

*Gleau Nourishing Oil blend

Type 4 Kinky/Coily hair: 

Tightly coiled hair that has a defined curl pattern, that is prone to shrinkage, and that will spring back when pulled. Moisturizers are extremely critical; this hair type is very delicate and easily breaks. 

*Type 4 textures include fine & thin to wiry & coarse coils with lots of densely packed strands

*Coils benefit from pomades, gels and leave-in conditioners to maintain moisture

Product Recommendations 

*MYhoneychild Twist Out Cream

*Blended Beauty Soy Cream Shampoo

*Oyin Handmade Whipped Pudding

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***It is extremely important that you learn as much about your natural hair  as possible in order to keep your natural curls in order!!!!

As always, Feel free to post your ?s and/or comments below! 

Peace & LOVE

July 1, 2012

What type of men are you attracting with your natural hair?

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Now that you are sporting your beautiful natural tresses & showing off that CURLY confidence, have you noticed a change in the men that you attract? Does it seem that those men show you more respect on the approach? I must say that I have noticed a HUGE change in the type of guys that approach me, and a difference in the way they choose approach me! Maybe it is because they sense that you are confident, strong, powerful & embracing natural beauty? I am not completely sure, I guess this post calls for an interview in the future? Anyway, this is strictly my opinion (as most of my post) So hope you all agree to some degree? :) Read more below! ....

THE NATURAL BROTHAS

Perhaps the connection is an unspoken bond of embracing black culture and natural black hair!? These guys LOVE natural girls and appreciate their beauty (with all its kinks, coils, curls & locs)!!  You two can share hair secrets & tips, and attend natural hair events together! He sees an immediate thing that you both have in common!  What a natural chemistry!

THE BLIPSTERS

A cross between the words “black” and “hipster”! These guys usually have natural hair, unruly beards and embrace their skin color; listen to a lot of old school poetry hip hop and maybe even jazz! They also have a strong sense of self which is why they dig us natural chics so much!!!

THE CONSERVATIVE

Straight edged and "by the book", this type of guy may be mainstream & politically correct, but he definitely admires you being natural and elegant. Natural beauty....simple yet complex! And he loves that!!! 

THE WHITE BOY

Are you surprised? Maybe not....I notice plenty of interracial couples consist of a kinky girl (hair that is)! Personally, I get the occasional glance and/or advance by these guys; something I never noticed before....So, maybe you do not date white guys, or may so; but they make you feel super comfortable with compliments about your hair. They may not fully understand "natural" black hair, but they know that its pretty & makes you super attractive! 

Thanks for reading & (as always) Feel free to comment!

Peace&LOVE!!!