New Logo, New Natural Hair Video, Guest Blogger Janelle Watkins and Yoga Inspiration for Natural Hair Week In Review

Summer vacation is over and we’re back to watching the latest natural hair videos and blogging! We’ve experienced some life changing experiences BUT we are still here…ready to share, ready to grow and ready to continue on our natural hair journey……

3 Sisters & A Bobby Pin Latarsha

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Three Sisters at Margarita Night

New Natural Hair Video

NikScott explains her technique on how to create an elegant, jumbo side, two-strand flat twist.  She uses lavender water to help reduce frizz.

 

Guest Blogger

WHY ARE NATURALISTAS SO PASSIONATE ABOUT NATURAL HAIR?

Recently a friend asked me to share my thoughts about the stigma and stereotypical thoughts that misinformed people may have about the natural hair community. She specifically asked if natural hair was just a trend or was it actually a movement. Initially, I became perturbed at the thought that someone would actually think that my going natural was just a craze or a trend.  The reason why is because most people do not understand or know the number of natural hair brands and products that I have tried. They have not been there on the many occasions that I was so frustrated with my hair that I wanted to give up, but called upon other women in the natural hair community for guidance, support and encouragement. And let’s not talk about the number of failed hairstyle attempts or how I had to learn how to combat dryness and figure out which products to use to achieve a bomb twist out or perm rod set.

So yes, I was slightly upset with the thought of someone belittling my journey as just a momentary trend. Despite my aggravation, I decided to share my heartfelt feelings about my adoration and love for the natural hair community. After all, how are others to know the meaningful impact this natural hair journey can have on a woman if no one shares. After considering my friend’s question, I realized that some people may be ignorant (meaning not having a knowledge of and no disrespect intended here) and that this was an opportunity to educate and share not to become angry and dismissive.

I cannot speak for all, but most of the women in the natural hair community that I have had the privilege of meeting have shared a myriad of reasons on why they wear their hair in its natural state. I will not attempt to share them all here, but I did inform my friend of my top (5) reasons women decide to rock their natural hair. Please see below:

Natural Hair Community - Pic 1

  • Hair Health – From heat damage to hair loss to scalp challenges, thousands of women have decided to embrace the holistic approach to care for their scalp and hair. With the help of fellow natural hair sisters coupled with professional guidance from hair stylists, dermatologists and trichologists, women are becoming more knowledgeable and responsible for their own hair health in order to restore and grow healthy hair.
  • Overall Physical Health – Once a Naturalista begins to research and read all about the harmful chemicals that should be avoided in hair products, she will subsequently begin to consider the state of her overall health. It is not uncommon for women that wear their hair naturally to become health conscious, adopt healthy eating habits and ensure that their household products are not made with harmful chemicals. In essence, being natural becomes a lifestyle.
  • Spiritual Journey – What I love most about being natural is the evolution and growth that takes place from within. Each woman has an individual journey of growth that creates a deepened level of self acceptance and self-love. For some, God has taken women on a path of emotional and holistic healing. For others,  insecurities are buried and a new-found sense of freedom and liberation are birthed. Personally, my natural hair journey has allowed me to be more audacious! I have been able to address my issues with perfectionism and define my own beauty instead of continuing to adapt to society’s form of beauty.
  • Community – Do you want to see sisterhood and camaraderie at its best? Attend some of these natural hair events and you will see love and support in action! Women all over are meeting and hosting various events to provide encouragement, empowerment and education in the natural hair community. This is the movement that empowers women to continue on in their natural hair journey and inspires others to transition or big chop their way into the natural hair community.
  • It’s OUR Right! – Lastly, it is our right to wear our hair in its natural state. When a woman wears her natural hair, she is not only making a statement, but she is proudly wearing the crown that was once denied of our ancestors. Historically, slaves were mistreated and demeaned for attempting to expose their natural hair. They were forced to wear headwraps because they were prohibited to display their natural hair. As of today there is still a fight for natural hair to be accepted, but as a community, women are standing strong and united in rocking their natural hair.

Natural Hair Community - Pic 2

So these are my top (5) reasons why natural hair queens are so passionate about natural hair.  I would love to hear from you. Leave a comment to share your thoughts!

Honestly Chic/jw

Follow our guest blogger on Instagram @thejanellewatkins. Janelle is a speaker, event host, event planner, natural hair enthusiast and Curls Girl brand ambassador.  You can find her in the community conducting monthly one-on-one calls with young girls and women, providing support and natural hair care tips.  

 

Yoga Inspiration

Surround yourself  with those who CHALLENGE you, PUSH you, MOTIVATE you and EMPOWER you!-Nikky Green, www.yogaataglance.org

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Yoga Instructor, Nikky Green

 

 

Natural Hair Week In Review

I have three teenagers conceived with the help of one man. Two-thirds of our teenagers will be attending two different colleges in two different states with the assistance of thousands of federally-funded, bank-funded and hard earned dollars.

In the Book of Numbers, God tells Moses to take a census of every male of the children of Israel according to their families and their purpose.

Every person matters to God.  We are His wonderful creations. He knows our name. He knows our purpose and everything about us.

New Natural Hair Video

Numbers matter.  NaturallyGG celebrates their 100th video!  We thank them for enlightening our natural hair journey with their radiant smiles and healthy hair tips.

 

Yoga Inspiration

 

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Yoga is a union of body, mind, and spirit.  It brings balance.  It becomes a part of your physical life as your body grows stronger, more toned, and more flexible as we flow from one Asana to another.

It becomes a part of your mental life as you focus on breathing while you hold each asana.  This awareness is calming and it dissolves stress and axiety.  It becomes a part of your spiritual life as it teaches self love and in return you spread love to others around you.

Why do we say Namaste? It’s a way to send out positive vibrations into the universe.  The word expresses gratitude, gives closure, expresses relief, but it’s also a conduit to something greater. It represents a union.  A connection that transcends language and culture.  It’s an acknowledgement of the soul in another.  We are all one when we live from the heart.

 

Natural Hair Week In Review

 

I’ve been living out a few “firsts” as of late.  Last week, I ate Eggplant Casserole for the first time.  Earlier today, I finally ran into a group of runner buddies and my oldest son had his first major surgery this week.

JourneyTo WaistLength does a finger coil for the first time using water, a leave in conditioner, a moisturizer, and gel.

New Natural Hair Videos

 

Recipe

Eggplant Casserole | Healthy Recipes Blog #eggplant #casserole #healthy

http://healthyrecipesblogs.com/2011/07/12/eggplant-casserole-recipe/

Produce
  • 1/4 cup Basil, fresh
  • 1 Eggplant, large
  • 1/4 tsp Garlic powder
Condiments
  • 1/2 cup Tomato sauce, prepared
Baking & Spices
  • 1/4 tsp Black pepper
  • 1/8 tsp Cayenne pepper
Oils & Vinegars
  • 1 Olive oil spray
Dairy
  • 1/2 cup Mozzarella, part-skim
  • 1 tbsp Parmesan cheese, grated
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 500 degrees F. Line a large, rimmed baking sheet with foil. Spray the foil with olive oil cooking spray.
  2. Transfer the cubed eggplant to the baking sheet. Spray with olive oil spray. Sprinkle pepper and garlic powder. Roast, tossing once, 15 minutes, until golden.
  3. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, mix together the marinara sauce, cayenne and basil. Spray a 1-quart casserole dish with olive oil spray.
  4. When eggplant is roasted, remove it from the oven and reduce the oven temperature to 425 degrees F. Add the roasted eggplant to the tomato/basil mixture. Add half of the Mozzarella and mix well.
  5. Transfer the mixture to prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining Mozzarella and the Parmesan on top. Bake 15-20 minutes, until golden and bubbly. Allow to cool 10 minutes before serving.

Yoga Inspiration

 

nikki

 

 

“You cannot relax no matter what therapy you do.  I can bet on it.  There are twenty million things to do.  You do those twenty million things and you cannot relax.  It’s a law of physics that anything which is contained and jammed must be put in an expanded place to give it a space.  So you must expand in your ideology, in your thinking, in your social behaviors, in your smiles, in your life, in your everything.  You will be relaxed.” —Yogi Bhaian

 

 

 

Natural Hair Week In Review

Since my last post, I’ve run my first marathon, teamed up with my longtime friend/boss Yoga instructor for weekly inspiration and I’ve committed to making one meatless dish a week. Whew…..

 

My first marathon held in Lafayette, La back in March

 Recipe

Crispy Black Bean Tacos with Avocado-Lime Sauce

foodlove.com

Ingredients

Ingredients

Crispy Black Bean Tacos:

Avocado Lime Sauce:

  • 2 avocados
  • 1/2 bunch of cilantro
  • 3 limes, juiced
  • 1 jalapeno, seeded if desired
  • 1/3 cup olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon taco seasoning
  • 1 pinch of salt
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 2 tablespoons water

Instructions:

For the tacos:

    1. Heat 1 1/2 tablespoons of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
    2. Add two tortillas to the skillet and allow them to heat in the oil for about 10 seconds.
    3. Cover one side of each tortilla with 1/4 cup of beans, and top beans with 1 tablespoon Mexican Cheese Blend.
    4. Using a spatula, carefully fold the tortilla in half, on top of itself and press down with the spatula to shape the taco.
    5. Cook 3-4 minutes, then using a spatula flip the tacos and cook an additional 3-4 minutes, until lightly browned.
    6. Continue the process until all the tacos are done, adding additional oil as the pan dries out.
    7. Serve immediately.

For the sauce:

1. Add all ingredients in a blender. Blend until smooth.

Yoga Inspiration

“You have to love yourself because no amount of love from others is sufficient to fill the yearning that your soul requires from you.”-Dodinsky

 

New Natural Hair Videos

My Natural Sistas shows us how to create a classy updo/

Juicesandberries uses avocado, an egg, honey, Jamaican Black Castor oil, Olive and Lavender oil to give her hair a shiny healthy finish.

Natural Hair Week In Review

Governor Nathan Deal declared Feb 3rd as Falcons Day so teachers, students and fans statewide sported their team colors and Falcon gear.

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Curls and Couture shows us a colorful way to brighten our hair.

 

Juiceandberries takes us through her easy wash-n-go routine step by step.

 

Honestly Erica is brilliant at keeping it simple and honest. Her 2-n-1 hairstyle is breezy and stress free.

 

Heygorjess gives a dazzling demo on the 3 strand twistout. 

Natural Hair Week In Review

My transformation story has been 3 years in the making.  I’m a runner. I won my first trophy at 8 years old. I ran Cross Country in high school and ran on my own in college. Right after college, I became a mom, three times over, back to back to back.  Hence, the pic on the left.  In 2013, my life flipped like a pancake.  My husband and I decided that we had given our marriage all that we had, but it was not working. So we separated. One morning, I was about to have my daily pity party but I made up in my mind that ‘If I have the time to lie around thinking about what could’ve, should’ve, would’ve, then I have the time to put my shoes on and start walking….the pic of the right.

So this is the new me! I dropped 70 pounds but I didn’t lose my love for food.   I run three to four times a week in training for my first marathon.  My family is my heartbeat and my ultimate dream is to be a Fly Granny. Yes, grandmother! I have a while until that time, so until my grandbabies get here I’ll be doing all that I can to make sure that their granny is healthy, fit and fabulous!

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NaturallyCurly teamed up with BlackGirlsRun to help us reach our fitness goals.

 

“Cooking is about building flavor” is sticky note worthy from Chef Danielle Saunders.

 

FusionofCultures applies a deep conditioner before giving her tresses a trim.

 

DiscoveringNatural demos big and small cornrows for kids.

 

 

 

Hope and Hair Growth

A 59-year- old woman raced passed me half a mile to the finish line. She’s my role model. Ms. Pam’s running stride did a pick-me-up for my running goals and gave me hope that I can do this running thing for a long time to come.

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Trials N’ Tresses shares 5 essentials oils to help us boost healthy hair growth.  The beauty of the E.O.’s are their benefits and versatility.

 

oils to help grow natural hair:

Natural Hair Week In Review

Seasons shift.  People and their attitudes shift.  The residents of the White House shift.

Yahweh never shifts.  He’s always been and will always be the same.

Our Natural Hair Journey continues……..

Moisturize with FusionofCultures to achieve juicy, lustrous hair.

 

De La Fro masterfully styles her hair into a top notch bun using braiding hair and a hair tie.

 

Melissa Denise shares the benefits of treating hair to a 30 minute steaming session.

Natural Hair Week In Review

After I applied concealer above my eyebrows for the first time and watched my eyes magically look younger, I shared my take on #blackgirlmagic with my teenage daughter.

Make up does magic.  Black girls don’t.  African American women are courageous, intelligent, beautiful, vibrant and hard working.  I explained to my daughter that our unique qualities are God-given and not magically based.

Straighten with  Beauty By Lee using an argan oil based heat protectant and the HSI titanium flat iron.

 

Yolanda Renee shows us how to flex our curls by saturating hair with a styling product detangling and twisting hair around rods.

 

 Healthy diet. Healthy hair.  The Chic Natural shares four steps to grow long, healthy hair.

Natural Hair Week In Review

As the presidential campaign rolls into its final days, our Natural Hair journey presses on.

The platform of our journey is acceptance.  When we embrace our individual hair types and the struggles that come with being natural, we join thousands of other women on a fascinating path!

Detangle with MichelleB to restore order and lust.  Michelle makes a surprising discovery about what her hair can do!

 

Moisturize with NICKYBNATURAL.  She opts out of the familiar LOC method and uses the LCO way.  Her five point “Things to Remember” list will help us stay moisturized.

 

Style with Praise Onaturals.  She mixes and massages Argan oil, Aloe Vera Gel, Avocado Oil, and a leave in conditioner for shiny, killer curls.