Don't Tell Me To Relax T-Shirts

Different Clothing

If you follow me on twitter, you know I say “Don’t Tell Me To Relax” quite frequently.  I also did a post with this same slogan.  Anyway,  with that exact slogan on it.  Damn, here I thought I was being clever and original!  Well, I guess great minds think alike right?  Anyway, now I must order one!  Too bad I didn’t do this t-shirt first!  It’s ok though, I have no problem promoting someone’s else’s product.  ***My t-shirts will be in production and available for purchase this summer!***

Good Music, Good Day

One of my fave Lauryn Hill joints!

My girl, Celeste sent this to me and it definitely put me in a good mood.  I'm sure it will increase the smiles on this Thursday afternoon!  The sun is finally shining which is a great thing! Shout out to my mom – Happy Birthday Mom!  Big hugs and kisses!

Thanks CeCe!

The Natural Men In Our Lives

So tell me about your hair.  When did you start the growing out process?

I have dred locks.  I started almost 6yrs ago. This fall will be 6 years since my last hair cut.

What/Who inspired you to go this route?

I was watching the movie The Brothers one day & D.L. Hughley’s hair just looked so tight to me, so I wanted mine to look like that.  So I let it grew out and got it done, but since I have a "good grade" of hair, it only lasted about a week.  So I went with the fro until it was long enough to braid, but I’m tender headed and that only lasted about 7 months. So after that, I started to get it twisted then my hair finally started locking up.

Glutton for Punishment - Don't Judge!



 

Source



If you know anything about teenagers, you know they think they know everything and as such, rebellion sometimes becomes their way of life.  It’s not that they don’t know any better or even that they think the parent is wrong in the reinforcing of rules.  Sometimes it’s just a matter of, "I want to do it and I’m going to do it".  Even though I know I’m going to be in big trouble when I get home, the fun I’m having in this moment is worth it!  Sort of a glutton for punishment, if you will.  Well, sometimes I’m like that rebellious teenager when it comes to my hair.   There is no excuse for any natural now days to be ignorant about how to care for their precious curls.  There are blogs, You Tube tutorials, and articles on top of articles surrounding proper hair care.  I can rattle off the “hair rules” in my sleep – it’s really simple.  "Moisture, protect the ends, tie it up at night, yada yada yada".  I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, I will never stop coloring my hair.  I have been coloring my hair for umpteenth years and don’t see an end in sight.  Not only do I color, I bleach to achieve the lightness I want.  I did it with my relaxed tresses which was even worse.  Double no – no!  It is a proven fact that colored hair generates dryness, brittleness and is damaging to the hair.  Guess what, I will be getting my hair dyed in the next few weeks!  I do it every Spring and this year will be no different.  My dark roots are out of control and I can’t take it anymore. 

Do you bleach your natural hair?  If so, check out this article about the damage that occurs:

What behavior do you practice even though you know it’s bad for your hair health?

My Curls - Up Close and Personal

Like sweet morning dew
I took one look at you
And it was plain to see
You were my destiny
With you I'll spend my time
I'll dedicate my life
I'll sacrifice for you
Dedicate my life for you

What’s Eating You?, Weekly Health Tips from Angela

We hear constant talk regarding the need to eat healthy and the benefits of “going organic”. We are fully aware of all the pros that this provides in our lives as well as the cons that may occur if we do not follow directions. So what’s eating me?

Represent Gabrielle Union

Represent Gabrielle!

I always get excited when I see a female celeb come out of her costume and show the real person.  I love those photos you see in magazines of stars with no make up!  Do not get me wrong, I completely understand the need for weaves and make up in the industry.  It makes complete sense to me, given all they have to do but it's still nice to see the true beauty underneath it all!  Represent Gabrielle!

Check out the article via Black Voices! 
http://www.bvhairtalk.com/2011/04/25/gabrielle-union-rocks-her-natural-hair/

Hair Stress

Source

I am definitely not feeling my hair right now…I don’t know if it’s a phase or what’s going on but its real “blah” lately.  Don’t worry, the relaxer will never find its way back to my curls and coils, it’s not THAT serious.  However, I am toying with the idea of getting a weave.  **Gasp**

How to Organize Your Hair Products

Spring has arrived and you know what that means!  Time for Spring cleaning and Spring cleaning isn’t just for windows.  While you are switching out your winter wardrobe for spring and summer wardrobe, the same needs to be done for your hair products.

What You Need:

Plastic bins (large and small)

3 Drawer Cart

Baskets (large and small)

Glass containers/vases

What to do first:

Inventory – pull everything out and sort the like items (shampoos, conditioners, styling products, etc.)

This is a good time to figure out what you have, what you are out of, and what needs to be thrown out.  If you are a product junkie, you probably have duplicate bottles of products that are half full which can be consolidated into one bottle. 

*TIP - All like products should be stored together, whenever possible.  For example, all shampoos should be in one bin, all conditioners/deep conditioners in one bin, styling products (creams, gels, oils) in another.

*TIP – my staple shampoo and conditioner are kept in the shower caddy

*TIP - All everyday items should be in one easily accessible spot. 

*TIP - Those items not used as often as well as unopened stock should go in bins inside a linen closet organized in the same manner as stated above.  (blow dryers & attachments, hooded dryer, flat irons)

What to do next – let the storing begin!

·    Plastic bins can go under your bathroom sink and are perfect for storing spray bottles, shampoos, conditioners, and styling products

·    Decorative baskets are great for accessories and other side pieces (bows, scarves, bonnets, flowers, rollers (by type))

·    The 3 drawer cart should be kept in the bathroom containing those everyday items - conditioners (deep conditioners/ leave in conditioners) creams, gels, and oils. 

·    Small divided plastic containers to fit inside the drawers of the 3 drawer cart – small items (hair ties, scrunchies, clamps, plastic caps, bobby/hair pins in the container you purchased them in)

·    Glass vertical containers/vases – combs, brushes, detangling tools

My Natural Babies

“The foolish man seeks happiness in the distance; the wise grows it under his feet.”  ~James Openheim

Give The Sista A Break - Carol's Daughter

Source

 “There are no ugly women, just lazy women.”...Estee

With all the chatter surrounding the latest Carol’s Daughter Beauty In Diversity ad campaign featuring Solange Knowles, Selita Ebanks and Cassie, I thought it appropriate to mention the Estee Lauder campaign launched earlier this year.  It features diverse beauty in women from around the globe and I think it is beautiful.  Wanna read more?  Click here.

Top 5 Things I DON’T Miss About My Relaxer

Source

1.   Counting the days

Every 6 – 8 weeks that relaxer alarm rings loud!  It’s time for that touch up!  My scalp would get itchy, my hair would begin to shed.  I can remember pulling out the calendar and placing the all important event on there.  Tracking it like a woman tracks her (LMP) monthly cycle!  I would write “6 weeks since last relaxer” (LR) 

The Brows Have It! Beauty

Source

Ok I told you on a previous post I’m trying to get my beauty on this Spring and lashes and lipstick are just the start.  I have NO eyebrows, never have, never will.  I am not a make - up person so when people tell me “just fill them in”, I never get it right.  I am extremely challenged in the area of make up application.  I wish I could get permanent brows tattooed on or something.  I’ve tried shadow, pencil, etc. but it never looks good.  I’ve had them threaded, waxed, shaved, plucked….I am a fan of bellesugar and recently found this article that spoke to me.  I need some tips!

Are You An Emotional Eater? Healthy Eating Tips from Angela, Guest Blogger

The term “busy” is an understatement for full time moms. We always must make sure that everyone and everything is in order. I’ve learned that when chaos is present, I usually tend to pick up of food. Not necessarily because I’m hungry, but because I’m stressed. I’m an emotional eater, I can admit that, hence the struggle to get rid of the excess “baby weight”. I really need to stop calling it baby weight, my children are 8 and 5, they are no longer babies, but I digress.

What Came First - The Shoe or The Hair? - Hair and Outfit

This time the hair came first!  I had a certain hairstyle in mind for the occassion so I selected my outfit according to my hairstyle. 

The Hair:  I shampooed with my ol' faithful Trader Joe's Nourish Spa, deep conditioned with the generic Mixed Chics Deep Conditioner (why do I feel guilty?),

Onyx Rose - Check her out!

Check out my article on OnyxRose's Blog today!  Hot blog full of great content! 

Shout Out Your Favorite Product

Give a shout out to your favorite hair product line or single product!  This may change every week!  Each week I try something new on my hair (yeah - I have that much stuff in my stash!).  Some I like better than others so I thought it would be cool to do a weekly shout out!  So without further adieu, this week I want to give a shout out to .....

OPI Shatter Polish - Product Review - Tionne, Guest Teen Blogger

My daughter, Tionne, went to get her nails done a little over a week ago and wanted to share her OPI experience.  Letgo!

I went to an Asian Nail Spa called VIP Nails to get my acrylics balanced.  My normal nail tech was not there so I sat in another tech's chair eager to try the new OPI Black Shatter polish.  Since I wasn't sure how I would like it or IF I would like it,

Warning: Getting Your Hair Straightened Could Endanger Your Health

Really?

I've talked about this in another post but I thought it was worth revisiting.  With prom season and many weddings approaching, alot of people prefer the straight look, which is perfectly fine with me.  Nothing wrong with it, in moderation and with the proper care.  I found this article in the Time Magazine regarding the Brazilian straightening method.  Tell a friend.

Warning: Getting Your Hair Straightened Could Endanger Your Health

Another article:
http://www.bellasugar.com/California-Files-Preliminary-Injunction-Against-Brazilian-Blowout-15670685

NaturalViews with Angela

Meet Angela

When did your natural journey begin?

My natural journey began almost 6 years ago.

What/Who inspired you to go the natural route?

Hmmmm….going natural 6 years ago was nothing like it is today. There weren’t many blogs, tutorials or websites geared towards “our” hair and embracing it in its natural state. So going natural for me was something that just happened. While relaxed, I tried it all: weaves braids, short hair, long hair, coloring, etc. Relaxed hair simply didn’t hold my interest any longer.  So one day, after about two months of receiving a relaxer, I big chopped and never looked back.

Everything In Moderation - Right? Healthy Eating Tips from Angela, Guest Blogger

Ever had a bad case of the “sweet tooth”? So severe, you envisioned yourself eating an entire Publix sheet cake? *raises hand* - that was me this week.

My New Protective Style

My new protective style - ok brace yourself because it is an 80s throwback with a grandma appeal.  However, I kinda like it.  It's easy, it's off my face and I can deal with it for my Monday through Friday look. 

Natural in Videos - Jim Jones

Everyone knows I love Jim Jones! He has a video out that is not your typical Jim Jones joint but I like. Nice message and there is a beautiful natural in it! Watch and enjoy!

(PYT) Pretty Young Thing - Natural Feature Lucky Magazine

Got my issue of Lucky Magazine in the mail the other day.  I am a long time subscriber and love this publication!  They do a “Lucky Girl” feature every month and the May feature is a lovely natural from the N-Y, Natalie !  She opens her closet for Lucky readers and shows off her personal sense of style.



Source

Click here to check it out!

Day 2, Day 3 and Day 7 are my faves! 

• Day 2 – I love the idea of placing a shirt over a dress and treating it almost like a skirt.  Looks comfy and the belt is the glue of the outfit.
• Day 3 – More layering which I simply love!  The beanie is adorable but I especially like coat.  I have a thing for camel!
• Day 7 – This simple but cute look is pretty similar to my style on most days.  I love layers, skinny legged pants and boots.  Since the outfit is mostly solids, the peacock earrings give it that something extra.

Pink Lipstick and Eyelashes!

I know - what does one have to do with eachother?  I want this lipstick and it seems to go with some pretty lashes!  Don't ask why, it just does. 

Kinky Curly Knot Today,Product Review

Lola's Green Hair is having a fun contest right now.  She names the product, you give it a review and you are entered for a chance to win.  Click here for more details.

Anyway, I have been meaning to post my review on Kinky Curly's Knot Today forever.  Since this is one of the products she names for review feedback, I decided to participate. 
Here is my entry:

I'm A Martini - Natural Hair Cocktails

If my hair was a cocktail, it would be a dry vodka martini straight up with a twist, the twist being lemon.  Why?  Because my hair is dry and pourous but with a twist of lemon, everything is as it should be!

Some benefits of lemon in hair:

·         Naturally highlights

·         Aids in ridding hair of dandruff

·         Scalp stimulation and growth promotion

·         Adds shine and texture

If your hair were a cocktail/drink, what would it be?

African Export - Satin Braid Out Tutorial

I want to try this!  Look how great her hair looks!  I’m such a fan of the dry braid out so I figure this is the next “natural” step.  Shout out to African Export for this tutorial!  She has over 200 videos, please check her out!  P.S.  I love her jewelry.

Just A Glimpse - My Florida Trip

I shared with you all that I did a kid trip for Spring Break and I finally got around to downloading a few pics so I wanted to post them.  Just a glimpse!

My Toddler Natural

My Teen Natural

Me & My Girl

My girl, Stacy and I on our way to get Margaritas!  She has been natural for over 10 years.  I will be sharing my NaturalView with her soon.  She was wearing a braid out and you all know I was still wearing my two strand twists.  They were not what I would label fly but they were practical.  For more photos from my trip, please like me on facebook and check them out!

Meet Angela! Guest Blogger Introduction

Hola!  I tweeted yesterday about having a new guest blogger today!  I am excited to have the lovely Ms. Angela!    

I am a busy wife and mom of two beautiful girls who has declared to be on a "Get Healthy" life challenge.  I must admit, when it was first stated that the need was a guest blogger to share healthy eating tips and suggestions, I was a bit hesitant. But then I quickly saw the great opportunity that is inevitable to develop from this weekly blog: Getting my family on a healthy track and being able to share any tips that I learn along the way with others. Both of my parents suffer from high blood pressure. My father takes blood pressure medication daily and my mother is on dialysis. Given this family history, a healthy diet is the only way to break this cycle and I am up for the challenge.

Tune in every Tuesday for weekly tips and inspiration from Angela!  To keep up on the latest , you can also follow her on twitter!  Welcome Angela!  Tell a friend!

Yeah You Have Swag Now but...

Yeah you have natural hair swag now but what about when you were first relaxer free?  Did you wear it with confidence?  Did you embrace the new you right away or did it take some time to adjust?  How did you handle the reactions to your new life as a lovely curly?  Did you receive compliments right away and if not, how did that make you feel? 

Today I can rock any style and walk with my shoulders square and head high but it wasn't always this easy.  It’s not a vanity thing, it’s a comfort with yourself.  At first I didn't know what to do with my new found freedom.  I struggled with the urge to pick up the flat iron.  I tried to use the same hair products that were my staples for my relaxed hair which for me, was no bueno. The first time I wore my hair curly, no one said a word to me.  I kept waiting on some sort of approval such as a "your hair is so cute" to roll off of someone's tongue but instead I received uneasy stares and "so now what are you going to do with it?"  Talk about making me want to crawl running back to my ex lover - the relaxer! 

You know how your relationship with your man is great when there are no trials and tribulations?  Those are the easy times right?  Well, what about those times when things aren't so good?  Do your ties stand the test of time or does the negative wear on you?  I felt like that with my hair.  I was excited when all the frayed permed ends were gone but when I didn't know what to do with my hair, when the chaos of being a neo natural reared its ugly head, I was ready to run! 

At what point did you become confident about your hair, no matter what the reaction?  When did you find your natural hair swag?

Long Hair Don't Care?

Has anyone heard about the little Native American boy who was suspended for refusing to cut his hair? 

Check it out by clicking here!

Here is my take on the matter:  I completely disagree with the school’s decision to suspend a child for the length of their hair, especially when it is part of their religious beliefs.  I personally do not think

For The Kinky Girl In You

Yesterday I tweeted about all of my online purchases (Walgreen's Shea Moisture, Fashionology jewelry, Amazon order), well today is no different!  I purchased a tank from kurlybella of kisforkinky and it is the hotness!  She has launched a line called, Curl Duchess for the kinky girl in you and I cannot wait to receive my package.  I can see me now with some big hair, big earrings, and big attitude.

Get Your Own

Happy Friday everyone.  Almost time to exit the building!

Can't Wait - Hey OPI!

I am typically a clear coat or nude nail color wearer but I can step out the box for a moment.  Long enough to try the OPI Shatter polish.  I am so excited to get this on my fingers and toes!  Word has it, 5 more colors will be released in May so I’m sure those will be a hit also. 

Has anyone tried it yet?

Spring Regimen

Shampoo

Trader Joe’s Balanced Moisturizing Nourish Spa Shampoo (staple)

During the Spring months, I shampoo every other week and sometimes more often depending on what has taken place throughout the day. 

Conditioner

TREsemme Naturals Nourishing Conditioner (staple) – I switch between this conditioner and the Trader Joe’s Balanced Moisturizing Nourish Spa Conditioner. 

Deep Conditioner

Jessi Curl Weekly Deep Conditioning Treatment (staple)

I deep condition every time I shampoo because I do use bleach and color in my hair. 

Style of Choice

 I usually rock a bun due to the excessive rain and humidity during the Spring time.  On a lucky day when the skies are clear, I revert back to my dry braid outs.  This is usually prep time for the upcoming Summer so I tend to have more errands to run, which means, I take more time in the evenings for hair care and less time in the morning. 

Oils

Coconut and Olive are what I typically use during the Spring months. 

What I tried new this Spring

Section shampooing is something I had not considered before but I am so glad I introduced this method to my regimen.  The longer my hair gets, the more time I have to spend on caring for it so this is very beneficial for me:

·         Time Saver

·         Detangling is 100% easier

·         It is more thorough

I section my hair into 4 sections with large hair clips.  I then shampoo each section one at a time.  After rinsing I apply my conditioner one section at a time.  Check out this wash and go sectioning video by my blogsister.  It is a little lengthy but very detailed and helpful.

Nuttin' But Love for Naturals

Something to make you feel good this morning!  Check out all the au naturals in this video!  Thanks Celeste!

NaturalViews with Alexandra

Meet Alexandra

Okay first I have to ask about your tattoos!  I love love love them!  I only have 2 small ones so I can live vicariously through you.  Is there a story behind them?  Clearly you have a small crush on butterflies?

Ok so, I am hooked on tattoos. I love body art and I have a lot of it.  To be honest I have lost count of how many I have. Most of them are easily hidden by clothes and shoes but my arm and chest piece are clear for the world to see in most cases.