New Hair Treat Coconut OIl and Its Benefits Hair/Skin

Hello Ladies,

 Recently I have started using Coconut oil yes pure coconut oil and I have to say the results are amazing here is a little history on Coconut oil and its benefits!! And it can be used as a Moisturizer on the skin to as a natural anti-aging remedy!!! Can be found at you local herbal store or whole foods!!!!!! Coconut oil is a plant-based oil extracted from the kernel of the coconut with a high concentration of saturated fatty acids, lauric acid, capric acid and vitamins E and K. In its natural unprocessed state, coconut oil has a high moisture retaining capacity and does not breakdown or evaporate easily when it is applied to the hair and penetrates the hair shaft. This is highly beneficial to black hair that is challenged by its inability to consume and retain moisture. Coconut oil's high concentration of fatty acids also nourishes your hair with protein that produces strong and long, soft and shiny hair.

Daily Moisturizer-  prevents dryness and dullness, coconut oil also eliminates split ends,prevents thinning, shedding and dandruff, which are other common problems for black hair. As a daily moisturizer coconut oil can be used on wet or dry, natural or processed hair. Applying coconut oil to the hair shaft and ends leaves your hair soft, shining and smelling like the mild delicious smell of coconuts. Coconut oil can also be massaged into the scalp to stimulate the roots and hair follicles, which promotes hair growth.

Coconut oil shampoo provides gentle cleansing without stripping the hair of its natural oils. It moisturizes without coating the hair with unnatural ingredients and stimulates the hair, scalp and follicles without clogging and causing hair loss. When purchasing your shampoo, make sure that the main ingredient is coconut oil; there are products on the market that are advertised as coconut oil, but actually contain very little of the oil itself. You can also choose to make your own shampoo or add a few drops of coconut oil to your existing shampoo.

Deep conditioning is a necessary component of caring for black hair. Deep conditioning provides an intense amount of moisture and relief to dry, dull and often brittle hair. Using coconut oil to deep condition is a productive way to strengthen your hair from inside the shaft. It is also an effective treatment for dandruff caused by either hair dryness or fungal or bacteria properties.The natural wonder, overall richness and pure nourishing ingredients of coconut oil is a good addition to your haircare regimen.

Found this Article: here but it was very helpful wanted to share http://www.livestrong.com/article/223100-coconut-oil-black-hair/

A fun new way to play with color!!

Hello Ladies!!

 Happy New Years again to all my readers I am coming to you with a new tip and some health tips for your lifestyle. So its the New Year and some of you are like I would like to change my Natural up some but I am not too big on taking risk well I have the perfect suggestion for you.

If you are looking to add a boost of shine or spunk to your hair try rinsing it with a semi-Permanent or demi. I just tried a Mocha Brown rinse and I must say it was that boost my hair need to bring that shine back.
\
Hey relax rinses are totally harmless because they are water based which means when you wash or shampoo they gradually wash out and they do not chemically alter the hair color so you can try as many browns or black that you like.

Now if you are like me and you like to test the waters a little there is always permanent coloring or going to a professional to get a color enhancement treatment. These are safe but can be harmful if proper hair care is apart of your routine.

The Pros- Since you are natural you are no longer combating relaxed hair and the permanent chemical so its less damage to the hair.


Well ladies that is my tip on Natural hair and adding some color so its the New Year add some flare to that fabulous natural hair of your and send me pics to stribling_y@yahoo.com and I will feature them here!!!

Naturally Minah,

Pictures of beautiful Naturals I admire!!! Natural is Art

Herbs and Natural supplements and Your Hair Journey!!!

Hello Ladies,

I recently found a posting that gave a brief description on herbs and natural remedies and I thought it would be a great read so I am sharing it with you feel free to try some of these out on your hair and skin you would be surprised at the results I have used some and plan to try others good

Jojoba oil is similar to sebum, which is secreted by human sebaceous glands to lubricate and protect skin and hair. Jojoba oil conditions hair and prevents it from becoming brittle and dull. Avocado oil Softens skin, helps skin and hair retain moisture and fights the aging process Coconut oil is one of the best natural nutrition for hair. It helps in healthy growth of hair providing them a shinny complexion. Coconut oil prevents dandruff, lice, and lice eggs, even if your scalp is dry. It is an excellent conditioner and helps in the re-growth of damaged air and provides the essential proteins required for nourishing damaged hair. Honey is high in vitamins and minerals, and has wonderful benefits for the skin and hair. Honey is a good humectant and emollient, serving as a good moisturizer and conditioner Basil: Oily hair. Promotes hair growth. Treats eczema, psoriasis Bay: relieves scalp conditions and acts as a hair tonic Cedarwood: Aids in Dandruff, relieves itching Chamomile: Fine to normal hair. Gives golden highlights Geranium: deters head lice Grapefruit oil: Promotes hair growth, astringent for balancing oily scalp Juniper Berry: an astringent for the skin and hair Lavender: Normal to oily hair. Scalp treatment for itchiness, dandruff, and even lice! Controls oil production, reduces itchy/flaky scalp Lemon: Oily hair. Gives golden highlights; treatment for dry scalp, dandruff, lice, and underactive sebaceous glands Myrrh: Dry hair. Treatment for dry scalp, dandruff, lice, and underactive sebaceous glands Neroli: balancing oil for the skin and hair, and can help control overproduction of sebum Orange Oil: Oily Hair. regulates the production of sebum, the hair’s natural oil Palmarosa: helpful for balancing oily and dry skin. Patchouli: Oily hair. Dandruff treatment Peppermint: Dry hair. Promotes hair growth. reduces itching and irritation Clary sage: All types of hair. Dandruff treatment. Adds Shine. Good for weak hair, has antioxidants Cypress: Use in treating hair loss, alopecia. clears oil


This was shared by Naturally free to be me on facebook go friend her she has great tips and suggestions again I hope this helps you on your journey!!




Yours Naturally, 

Happy New Years!!!!!!

Hello Ladies,

Happy New Years!!!!!!! Its 2012!!! Make this Year a Great one!!




I know I have been been a bit delayed but I will be coming to you soon with some great tips!!!!

Natural Hair Takes Patience!!!

Hey Ladies,

So as many of you know I have been natural for 3 months now and I must say is a decision I am very glad I made but I will be honest.

I HAVE MY DAYS***

Have you discovered your natural curls, coils, and kinks to try you some days!!!! Yes I have to admit I do have days when I am frustrated and some days it seems as though products work better and then some days I am just not feeling it.

I am writing you to encourage you and say don't give up when you get to that point. Natural hair can be trying and for some it could very well be your (Breaking Point) lol! I Encourage you to hang in there.

 Don't give up or give in here are some tips for those rough days when hair just will not act right: 

Try adding a cute head wrap to your outfit with some faboulous ear rings you would be surprise how this new addition can add style and trend to a outfit.

A cute hat is always trendy and with the winter months approaching is a great way to protect hair from dry and hard air and winter weather again I say spice up the makeup and always keep you favorite earrings close and Viola!! You have a hot new winter trend going.

And if you are like me a slow schedule just add some oils and moisturizer and let it flow thanks Toni Braxton for that song I have so learned to let it flow some days!!

I will agree that sometimes even our hair needs a break so some days less is best and doing little to no manipulating saves on breakage just remember our natural curls,coils, and kinks need moisture so ladies keep it curly and hang in there!!!!

Yours Naturally,

Minah

Hey Friends please Join us December 23rd for the Annual Christmas Party!!!

 Hey Friends if you are in the Pine Bluff area come join us!! Merry Christmas to you all!!

My first Beauty Tutorial *******

Im Natural and My man Hates it!!

Hey Ladies,


I recently watched a video that was related to a a woman who decided to go natural and her man hated the new look. Ladies I personally have dealt with a male friend who by personal preference preferred longer relaxed hair and that is okay we are all entitled to our own opinions.

However, if a man shows more interest in your physical appearance than who you are as a person I would have to say that is a RED FLAG!!! that he is not the one.  Ladies to embrace on a journey such as this takes courage it requires you to step out of your comfort zone and embrace a new reality.

Self-Esteem and Confidence are the key ingredients in embracing the natural you. Many have suggested those who wear no weave or no makeup are considered the true Naturals but its is my opinion that being beautiful in the skin you are in and taking excellent care of the Mind, Body and Soul is what matters when trailing on this natural Journey!!

Ladies Remember some men are ignorant to what matters most and those are the ones you want to weed out and believe it or not there are some really great guys who are ready and willing to embrace and travel along with you on your Journey and that is the man after my own heart!!

FYI!! More men than you think actually prefer the natural curls,kinks, and coils. I find that more men than woman desire to touch and play in my hair so ladies no fretting there !!

I hope this inspires you that no matter what love yourself and anyone who doesn't love you past the physical is not worth the effort of the time!!


Yours Naturally,

Minah

A Product Suggestion** Million Lashes False Lashes By Loreal**** I love it**

Hello My Lovely Naturalistas,

By now most of you know that being Natural is the ultimate style of them all however on this natural journey most of you have discovered a few changes such as updating clothing style, adding more to the makeup bag, and just taking better care of oneself.

Today I am writing a product suggestion on a favorite of mine as you may have noticed in my pictures I love to wear makeup. Makeup to me is an added bonus with being a natural beauty it only adds to the beauty it does not cover up but it enhances get my drift.

Product:Loreal Million Lashes (false Lashes*Faux Cils)- this mascara is one that is truly defines and it provides superb length and volume if you are one who likes long full lashes you know the look the models have on the commercials I suggest  trying this mascara preferably because it has great coverage and it give lashes a natural dramatic curl that is eye capturing!!!!!

Price: 7.99 -8.00-  The price is a bit fair consider the average cost of a good mascara starts around $6.00 

  Ladies if you are looking for a great mascara that true to its own I would go to the nearest Walmart, Target, or drug store and grab one of these Mascaras let me know what you think please feel free to leave a comment!!

And remember I will come to you with the latest in Natural trends, Makeup and my favorite product suggestions!! (Only Those I have tried or found Great Reviews on))

Blessings to you All!!

Natural and New Years****

Hey ladies,

 Its almost that time of the year you know when we make that list. Yeah you know the list the one we make every year and it is consisted of all those to do's and promises of things we plan to do in the New Year.

  I have made my list and its rather easy I plan to view my life and the thing in this next year in short comparison to the feeling I have towards my natural locks as a growing experience and learn how things flow and adjust accordingly only if it benefits me.

 As most of you Natural ladies know that when it comes to our hair its very sensitive and ever changing and with life I have found things to be so similar as I embrace this change I must adjust tot he level of growth that comes along with the growth phase and with the growth phase comes more responsibility.

Also as many of you may have notice considering the economy one must choose to be more financial savvy and along wit my hair and the many products advertising and the prices thrown at you one must also choose wisely and consciously when it comes to product purchases because realistically who wants to go broke just to have a counter full of hair products.

Also ladies again remember the Golden Rule if its not broken don't fix it I'm just saying!!!!! 

Again Ladies I encourage you to allow patience to be your virtue because with anything you really want it requires patience and what ever you do promise to not give on your journey in life or the sweet new Natural Journey and for those of you in the TWA phase remember we won't be in this phase forever hang in there fill free to comment leave a post and share your stories with me!!

Happy Holidays!!!!

Yours Naturally,

Minah

My First Natural Hair show and Convention****

Is counting down the days until the weekend when my bestie and I head down to Houston for our first natural hair convention and meet up.

 I am so excited and yet ready to see all of the beauty naturals in attendance things I expect to do and see while there are: I want to shop till I drop, I plan to buy new products to try out and I am hoping and praying some fine men are in attendance that would be great!! I plan to attend a few workshops to learn new tips and ways of styling my hair and my friends hair. I hope to gain inspiration in establishing my product designs and furthing my business ideas !!!!

So I am excited so tune in i will be blogging about my experience this weekend ladies!!

Yours Naturally,

Minah

A New Tip!! For my Curlies and Naturalistas!!!!

Hey Ladies as you know I am very open on tips and suggestions and its my responsibility to report what works and doesn't work from my perspective. Yesterday I reading around the web trying to locate a way to better maintain and manage my wash n Go. Like most people when I wake up in the morning my hair is flat and need to be revamped.

So I came across a article that suggested spritzing my hair and night and applying a plastic cap under my satin cap would help me keep my curls. So I decided to try it out!!

Its the next morning and I must admit it worked!!!!! My hair is slightly damp not wet and my curls are still softly their now I will admit I did have to manipulate my sides because I am a side sleeper but for the most part my hair is still soft and moistened.

Again here what you do to maintain moisture and keep shape of curls at night for a wash n go
1. Spritz hair lightly with your water mixture-mine is a mixture of bottle water,aloe vera juice, essential oils-lavender, rosemary, and tea tree oil, and vegetable Glycerin.

2. Apply plastic cap

3. And lastly put satin cap on or bonnet and head to bed try this please come back and let me know how it works for you this comes highly reccommended I have visited several other sites who suggested this as well

again I am only sharing tips I have tried please post a comment or subscribe and I will keep you posted as I journey!! Also I am so excited about the Natural hair convention meet up this weekend!! Pics coming soon of that event!!!

Team Natural We are Inspiration One to Another***

Hello Ladies ,

I have to admit that it has been a true pleasure to journey and share my natural hair story with you. Over the past few months I have come to find that we in our own right have a unique and individual story and it is worth sharing I have found that we all are motivated by the growth and progress we have achieved and that of our biggest hair idols.

I  found that even sharing product reviews and product suggestions is a big motivator and tool of mine. I  feel that in this journey we have to be open and willing to try because mastering our natural tresses is a skill to be obtained. I enjoy sharing my tip and regimes as well as receiving  new tips and suggestions daily.

 I feel that the bond shared through naturals is actually cool because we get to laugh and share our hair ups and downs. It is great to see how we as sisters and women of ethic backgrounds have come together and found a common ground that we all share and that is simply our love for ourselves and our beautiful unique hair.

Again I am taking this moment to say Team Naturals together we are Inspiration to one another let us share in this journey!!

Wishing  You Season Greetings!!!!!!

NEW ANNOUNCEMENT**** Dec 9&10 Natural Hair show in Houston Texas ***

Hey Ladies I am writing to encourage those who can attend to mark your Calendars for this event I am definitely excited and making plans to be in attendance just a P.S.A for all my naturals and Curlies!!!!

P.S.A message for my curlies***

Hey Ladies

I have recently been trying out new products and I understand certain products can be very pricey and it causes a serious dent in the pockets if you try a product and find that it doesn't work for your hair type so I thought I would come to you with a

Special Announcement*******WALMART AND TARGET*** Will take back in products purchased whether open or closed!!


I know this to be fact and considering that I am a bit more comfortable with trying products because I thought it would be a dear shame to purchase something and it not work and have to take that loss!!


 So Yes again they *****Walmart and Target*** will allows returns on open or unopened products as long as you have a receipt you can get a full refund if you do not have a receipt you will get store credit also products must be returned within the first 90 days!!!!

Just a PSA!!

Stay tuned for more natural updates!!!

Miss Jessies curly pudding**

Hey ladies this is ya girl Minah coming at you with a product review so I recently purchased the Miss Jessies curly pudding and the curly buttercreme so far I am satisfied with the results but not enough to continue use of this product ;. I have found that I did  acheive the best results with this product when my hair was damp. I co-washed my hair and applied the curly pudding and to my surprised I was blessed with a head full of coils and curls and its was great to finally have some luck at achieving coils and curls without having to aplly a multitude of different products however now I am not saying that product layering is wrong I am simply saying that I was a two step process and I had my hair styled.

The Cons to this product was it made my hair hard after it dried and the smell is too much for me I have decided to return the product be cause cost and its value to me just doesn't balance but at least I gave it a shot.

If you are interested in trying this wash and Go style now is the perfect time at select Targets and at Target.com you can now purchase Miss Jessies products at a holiday rate of buy one get one free so I was able to buy the pudding and the buttercreme. I found that these two products work insync with each other because you apply the Pudding immediately following a wash and then the next morning or so you apply the buttercreme to revive and bring curls back to life.

And I will say that not all products or suggestions work for everyone but I am curious and excited about this natural journey so I am open to trying things that may work for my hair. Again results may very I hope this helps some one stay tuned for more Natural journey with Minah!!!

Yours Naturally,

Minah

What do we call a Friend**

In the recent days I discovered how some of us place certain values of this title on others and I am learning that sometimes what we feel and how others feel isnt the same. I have had some of the best friends and they have taken and gotten me into some of the craziest situations but through it all we grew. Now day people want those friends who sale them lies and  it is better to have a friend who is honest and truthful than one who pleases your ears with sweet words. A real friend is not always going to tell you what you want to hear but in times of triumph and trouble they are there when you need them to be and will give  hard core truths they however most people want those yes friends tell me yes or sale me lies when you know I need your honesty the world we live in today and then when you are honest people call you judgemental maybe i say things that inspire you to think or consider reality but not judgemental because at the end of the day its your life what kind of friend do you want??

2 Month Big Chop Anniversary Pics!!!!

Hey ladies and friends as promised here are pics of my 2 Month Post Big Chop!!! Hope you like and enjoy celebrating with me!!

2 Month Post Big Chop Anniversary

Hey Ladies!!!!!

 Can you believe it  again that time has come its my Two Month Post Big Chop Natural Hair Anniversary I must say that I am very please with where I am two months later. I am reminded of my short fade and now I have two months of growth. I admire the texture and beautiful hair that has grown from my roots.

 In this two month journey I have discovered what works and what doesn't but I am enjoying the journey as I keep growing I am excited to say that my hair present to myself is a new product I plan to try out by Shea Moisture (Organic Raw Shea Butter) Deep Treatment Masque or leave In.

Ladies I feel that every month as I approach a hair anniversary I will debut a new product I am using or give reviews on a favorite product of the month.

 Ladies lets celebrate Do You Know What Today Is??? Its My 2month Natural Hair Anniversary all smiles here pics coming soon!!! As always ladies keep glowing and keep growing we will master this thing!!

Please tune in for more from Yaminah and my Natural Hair Journey!!!

Yours Naturally,

Natural Hair and the Winter Weather and your Style!!!

Hey Ladies,

So its getting cooler and not only are we having to adjust our styles but we are having to accommodate our growing locks. In doing so make sure you remember to protect and hydrate and this can be with simple methods of wrapping your hair up at night with a satin scarf or pillow case.

 Also ladies remember that everyday does not have to be a day of high and rough maintenance during the harsh winter seasons try doing less manipulations as possible if you can avoid rough combs and brushes do so a easy remedy is to finger coil or as some call finger do's.

 Products I recommend for the winters are oils that hydrate and I have posted a spring water mixture that can help hydrate for my wash and go naturals a friend of mine mentioned she has been mixing pure Shea butter, coconut oil and a few of her fav essential oils up as a good hair conditioner for these cold months ahead .

Remember that your hair needs winter protection from dry and rough air so don't slack up in the months to come ladies!! Again this is just me coming to you with a daily 411

Tune in for more updates!!!

Yours Naturally!!

Natural Hair is it a Trend or is it here to Stay My take****

Hey ladies I am sure you have heard many say that the new thing is black women going natural and is this just some new trend. I personally feel that the decision to go natural is more than just a trend because of the transitions and the growth process required. In a trend you have something that shows up on the scene quick and at the blink of an eye its gone. In going natural I have learned that in somethings there is a required level of patience and since cutting my hair and fading it short I have indeed learned patience with my new and growing look every week there is a different level of growth and change with my hair but I must admit I love the changes and the levels of transition from super short to wow all this soft and beautiful hair. Ladies !his is not a step to tread lightly because when you consider this process it requires a life style change just my take and the answer is NO GOING NATURAL IS NOT A TREND ITS A CHANGE OF LIFESTYLE .

Also I have some new product I am trying listed below::

I am using Lekair Cholesterol $2.99 (Deep Conditioner with Aloe Vera, Cholesterol, Jojoba Oil, Protein)- This product has thick consistency the smell is very good and lightly fragranted I applied on my hair to deep conditioned since I recently added color my hair feels soft and smells fresh I would suggest this product but I will try it out for  a few weeks and let you know further my results and opinion.

Also I am still using the hydrating spritz I made with some bottled water, essentials oils lavender, Rosemary, Tea tree, and Jojoba, along with vegestable glycerin, and Aloe vera Juice. This product works well for a daily wet and go look and it allows your hair to get the needed moisture with the mix of water and the oil to seal the hair cuticles. I love it so far!!

My routine is currently wash once a week, deep condition weekly and daily spitz my hair with water and oils, I only add styling gel if I am going out but if its a day in I add no gel.

Again this is what I am doing it may not work for everyone but I love my results counting down till my two month Natural post big Chop Annicersary!!!

1. Continue to support me and I will continue to share my story of my natural hair journey!!

Getting the Most from the Natural Experience!!

Alot of Natural sistas believe that to let go of the perm and start from scratch is all there is to going natural along with the trial and error sessions of trying new products but there is way more to this process. In the past weeks I have discovered that this process should be more of a internal one if you working its way from the inside out with that being said I have gained more consciousness on the things I eat and how they affect my body with the winter months approaching I have begain to take vitamins that support immunity, hair, skin, and nails and others that just help with the overall person I am writing to encourage you to drink plenty of water get you veggy intake  up and care for the inner you as well as you tend to the outer you because you cannot have one with out the other let make this a natural journey of re discovering our better selves!!! Just a kind word of advice!!

Yours Naturally,

My New Color and Natural Hair

Hello I know its been a few weeks since I last posted but since I am days away from celebrating my two month natural hair anniversary I thought I would go ahead and share that I have added color I decided to do so because my natural hair color was not giving the pop I needed and it felt as though I was missing a finishing touch thanks Mom!! So i used the Soft Sheen Carson Dark and Lovely brand my color of choice was Red Hot Rhythum I must say I am greatly pleased. 

I bet you are asking if my hair is any different or has my regime changed huh?? Of course you are and my answer is going to me no my hair texture is still the same but after careful research I learned that when color is added its thins a later of the hair so it makes it easier to lose moisture but the best remedy for retaining moisture is to deep condition or co/wash with a great conditioner.
 Shampooing is not something you have to do with natural hair but some prefer to do since our hair needs oils and moisture and given that most shampoos strip the hair of that its best to condition conditon and co/wash this cleanses the hair and adds moisture as well.

What have I been up too??
Recently I have been spritzing my hair with this mix I put to gether this mixture is what I called my hydrate moisture mix : you add a little spring/distilled water, a little aloe vera juice or gel, an essential oil of your choice but i chose to add jojoba, lavender, rosemary, and tea tree oils, some gylcerin because its helps hold moisture

Once you have all ingredients added you shake well and spritz onto hair for a nice moisture fix what many of us do not know is natural hair needs moisture and water provides that moisture but the oils we use help seal the moisture into the hair follicles so the thing we want to remember is to add moisture and this will keep our locks strong, shiny and beautiful.  for more simple recipes please stay tuned!!!! Posted below are pics of my color and growth since September 18,2011

Naturally Yours,

How to Identify products for your Hair***

Hey Ladies on this Natural hair Journey we will all discover a variety of different things such as how our hair differs from others. I bet you are just like me spend your late njights watching Youtube videos on how to's and product suggestions but even after watching those you still have to  go to the hair store and get your products and if you are like me I read the directions and ingredient information to make sure it specific to my hair care needs. One thing I suggest in your Journey is to keep a progress report and this can be as simple as dedicating a page in your  journal or Iphone calendar to hair specifics

( For example I write down what my routine is every week or everytime I make a change this makes it easy to remember and offer suggestions)

Today I saw a post on Facebook where Carol Daughter asked if one could create a product for the line what would it be? My response was I would create more hair specific products for example some of us have thinning hair and some have dry scalp. I would create products that dedicate to a specific issue. Now ladies I suggest that before you go and buy all these products that are suggested you thoroughly evaluate your hair and its needs and buy accordingly because hair products especially for natural hair can get costly. I however have opted to go the most natural route so Whole Foods Market is my hair store now!!! I know that my hair needs oil and moisture so I am only concerned with maximizing moisture while not clogging pores.  I buy products that are light and moisture rich as well as curl defining. Again I am coming to you on a tip of encouraging you to evaluate your hair needs and shop accordingly also support those fair trade products because that helps provide support to our sistas and brothers in the mother lands and other countries!!

Also check out my pics its my one month Hair Anniversary and I am loving it!!

Your Naturally,,

Minah

Its My 1 Month Hair Anniversary Post Big chop!!

Hey Friends!!!  I am super proud and excited today marks my (One Month Anniversary Post Big Chop) and I feel great!!! In this past 30 days I have enbarked upon a Journey of freedom and liberation. I have allowed my self the opportunity to embrace change by letting go of old barriers and standards. I have come to certain realizations in this past 30 days but I know this is just the beginning of my journey I recently accepted that I am a beautiful woman I am more than what meets the eye I am strength defined before making the decision to chop I was concerned about my head shape and how I would look I was even concerned with how the man in my life would take it but I made a decision that I love me and that includes all aspects and parts of me I realized that who I am is more than what my hairstyle is and how I choose to wear it. In this Journey I am discovering that the only standard of beauty is the one we choose we are all beautiful in God's eye and beauty is in the eye of the beholder.  I have to say that I love my hair even though its TWA (Teeny Weeny Afro) its so cute and I can see texture forming too!!

HAPPY ONE MONTH ANNIVERSARY!!!

Natural Hair and Pure Essential Oils!! Must try this at home remedy!!

Hey ladies I am coming to you with a new simple and easy remedy its called getting to know my essential oils. Ok so one may ask what is an essential oil?

Essential Oils-they are highly concentrated aromatic essences of plants from around the world. They are extracted directly from various plant parts such as : the roots,flower,fruits, leaf and wood.

Today I will give you a new hair remedy that I am currently trying out to combat dryness, itch, and flaky scalp.
 The reason I chose this remedy was simply for the benefits of each essential oil I will be mixing Pure Lavender oil, Pure Tea tree oil and Pure Rosemary oil along with my carrier oils for skin jojoba oil.

Brief Oil description-
Lavender Oil (Lavandula angustifolia)- is a great for toning, refreshing, relaxing, and calming also used on the scalp for scent and cleasning

Tea Tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia)- has intense, medicinal arona, tea tree is a superier essential oil that can be used on skin to cleanse and purify as well as stimulate the scalp and promote healty and shiny hair grown as well as a healthy scalp and prevent premature hair loss and premature graying

Rosemary Oil (Rosmarinus officinalis)- has a fresh and purifying and anti-microbial properties that help nourish the scalp and relieve tension and flaky scalp and itching and promotes hair growth works well as a massage blend

Jojoba oil (Simmondsia Chinesis)- is extracted from the seed of a desert shrub in the American southwest, Jojoba contains proteins, liquid waxes and unique fatty acids. This oil is great because it resembles the skins own natural oils and emollients

Okay now that I have briefly explained to you what each oil is and its purpose I will begin with how to mix these oils and why. Because these oils are pure and all natural they can be strong and must be diluted with water or a carrier oil and a carrier oils is simply and oil that can be allied topical and blended with other oils that safe to apply on skin without any irritation. so you add about 10-15 drops of each oil and then you add about double the amount of the jojoba oil it depends on how much you make its safe to add extra drop if you want to increase potency but remember in doing so you must dilute properly with water or your carrier oil. With essentials oils you must keep them stored in a cool place away from sun light I bough a dark blue glass dropper bottle and placed my oils in the bottle for storage. Once combines you must shake very well to ensure properly mixed i also added a dab of pure olive oil to just for fun.

Once properly mixed just take the dropper and apply oil to scalp instantly you feel a cool and refreshing sensation and it also provides ease to itching scalp and relief.

 I hope you enjoy this mixture let me know what you think.

Note* the cost of these oils vary on size I spent about $28.00 but its great compared to buying the more expensive natural hair products that separately cost you the same and I have a lot of it so I can make additional mixtures for friends to sample.

On this journey you want whats pure and natural what provides you with optimum performance and in just a single night I can tell the difference.  All products can be found at you local Whole foods market or organic natural store or online good luck let me know what you think and i will keep you posted on results!!!

Yours Naturally,

Minah Marie!

How do you see yourself In the I am State!!

Hello again today I am coming at you from a interesting stand point and that is how do you view yourself in the (I am) state I  have been reading this book title the Laws of Thinking and it has been very enlightening on certain subjects of how we think while reading this book the author posed four simple questions he suggested each reader ask oneself and the questions are: 1. Where did you come from? 2. Why are you here now? 3. Where are you going, 4.  Who am I ? I encourage each of you to take time out and ask your self these question and anyone who comes into your life and after carefully answering these question ask yourself am I living my best life? I have answered the question and I found my responses to be shocking and interesting i encourage you to participate in this exercise and please let me know how it goes!! So as a way to motivate you I will share my response to question number four.

Who Am I? I am Yaminah Stribling  a woman that was beautifully created,I am educated I am successful, I am strong,brave,and courageous. I am living the blessed life not perfect but I am looking to good for strength, I am divinely created and I am purpose driven, I am one who lives happy with peace and joy close by as friends, I am on a mission to succeed and please God while doing so, I am growing from where I was to the woman God wants me to be, I am a lover that loves hard and strong, I am a marriage minded indiviudal, I am a great wife to the husband I shall someday have, I am rich in Mind,Body, and Spirit, I am a friend to my friends, I am a great mother to the children I will someday bare, I am confident in  my abilities and very well poised I am sophistication at its finest, I am the child that God looks at and smiles big upon, I am favored by God, My name means a woman who worked among women of high places a princess among princess I am royalty. I am the queen of my thrown I am most of all a child of God created as a woman!!!

I hope you enjoy this let me know what you think!

Ways to promote hair growth internally!!!

Hey ladies I know we are all running to our local Beauty supply store to gather our hair essentials but did you know it takes more than  topical applications to our hair but also a great way to support hair growth and prevent hair loss you can start by taking Vitamins specifically  the vitamin with Biotin in it this product can be found at Walmart and local retail store for as little as five dollars also the easiest way to remember vitaimins good for hair are to remember those that start in the early part of the alphabet vitamins A,B,C and E are great supplements that support the internal support of hair growth also there are certain foods that provide this support as well such foods are those containing whole grains, yeasts, egg yolks, and some meat and dairy products well good luck I hope on this natural journey you embrace the internally restoration as well the benefit you will receive will prove to be rewarding and share the tips!!

Why Do You Wear Makeup I like you better without it!!!

Hey Ladies have you ever been with your guy or perhaps dating a guy and he asked the question Why you wear makeup? And if so what was your initial response to his question?  Ok well here is my take when asked that question. I  wear makeup because its my hobby I was given my first compact at 16 and taught by a professional my mom lol! how to perfectly apply my makeup. I fully understand that it will not make me or break me but only enhance me. I recently read a blog where a young lady stated that she was 23 and had never been in a relationship she stated she has tried every thing from dressing up to applying heavy makeup and still no luck. The point is that no matter  if you are unattractive make up wont fix you it may hide a few dents and bruises but honey it wont fix you and that goes to say this is you love the glam of making up your face and its apart of your daily regime and who you are go ahead girl love it and do it because I will not be putting my compact or mascara down and if my man cant love that then well he knows what he can do and besides most men never know until you tell them I'm just saying continue to do you regardless in most cases I find that the one talking is not paying the cost to be the boss and if he is so what its your face make it up how you please and that just my take so why do I wear makeup its simple because I love it and its my hobby some people paint cars, some golf I love makeup and skin care there it is plain and simple. Hope this help!! Also ladies before I go know that its okay to be a little defiant my men have always known me to be the do what I want girl meaning even if they suggested or stated they didn't like a style or cut if I had made up in my mind it was cute and I wanted it I was still going to do it anyway its okay to be submissive sometimes but don't always be his little push over or door mat some days do what you feel make him work a little harder trust me in the long run you will be glad you did men like a woman who has her own mind and head on her shoulders. Just saying!

Lets Define Beauty!!

I must say that we live in a shallow world where women are defined by certain standards of beauty. I have worn relaxed hair all my life and never received any questions about it until the day i cut all my hair off the guys were like why? Some went on to assume I was having man problems or single? Some even suggested I'd stay single lol! Because of it but Ladies I define beauty as what works for you whatever you have going on in your life that complements and works for you as a woman i suggest you go with that I am writing to encourage you to step over that boundary of what standards are beauty are because we ourselves should set those rules and hell break them if we choose too! One thing I realized in my recent transition is I notice so much more about my self and I truly believe to be beautiful its a trait that dwells within the individual and it pours outward not the other way around. I encourage you to take risks I once played it safe of course I don't want you to go jump off a bridge not that kind of risk but be daring test the elements of beauty heck who says I can't look or wear my hair a certain way or rock my makeup a certain but in all you do make sure it appropriate and tasteful again I am embracing this change within my self because I notice with growth there is development and I am learning that hair it come and it grows this is my motivation to other women who are curious but afraid of the critics and what they will be perceive as I say welcome sista we all have a unique ness embrace your bare all and natural side I have!! But I love all phases of me I wont say my natural is better than my relaxed or Vice Versa I just love me and breaking rules *****

Defining Natural curls!!!

Okay so I was watching You Tube and I was watching a video by Coloured Beautiful I hope I got her name correct and she was doing a tutorial on defining curls now to test this method I did the tutorial on one of my friends who is a natural sista as well. Now our story is a little different because this required a hair color. This is her first time coloring her natural hair and after a few inquires we chose to go with Dark and Lovely Soft Sheen Carson Red Hot Rhythm. I had my friend deep condition her hair the day prior. I applied the color and allowed it to stay on for 30 mins on natural hair. After Rinsing the color out I applied more conditioner and this is wear the method suggested by Coloured Beautiful comes into play so we applied conditioner to the already damp hair and massaged it in until it was not visible then I applied the Eco Style gel and more water and blended those in and my did girl friends curls pop and as it dried the curls maintained their position and she was rocking her natural curls and coils through the rest of the day and night and it was amazing to see the new vibrate color and curls pics coming soon of this style and to my amaze ment this was my first natural hairstyle and my friends know me as the hair person so I was excited at doing her hair. With a successful turnout look for more hair tips!!

MY Natural Hair Routine Week 3

After three weeks I have found a useful yet simple routine and that is I wash my hair every other week that works for me considering my hair is short now I do like the Co-Wash Method but at present with the harsh and hard water here in Texas I will only be washing every other week now I do utilize the spray bottle method to dampen my hair. Daily I like to apply my Hawaiian Silky 14 N 1 Leave In conditioner along with my essentials oils by Beautiful curls its the Shea Butter and Coconut Hydrating Curl oil for Curly to Kinky hair now its really good and only requires very little to get the job done provides shine and moisture through out the day and night not over greasy or shiney. I have and do like to use Eco styling gel but only if I want a more define curl or defined look. For days when I am mostly home I prefer not to use the gel because I do not care if my hair is tamed or not when at home or hitting the gym. Hope you guys like this I will be sharing with you a natural hair styling techiniques I found via youtube!!

WEEK 3 Post Big Chop

Okay so its been three weeks and let me tell with each week there has been change but rapid growth the first week I noticed my scalp was really dry so I spent time working to build up moisture my first week I used Olive oil spray and Coconut oil spray because my hair was very short and I did not want to have the greasy look or over shiny look. I have to admit with short hair there are hazards like!!! BUMPING YOUR HEAD OUCH!! BE VERY CAREFUL I bumped my head like twice and one time really hard it was bleeding lol! Okay so week 1 consisted of a alot of itching and flaking of the scalp again I focused on Moisture and I decided that I should do a internal natural cleanse so I loaded up on Vitamins, organic and all natural juices and water lots of water this helps as well. Now Week two wow we are making progress I can almost pinch my hair but its shiny and still pretty low but the feed back from the cut has been amazing so many compliments. Ladies! I believe in all that you do wear your confidence trust me even with no hair it makes you look so much better and men love that lol! So again even though my hair is short I am still working on moisture and controlling this itching so i continued to oil my hair and I still Yes I Still sleep with my night scarf! Some may ask why well okay I will explain the cottons from our pillow cases and bed spreads are harsh and can collide with our hair to cause breakage and dryness so please continue to sleep with your night scarfs or satin pillow cases. Now we are in week three I have developed a hair routine !!! (my routine will be presented later)!!

A New Motivation and My Big Chop with No Transition!!

Recently I decided to take a new approach and new focus in my life I decided to go on a journey that since September 18,2011 I have immediately seen the impact of this Journey I decided to go where very few desire to go and that Journey was to go Natural. In going Natural I had to make a tough decision although the trend of most women who pursue going natural is to transition well considering the fact that I was already rocking short tresses I just figured transitioning wasn't for me so I decided after much deliberation I would chop all my relaxed hair off. WOW!! what a brave move I know!!! But my mind was made up and with that decision I made my appointment to have a friend cut it all off. Now before I went about this change I did check my head for surface wounds like dents and I had to verify that my head shape was okay lol! After I walked around my house for a few days with my hair pulled back I came to the conclusion that I am beautiful with hair and beautiful without hair I said to myself girl you are badd so I went to the barber shop and I encourage those who aspire to get their hair cut off make sure the environment is a cool and relaxing because if the person cutting your hair is not in full support for those who are still a bit nervous this could cause an instant change of mind. So after a few why questions and laughs the cut began it took about and hour because we wanted to ensure that it was cut with great precision. I also suggest the most feminine cut possible and I have to say I enjoyed my experience and my how hair grows I will be posting pics soon!!! Hope this helps!!