Kinky Like US

Ladies,
So I came across this article on Black Voices and I am dying to hear what others think.  It's Bo Derek all over again?  :) Is it flattery or straight up copycatism?  Yeah, that's my word I made up but you get the point.  Are you offended?

I personally take it as a compliment.

Photo Source:  Esquire.com

Newly Natural Feature

Hola!  Good morning/afternoon!  It's almost lunch time for me.  I want to give a big shout out (do people still say that???!) to the lovely KCurly of NewlyNatural.  She was gracious enough to feature me on her blog on yesterday.  Please check out her!

Weekend Hair Plans - Braid Out

Today I am still wearing my twist out from earlier this week.  Still looking alright but I fear that my curls may end up as locs if I don’t do something to them soon! 

The Master Plan

Late tonight  (I have a long day ahead of me) I will shampoo, condition and deep condition.  I will either sit under the dryer for 30 minutes with a plastic cap with the deep conditioner or I will leave it in over night.  I haven’t decided on that yet, whichever time permits.  

After rinsing and a major detangling session, I will then braid my hair in preparation for a braid out – nothing new right?  Well, typically I do a braid out with just 4 gynormous braids to achieve my BIG hair, but this time, I plan on doing 20 – 25 braids.  Wish me luck and check out this braid out tutorial from the lovely MopTop.  Her hair is so gorgeous!  It may inspire you to try this look over the weekend!  Speaking of Mop Top, keep her in your prayers and wish her a speedy recovery.

Enjoy!

Summer ! Please hurry up and come!

Today is an ugly weather day in Ohio!  Ice, sleet, rain, snow - all the elements are in full effect!  Alot of people are awaiting Spring weather.  I am longing for Summer!  Do not pass GO, go directly to Summer!  Summer Days = Wash and GOs for me!  Every day all day!

Happy Friday Le' Naturals!

Me and my baby boy in the Bahamas



Summer Days!



Just Juices and Berries

We spend so much time, or maybe it’s just me, trying to find the right product.  Search Engines are at full capacity with everyone glued to their computer monitors in search of “the one”.  Blogs and YouTube do their best to provide us with the latest and greatest product finds!  Hell, sometimes I stroll through the aisles at Whole Foods or Target for no other reason than to find a new playmate for my curls!  Twist cream this, hair gel that!  When is enough enough?!!  Profitable for the hair product industry?  Yes, of course, its capitalism at its best!  But why do we keep looking even if we already have products that work just fine in our stock? 

Check out my girl, Courtney’s latest photos of her hair with nothing except Eco Styler and H2O.  Looks fab! 

Don't Forget the Locs



Source

 So it was recently brought to my attention that I have no posts on locs.  My response was “I sure don’t, let me get on that!”  I honestly know nothing about locs.  Years ago, I pondered getting sista locks but the commitment was too heavy for me.  One of my very good friends  is a “locker” so I figured, let me get some info from her.  We can barter great ideas and exchange helpful information over margaritas!  So, we have a date to do that and I will post that later.  Until then, I have been doing my own research on the locs.  There are plenty of great blogs out there geared toward the locked community – no surprise there.  You know, like anything, you have your faves.  I wanted to share mine with you in case you are considering the locked route!  Check these out!

Loc Rocker

Lock and Don’t Stop!

Holistic Locs

Dread Mama

Still Wired

I was and still am a huge fan of HBO’s The Wire!  I have all the seasons on DVD and was so bothered when it came to an end.  The rawness, the realness, the writing was just so top of the line.  I could go on and on about the show because I really miss the quality content!  The talented actors are still working and continually showing up everywhere.  The lovely Sonja Sohn who played Detective Greggs – talk about gorgeous hair!

My Stylist & Me

Have you had a negative experience with your stylists because of your natural hair?  Is he or she simply not ready to “deal with” your new natural lifestyle?  How did you handle it?   Is this person still your stylist?  It is so hard to find the right person to aid in the care of your hair – especially when you are just finding your way in the natural world.  This is the one time gossip is good!  You can help a fellow natural.  Don’t keep it all to yourself!  Please share! 

Email me at curlychictg@gmail.com with “My Stylist & Me” in the subject line and thank you for sharing.

File this one under “Hot”

Photo Source:  imagecher.com

Ok so before I start, I know I have a touch of “blogobsession” going on.  Perusing the blogs has become as much a part of my routine as driving to work everyday.  As I type this, I imagine blogger households all across the states consumed with the sound of keys on a laptop clicking away as the author sips on her cup of joe.  There is a plethora of witty and fun blogs out there on every topic, but there are some that simply stand out.  While I can’t possibly list them all, I have made no secret about my faves!  If you haven’t already, please take a moment to visit Kisforkinky (it is of course on my fave blogs tab).  It will not disappoint.  It is so fly, so different, so in a class by itself! 

 What to expect?  A little bit of this…..

A little bit of that…

Fashion buzz, detailed product reviews and of course natural hair care.  Too much to mention here and besides, I'd never do it justice!  You have to see for yourself!

Old But Still Relevant

My Black Is Beautiful Episode

Break Up to Make Up - Me and My Hair

“All’s fair in love and war”

"Unlucky in cards, lucky in love"

"Misery loves company"
"You only hurt the one you love"

"Love is blind"

Source

It’s been a rocky relationship at best…good days, bad days, mostly bad.  I always say when the bad starts to outweigh the good, it’s time to cut your losses and move on.  Change is never easy, even when it’s necessary.  While we were apart, I tried others.  Don’t get me wrong, they worked out aight but nothing is perfect.  When I look back on our relationship, I can’t help but wonder, did I really give it 100%?  Or did I walk away because things didn’t always go my way?  Sometimes my frustration takes over and I just want to remove myself from the situation.  Right then, at that moment – it just felt like the right thing. Self reflection is not an easy task.  It requires vulnerability and maturity.  I think it’s time we parlait a bit and see if there’s something we can do different this time.

L- Boogey

Love me some Lauryn!

Source

It could all be so simple
But you'd rather make it hard
Loving you is like a battle
And we both end up with scars
Tell me, who I have to be
To get some reciprocity
See, no one loves you more than me
And no one ever will

Source

Ms. Hill graced fans with her presence last week during one of the hottest weeks in NYC - Fashion Week!  I would love to see her in concert!  Maybe one day!  Until then, I'll continue to break out my Miseducation CD as if it were brand new.

My 5 Favorite Hair Styling Tools

1.   Old Stocking

Back in the day I used to be the puff queen!  When I tell you I rocked a puff daily, I do mean daily!  It was so crucial that when I couldn’t find my old dusty cut up stocking, I would panic.  Sure I could make another one but I had one particular one that was the exact length, color and material for me and my curls.  I still rock a puff but now it’s more of a save the day tactic for me.  You can also use the stocking to make a sock bun ( I don’t know if that is the official name for it) to give the appearance of a larger bun.



Motown Hair

On my commute to work this morning, I heard Tom Joyner talking about a Motown tribute taking place at the White House.  It will be held on February 24^th and feature artists such as Jamie Foxx, Smokey Robinson and Ledisi.  It will air on PBS on March 11^th. 

Key To Moisture, Teen Blogger, Tionne

Throughout this winter, my hair has felt rather dry - until recently that is.  The steps I've been taking have helped combat the dryness and shedding I was experiencing.  My hair now feels soft and moisturized.

1. Weekly Hot Oil Treatments

• Microwave coconut oil and olive oil for approximately 30 seconds
• After the oil has cooled down a bit, apply to hair in small sections using the shingling method
• After completing applying oil to my entire head, I put on a plastic cap
• Sit under the hooded dryer for 25-30 minutes *This step is new since I just got my new hooded dryer! :)
• Co-wash or shampoo my hair (I alternate weeks)

Hands Off?



Source

One of my natural girlfriends and I had a conversation this morning about how we feel about people touching our hair.  I have read so many posts about people feeling outraged about it.  Most feel it is in appropriate and rude.  I liken it to my experience when I was pregnant with my now 2 year old son.  Pregnancy is always a conversation piece – no matter where you go, people usually respond with a huge smile on their face as they bombard you with questions about the little person in your womb.  When are you due?  Do you know what you’re having?  Do you have other children?  Etc etc…it can be sometimes be a little overwhelming as you are answering the same questions day after day, all day.  It’s almost as if you should hold a press conference and respond to these inquiries all at once and get it over with.  At the same time, it’s very heartwarming for people to voice their happiness for you.  Some would even go so far as to reach out and touch my growing belly.  I didn’t mind my close friends and family, however, it can create a feeling of invasion when it is a stranger or even a casual associate.  I didn’t want to be rude so it always made me feel awkward in those instances.  It is a little different with my hair.  I actually like people to touch my hair.  Especially when it’s followed by a compliment and preceded by a request for permission!  Now let me clarify – I do not want a random person rummaging through my hair, consented or otherwise.  I also do not want someone wanting to touch my hair in their quest to confirm or dismiss their stereotypical  views of what “black hair” feels like.  I am equally annoyed at hair haters who are in total disbelief about the length – “that cannot be all you!”  Really?  So, we’re on that “black girls can’t have long hair thing”?  Overall, I completely understand the desire to touch my hair.  I can barely stay out of it myself!  Your take? 

Check out this article from Black Voices on this topic: http://www.bvhairtalk.com/2010/04/23/can-i-touch-your-hair/

Happy Friday!!!

Check out Solange!  I promise she is constantly re-inventing herself, which is great.  I really like this latest look.  She looks fresh and young!  I really like the red lips!

Source

For those of us who work a traditional Monday thru Friday week, today is a day of celebration!  Don't get me wrong, I enjoy my job and I do not mind showing up everyday, however, we all need the weekend to enjoy the fruits of our labor, catch up on lost time with loved ones and just regroup from all the hustle and bustle that life brings.  So this weekend, I plan on hanging out with some close friends to celebrate a birthday, shopping with my teenage daughter and of course, spending quality time with my curls.  Which brings me to my next thing!

Yesterday, I received the products I told you guys I ordered last week.  I was so happy!  So happy that I interrupted my hair routine.  How can a little brown box create such a huge smile?  Typically I wait until the weekend to change up my hairstyle but I was so anxious to get to my drug of choice, I co washed last night.  Busted open my new Tangle Teezer (which by the way, I keep wanting to call it Tangle Tweezer) and my new jar of Darcy's Botanicals twisting cream and went at it!  I will share my thoughts and the results later.  Just a hint - I am pleased thus far.  :)  I want to use it a few more times first.

I want to ask everyone a favor!  It's a small one, don't be alarmed.  I would love to hear suggestions on topics you would like to see, even if it's not about hair.  What peaks your interests?  Would you like to see more pics, more videos?  I would really like to hear from you.  Hope everyone is enjoying the content thus far. 

Peace and Love!

Good Is Sometimes Good Enough

Source

Stress Tip: Perfectionism is dedication to the details rather than the goal. Many projects, tasks, and products don't require perfection, so ask yourself whether good is good enough. If so, go forward and make changes later with the feedback you'll receive. Chances are you will produce a superior result faster with this approach. Put feedback before perfection to enjoy work, reduce stress, and have better outcomes more frequently.

Early Childhood Hair Memories




Source

 

Most of my childhood hair memories take place in the kitchen.  Picture this – Sicily 1978 (for those of you who watched The Golden Girls), 2347 Jefferson Avenue.  That was my childhood address.   In the room supposed to be reserved for breaking bread, there I sat in the yellow chair surrounded by yellow walls and wooden fork and spoon décor.  It’s Saturday morning and I’ve just finished watching cartoons and eating a bowl of Sugar Corn Pops!  All is good!  That is until it’s time to get my hair did.  In a matter of minutes, the kitchen is transformed into a salon.  The chair I just sat in while eating breakfast is moved to the kitchen sink and used as a stool.  I would place my knees in the seat of the chair, bend my wool like head of hair over in the sink with a wash cloth to block all the water from running down my face and my mother would shampoo and condition my hair and then blow it dry.  Next stop – the stove.  The chair was now turned around and placed next to the stove.  The countertop is now equipped with  a blue jar of pressing grease, some rubber bands, ribbons and a hot comb.  Just the sight of the hot comb pushed my anxiety to the forefront.  I knew a couple of things would happen for sure:

1.       The end result would be long, shiny beautiful hair

2.       A few battle scars (burn marks on my ear(s) and/or neck)

3.       A few smacks in the head followed by chants of “I told you to be still or you are going to get burned!”

Black Girl Long Hair Response Post

Photo Source:  Learning Library ONLINE

BGLH once again had a great post regarding the hair blogs...basically it ask, are the blogs doing too much?!  Are they asking too much of their readers by drowning them with information and all the do's and don'ts?  It’s almost like you’re damned if you do, damned if you don’t.  Provide too little information and your blog lacks content, provide too much and it’s overwhelming for the reader.  I had to chuckle when I read it because I see where someone may feel this way.  I could not resist commenting.

Cassia - What is it?

I did a couple posts on Henna thanks to the lovely Ms. Courtney and my baby girl, Tionne.  I would love to try it out, however, I am truly not a good candidate for it.  As an alternative, I am considering Cassia.  I want the conditioning benefits of henna but I do not want the "red" highlights that henna deposits onto the hair. 

My hairdresser colors my hair with lighteners and bleach...that will never change for me - even though I know it's not the healthiest thing for my hair. (#dontjudgeme) It is something I have decided I will live with!  Because of my decision to continue to color, I know I must do a little something extra to take care of it.  Deep conditioning is already a huge part of my hair care regimen.  I think the next step is the Cassia.

What attracts me to the procedure?  A couple of things
1.      It does not deposit color but it can add some mild yellow tones
2.      It provides shine – big plus
3.      It is an herb that helps condition and strengthen

How to use:

Based on what I read on Mehandi I plan to do the following:

·    Stir enough warm water into cassia to product a texture similar to that of yogurt

• Section hair into 4 detangled sections
• Apply the product throughout hair
• Wrap hair in plastic wrap and leave mixture on for approximately one hour
• Rinse hair thoroughly and shampoo.  Hair should feel heavy, thick and silky                           (Results should last one month, repeat.  Most report more curl after use)
                                                                                                                                                                  I found a very helpful YouTube video that I have included below.  She gives you her step by step application process.

Braylon's Hair Regimen

I did a post the other day about my baby boy and the heartache I still experience surrounding his first hair cut L!  While perusing the blogs, I came across an article about little boys and how to care for their hair.  I thought I would share!  If interested, please click here for the link.

I wanted to do a follow up post to share Braylon’s Hair Regimen.  Yes, even he has a regimen! 

Sunday – Shampoo Day

Boy is this an event, let me tell you!  He absolutely hates it!  Since he hates it, it makes me hate it.  I don’t care how many rubber duckies and plastic ships I place in the tub for his amusement or how much I let him play in the water, once he has determined that it’s shampoo time, none of that matters.   They have all types of toys and cups to make things easier during the shampoo process, such as the Kids Kamp Shampoo Rinse Cup.  I personally have not tried this but it’s worth a try!  It supposedly decreases the amount of water and suds gets in your child’s eyes.  My goal is to make this routine as pleasant as possible for all parties! 

Shampoo/Conditioner:

I shampoo his hair with Johnson’s Natural 3-in-1 Shampoo/Conditioner/Body Wash.

I prefer the shampoo/conditioner combo because it allows me to take care of the shampooing and conditioning all in one step.  My son will only allow for a one time application so this is good until he gets the complete concept of raising his chin while we rinse.  Side note - I tried the Burt’s Bees line but his hair was not fond of it and I didn’t particularly care for the scent I chose either.  It was around $10, which is unfortunate because I still have over ½ bottle left. 



Purchased at Target



Product Described As:

98% Natural Plant & Fruit-derived ingredients No More Tears Pure & Natural Fragrance We love kids. And we understand that with kids, sometimes less is more. That's why Johnson's Natural kids 3-in-1 shampoo, conditioner, and body wash uses 98% naturally derived ingredients specifically chosen to effectively do multiple jobs. Our simply made formulas gently washes your child's skin and cleans and conditions your child's hair with a single product. This No More Tears formula shampoo, conditioner and body wash is as gentle to eyes as pure water, and our mild, pure and natural fragrance leaves your child's skin and hair smelling fresh and clean. Mom's Trust Johnson's Always Mild & Gentle Paraben Free Dye Free Essential Oil Free Allergy tested Dermatologist Tested Naturally Low Foaming 98% naturally derived from Coconut, Palm and Sugarcane. Our babies will inherit our planet. Please recycle.

First 3 Ingredients

1. Water J
2. Decyl Glucoside – produced by the reaction of glucose from corn starch with the fatty alcohol decanol which is derived from coconut.  JSource:  Wikipedia

3. Cocoglycerides - Plant-derived fatty material which functions as an emulsifier and thickener. Also gives creams and lotions a rich and creamy texture.  JSource:  Cosmetic Ingredient.com

I rinse his hair thoroughly and then apply a leave in conditioner (haven’t found one that I love yet so for now I just whatever I use in my hair) and olive oil followed by big hugs and kisses!  I then finger comb his hair and let it air dry.  DONE DEAL.

Here's another pre-big chop cut that I love!

Daily Care:

I generally do nothing else with Braylon’s hair on a daily basis.  I do mist a small amount of oil and water every other day.   

Other Kids Natural Hair Care you may want to try

Blended Beauty

Jason’s Natural

Aveeno

Aubrey Organics

Avalon Organics

California Baby

Last Minute Tips:

·         Always use tear free products

·         Use a hand held shower head or a large cup for rinsing

·         Take deep breaths before each session and put a smile on your face!

·         Lots of XXs and OOs

I See Myself - The NaturalBelle

Happy Greetings to everyone!  Hope your Wednesday is going well!
Remember I told you about one of my fave bloggers, naturalbelle?  She is also listed under my fave blogs tab, of course!  Awesome awesome blog showcasing the fashion/hair connection.  Bringing British flava to the states, do not miss her.  I visit her at least 3x per day.  Love her!



Source


I am featured in her "I See Myself Project" segment today!  Click here to take a look see.
Thanks NaturalBelle!

Me & My Hair ! Throughout the Years

2002 – The Genesis

I have been natural for good since 2004.  I initially made the decision to be relaxer free in 2002.  However, 8 months into my journey, I punked out.  Perhaps it is not that deep, but it is how I felt.  I just wasn’t ready to make the lifestyle change.  And make no mistake, it is a lifestyle change.  My stylist, who introduced me to the idea of letting my relaxer grow out in the first place, had done her best to convince me to stay in the fight.  However, after listening to my complaining and witnessing my struggle, she finally gave in and I was once again trapped into the life a relaxed girl.  Why was that life so important to me?  Why was I so unwilling to let it go?  I often make relationship analogies when it comes to my hair because it seems that most people can relate.  You know that relationship that you’ve been in for so long that you can’t see your life outside of it, even though you know you should probably move on?  You’ve been together so long that you have become complacent and comfortable.  Yes it comes with some strife but not so much that you can’t deal with it.  You rationalize it by saying “all long term relationships have challenges, this is normal”.  That is kind of how things were between my relaxed hair and I.  We had been lifelong partners (since I was in elementary school) and even though I knew my hair would be much better off without the relaxer, I just kept doing what I knew best. 

2003 Maid Of Honor in my best friend's wedding



2003 - flat ironed

What's Your HairStory?



Source



A HairStory is the history of your hair and the story it tells.

Everybody has one!  Would love to hear from all - relaxed, natural, whatever!  If you would like to share, please send me an email with "my hair story" in the subject line.  Don't forget to include great photos! Tell the history of your coils in your own words or answer a series of questions I will provide.

Love Language



Photo Source

"Boris makes me feel like the best thing ever and I appreciate him and love him for that."

"We focus on each other.  My wife and I spend time talking, looking at each other and being present in each others' lives."



Photo Source

"With Jada I stood up in front of God and my family and said "till death do us part".  Divorce cannot be an option.  I honestly believe there is no woman for me but Jada."

Photo Source

"I want peace in my home, I want a smile on my wife's face.  What I had to realize was that she's first, and when the queen's happy, the land is happy."

Photo Source

"Can't say enough about how special of a woman I have.  I love her spirit, her heart, her integrity and her loyalty.  She's the love of my life and the girl of my dreams.  In my eyes, she's the most beautiful woman inside and out.  I wouldn't trade her for all the sun on the beach."

Quote Sources:
Jones Magazine
Marriage.com
The Rachel Ray Show
You Heart That New.com

5 Ways to Give Your Hair A Special Valentine's Day

Your hair is just as girly as you are!  Trying to figure out how to treat your hair special today?  I bet your hair’s wish list isn’t that much different than your list to your partner!

1. Whisper Sweet Nothings

Positive affirmations are so powerful!  When you are styling your hair for the day, make note of how beautiful your hair looks and speak it out loud.  It will affect the way you and your hair walk around today.  If you think you and your hair look good, so will others! 

Along with those compliments, promise to protect her from harm by remembering to wrap her up at night in a silk scarf.

2.   Buy her some flowers

Flowers can brighten up anyone’s day and your hair is no exception!  Notice how she comes to life after you place a flower in your hair?  One moment, dull and lifeless, the next, a whole new you! 

3.   Give her a nice massage/Treat her to a nice massage

OMG – who doesn’t love a good massage?!  This evening, add a few drops of lavender oil to your scalp and enjoy the benefits of this aromatherapy oil. It is an essential oil which helps with depression and stress, not to mention its soothing and relaxing properties.  Massage has proven to circulate the blood, thus stimulating growth.  Talk about making a great day even better!

4.   Deep Condition

After the massage, add some of your favorite deep conditioner to your hair.  Especially those ends!  Since this is a work night for most, you don’t need to leave it on for hours.  30 minutes with a plastic cap or hot towel is all you need to add some moisture and softness.  *Choose one with aloe and rosemary for growth stimulation.

5.   A Good Meal

One of the most beneficial things you can do for your hair is to maintain a healthy diet.   We sometimes forget that our hair is an extension of our skin and the same thing it takes to keep our bodies in good health, are the same things our hair needs!

"Your hair grows about 1/4 to 1/2 inch every month, and the foundation of all of our new hair, skin, and nail growth is the nutrients we eat,"

      Source:  Dawn Jackson Blatner, RD, a Chicago-based dietitian

What do I recommend?  Grilled salmon, brown rice and asparagus, white wine.

Here’s why:

Salmon promotes overall scalp health.

Asparagus – dark green veggies help produce sebum, a natural conditioner for your hair.

Brown rice – an obvious healthy choice (fiber, reduces heart disease, etc.)

Great Recipe to try – I got this where I get many of my recipes, which is from food.com.

However, I tweaked it a little.  Here goes!

Salmon

What you will need:

2 lbs salmon

¼ cup your favorite dry white wine

2 tablespoons of lemon juice

2 tablespoons of brown sugar

1 tablespoon of Dijon Mustard

Directions

Allow salmon to marinate in the above mixture for 30 minutes in the refrigerator

During this 30 minutes, prepare your rice (I use plain ol’ minute rice)

Bake on 350 for 10 minutes on each side (it should appear light pink and flaky when done)

Asparagus

What you will need:

3 tablespoons of butter

1 bunch of fresh asparagus (frozen is just as good)

3 garlic cloves

Directions

Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.  Add the garlic and asparagus spears.

Cover and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, or until asparagus is tender.

*** If you like your asparagus well done reduce heat and cook an additional 10 minutes.  I prefer mine crunchy.

Happy Valentine’s Day!