Friday, August 3, 2012

Foundations of an Olympian The gift of Sacrifice**

Hello All,

Recently we watched on the world stage a young lady by the name of Gabrielle Douglas compete for Gold medals and do something that has never been done by a African American female. Gabby Douglas competed with Team USA Women's Gymnastics Team and won her first Gold medal with TEAM USA. However to much more galore she also made it to the ALL Around Finals to compete for her own individual Gold Medal. Making history this young lady at the tender age of 16 is the first African American female to win two Gold medals for all around best Gymnastics in the world.

From the day Gabby set foot in London she has had fans cheering, praying and supporting her. Behind this young lady is a powerful story. Gabby was raised by a single mother of four who has worked hard to take care of her children and support them in their dreams!

Today I want to salute her mother and all the single mothers around the world who did what others have once looked down upon and that was step up and raise all star kids. I am giving honor to Gabby's mom because she has done this alone and she has managed to keep her family together. Raising one of the world's greatest gymnast was not always the joys of watching her being crowned the world's greatest gynast .  I commend her because I know when I look back over my life and all the high and lows and days of wanting to quit and give up on an endeavor it was my strong mother and grandmother who believed in me and saw the vision. I know that support system from which Gabby comes from I too have had the support of my mother and Grandmother and my sibling Xa which many times be it through encouraging words or acts of kinds gave me that push I needed when I didn't feel it or see in it in myself.

Today I salute Gabby,  her mom, and siblings for the love and support because it has shown to be a strength. And to0 many times the media and society fails to acknowledge the strength of the single mother her character and sacrifices. I know there are some who lack the characteristics but there are far too many that deserves all the honor and awards to be given when these mothers give up so much to see the dreams of their children full-filled. I felt a compelling pull to share my thoughts and feelings on this subject so today I honor all single mother's doing it and Gabby's Mom because through her the foundations of an Olympian was born through the gift of love and sacrifice I salute you!!

Go GABBY DOUGLAS (Douglas scrambles is USA GOLD)

Sunday, July 29, 2012

Elements of Natural Beauty and Hair Defined!!: My 1st Feature-- Megan Revada's Story

Elements of Natural Beauty and Hair Defined!!: My 1st Feature-- Megan Revada's Story: Hey Ladies, I come to you with a feature as you know I love sharing my story but I also want to share my friends and those who wish to hav...

My 1st Feature-- Megan Revada's Story

Hey Ladies,


I come to you with a feature as you know I love sharing my story but I also want to share my friends and those who wish to have their stories shared on my blog .Today I present a near and dear friend of mine who recently big chopped here is her story! Welcome to the Natural Side Girl!



Hello My name is Megan Revada, I am  26 from Altheimer, AR.I currently work as an  Occupation family therapist. I decided to go natural because I was tired of using chemicals in my hair and I admired the healthiness of individuals with natural hair. Also admired the natural hair look. Witnessing a close friend and cousin do the big chop and go through the natural process motivated me to go ahead and join the natural family. I decided to take a different approach however. I decided to do the transitioning phase of going without a relaxer. I went without a relaxer for about 9 months. After 9 months I began to notice the length of my natural hair and was anxious to start wearing it. I chopped the rest of my relaxer off on July 28th and I must say, I am really loving my hair! I am so excited about the different hair styles that I can do and so anxious to do them all right away! I hope to continue this journey, allowing my hair to be healthy and grow, grow, grow. I am so excited about being a part of the natural family and have started to notice myself to paying more attention to other naturals. It's funny how I watched my close friend stop and talk to other naturals about their hair and I thought OMG come on and stop talking about your hair! Lol Now I see firsthand what it's like to be a part of the group. Thanks Yaminah!


Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Elements of Natural Beauty and Hair Defined!!: Results from first Trim!!

Elements of Natural Beauty and Hair Defined!!: Results from first Trim!!: Hey Ladies, As you know last week I celebrated my 11 month natural hair anniversary since I big chopped September 18, 2011. I have to adm...

Results from first Trim!!

Hey Ladies,


As you know last week I celebrated my 11 month natural hair anniversary since I big chopped September 18, 2011. I have to admit my hair has grown so much in that time span. I am so happy I made the big decision to go natural it has been a worthwhile journey.

Not only did I celebrate my 11 month natural versary but I decided to do my first trim. I must admit performing operation first trim had me kind of nervous. After watching many videos and comparing and contrasting trim techniques. I asked several of my natural hair icons about how they trim I was convinced this was something I could do.

It takes great confidence to first of all cut your hair and even more confidence to let someone else cut it especially if they are prone to getting scissor happy!! With the little knowledge that most stylist have on trimming natural hair I simply did not feel comfortable.  So again I said I can do this and I went to Sally's and purchased some hair trimming scissors and went to work.

Thing to remember: A trim is not a cut its just minimal snipping of bad ends. A cut is a precise chop with shears to obtain a desired style and shape of hair so there is a difference.

1. Before trimming my hair I washed and conditioned/detangled.
2. I then began at the back of my hair separating pieces of my hair from the nap and pulling hair straight down towards my neckline or shoulder .

3. I ran two fingers down to the ends of my hair and I snipped the very ends off and proceeded on to the next part of my head until I had reached my entire head.

Before trying this I suggest going to you tube or Curly Nikki.com to watch some videos to ensure proper execution.

My hair post trim!! Big Afro 

A Funky Pin up I did but look at my eyes!!

A nother Afro Shot Post trim

A wash in go style Post trim!!



But I am pleased and instantly my hair was revived and now I am rocking a twist out!!!!




Wash N Go Post trim Close up

Monday, July 16, 2012

Elements of Natural Beauty and Hair Defined!!: My First Time Trimming My Natural Hair!!

Elements of Natural Beauty and Hair Defined!!: My First Time Trimming My Natural Hair!!: Hey Ladies, As you know in a few days it will mark my 11 month natural hair anniversary and I want to treat my self to a trim. I know ma...

My First Time Trimming My Natural Hair!!

Hey Ladies,

As you know in a few days it will mark my 11 month natural hair anniversary and I want to treat my self to a trim. I know many hate to hear the world trim or even let the term roll of their tongue but it is that time. My reasoning is due to a recent wash day situation.

 So I washed and deep conditioned my hair and then proceeded to de tangle and chunky twist. I noticed I had quite a few loose ends that effected the ease of my detangling method at this point I am convinced its time I did a little ends trimming and dusting.

I have read that its completely safe to dust or trim your ends at least every 8 weeks or every couple of months. But one cannot simply just grab some scissors and trim away. You must first purchase some shears or scissors only made for hair trimming and only use them for hair trimming this will help prevent trimming with dull scissors which are known for splitting ends.

So I have made up in my mind that one day this week I am going to complete operation first trim.  There are several methods to trimming natural hair and I will be using the method of twist and snip. Twist and snip is when you twist your hair all over and snip the bad ends. Once I have thoroughly trimmed  I plan to detangle and style my hair and I will be observing for the next couple of weeks the effects of my trim with  regards to my ends and the ease of detangling my hair wish me luck ladies!!

 Also feel free to share your stories on how you trim your hair in its natural state.


As always its a pleasure sharing and providing my journey with you I hope you enjoy! Feel free to subscribe and follow my blog again I thank you for the love and support!

Minah,

Tuesday, July 10, 2012

Elements of Natural Beauty and Hair Defined!!: Why Does It Seem Good Finish Last?

Elements of Natural Beauty and Hair Defined!!: Why Does It Seem Good Finish Last?: Recently I took to my facebook page asking for topic suggestions and one of my facebook friends asked me to write about Why It Seems Good Pe...

Why Does It Seem Good Finish Last?

Recently I took to my facebook page asking for topic suggestions and one of my facebook friends asked me to write about Why It Seems Good People Finish Last!

Personally I do not believe that the good finish last but I do believe that anything worth having is worth waiting for whether its a job, relationship, family peace, prosperity, and all the greater things we desire in life.

One of my favorite comedians quoted that first would be last and last would be first-Katt Williams.

I believe that sometimes we fight and go through things and it seems everyone around us are prospering and achieving but our situation seems dull and bleak. Many of us are living right ,praying and believing God yet still its seems nothing is happening. Have you ever looked around you and saw those who seemed to be of the world or Godless doing well and getting all the stuff they wanted and wonder why me? Bishop Jakes

I believe that there are some God chooses and anyone God chooses he hand picks and we are the ones who will be tested and tried because the devil does not like the fact that we are Gods chosen so therefore he tries us and throws things to try and stop us from getting to what God has for us.

John 11:40 (Then Jesus said, “Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?”)


I believe that we must continue to believe and trust and not compare or look at others situation. God gave us each our own journeys and he never intended for us to battle alone. If we just remember to include him in our everyday life and in all of our decisions and know that through it all he is with us.

A favorite quote of mine (When I was walking along I only saw two foot steps but then I realized that the reason I did not see four foot steps was because when I could go no longer he carried me). God never leaves us and when we are confident in his ability and we never finish last.

The great thing about living a life with a understanding that God has you is that you are always the winner in any endeavor or trouble you may face.

I want to say DON"T STOP BELIEVING< DONT GIVE UP< DONT'T WORRY< YOU ARE A WINNER AND ITS NOT HOW SWIFT YOU ARE BUT ITS STAYING IN THE RACE AND ENDURING TO THE END!!!

Monday, July 9, 2012

Practicing Celibacy (denying FLESH TO THE FULLEST) while waiting on "The One".... :-)

Hello Ladies and Gents,

Recently I took to my facebook page to post a status asking for topic suggestions and one of my facebook friends suggested the topic of celibacy and denying the flesh.  

What is Celibacy?Celibacy as defined by wikipedia is the state of being unmarried and not engaging in sexual intercourse or sexual activity until marriage.

I have to honestly say there are alot of reasons to be celibate reasons I think celibacy is a good thing to consider or practice.

Reasons to Practice Celibacy

1. If you are Christian it honors religious standards and Vows made by God.
2. You are protected from STDs and STI and things that could potentially cause great health,mental and physical harm to your body.

3. It adds value to a relationship by leaving one's partner to great expectation of the special moment it makes its special and memorable.

4. It saves on the emotional damage done by the engaging in sexual activity. Many engage in sexual and never realize that sex is the only way two people can connect on a physical level and its was a way to consummate a marriage and the forces behind the act are far stronger than imagined and when the practice is abused it can bring on pain and heart break.

5. It keeps you pure and free.

6. Its a win win win to practice celibacy because it helps preserve you internally and externally

I believe Celibacy protects and hold a relationships to a certain standard. Without sex involved two people are allowed to really connect and interact and truly make an unaltered decision on if they want to truly be together with out the lustful deceit of sexual activity creeping in to alter proper judgment. Today many relationships fail because sex comes into the mix two soon and the value of actually getting to know the person you are with for some has been or is out weighed by the desire to be sexually fulfilled. Many young girls are robbed of their innocence by engaging too soon with an individual who simply wanted to be fulfilled sexually. I agree we are sexual beings but we are also spiritual beings and that one must choose which force will have the greater strength. It use to be said too much of anything is bad but now days too little is just as bad. Because many are falling victim to the fatalities of a what is so suppose to be a act between man and wife has become for some a death sentence or a addiction.



Sunday, June 24, 2012

Elements of Natural Beauty and Hair Defined!!: The Journey of Natural***

Elements of Natural Beauty and Hair Defined!!: The Journey of Natural***: Hey Ladies, I was chatting with a natural hair coach friend of mind recently who inspired me to write this post. She said Yaminah your nat...

The Journey of Natural***

Hey Ladies,

I was chatting with a natural hair coach friend of mind recently who inspired me to write this post. She said Yaminah your natural hair story is uncommon for many because most prefer to go natural through transitioning. She also suggested that even though its been 10 months I should about my journey how it started and how I got to where I am today so ladies are you ready!!


About 10 months ago I went into the barber shop and asked my friend to fade my hair all the way down leaving very little hair. Upon arriving I called my best friend to come with me for support. I had made up my mind days prior that I wanted to go ahead and take the challenge and go natural cold turkey. So September 18,2011 was my big day it was the day I decided to shave all my relaxed hair off.  It took about 2 hours to finish my very precise cut . One of the big questions I had for my barber was about my head shape and if I had dents I was concerned because he had already gashed my head so I could not turn back but guess what I didn't so it was all good. While sitting in the chair I was not allowed to look in the mirror my barber and bestie wanted it to be a total surprise. What was going through my head? Although I am very comfortable with my look and confident in my natural beauty I was nervous. It had been days since I had spoken with my guy friend so he had no clue and I decided to cut my hair knowing he hated short hair and natural hair at that but it was my choice. I will say ladies when you decide to go natural it should be a decision of choice no one else's opinions should matter because this can create doubt and discourage you. One thing I knew upon cutting my hair and shaving it was that I was beautiful beyond my hair length and texture although I had to keep reminding myself of this during the cutting process. So after my hair was finish I ran to the mirror and grabbed my makeup bag because it was not quite me yet but once I had gotten my goodies added a little  powder, some mascara, my favorite lipstick and my good earrings I was in my zone. So as days passed by I grew more and more use to my new look but this was the easy part considering only my barber and best friend had seen my hair no one else had seen me yet.

About a week later I was given the opportunity to travel home and then from there to a annual event that drew many locals from my home town. This was the annual St.Louis trip so I was so excited I said count me in not realizing everyone that new me would get to see my freshly shaven head. At that moment I was like oh my this should be interesting. As the days drew near I got nervous I started to imagine the stares and glares and debated buying a wig and so I went to my local hair store and purchased a wig. As I made my trip home I was torn between excitement and nervousness. I arrived home and the first person I saw was my mom and dad. My mom was simply like WOW!! Your Brave and that was all she had to say lol! My dad was like oh Lawd who did this to my baby!! He asked if I had been attacked and lost the battle LMAO!! He did not like it at all and he said I sure pray for your hair a speedy grow back. I just laughed it off still loving my new look but it made me more nervous because the next person I saw was my then Boyfriend and he was mortified!!!. Believe it or not we split shortly after that irreconcilable differences lol!.

So the next day I left for Saint Louis and we arrived at the game and yes it happened everyone I saw that I knew either stared in complete shock or thought it was fab and wanted to touch it!! Even though it was my head not much hair but ok it was kinda funny. One thing I realized at this point was how concerned people were with my hair and head once I cut it all off I never got this much attention before. Later after my trip my friends were calling and informing of what others felt about my hair and it was just as expected. However I found many admired my new look and were inspired.

For the last 10 months I have embrace a side of myself that I am most proud of I have embraced a strength and courage from breaking stereotype barriers. I have also found that to be beautiful one must be confident in the beauty that our creator has given us. I will say that going natural is not for the week minded because you have be assured of your self and who you are because nothing or no one will offer that validation for you.


I have invested in earrings of all shapes and sizes, I love conditioners and wash n go, I have too many night caps to count but they are a must. I treat my hair with optimum care and I watch what I eat and take in as well it has been a lifestyle change for me. I have also made it  a regular part of my life to workout and drink plenty of water because what goes in comes out!

I have noticed that in the last 10 months a different kind of man approaches me now! I believe the natural shows a different kind of confidence in a woman and this has drawn a more confident kind of man to me. I am still single but I notice the change in the men that approach me. And ladies men of all nationalities love the African American woman's hair as well.

You ask if this has changed me and i will have to respond with yes! At first i thought it was just hair but on this journey I have had high and lows in my personal life and in life just in general but through it all I am GROWING!!!! GROWING!! I am stronger and my perspective is alot clearer no I have not arrived yet but I am evolving.

I know many women desire to transition but this is to encourage women with the thought of going natural or those on the Journey you can do it!!! I hope I have answered some of your questions and offered a good laugh or too!! This is my story!!


Friday, June 15, 2012

Natural hair and trimming**

Hey Ladies!!

I am writing to you about a subject that is bound to come up once you decide to grow those lovely curls out to a full head of glory. For some its the most dreaded subject to discuss even when one was relaxed you hated this time of the year! Yes its when is it safe to trim? How often to trim and how to tell when hair needs a trim? Here are some tips and suggestions I will share from my research:

One blogger known as Curly Nikki states:  My hair is fine and wavy (mostly s curls with a few coils). 

-I conduct Search and Destroys and on occasion, will clip the ends of my twists.

-It depends on the condition of my hair. If my curls are acting a donkey and tangling and snagging no matter what I do, I'll snip the ends of the twists prior to rolling them for a Twist-n-Curl (I do this a few times a year). Usually it's a micro trim (less than an inch), but sometimes I'll chop off more (like last December).
I conduct Search and Destroys whenever I happen to grab a curl and can see more than a split end or two without straining. I do this while sitting in front of the TV, or standing in the bathroom mirror... even while on the internet. The lighting in all three situations is perfect! After snipping a few, I become anal and my sessions can last more than an hour. I cut just above the split and apply moisturizer as I go. After I finish a S&D, I'm usually on my way to re-style, because it leaves me with a frizzy, undefined mess.

So yeah, I trim when detangling becomes more difficult than usual, and when I too easily run across split ends.

Also, I buy my hair shears from Target, Sallys, Walgreens, or Ulta. I never spend more than fifteen dollars and ONLY use them for my hair. I threw my shears away in early January because my preggy hormones were making me reach for them more often than usual. I'll probably buy another pair in August.
  (curlynikki.com)

I believe this may be a great and cost effective way to trim ends...

Stay tuned I will be continuing my research on when to trim how to trim and how often this is only the beginning.

Thursday, June 14, 2012

Black men and Hair and what they have to say!!!

Hey Ladies,


About a month ago I took to my facebook to pose a question to see what the response from the men would be and today I am sharing how and what they feel about us and how hair and out physical appearance so get ready its juicy!!!!!

Mr.Walden stated :Views on Black Women and their hair: My perspective is that I prefer natural hair. One the most intimate things for me as a man is to rub my hands through my woman's hairs. When a woman has weave or extensions it takes away that realness and intimateness. I feel Black women should be proud of their hair and learn to better accept and find more ways to make their hair work to their advantage as well as image. Black woman do do that now however in the wrong way. Many times I see black woman with weave and have anywhere from 1-5 colors in their hair. And who are black women trying to please or impress by wearing weave? As of father of two young half black daughters I tell them all the time about being proud of their because they sometimes talk about how "poofy" it is and how they want it straight. Be proud of your heritage and what you, and stop being concerned with what pleases others. Natural is the way to go.


Mr.Brooks stated: In my opinion, I love to see an African-American woman with the natural look. Most black men that I associate with prefer realness. No fake hair, fake boobs, fake nails, etc. Now if the nails are not all wild, long, and loud in color, then it may be cool. I may feel this way because my father never wanted my mom or sister's wearing such things. So I guess it was instilled in me early in age. I have done some reasearch myself and found that the majority of men looks at a woman's hair first believe it or not. More men prefer long over short no matter if its natural or not. But I think what attracts a real man to a real woman is Natural Beauty. 

Mr.Baker Stated: 
  • I think the black woman is the most beautiful thing on earth! Her hair sets her apart from all other women. It can be shaped formed or fitted to match her grace. That said,green, red blond ect... takes some of that grace away.

    So the fellas have spoken ladies I hope you enjoy their feed back!!






Thursday, May 31, 2012

My Natural hair favs***************

Hey Ladies,

 I will be doing a pictorial on the products I can't be without hope this helps you on your journey!!!

The following products listed below helps me achieve the following look in the pic below


1. My water bottle- its filled with bottles water, and essential oils



2. My leavin Conditioner  I like to keep it chilly in the frig at times this stuff is goldent



3.I have to add the product line I am currently using because it works!!

4. As any natural would agree I still have to have my Eco Gel
5. Last but not least for my beauty sleep you have to keep a bundle of these my Night Cap AKA Chef Hat!!

Ok ladies this is all I have and use good luck on your journey be on the look out for product give aways soon!!

Getting to Your Passion And What Drives You!!

Hey Ladies,

Today I come to you on a more serious topic of discussion the subject of  getting to your true passion and what drives you!! So its the month of  May and this is the month of many graduations and transitions. I recently graduated with my Master's degree which is on of my biggest accomplishments that I am very proud of **Round of Applause**

 I am yet still trying to get to my passion. Have you ever found yourself in a stuck position? When I say stuck I mean a position where looking back is not an option and looking forward like a huge land of opportunity but you need solid guidance?

Well I am here to encourage you to keep reaching and keep striving for what you believe in. I have found my passion and I am now in a position of trying to make my dreams flourish and come to life. I want you to realize that sometimes what you dream or desire may not make sense to any one but you but as long as you believe in it and pursue it nothing can stop you I am here to tell you keep moving, keep pushing and reaching You Can Do It!! Yes You Can!!



 You can do everything with the help of Christ who gives you all the strength you need!! (Phillipians 4:13)

In these last months I have been writing to you about hair and beauty and things in between. I love to inspire women and keep you uplifted. I plan to continue to share and write to you because it is my joy!! I believe sharing is caring!


I want to tell you all  to stay in the fight and pursue your interest and hobbies it doesn't matter if it makes no sense to anyone if its what you love GO AFTER IT!!

Stay Blessed My Queens,

Minah

Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Natural hair maintenance can be done with simplicity!!!!!!!!!!!

Hey Ladies,

So I recently read a article posted on essence magazine website about curly  hair blogger Curly Nikki. Nikki recently took a trip to Rio, Brazil and met up with a group of curl friends. While on this trip Nikki discovered that we are so different yet we are so much alike. The one thing that caught my attention the most was the fact that here in America we have so much access to bundles and bundles of products but in Brazil they have a very limited supply of products being sold there to the extreme taxes of the products being sold at a rate of 30-70% taxes added to the price and shipping cost. So we should consider our selves lucky or should we??

After reading how limited the supply of all the great products are over there the first thought that came to mind was how do they maintain their hair?? And to my surprise these women have beautiful healthy and full heads of luscious curls. I was so inspired because its simply shows that you don't have to be a product junkie to have and maintain your natural tresses. These Brazilian sistas are using coconut oils, water and shea butter to style and maintain their hair and it is working just fine for them.

I wrote this post to  encourage those who find this journey to be a struggle and for those feel as though they can't master it "Yes You Can"!!. Remember its what works for you not what everyone else is advertising!!

I consider myself a cost conscious naturalista I try to offer simple remedies and cost effective solutions to my readers!! Well ladies below is a pic of these Brazilian naturalistas!! And they are all growing healthy hair with limited products!! Work it ladies!!


How to handle Natural Hair in the heat!!

Hey Ladies,

So its heating up outside and of course we want to rock our wash n go's and fros but ladies remember just as our eyes and skin need protection our beautiful curls,kinks, and coils need protection too. As the temperatures rise to the upper 90s and 100s we need to consider our product usage and remember to keep out hair hydrated. I suggest keeping a small spritzer bottle with you to add a little hydration if hair tends to dry out too fast.

Also remember that heavy use of oils could create a greasy mess and clog pores in warmer temperatures I suggest going light and sassy ladies during the summer months and keep a great Deep Conditioner I am trying out several but I will soon be coming to you with a review on my favorites. Also ladies I suggest washing a bit more in the summer months because heat and sweat and dirt build up is a no no.

Remember with the heat hair might frizz and curls may not be as neat as they would be with cooler temperatures at the present moment my product regime as previously posted is still working just fine for me. But to protect my hair from over exposure to sun damage I have purchased some cute summer scarfs to wear as head wraps and I have some cute knitted hats as well ladies on those relaxed days why not go the extra mile add a little hydration and throw on a cute scarf or hat.

I have posted some pictures to give you some cute Ideas of how you may want to rock your hats or scarfs. To protect your hair on some days from the sun and heat!! Remember to make it cute make it you add bold statement pieces and also Protective styles are great to but for some!!!!1







Tuesday, May 22, 2012

Take Me As I Am(Essence Mag May 2012) And my own words!!

Yester day I was reading this month's issue of essence and I came across and article written by guest editor Mary J.Blige and it was title Take me as I am.  I initailly thought it was going to be a diva spread but as I read this article she was explaining her approach to self love and self beauty.



As a woman who was raised and surrounded by confident beauty I was always taught to embraced who I am am always treat my self with the best care because no one else will love me like first God and second myself. As women I realize we sometimes get thrown off from self apprecation and the most important thing we can do is get back to ourselves.

As I have grown and matured I have developed a confidence about myself from the inside out and with this self acceptance. I wake up and leave my home knowing that God is please and so am I. Mary mentioned in this article that too many times we seek love and props from men and those around us but we fail to seek it from within. Mary stated that she never really realized how beautiful she was until she heard and saw God show her and she said soon after she began to affirm and believe from her whole heart that she was beautiful. Mary stated that once she began to feel it she also began to show it and others around her caught the buzz. And before she knew it everywhere she went there was something about Mary.


Today I write to encourage you to seek out what your purpose in life is and work to acheive it and get there. I ask that you forgive your past and embrace the future and accept all of who you are because we all have a story and we all are unique but to be a Black woman we the best of them all. I encourage you to spend time affirming who you are, where you are going, and what you will have.

Take me as I am because that is the only way you can truly know me and understand who I am. As Black women society has tried to tell us how to look, how to dress, and how to be. Society has even attacked our fate and we as sisters have to embraced who we are and fight back with living proof that no matter what you throw at us we always overcome so to day I say Take me as I am because I am somebody great.

Product review*****

Hey Ladies!!!!!!


First and foremost I have to apologize for being away too long. I appreciate all the love and support. I am back with a great product review and some awesome pics!!! By the way Happy Nine Months Natural to me!!

 So recently I graduated with my Masters degree and a curl friend gifted me with the new Shea Moisture Cocunut Hibiscus line because she had heard me mention my intent to try it out. Below are the results of this product tell me what you think??

 Steps to style-







1. I first shampood my hair
2. I added a protein deep conditioner with a cocunut for about 20 mins no heat added.

3. I sprayed my hair with my water spritz for moisture and oils (bottled water, extra virgin olive oil, vegetable glygerin, rosemary oil, lavender oil).

4. I added the cocunut&hibicus hair milk and parted my hair off into sections now its time for the real fun lol

5. I sectioned my hair off and applied the hair milk I begin rubbing the cocunut&hibiscus curl scouffle throughout sections of my hair rubbing and lightly pulling it up and down my strands of hair until I saw curl definition.

6.  I also added a little Eco-Olive oil gel to this to get that ultimate curl.

**Note*** The curling scouffle if very concentrated so you do not need very much***

After letting my hair air dry and using a cold shot hair dryer I had shiny, mosturized and soft head of curls that everybody wanted to touch lol!!

I have to admit I was nervous at first because this was a switch from my regime but I love love the results and I reccomend it see pics below :-)

Again ladies Please subscribe to my blog and if you have any hair or makeup question email me at stribling_y@yahoo.com and I will be more than happy to assist you or facebook me!!!!

Yours Naturally,

Minah