Happy Father's Day!!!

Father:

1. a male parent
2. a person who founds a line or family
3. any male acting in a paternal capacity
4. a respectful term of address for an old man
5. a male ancestor
6. a man who originates, creates, or found something

Many of you can relate to the definitions above. There is no rule or criteria set for being a father; and the role of a "father" can be taken on by anyone! Today is a day of honoring and celebrating the role of fatherhood, paternal bonds and positive influences created by whomever we look up to as a "father figure". We appreciate everything that you do. So hug that person, and be sure to tell them how much you love them! I am fortunate to have a wonderful father in my life, and so do my children! They have awesome dads; and are loves of their lives! I wouldn't change a thing! The bond between father and daughter is definitely a magical one!

HAPPY FATHER' S DAY TO YOU ALL! MUCH LOVE!

Shouts out to all the "fathers" out here holding it down, taking care of business, supporting families, remaining confident and strong, encouraging the youth, influencing positivity, and making a difference! I love it!!! 

Peace, Jessica...

Feeling the Love in here! 

June 12, 2012

I didn't plan on blogging today, but I have to give shouts out to those who have taken time out to check me out on this blog and on Facebook! I am so thankful to see that people are interested in the little information that I have to offer! I talked to an old friend today and she asked for some natural hair tips, and also went to say how inspired one of her family members were by some of my Facebook pictures; they decided to go natural! Now that really warmed my heart! I want to encourage all of my black sistas to show their natural, God-given beauty, and let it shine out!!! She really encouraged me, nonetheless , to keep on pushing. There are days when I feel like giving up, but no matter what (with 1 view a day or 100 views a day) I will continue to feed my people this knowledge until my well runs dry (I don't see that happening) :)!!! So THANK YOU again! Shouts out to my old friend, if you are reading this, you really made me feel like I am really doing something! AND to all my viewers, you are greatly appreciated!!!

"You could have been anywhere in the world, but you chose to be here with me"

and that means a lot!!! 

Peace & much love, Jessica

Natural hair "Lingo"....?

June 11, 2012

As much as I love my natural hair and all things associated with it, I must say that I am still learning about the natural hair "lingo"! Most of it has become apart of my own vocabulary, but I still see new acronyms that I have to look up in order to understand the meaning. Below are a some words you may see or hear! 

• BC=Big Chop
• APL=Arm pit length
• BAA-Big A** Afro
• TWA=Teeny weeny afro
• BSL=Bra strap length
• CBL=Collar bone length
• CoWash=Using conditioner to wash in place of shampoo
• DC=Deep condition
• EO=Essential oils
• EVCO=Extra Virgin coconut oil
• EVOO-Extra Virgin olive oil
• MBL=Mid Back length
• PJ=Product junkie
• POO=Shampoo
• SEALING=Essentially sealing moisture in the hair. To effectively seal the hair, one must first use a water based product and then seal with butters/oils.
• SLIP=Is used to describe how slippery a product is once applied to hair. The more slip the more the product will coat the hair to help aid in detangling. 
• TNC=Twist n Curl
• Twist out=Two strand twist allowed to dry and taken apart to style
• Wash n Go, W&G, WnG=Simply wash hair, apply styler (gel or cream) and Go! Hair would air dry or dry with a diffuser.

These are the most commonly used acronyms in the "natural hair dictionary". It seems like a lot, but it becomes like second nature before you know it! 

Peace, Jessica

My Natural Hair...

June 9, 2012

Big chop on March 2011

Taken on October 2011

Taken on March 2012

Taken on May 2012

I have been natural for almost 15 months and what a life changing experience it is! This journey is one that I was not prepared for, yet it has made me who I am today! I have a new sense of self- worth and a new found confidence. I do not feel the need to be accepted by society; and being different feels really good! More and more I find myself trying "not" to fit in!

Everything that I have learned about my hair came from "trial & error" and from various sites on the Internet! I, still to this day, am learning new things everyday about my hair. This journey is full of fun and it has taught me that "patience is a virtue"! Natural black hair can be grown long and healthy with patience and much effort. My goal is to grow long, natural, healthy hair and encourage others to do the same.

I have type 4 kinky hair, with about 2 different curl patterns throughout. I have learned that a simple regimen will take you a long way! A simple hair care tip that I use is to apply a:

Water based product (H2O is the best moisturizer for our hair)
Oil based product (Certain oils provide needed vitamins & nutrients)
Cream based product (This seals in all of the moisture that you've just applied)

Now this application is to be done after a good shampoo or or Co-wash (washing with a good conditioner). This ensures that your hair is moisturized and moisture is the key to healthy hair!

After co-washing with Herbal Essence Hello Hydration conditioner,  I apply a mixture of rosemary infused water & veggie glycerin. Next, I use Castor oil or coconut oil as my oil based product. Finally, I have a mixture of Shea butter & Aloe Vera gel as the cream based product.

After these products have been applied, you can style your hair using your favorite styling product. Depending on the length, you have an array of styles to choose from!

Listed below are some examples of  products that have worked for me and my hair texture...

Shampoo:
Herbal Essence Hello Hydration
Yes to Carrots
Tresemme Natural

Conditioner:
Herbal Essence Hello Hydration
Garnier Fructis  Sleek and Shine
Tresemme Natural
Aussie Moist

Oils/Sealants:
Virgin Coconut oil
Unrefined Shea Butter
Castor oil

Stylers:
Eco Styler Olive oil gel
Kinky Curly curling custard
Shea Moisture's Curl Smoothie

Products that work for one natural may be a disaster for another! That is why it is important to try things out and figure out what works for your hair!

This is JUST the basics on how to care for your natural hair. There is much more to know. I just try to keep things as simple as possible; Our hair is very complex!  As the days go by, I will try to cover as much with you all as I can!

If you have any questions/comment , feel free to post below!!!!

Peace, Jessica

Thinking about going natural???

June,8 2012

Contemplating a more natural look and way of life these days? Are you beginning to realize that "relaxing" your hair is becoming a thing of the past, and would like to see what your hair looks like in its natural, healthy state? Not Sure? Okay, do you seem to notice natural girls out in public and wonder..."Where does she find the courage to wear her hair that way." Maybe? Well, these were some of the things that came to mind during my relaxed days, and finally I decided that it was time to change. I was beginning to experience a lot of scalp problems, my hair was shedding excessively, and my skin constantly broke out. I decided to do a BC (big chop). A big chop is when all of your relaxed ends are completely trimmed off. The first glance in the mirror after my hair cut was one that I will never forget! From that day forward, I have never looked back! You have to be mentally prepared in making the decision to become natural & ready for the journey ahead; and willing to face many obstacles along the way. Remember that we have been programmed into thinking that

Relaxed hair=Beautiful+Healthy+Desirable

Natural hair (with all its kinks, coils, and curls)=Bad+ Unmanageable+Unwanted...

Everything has its pros and cons, and becoming natural is no exception. Now with relaxers containing chemicals like: 

Sodium Hydroxide
Lithium Hydroxide

Ammonium Sulfate

Perm Salts 

Formaldehyde 

and other chemicals proven to cause fibroids, cancer, hair loss, dandruff, alopecia, itchy scalp and baldness...there doesn't seem to be many PROS to this product... Becoming natural takes a lot of patience and effort. You have to do a lot of research on your new texture. Research on how it grows, how to care for it, different products to use, and etc! The internet provides an array of information for you to use! I visit popular blogs like Curlynikki.com, BGLHonline.com and TheGoodHairblog.com! Also YOUTUBE! These sites are basically lifesavers for the newbie naturals! Now, I know you are thinking "Where do I begin" ? I suggest that you seriously consider a healthier lifestyle! You can decide to transition into becoming natural. Which is like taking baby steps towards a big chop. Here you would refrain from relaxers and let your texture grow out by wearing braids, sew-ins, wigs, or rods. And eventually BC after a few months. Or be daring and just BIG CHOP it all off & show off your confidence! No matter the choice, your hair, your body, and your soul will thank you! Becoming natural has made me realize how beautiful we are as black people! We were created with beautiful coils, kinks, and curls; and we should show them off! Who says something is wrong with being "nappy"? and that permanently "Straight" is the way to be? I definitely do not agree with societies standards for what a beautiful women should look like!!! With that being said, going natural is food for your soul. And when people see you out, your confidence, courage, and beauty will shine & glow naturally! That is why they stare!

So take that step, and do not let anyone stop you from embracing your GOD given beauty; become an inspiration for others to do the same! 

Peace, Jessica