tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-85159910427357713432024-03-12T21:00:27.343-04:00bigGirlbigHairnicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03306910615374171045noreply@blogger.comBlogger44125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8515991042735771343.post-37090847960737839642014-07-22T20:54:00.000-04:002014-07-22T20:54:01.110-04:00Make-up Tutorial by Daphne<span style="font-family: inherit;">My beautiful boo thang, Daphne, is my go-to person for makeup. I'm not a makeup person; the most I wear is some concealer for a few blemishes. If the occasion fits, I might even do some mascara and eye shadow. But a full fledged face beat? Not my thing.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">So when I decided that I wanted to do a makeup post, I knew I had to let Daphne step in on this one. I asked her for steps on eye makeup application and also on a full face of makeup.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Eye Makeup Application: Always start with a freshly cleansed face!</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">1. Shape/Clean up eyebrows</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">2. Apply eye shadow primer</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">4. Eye shadow of choice</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">5. Eyeliner </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">6.Mascara</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">7. Lashes (optional)</span><br />
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<b>Full Face Application:</b></div>
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1. Apply lip moisturizer</div>
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2. Use primer or moisturizer as a base to make a barrier between your skin and the makeup</div>
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3. Apply corrector/concealer</div>
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4. Apply foundation or bb cream of choice</div>
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5. Contour and highlight under the eye with setting powder (optional)</div>
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6. Apply bronzer and blush</div>
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7. Set face with setting spray or powder</div>
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8.Apply lip liner (optional)</div>
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9. Apply lipstick or lip gloss of choice</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-l5l5ICAx164/U88BHnmSsFI/AAAAAAAAAvI/yUFIFTz-xlM/s1600/20140719_172153.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-l5l5ICAx164/U88BHnmSsFI/AAAAAAAAAvI/yUFIFTz-xlM/s1600/20140719_172153.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qTQtYunih8k/U88BJG8SvTI/AAAAAAAAAvQ/kWTSjaFDhtE/s1600/20140719_172415.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qTQtYunih8k/U88BJG8SvTI/AAAAAAAAAvQ/kWTSjaFDhtE/s1600/20140719_172415.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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Two YouTube vloggers she recommends for makeup tutorials:<br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCU2WsfgrQ1eeMI-gOUpOQVg" target="_blank">MsCreativeDiva</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfOgA5BRoKlLWs7N7DPkSSA" target="_blank">Queenii Rozenblad</a></div>
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Thanks Daphne!</div>
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Please check out Daphne's <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/IMadeYouLookSC?section_id=all" target="_blank">Etsy</a> page to buy her handcrafted hair accessories.</div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span>nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03306910615374171045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8515991042735771343.post-18816110742211700472014-07-17T19:59:00.001-04:002014-07-18T10:40:43.432-04:00How I washed my kinky twist extensions<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It's been almost two weeks since I got my kinky twists installed and it was time for a wash. I was noticing that my scalp was starting to itch. I know from past experience that although it would make it quicker and easier to just stand under the shower head to wash it, I then have to deal with the arduous task of getting the twists and my roots completely dry as to not cause any mildew or unattractive smell.<br />
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I started researching and found a method to just get my roots washed by using applicator bottles... GENIUS! I bought two from Sally's Beauty ($2.29/each) in one I put cold water and grapeseed oil and in the other I put warm water, shampoo, and tea tree oil.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DnEZMsOZVwU/U8he4nqnTmI/AAAAAAAAAts/QiHP5ppaq7s/s1600/20140716_172541.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DnEZMsOZVwU/U8he4nqnTmI/AAAAAAAAAts/QiHP5ppaq7s/s1600/20140716_172541.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: start;">I then divided my hair into four loose ponytails, allowing access to my roots while getting the twists out the way. I then clipped a towel around my neck just to catch any of the excess water that may dribble down. I tried to make it as effortless as possible.</span></div>
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rySrUuzRRJ0/U8he5ruLClI/AAAAAAAAAuM/2_mTtYIlqXU/s1600/20140716_173418.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rySrUuzRRJ0/U8he5ruLClI/AAAAAAAAAuM/2_mTtYIlqXU/s1600/20140716_173418.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CEoCmhPAhZA/U8he5r2Me9I/AAAAAAAAAuA/pn06qp9H3Kk/s1600/20140716_173309.jpg" height="320" width="180" /> <br />
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Here is a picture of my scalp before I started, so you can see there's some flakes:<br />
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I then began applying the warm water/shampoo/oil mixture to my scalps and rubbing it in, creating a light lather. The reason for the tea tree oil is because it's an anti-fungal and antibacterial oil so it's perfect to use for a pre-poo (Not the greatest picture but you can see the slight lather, especially in the middle):</div>
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After doing that in all four sections I then used the other bottle with the cold water and grapeseed oil. Grapeseed oil is a great sealant for natural hair. So while the cold water cleansed and closed up the hair follicle, the grape seed oil locked in the moisture. Once it was completely cleared of the shampoo, I then blowdried my hair on low heat using my handheld dryer, allowing me to get close to the roots. Afterwards my head felt and looked amazing. This is an after picture, you can clearly see the difference: </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-69fy6JlbO9E/U8he906p1yI/AAAAAAAAAuk/G-vkffTPLfY/s1600/20140716_181555.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-69fy6JlbO9E/U8he906p1yI/AAAAAAAAAuk/G-vkffTPLfY/s1600/20140716_181555.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></div>
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I then oiled my scalp with the Soultanical Scalp Oil I told you about in my previous post and that's how I washed my kinky twist extensions :)</div>
<br />nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03306910615374171045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8515991042735771343.post-7300596347238987912014-07-12T20:48:00.001-04:002014-07-12T20:48:31.033-04:00I'm alive...I swear lolI really hope everyone has been doing well. I know it's been just about a year since my last post. I loved posting but as crazy as it sounds, I got burned out. The last year for me has been crazy; I accepted a great job in my field and moved to Florida. Additionally, I've finished my Masters degree so actually have spare time in the evening and on the weekends (at least until college football season starts lol). I felt that it was naturally time to start blogging again.<br />
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Previously I think trying to blog a couple times a week was too much. My plan is to at least get one new post up a week. My posts will focus on (of course) natural hair but I will also be incorporating more health/beauty topics and maybe even bring in guest bloggers. I already have a few in mind I'd like to do.<br />
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So to start things off, I wanted to talk about two things today: protective styling and facial cleansers.<br />
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I did my third big chop back in October. I literally do one every other year. My hair grows crazy fast and super thick. I've done every style imaginable so after a while, I just love to chop it all off and start over. After almost 8 months of growth, I decided to get some kinky twists installed. It was tricky finding something to do it here in Tallahassee as there isn't a real big natural hair community. I had a younger girl install some rope twits a couple months ago but literally the same day they started falling out. I was super upset not so much about the money spent on it, but the time. That was 6 hours of wasted time that I could have been doing something else.<br />
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Well after looking around, I found a stylist on styleseat.com and I love her. She's very Afrocentric so we were able to talk about so many things that we had in common. Also, she was saying that she was installing the twists with a twisted root instead of the usually braided root that you usually see in kinky twists. I never knew that could be done but wow they turned out great! I've been using <a href="http://www.soultanicals.com/plaitnum-roots-scalp-oil/" target="_blank">Soultanicals Platinum Scalp Oil</a> ($8). It works really well and smells nice, not too strong<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NW5kZ0YPhoI/U8HT9E_MP5I/AAAAAAAAAsI/9a0tSYr-1U8/s1600/20140712_200917%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NW5kZ0YPhoI/U8HT9E_MP5I/AAAAAAAAAsI/9a0tSYr-1U8/s1600/20140712_200917%5B1%5D.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v-AYv5wGWv4/U8HUGytGW4I/AAAAAAAAAs4/u1LtUq5Za1o/s1600/20140712_201119%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v-AYv5wGWv4/U8HUGytGW4I/AAAAAAAAAs4/u1LtUq5Za1o/s1600/20140712_201119%5B1%5D.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></div>
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Now on the subject of facial cleansers. First let me say that I have combination skin but mainly oily and as a result, my skin seems to prone to breakouts. I have to wear sunscreen all year round just to protect it as much as possible. As I'm getting older I'm noticing more breakouts and I realized that I don't clean and tone my skin as I should.<br />
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I LOVE the Cream & Coco line. The creator and owner is a chemist and knows what she's doing. When I saw that she made skin products, I had to try them out. They're as natural as I've ever seen and I love that. So I've been using the <a href="http://www.creamandcoco.com/Pink-Grapefruit-Rosemary-Botanical-Cleansing-Oil_p_346.html" target="_blank">Pink Grapefruit & Rosemary Botanical Cleansing Oil</a> ($8.50) that draws the oil out of my skin while allowing moisture to stay in my skin. I follow up with <a href="http://www.creamandcoco.com/Honey-Butter-Toning-Moisturizer_p_279.html" target="_blank">Honey Butter Toning Moisturizer</a> ($10.50) to help tone and gently close the pores. I use this combo in the morning when I first wake up and before bed at night and so far I've already seen a change in my skin (for the better) in just a few short days. I'm excited to track the progress.<br />
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I look forward to my next post. Please feel free to send ideas of posts you'd like to see. I think I may do a giveaway soon!<br />
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Namaste'<br />
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<br />nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03306910615374171045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8515991042735771343.post-9311688231476297782013-07-22T21:04:00.001-04:002013-07-22T21:06:04.601-04:00Natural Hair Luncheon So three of my friends and I decided to put together a lunch meet and greet to talk styles, swap products, and just enjoy fellowship.<br />
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We decided to reach out to some companies and we were happy to have the support of CurlsUnleashed, Mixed Chicks, and Wonder Curl.<br />
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<a href="http://www.curlsunleashed.com/" target="_blank">CurlsUnleashed</a> sent us samples size of their shampoo, conditioner, curl boosting jelly, and a compact mirror with their logo to stuff in our goody bags.<br />
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<a href="http://www.curlsunleashed.com/" target="_blank">CurlsUnleashed</a> also donated four full size bottles: Shampoo, Leave-In conditioner, Curl Refresher, and Shine & Define Mousse. We used that as a giveaway and the lovely Angela won :-)<br />
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Next up, <a href="http://www.mixedchicks.net/" target="_blank">Mixed Chicks</a> sent pens, brochures, and lip balm as free extras to the sample packs we bought. <br />
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Scarlett of <a href="http://www.wondercurl.com/" target="_blank">Wonder Curl</a> is always awesome and supportive of meetups I've been involved with. I've tested her products and I highly recommend them to any and everyone. They are great and kills frizz. She recently came out with a Hair Restoring Treatment so I was excited when she donated that and a cute tote to use as our other giveaway. Tanya was excited to get and use both!<br />
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We are so thankful for the support of these companies and giving us a chance to introduce others to their brand. They are amazing!<br />
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Lastly we had a product swap and the product junkie in me got excited. New (to me) products that were free? I'm always game ;-)<br />
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Thank you!<br />
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- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03306910615374171045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8515991042735771343.post-589885557182220302013-05-26T18:41:00.004-04:002013-05-26T19:04:08.011-04:00Curly Cruise 2013- We had a ball!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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So I know it's been a while since I've posted but I really felt like I lost my motivation for blogging. However, I went on a cruise in April with a group of natural hair ladies and it just really has me back in my groove. Over the next few weeks I will be reviewing the products I received either via purchase or giveaway and also will be having a contest or two as I have accumulated a lot products due to the cruise as well as my subscription to Curlbox :-)<br />
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So let me tell you beauties about this AMAZING cruise :-)<br />
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My friend Daphne was telling me about this cruise that a young lady named Ursula Kelly had put together. Daphne didn't find out about it until late summer 2012 and the cruise was set to sail April 2013 so I was worried I wouldn't make the payments in time however Diane Mason with the cruise planner was amazing in getting us all caught up in time to make the trip.<br />
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We sailed out of the Port of Miami with stops in the Florida Keys and Cozumel Mexico. Let me just say that from start to finish this event was planned so well. It was sponsored by Curls, we had discussion panels on products, styling, as well as regular hair maintenance Additionally, the beautifully talented Felicia Leatherwood did a live big chop and also showed us how to trim our ends. We had an amazing cocktail party and so many giveaways I need another bag just for that.<br />
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Here are pictures that I took and I did borrow a few from the<a href="http://www.thecurlycruise.com/" target="_blank"> Curly Cruise site</a>:-)<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7flbKPrrXWM/UaKK-gaOJ0I/AAAAAAAAAks/hX_Kz8igkYg/s1600/941238_465179423557672_213446117_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7flbKPrrXWM/UaKK-gaOJ0I/AAAAAAAAAks/hX_Kz8igkYg/s320/941238_465179423557672_213446117_n.jpg" width="240" /></a> The amazingly talented Ursula Kelly along with the ladies from the Curls NY-based team. They were such sweethears and so informative with the the Curls products and demonstrations<br />
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Daphne and me at the Cocktail Party..open bar ladies :-)<br />
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Celebrity stylist Felicia Leatherwood gave great time on how and went to trim your ends and also how to care for hair that may be weak areas of the scalp<br />
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This is only a small amount of of products that Curls gave away to all the ladies in attendance.<br />
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Supporting Daphne at the vendors fair. The other vendors included <a href="http://www.veolajolly.com/" target="_blank">Ms. Veola Jolly</a> who had homemade, natural hair and skin products, handcrafted earrings, as well as loc-socs.<br />
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Also vending was ladies of Curls as well as the V-Bar Lady who specializes in natural, holistic body and hair products. They are alternatives to the commercialized products sold in stores.<br />
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The next few pictures are of the cruise ship, awaiting to embark in Miami, our stop in Key West, and our day at the beach in Playa Del Carmen, Mexico (we ported in Cozumel and ferried over to PDC).<br />
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Ladies (and gentlemen too lol) we'd love to have you on the 2014 Curly Cruise as we will once again be embarking from the Port of Miami with stops in Nassau Bahamas, Half Moon Cay , and Grand Turks (Turks & Caicos) March 31st-April 5th.<br />
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Fees include the following: Cruise Fare Taxes and Government Fees Ship Gratituities Miami Airport Transfers Convention Admission ( All workshops, events and vendor's fair) 2- Hour Cocktail Party T-Shirt and Bag Welcome to Miami Reception Admission<br />
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Prices based on Double Occupancy:<br />
Inside Stateroom: $701.39<br />
Oceanview Stateroom: $771.39<br />
Balcony Stateroom: $891.39<br />
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Deposit Schedule: ( Call Diane at 1-888-202-4136 to make deposits)***<br />
1st Deposit: $50 pp by June 3, 2013<br />
2nd Deposit: $150 pp by August 15, 2013<br />
3rd Deposit: $125 pp by October 18, 2013 (please pay this deposit by Cashier's Check or Money Order) 4th and Final Deposit: Remaining Balance - by January 15, 2014.<br />
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*** You are encouraged to make deposits in between the official deposit times so that you can complete deposits. ****<br />
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You will not be admitted to events or workshops if you do not book through this group!!<br />
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<b>Cruise Schedule</b><br />
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<b> March 31 </b><br />
Set sail at 4pm<br />
4:30- 6:00 -Welcome and Live Big Chops<br />
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<b>April 1 </b><br />
8am -5pm - Nassau, Bahamas<br />
6pm - 8pm - Cocktail Party<br />
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<b>April 2 </b><br />
7:30 am - 3:30 pm - Half Moon Cay<br />
4pm -6pm - Workshop<br />
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<b>April 3</b><br />
8:00am - 10:30am - Vendor's Fair<br />
11am - 5pm - Grand Turk (Turks and Caicos)<br />
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<b>April 4 - Sea Day</b><br />
9am - 9:50am - Workshop<br />
10am - 10:50am - Workshop<br />
11am - 11:50am - Workshop<br />
12 - 1pm - Break for Lunch<br />
1pm - 3pm - Workshop<br />
3:10 pm - 4:30 - Workshop<br />
7pm - 8pm - Hair Show<br />
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Be sure to call Diane Mason at the <a href="http://www.thecruiseplanner.com/" target="_blank">Cruise Planner</a> at 1-888-202-4136 to book now!!nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03306910615374171045noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8515991042735771343.post-60374227624430421062012-09-13T15:35:00.001-04:002012-09-13T15:35:37.930-04:00TWA Love!Hey naturalistas!<br /><br />So I've posted about how after 3 years of my natural journey I did a 2nd big chop and I love it!<br /><br />So often I see blogs and videos celebrating those who have the big Afros, long curly tresses, and massive kinky do's....well I want to show love to the TWA's out there :-)<br /><br />We rock our fades, baldies, and teeny weeny afros fiercely and proudly!<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/108832226322745602546/BigGirlbigHair?authkey=Gv1sRgCM-2seLM6ICbNA#5787747318247937794'><img src='https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sHXiK-vYDJo/UFI1hWnjVwI/AAAAAAAAAf4/SwY4KbMEmBc/s288/0.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Please submit the following information to biggirlbighair@gmail.com to be featured in a special TWA Only blogpost:<br />1. Name<br />2. How long you've been natural<br />3. Is this tour first BC<br />4. Picture of your gorgeous TWA<br /><br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br />nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03306910615374171045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8515991042735771343.post-4072677484890436732012-08-08T22:41:00.001-04:002012-08-08T22:41:42.474-04:00BGBH Is Going Cruising!So I've taken a hiatus from blogging but I'm back now and what better way then to kick it off BIG! <br /><br />BGBH will be cruising on the Curly Cruise! It's April 25-29, 2013 and leaving out of the Port of Miami with stops in Key West and Cozumel, Mexico.<br /><br />Won't you join me on my first ever cruise? I'd love for you to join me so we can all fellowship and network and just have some good old fun. Use the following links to learn more about it and if you decide to book let them know bigGirlbigHair sent you :-) No, I get no compensation, the cruise founder wants to track all the blogs promoting.<br /><br />Ask for Diane :-) <a target="_blank" href="www.thecurlycruise.comthe">The Curly Cruise</a><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/108832226322745602546/BigGirlbigHair?authkey=Gv1sRgCM-2seLM6ICbNA#5774498065651449154'><img src='https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-1-NMw5PKIFE/UCMjZWdVvUI/AAAAAAAAAfk/8Gqs7ek22Ew/s288/0.jpg' border='0' width='200' height='200' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br />nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03306910615374171045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8515991042735771343.post-52756118530841411292012-03-25T13:20:00.001-04:002012-03-25T13:20:13.036-04:00Big Chop #2So I did it!! I did my second big chop on Monday (March 19th). I absolutely love it. I decided upon faded sides and back with a little more volume up top. My next plan is to get it colored. I plan to head to <a target="_blank" href="revolutionego.com">RevolutionEgo</a> and have the talented Jessica add a warm red all over.<br /><br />Here are a couple pics, I will taking more soon and will post :-)<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/108832226322745602546/BigGirlbigHair?authkey=Gv1sRgCM-2seLM6ICbNA#5723885735872747666'><img src='https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-ZOKe_qphtGI/T29TwBWe2JI/AAAAAAAAAfE/WfztVGu2XXc/s288/0.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/108832226322745602546/BigGirlbigHair?authkey=Gv1sRgCM-2seLM6ICbNA#5723885779468536530'><img src='https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Wfo2SJyeBcM/T29TyjwhytI/AAAAAAAAAfM/H0WPFsx1_uI/s288/1.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />I've always had a 3c/4a curl pattern but I swear with this second chop it's all 3c. My faded parts even want to curl up lol so it's gonna take a while to train it to lay down. <br /><br />My morning routine is so much quicker now. I simply cowash, apply leave-in, apply Eco Styler gel (Argon oil), and apply some EVOO to seal and keep the hair soft. <br /><br />I LOVE it!! <br /><br />Thank you all for your input on which cut to get :-) <br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br />nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03306910615374171045noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8515991042735771343.post-1313292148214769782012-03-13T00:45:00.012-04:002012-03-13T01:12:05.094-04:00BGBH Presents: BC Poll<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-stovzFSk9dM/T17T-Jwit1I/AAAAAAAAAe4/mWaOKeV2jVk/s1600/Op2"></a><div><div><div><div><div>Ladies, ladies, ladies (and any male followers ;-] )!!! How have <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">ya'll</span> been? I keep trying to be more consistent with my blogging but that isn't going so well <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">lol</span><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Let's get right to it..<br /></div><div><br /></div><div>May will be 3 years I've been natural! Where has the time gone? In the 3 years since my crossing over to the natural hair life, I've tried almost every style imaginable; <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">twa</span>, twists, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">twistouts</span>, kinky twists, cornrows, sew-in, color, blowouts, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">afros</span>,..everything!!! So what am I gonna do to kick off year 3?<br /><br /><br /><br />BIG CHOP AGAIN!!!!!<br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Yep, another BC :-) I'm so excited about it but I need your help! There are three similar yet different styles I'm interested in and I want your help. Tell me which style you like best and I just may choose it VERY soon :-)<br /> </div><div><br /></div><div>The choices are:<br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>1. Short and even all the way around<br /></div><div> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BcRxUctkDzM/T17S8XDl2AI/AAAAAAAAAeI/x5uO_VERmxA/s1600/Op1"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 294px; height: 320px; float: left; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5719240511230171138" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BcRxUctkDzM/T17S8XDl2AI/AAAAAAAAAeI/x5uO_VERmxA/s320/Op1" /></a></div><div><br /><div><div><br /></div></div></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div><br /></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><br /> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div> </div><div>2. Faded on the sides with short curls up top<br /></div><div> <img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 213px; height: 320px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5719240724823085890" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8RCGVJR708Y/T17TIywHE0I/AAAAAAAAAeU/RChEYkkI41U/s320/Op3" /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div> </div><div> </div><div>3. The <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">Kelis</span> (as I call it <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">lol</span>) with it even almost all the way around but with more curl volume up top<br /></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-stovzFSk9dM/T17T-Jwit1I/AAAAAAAAAe4/mWaOKeV2jVk/s1600/Op2"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 126px; height: 200px; float: left; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5719241641531979602" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-stovzFSk9dM/T17T-Jwit1I/AAAAAAAAAe4/mWaOKeV2jVk/s200/Op2" /></a></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Tell me, which do you prefer?</div></div></div></div></div>nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03306910615374171045noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8515991042735771343.post-54161569075659640242011-11-09T19:47:00.010-05:002011-11-09T20:17:20.825-05:00Protective Style Challenge: Update Pt. 2So last week I showed my progress in the challenge as we enter into the second month of the challenge, right? Well now I'm showing how three of the other ladies are doing. Landa, Kelli, and Dap :-)
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<br />This goes to show that everyone does protective styling different and I love the variety these ladies have shown. It's encouraged me to change it up pretty soon :-)
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<br />First up: My big sis <strong>Kelli</strong>. She recently did a 2nd big chop (which I'm uber jealous of btw lol)and her hair has grown so fast in the following months since. She has been doing two strand twists on her shorter do and they are so plump and healthy <3 <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5r0oaYRsgVg/TrsgSXDBzkI/AAAAAAAAAaw/mB-5AoeyJs0/s1600/Kelli.jpg">
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<br /><p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5673163655399722562" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5r0oaYRsgVg/TrsgSXDBzkI/AAAAAAAAAaw/mB-5AoeyJs0/s320/Kelli.jpg" /></a></p>
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<br />Kelli was unsure about the challenge at first but she's stated to me that she's seen growth already since starting the challenge and that it's making a believer out of her.
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<br />Next up: <strong>Landa!</strong> Landa was already in the midst of a protective style challenge which would have ended this month but when she saw my challenge, she decided to continue on. She was also in the midst of moving from one state to another so not having to worry about her hair was even more of an incentive to join the BGBH PSChallenge. She's gone between a sew-in and wigs and she rocks them beautifully!
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<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jBqq3EMhty0/TrshOG2LkyI/AAAAAAAAAa8/EVhTgCtRzac/s1600/Landa1.png"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 214px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 283px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5673164681843020578" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jBqq3EMhty0/TrshOG2LkyI/AAAAAAAAAa8/EVhTgCtRzac/s320/Landa1.png" /></a>
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<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4icQkI4LpFM/Trshbv8nx1I/AAAAAAAAAbI/7ctEQF99UFo/s1600/Landa2.png"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 212px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 222px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5673164916214187858" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4icQkI4LpFM/Trshbv8nx1I/AAAAAAAAAbI/7ctEQF99UFo/s320/Landa2.png" /></a>
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<br />Roundin' up the crew is <strong>Dap!!</strong> Dap has been very versatile with this challenge; she started off with kinky twists, then to a hair piece, and now she's got a full sew-in. I'm seriously tempted to steal her hairpiece because it's so natural looking :-)
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<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h4p_pbqEzgw/TrsiCSGf6wI/AAAAAAAAAbU/OyiZKtmmdms/s1600/Dap1.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 221px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 166px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5673165578217450242" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h4p_pbqEzgw/TrsiCSGf6wI/AAAAAAAAAbU/OyiZKtmmdms/s320/Dap1.jpg" /></a>
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<br /><p>As I've said on my previous update, it's not too late to join the challenge, we'll be going on thru January 1st and possibly longer. We've had two more ladies join the challenge this week already! Join us on twitter under the hashtag #PSChallenge and feel free to mention me @bigGirlbigHair. Read the original post from September to see the rules, which basically states you can wear your hair out two times a week but the rest of the week it needs to be protected, especially the ends.
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<br />Also please check out fellow participant's VetNatural's blog and see her progress throughout the challenge. She is awesome: <a href="http://vetsnaturalhairblog.blogspot.com/">vetsnaturalhairblog.blogspot.com</a>
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<br /><strong>LASTLY:</strong> My hair twin J has asked that I post length pics of my hair hair before and I was going to but I've decided to wait until the end of the challenge so you can really see the growth. Sorry J! Love you still though lol</p>
<br />nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03306910615374171045noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8515991042735771343.post-65284982721946272992011-10-28T21:40:00.006-04:002011-10-28T22:07:14.094-04:00Protective Style Challenge: Update!!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Q1_pKGd97DE/Tqtb-VAlWRI/AAAAAAAAAaA/C6z4H_REvzE/s1600/800S051bnjg.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Q1_pKGd97DE/Tqtb-VAlWRI/AAAAAAAAAaA/C6z4H_REvzE/s320/800S051bnjg.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5668725682325510418" /></a><br /><br /><br />Alright ladies, we are close to the 1mth mark of the BGBH 3mth PSChallenge! It has been great seeing the support for one another. I really encourage you to participate thru twitter via the #PSChallenge hashtag. One of the participants had a rough day and it was so great to hear how one of the other ladies helped her get thru it. When you are so use to manipulating your hair, it can really be nerve racking and almost uncomfortable not being able to see it and really play with it like you're use to. However that's the purpose of this challenge; by lessening your manipulation and hand-in-hair contact, it enables your hair to stay clean and not break off as much. Plus with the winter temps quickly approaching, you're going to want to keep your ends covered.<br /><br />As I'm typing this, I'm sitting under a bonnet dryer on low heat to dry my freshly washed kinky twists. I've had them in right at a month as of today and I have really loved it. I've been making sure to do styles that aren't pulling the twists, especially at the edges and always making sure they aren't getting knotted up or loc'ing at the roots. My hair is very curly and coily and easily locs up, especially all around the edges of my hair so I've been doing mostly styles where my hair is pinned up and back, instead of in tight pony tails. I wore a ponytail for the first time this week and used the leg of a pantyhose so it's not as damaging to the hair while rubbing against it. <br /><br />Here are pictures of a ponytail with a pompadour, side pin-up, and pin-up bun:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pLrUUlAaVd0/TqtcW1jRoSI/AAAAAAAAAaM/x0h2j4O1X0I/s1600/000U051bnjg.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 225px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pLrUUlAaVd0/TqtcW1jRoSI/AAAAAAAAAaM/x0h2j4O1X0I/s320/000U051bnjg.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5668726103377813794" /></a> <br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sVonyQxeyRA/TqtcmLkOCVI/AAAAAAAAAaY/4-AghmErBV0/s1600/000R051bnjg.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 225px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sVonyQxeyRA/TqtcmLkOCVI/AAAAAAAAAaY/4-AghmErBV0/s320/000R051bnjg.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5668726366985390418" /></a>\<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mrLFOhAVuSc/TqtctolXFKI/AAAAAAAAAak/r5omMA0rRjA/s1600/w7zw.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mrLFOhAVuSc/TqtctolXFKI/AAAAAAAAAak/r5omMA0rRjA/s320/w7zw.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5668726495033889954" /></a><br /><br />They are are in really great shape, I've been making sure anytime I'm in the house, they are covered with my satin bonnet. The only products I use are water to mist them and then some olive oil mousse to enhance their natural curl. For my edges, I use a little aloe vera gel as it is non-drying (for ME). My plan is to keep them in until I get back from the Bahamas in December from my birthday weekend getaway. If they are still looking good, then I'm gonna try to keep them in until the challenge is over January 1st, otherwise I'll take them out and get my hair twisted or braided up with the ends tucked away :-)<br /><br />By this time next week I will have an update with pics of the other participants and their protective styles!<br /><br />PS It's not too late to join! Just drop a comment or hit me up on twitter @bigGirlbigHair and use #PSChallenge to interact with everyone :-)nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03306910615374171045noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8515991042735771343.post-6517669536647429802011-09-20T19:50:00.014-04:002011-09-20T20:20:26.652-04:00Protective Style Challenge!!It's been A WHILE since I've blogged or made hair accessories. I won't go into details but I'm feeling much better and ready to get back to spreading the natural hair love. The last few months I've had a few of my close friends tell me I've inspired them to go natural and they miss reading my blog. I know how hard the transition and journey can be so here I am, I'm back!<br /><br />I've decided to do a protective style challenge. Here are the details:<br /><br /><strong>Who:</strong> Anyone natural :-)<br /><br /><strong>When:</strong> Officially starts Oct 1, 2011 - Jan 1, 2011<br /><br /><strong>What:</strong> Protective styles (twists, wig, sew-in, braids) either your own hair or added synthetic hair. You are allowed two days out the week to wear the hair loose.<br /><br /><b>AND</b> <br /><br />I would encourage to do a length check both at the beginning of the challenge and at the end.<br /><br /><strong>Extra:</strong> There will be two prizes given out. One will be the most creative style(s) during the challenge and one prize for the most retention so I would highly recommend you to document your progress via pictures :-)<br /><br />Prizes are sponsored by the beautifully talented Daphne of <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/IMadeYouLookSC?ref=pr_shop">IMadeYouLookSC</a> and I am the other sponsor. My store, Arym's Creations is currently empty, as I'm working on new accessories. We both do custom orders and here are some pictures of our work:<br /><br /><b>Aryms Creations</b><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SeEjYn7K6Ws/TnksFdJBSrI/AAAAAAAAAZc/5uHqHRNPInE/s1600/BeachSh2.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SeEjYn7K6Ws/TnksFdJBSrI/AAAAAAAAAZc/5uHqHRNPInE/s200/BeachSh2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5654599279373798066" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4vuzxVdbL8Q/TnksOf1YaYI/AAAAAAAAAZk/g-YEdGe6DgI/s1600/plaid1.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 156px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4vuzxVdbL8Q/TnksOf1YaYI/AAAAAAAAAZk/g-YEdGe6DgI/s200/plaid1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5654599434715556226" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><b>IMadeYouLookSC</b><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T0qdcCreWYc/TnksbaUQEwI/AAAAAAAAAZs/f-KHoj1qDW4/s1600/il_570xN_272423365.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T0qdcCreWYc/TnksbaUQEwI/AAAAAAAAAZs/f-KHoj1qDW4/s200/il_570xN_272423365.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5654599656572719874" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><strong>If you're interested in joining me in this challenge please either leave your email address in the comment section or (if you prefer) send me a direct email to bigGirlbigHair@gmail.com with Protective Style Challenge in the subject line and I will send out an email once the challenge officially starts! I hope I'm not alone in this :-)</strong>nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03306910615374171045noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8515991042735771343.post-6453680963233489392011-06-07T20:25:00.019-04:002011-06-08T08:02:41.933-04:00Midlands Natural Hair Meetup<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iRktRoUzeEU/Te7NYOWFxhI/AAAAAAAAAXc/Bolc-zorddE/s1600/3.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iRktRoUzeEU/Te7NYOWFxhI/AAAAAAAAAXc/Bolc-zorddE/s400/3.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5615651601428891154" /></a><br /><br />Daphne (@ThatgirlDapSC) and I decided about a month ago to host a natural hair meetup for the ladies of Columbia, SC. We went into this having no idea what kind of response we may get but we were wholly committed to it nonetheless. I began reaching out to companies for sponsorships. Thanks to twitter I have a really good relationship with some amazingly talented ladies who are creators/ceo's of their product lines who gladly agreed to sponsor our event.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.werockroots.com/">WeRockRoots</a>, <a href="http://wondercurl.com/">Wonder Curl</a>, <a href="http://www.createdbynature.ecrater.com/">Created by Nature</a>, <a href="http://www.meifashion.com/">Mei Fashion</a> and <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/gloryrest">GloryRest</a>. Additionally, Daphne and I donated pieces from our accessory lines; <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/IMadeYouLookSC">IMadeYouLookSC</a> and <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/bigGirlbigHair">Arym's Creations</a> < Currently under maintenance!<br /><br />We had about 19 ladies RSVP via facebook that they would attend and amazingly, 16 showed up! It was a great time of just talking natural hair, eating some great food (Thank you Red Bowl Asian Bistro! Shoutout to our awesome waiter Sam!!), and having a Q&A with my natural hair stylist, <a href="http://naturalnorastudio.com/">Nora</a><br /><br />Onto the contest!<br />We came up with various giveaways for the ladies to win prizes from our sponsors:<br /><br />Deshanda won our Wonder Curl prize of the Get Set Hair Jelly and Butter Than Love Whipped because she's been natural the longest. An amazing 10 years!:<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RgHyc7YCULs/Te7GDtExTPI/AAAAAAAAAVs/vqXEyPmvZV0/s1600/13.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 165px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RgHyc7YCULs/Te7GDtExTPI/AAAAAAAAAVs/vqXEyPmvZV0/s320/13.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5615643552319098098" /></a><br /><br />Chelsea was our youngest member and won our Wonder Curl sample pack which consisted of Get Slick Hair Smoothie and Get Set Hair Jelly. She transitioned the longest. 8 months (sorry for the fuzziness):<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hEheyzaqHNQ/Te7GoLkNalI/AAAAAAAAAV0/X9Tlo8_jNZo/s1600/15.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 286px; height: 207px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hEheyzaqHNQ/Te7GoLkNalI/AAAAAAAAAV0/X9Tlo8_jNZo/s320/15.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5615644178979318354" /></a><br /><br />Our MEI Fashion sponsored giveaway was a beautiful handcrafted bag. The question to answer was "What is the natural way to both color and condition the hair?" The answer was henna. Kionna was our winner:<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D2GsJxeJEj4/Te7HNAlijSI/AAAAAAAAAV8/cMFcujhMLRs/s1600/8.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 238px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D2GsJxeJEj4/Te7HNAlijSI/AAAAAAAAAV8/cMFcujhMLRs/s320/8.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5615644811687267618" /></a><br /><br />The following winners shared with group what the following acronyms meant (in order their pictures are listed); PJ, PS, Pre-Poo, EVOO. These ladies won accessories from IMYLSC and Arym's Creations:<br /><br />Crystal knew that PJ= Product Junkie<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0-1eLIuSj54/Te7IEzJ9w8I/AAAAAAAAAWE/EviC1JrZHEY/s1600/7.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 286px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0-1eLIuSj54/Te7IEzJ9w8I/AAAAAAAAAWE/EviC1JrZHEY/s320/7.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5615645770154623938" /></a><br /><br /><br />Chelsea (she KNEW! her natural hair trivia lol) knew that PS= Protective Styling<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zAxNJUwganQ/Te7IPgXd-NI/AAAAAAAAAWM/e-LszWVKsZo/s1600/10.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 160px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zAxNJUwganQ/Te7IPgXd-NI/AAAAAAAAAWM/e-LszWVKsZo/s320/10.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5615645954089547986" /></a><br /><br /><br />Kisha knew that Pre-Poo = Using an oil as a pre-treatment before shampooing the hair<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JPBIcgU5rM8/Te7JAo8pltI/AAAAAAAAAWU/50yjjqGQcis/s1600/6.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 242px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JPBIcgU5rM8/Te7JAo8pltI/AAAAAAAAAWU/50yjjqGQcis/s320/6.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5615646798206572242" /></a><br /><br /><br />Kryshinda knew that EVOO= Extra Virgin Olive Oil<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FE4FCPqQG1Y/Te7JA7V_IwI/AAAAAAAAAWc/Z-CPLN-pkNU/s1600/5.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 298px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FE4FCPqQG1Y/Te7JA7V_IwI/AAAAAAAAAWc/Z-CPLN-pkNU/s320/5.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5615646803144680194" /></a><br /><br />We then did a "What's In Your Purse?" game. The ladies who had bobby pins and headband won prizes also from IMYLSC & Arym's Creations:<br /><br />Johnessa had bobby pins on hers, Owww!:<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_gi32kAPh1M/Te7KBQXZsMI/AAAAAAAAAWs/xh0R9ZoP7AQ/s1600/9.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 205px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_gi32kAPh1M/Te7KBQXZsMI/AAAAAAAAAWs/xh0R9ZoP7AQ/s320/9.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5615647908299387074" /></a><br /><br /><br />Chelsea (once again, this girl KNOWS natural hair!) had headbands with her:<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TIOduD417YY/Te7KBLU9buI/AAAAAAAAAWk/-qhcPUY_JeA/s1600/4.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 190px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TIOduD417YY/Te7KBLU9buI/AAAAAAAAAWk/-qhcPUY_JeA/s320/4.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5615647906946969314" /></a><br /><br />Mixed Chicks was gracious enough to send two 1 liter bottles of their deep conditioner. We gave one away by randomly selecting business cards from a pile.<br /><br />Kisha was our business card winner:<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-66JatOCQbg0/Te7LXFT7BPI/AAAAAAAAAW0/dQyxpbOwHGI/s1600/12.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 274px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-66JatOCQbg0/Te7LXFT7BPI/AAAAAAAAAW0/dQyxpbOwHGI/s320/12.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5615649382800753906" /></a><br /><br />For the second liter, a participant had to tell us one ingredient to avoid, one styling tool to avoid, and one treatment to avoid. <br /><br />Kionna correctly named to stay away from mineral oil, hard bristle brushes, and Brazilian keratin treatments (sorry for the fuzziness):<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bXmM-LFDQtI/Te7L0ue3zmI/AAAAAAAAAW8/-8GJMJhDBz4/s1600/16.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 271px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bXmM-LFDQtI/Te7L0ue3zmI/AAAAAAAAAW8/-8GJMJhDBz4/s320/16.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5615649892068740706" /></a><br /><br />Huge THANK YOU!! To all our sponsors. Every attendee was able to walk away with a great goodie bag full of products to further their natural hair journey:<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Yg-lPXDqexg/Te7MrCKhhwI/AAAAAAAAAXE/YwHQ1aS-wsg/s1600/goodie.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Yg-lPXDqexg/Te7MrCKhhwI/AAAAAAAAAXE/YwHQ1aS-wsg/s320/goodie.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5615650825065039618" /></a><br /><br />Special thank you to our jr. host, CiCi! She took great pictures! <br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cWRC_OEfkws/Te7Ny9HFX7I/AAAAAAAAAXk/FwLV3uuwCAQ/s1600/2.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cWRC_OEfkws/Te7Ny9HFX7I/AAAAAAAAAXk/FwLV3uuwCAQ/s400/2.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5615652060659015602" /></a>nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03306910615374171045noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8515991042735771343.post-75562229203481942882011-04-26T20:51:00.007-04:002011-04-26T21:14:25.393-04:00BGBH Feature: Daphne<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2YpUn72Zdjk/TbdsNQARZiI/AAAAAAAAAUo/njhzz1EhqWo/s1600/20110413073258.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2YpUn72Zdjk/TbdsNQARZiI/AAAAAAAAAUo/njhzz1EhqWo/s320/20110413073258.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600063636548707874" /></a><br /><br />I met Daphne on twitter early 2011. She is super sweet and supportive. It turns out that a position I applied for was at the same company so now we're coworkers. When I launched my online accessory store, she was one of my first customers and spreads the word for me about my store and continues to do so at our job. When she FINALLY (lol) launched her store, I wanted to do something to show that same support so I've decided to do a feature of her and her store on my blog :-D <br /><br /><strong>How long have you been natural?</strong> Since Late 2009<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cWyOQBVdFkY/TbdtTnxX6LI/AAAAAAAAAUw/vaGI81tGmJo/s1600/20110411205421.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cWyOQBVdFkY/TbdtTnxX6LI/AAAAAAAAAUw/vaGI81tGmJo/s320/20110411205421.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600064845519513778" /></a><br /><br /><strong>What prompted you to go natural? </strong> I had decided to to go natural 3x over the last 3 yrs prior but really wasn't interested until I couldn't relax all of my hair due to scalp issues & I participated in a 2009 breast cancer walk & saw that most of these survivors had no choice but they are walking with pride with their afros! <br /><br /><strong>What's your favorite/go-to style?</strong> Comb twist; love them, quick length check also I like to look at 1st pic of them & compare them to the current ones <br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_SCdP9kArQ8/TbdtlsUf8JI/AAAAAAAAAU4/vMknBPsYfeM/s1600/20110422231616.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_SCdP9kArQ8/TbdtlsUf8JI/AAAAAAAAAU4/vMknBPsYfeM/s320/20110422231616.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600065155978227858" /></a><br /><br /><strong>What are your staple products?</strong> Unrefined SHEA BUTTER and Tea Tree & Herbal Essence Totally Twisted<br /><br /><strong>Piece of advice for those transitioning to natural hair?</strong> My transition was quick I had a spikey hair cut so didn't take me long. Whether it's weaves or wigs, maintain your hair as if it was out, edges and all! Stick with a regimen! If you compromise your hair because it's hidden you will have a long road trying to recover! <br /><br /><strong>Your accessories, you make these yourself?</strong> Yes! I, well correction, I scroll the aisles of different stores and if the items speak to me with inspiration & I can see someone wearing it I buy it and glue it to different hair attachments!<br /><br /><strong>What inspires your pieces?</strong> Elegance, exotic images, a persons character! <br /><br /><strong>Do you design custom pieces?</strong> Yes, I just finished some clips for an 8yr old princess and now I'm working on a wedding head piece due in August.<br /><br /><strong>Where can people purchase items from you?</strong> <a href="www.etsy.com/shop/imadeyoulooksc">www.etsy.com/shop/imadeyoulooksc</a><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Rs3cugapHs8/TbdtzID14WI/AAAAAAAAAVA/e6H_VTOQH1Q/s1600/20110410215510.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Rs3cugapHs8/TbdtzID14WI/AAAAAAAAAVA/e6H_VTOQH1Q/s320/20110410215510.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600065386762854754" /></a><br /><br /><strong>Piece of advice for those who are interested in the art of designing accessories?</strong> Have a plan, research sites to sell/buy from, make sure you are making a profit, wear your pieces, test them a full day know what do's & don't's that apply to wearing them. Critique yourself and let others do the same. Try to find pieces that no one else can wear but your buyer. Lastly, have fun! No such thing as bad art, all art is creative! <br /><br /><strong>Where can your pieces be bought?</strong> www.etsy.com/shop/imadeyoulookscnicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03306910615374171045noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8515991042735771343.post-20046551767850350022011-03-31T20:23:00.005-04:002011-03-31T20:30:13.161-04:00WINNER: Cuties, Curls, & Coils.<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PneU2G7NuIY/TZUbiLIXzhI/AAAAAAAAAT4/_qQEmi8vOcA/s1600/ccc.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PneU2G7NuIY/TZUbiLIXzhI/AAAAAAAAAT4/_qQEmi8vOcA/s400/ccc.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5590404786367745554" /></a><br /><br />First off, thank you to all three beautiful contestants. You were all deserving of praises and prizes for proudly showcasing your natural hair! <br /><br />The winner of the Taliah Waajid Herbal Comb Out and Style & Shine is.................................................................................<br /><br />Princess Aaliyah!!!<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iruPqGKyCy4/TZUbYYFhAAI/AAAAAAAAATw/dUvejeJ-ZpI/s1600/princessJewel.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iruPqGKyCy4/TZUbYYFhAAI/AAAAAAAAATw/dUvejeJ-ZpI/s320/princessJewel.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5590404618046734338" /></a><br /><br />I will be contacting the mom of Princess Aaliyah shortly for your mailing information. Once again thank you all who participated! And thank you to the creators of <a href="http://www.werockroots.com/">WeRockRoots</a> for organizing the 31 day of <a href="http://www.naturalhairunity.com/">Natural Hair CommUNITY Days!</a>nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03306910615374171045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8515991042735771343.post-85671716827734585412011-03-27T19:45:00.015-04:002011-03-31T05:20:22.661-04:00**CLOSED** Poll: Cuties, Curls, & Coils<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-C_C2z3beFIw/TY_OikeMF9I/AAAAAAAAATY/1lLGPGOHxNI/s1600/ccc.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-C_C2z3beFIw/TY_OikeMF9I/AAAAAAAAATY/1lLGPGOHxNI/s320/ccc.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5588912755891247058" /></a><br /><br />We have three contestants for the Cuties, Curls, & Coils Contest! Voting ends at 5:00am March 31st. To vote, simply select your choice on the poll to the right side of this blog post and then press "Vote" <br /><br />I introduce to you:<br /><br />Princess Aaliyah <br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4Ma3kiE2k2g/TY_Naai00RI/AAAAAAAAATA/Uvx-_jDvMNU/s1600/princessJewel.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4Ma3kiE2k2g/TY_Naai00RI/AAAAAAAAATA/Uvx-_jDvMNU/s320/princessJewel.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5588911516275757330" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Prince Chance<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LvWquOdpKqM/TY_NwESF2sI/AAAAAAAAATI/8EGJ6No_rk8/s1600/princeChance.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 241px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LvWquOdpKqM/TY_NwESF2sI/AAAAAAAAATI/8EGJ6No_rk8/s320/princeChance.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5588911888257112770" /></a><br><br /><br><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Princess MaTaia<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i0bJAaHNc9g/TY_WAu6eUlI/AAAAAAAAATo/OX-JzeYm9Gs/s1600/MaTaia.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 283px; height: 316px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i0bJAaHNc9g/TY_WAu6eUlI/AAAAAAAAATo/OX-JzeYm9Gs/s320/MaTaia.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5588920970671706706" /></a>nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03306910615374171045noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8515991042735771343.post-90031226597229478902011-03-23T18:43:00.010-04:002011-03-24T05:25:59.390-04:00Contest: Cuties, Curls, & Coils!!<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OSnUvxFSty4/TYp7gMsHDMI/AAAAAAAAASo/W9awU-pDKmE/s1600/ccc.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OSnUvxFSty4/TYp7gMsHDMI/AAAAAAAAASo/W9awU-pDKmE/s400/ccc.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587414080798788802" /></a><br /><br /><br />I'm happy to be hosting a contest for the Natural Hair CommUNITY Days! Do you have a son or daughter with the natural hair and want to showcase them? Then this is the contest for you. Here are the details:<br /><br /><strong>Who:</strong> All the natural hair children (6mths-12yrs)<br /><strong>What:</strong> Photo Contest<br /><strong>How:</strong> Submit your photos via <strong><a href="mailto:bigGirlbigHair@gmail.com?subject=Cuties, Curls, Coils ">EMAIL</a></strong> by Saturday (26th). I will will then post the pics on this blog on Sunday (27th) and give the public the chance to vote for the cutest cutie with curls, coils, naps, and fros! <br /><strong>When:</strong> Winner will be announced Thursday, March 31st.<br /><strong>Prize:</strong> The winning child will win one (1) Taliah Waajid Easy Herbal Comb Out AND one (1) Taliah Waajid Herbal Style & Shine. <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uvN_968_FB4/TYsKcbItqcI/AAAAAAAAASw/wss17vBypm0/s1600/EasyHerbal.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 125px; height: 200px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uvN_968_FB4/TYsKcbItqcI/AAAAAAAAASw/wss17vBypm0/s200/EasyHerbal.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587571246120151490" /></a> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wrfCd-2M7-c/TYsK15coOAI/AAAAAAAAAS4/5otYv8_0vlY/s1600/Style__Shine.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wrfCd-2M7-c/TYsK15coOAI/AAAAAAAAAS4/5otYv8_0vlY/s200/Style__Shine.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587571683753474050" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />**For the safety of your child, I will gladly blur out their faces if you prefer it that way**nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03306910615374171045noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8515991042735771343.post-51252700409101628112011-03-13T15:40:00.009-04:002011-03-13T21:19:57.405-04:00Natural Hair CommUNITY Days Feature: Jenell<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dZ8A3AozrOs/TX0injOcWFI/AAAAAAAAAR4/8Yur9SvmCu8/s1600/3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dZ8A3AozrOs/TX0injOcWFI/AAAAAAAAAR4/8Yur9SvmCu8/s320/3.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583657175875344466" /></a><br /><br />Of all the posts I've made on my blog thus far, this is without a doubt my favorite post. One of my fave persons, who I have come to call a friend, Robyn (@NaturallyRooted) came up with an idea for a month long celebration and highlight on the natural hair community; thus <a href="http://www.naturalhairunity.com/">Natural Hair CommUNITY Days </a>was created. It goes the entire month of March with blog posts, giveaways, contests, and deals almost everyday. So my contribution to the NH CommUNITY Days is a feature of my favorite or inspiration and Jenell is that person. <br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T-NilBnVBwc/TX0mC_TGgjI/AAAAAAAAASY/0kUhdinXT1A/s1600/5.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T-NilBnVBwc/TX0mC_TGgjI/AAAAAAAAASY/0kUhdinXT1A/s200/5.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583660945802428978" /></a><br /><br />I met JenellyBean (lol) via twitter and began tweeting back and forth with her and over time we realized that we are hair twins. My hair is 3c and hers is 4b but our hair "acts" the same exact way and most things that work for one of us, works for the other. She has a great hair care forum and YT channel that I'll share with you later. Side Note: this is more of an inside thing between she and I but I HAD to post her puff pic as the main picture of this feature. She swore up and down that her hair wasn't long enough for a puff and then I told her about trying a pantyhose leg..VOILA! a puff =)<br /><br /><strong>How long have you been natural:</strong> I've been natural for almost 1 year. 3/26/11 will be 1 year. <br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vO3lpGhGjeA/TX0lHBbJCFI/AAAAAAAAASA/8O6yPmyvtZA/s1600/2.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vO3lpGhGjeA/TX0lHBbJCFI/AAAAAAAAASA/8O6yPmyvtZA/s200/2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583659915580868690" /></a><br /><br /><strong>What prompted you to go natural:</strong> My cousin was interested in going natural and she shared this info with me. I thought she was crazy. But she shared some YouTube videos with me of beautiful women who big chopped and I was inspired by their natural hair, curl definition, and growth. After one week of watching over 100 YouTube videos, my mind was set--I was ready to Big Chop. <br /><br /><strong>Fave product(s)/Least fave product(s):</strong> Anything made by Shea Moisture makes my hair happy. I also appreciate products made by Giovanni, Herbal Essence, Kera Care, Design Essentials, and Organix. Coconut oil is my favorite oil. Tropical Traditions makes an awesome batch. <br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x93vaY7-xh0/TX0lgwA2bTI/AAAAAAAAASI/RvCBhKmrJ2Q/s1600/1.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x93vaY7-xh0/TX0lgwA2bTI/AAAAAAAAASI/RvCBhKmrJ2Q/s200/1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583660357583793458" /></a><br /><br /><strong>Who are your natural hair inspirations</strong>: My hair inspiration from the YouTube community is Vanisha aka AfricanExport- her 4B Kinky Hair has grown long and healthy and she "Keeps it Real"! <br />Some honorable mentions would have to be Tracee Ellis Ross, Janelle Monaé, and Jill Scott. <br /><br /><strong>What's the oddest request for a tutorial you've received (if any):</strong> I create tutorials on a whim so usually no one has to even ask for something. But I have subbies (subscribers) that wish to learn more about my personal life. <br /><br /><strong>If you could choose any 7 twittermates/YT vixens to meet up with, who would it be? Why? (Think of it like a Who's Who of natural hair lol):</strong>Fortunately for me I've had an opportunity to meet some great TwitterMates and YT Vixens and have made great friends with them. But there are some I'd love to meet. YT- AfricanExport, MsVaughn and her sister MeechyMonroe, KimmayTube, and Naptural85 TWITTER - (Im sorry I don't remember twitter names I always remember first names) Nicole (you!) and Shannon (I think her twitter name is BluNatural)<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vTNsDLzma0Q/TX0luSxz5YI/AAAAAAAAASQ/WzzCweNtcAw/s1600/4.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vTNsDLzma0Q/TX0luSxz5YI/AAAAAAAAASQ/WzzCweNtcAw/s200/4.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583660590254253442" /></a><br /><br /><strong>Any parting words?</strong>Love your hair. Remember its a natural hair journey, not a race!<br /><br />Check out my website <a href="http://KinkyCurlyCoilyMe.com">KinkyCurlyCoilyMe</a> From there you can find links to my YT channel where I have lots of information and styling options, you can join my FB fan page, join my Natural Hair Forum, and follow me on Twitter. MUAH!nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03306910615374171045noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8515991042735771343.post-85847366246093874292011-02-09T09:52:00.009-05:002011-02-09T10:25:23.438-05:00Transitioning Feature: Adrienne<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7KrVbCp2H80/TVKqy9KCx0I/AAAAAAAAARY/QIJlGs2JqhA/s1600/latc4.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 122px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7KrVbCp2H80/TVKqy9KCx0I/AAAAAAAAARY/QIJlGs2JqhA/s320/latc4.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571703481397593922" /></a><br /><br /><br />I love doing features on my blog!I know that with 2011 just starting, a lot of relaxed ladies are starting the transition to natural hair. Now some ladies can do the big chop and sport it proudly, whereas other prefer to transition into natural hair to give themselves more length for when they do finally cut off those last few end of relaxed hair. <br /><br />So, I wanted to do a feature on a tranitioner to help others out there doing the same. Adrienne has an AMAZING blog (which she will share with you below) that I follow and when I read that she was transitioning, I just had to have her featured here on BGBH.<br /><br />Here is her story:<br /><br /><strong>How long have you been transitioning? </strong><br />My last relaxer was November 29, 2009 So I've been transitioning for 1 year and 3 months now! <br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7KrVbCp2H80/TVKt7scL8VI/AAAAAAAAARg/nAQiop8N4mo/s1600/latc2.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 120px; height: 200px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7KrVbCp2H80/TVKt7scL8VI/AAAAAAAAARg/nAQiop8N4mo/s200/latc2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571706930063995218" /></a><br /><br /><strong>When do you plan to BC/cut off the last of relaxed ends?</strong><br />Hmm... Now that's tricky, I'm super excited about my curly roots but I'm not sure how I'll look with short hair! I'm leaning towards possibly doing 2 mini chops versus a BC... But who knows, my original plan was to BC in May 2011... Anywho I'll be sure to keep you posted!<br /><br /><strong>What prompted you to start the journey to go natural?</strong><br />My girlfriend was natural at the time and I always thought she had beautiful hair! She convinced me to see what my natural texture was like so I stopped relaxing my hair for a few months. I loved the texture but I wasn't sure I could handle the maintenance. Then after I got my last relaxer in November 2009 I hated the results and I decided then that I would be a Natural Girl! <br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7KrVbCp2H80/TVKuMlt4cbI/AAAAAAAAARo/5ef2waLqhPQ/s1600/latc1.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7KrVbCp2H80/TVKuMlt4cbI/AAAAAAAAARo/5ef2waLqhPQ/s200/latc1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571707220316942770" /></a><br /><br /><strong>What's your favorite/go-to style?</strong><br />Well I'm pretty new to the whole natural thing. I kept straightening my natural hair for months to make it blend with my relaxed hair. Also most people seem to think that just because you go natural you get special powers and know how to bang out these fly hairstyles! Lol I just learned how to braid tight enough to give myself braid-outs! Quite honestly that's all I do, it's simple and it always looks great! I'm hoping to try bantu knots soon! ;D <br /><br /><strong>What are your staple products?</strong><br />I've been using Hello Hydration (Herbal Essence) shampoo and conditioner and Suave coconut conditioner. I also like to throw in a little Extra Virgin Olive Oil in the DC mix. My favorite product thus far has been the Olive Oil Gel! I use it for my braid outs and the hold and shine is amazing! I usually apply it with the Shea Butter Curl Enhancing Smoothie or whatever creamy curl butter I have in the cabinet just to give it some extra curl!<br /><br /><strong>What have been the toughest parts about the transition?</strong><br />The hardest part has probably been learning what my hair likes. I spent my time when I first went natural watching a billion youtube videos a day looking at women who probably didn't even have the same texture as me. Finding products that work is very hard, time consuming and costly. Another tough part are these darn relaxed ends! I hate having them hang off my braidouts but I'm still too scared to cut my hair.<br /><br /><strong>What are you favorite blogs/sites/social networks to read concerning natural hair?</strong><br /><a href="http://www.themoptopmaven">The MopTop Maven</a> Her site is amazing she is truly my hair inspiration! <br /><a href="http://www.curlynikki.com">Curly Nikki</a> The product reviews on this site is on point! Plus there is a forum so its just a lot of ladies lots of opinions and lots of hair! <br />Twitter's #TeamNatural community is awesometastical! <br /><br /><strong>Where can we find you online?</strong><br />Check out my <a href="http://www.lezandthecity.com ">blogsite</a> <br />Like the Lez & The City <a href="http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/group.php?gid=17332959796">Facebook Page</a>!<br />Follow me on twitter @LezCity <br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7KrVbCp2H80/TVKudgVuWQI/AAAAAAAAARw/DLhpK2eVfm4/s1600/latc3.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 120px; height: 200px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7KrVbCp2H80/TVKudgVuWQI/AAAAAAAAARw/DLhpK2eVfm4/s200/latc3.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5571707510931216642" /></a><br /><br /><strong>Last parting words?</strong><br />I love being natural and it's the best decision I could have made! Its easier to maintain than relaxed hair and I don’t have to worry if I sweat too much or get stuck in the rain! My friends don't believe me when I say that my natural hair doesn’t tangle! I'm excited to see when I'll finally cut off the relaxed ends... if its not May 2011 it will definitely be in December 2011. Overall, The best thing is I can do it myself!nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03306910615374171045noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8515991042735771343.post-78629692897630523322011-01-23T16:24:00.003-05:002011-01-23T16:34:28.703-05:00Etsy Shop Now Open!!<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7KrVbCp2H80/TTycxREKUKI/AAAAAAAAARM/TjLRGLbyT9M/s1600/Image1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 52px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7KrVbCp2H80/TTycxREKUKI/AAAAAAAAARM/TjLRGLbyT9M/s400/Image1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565495609731469474" /></a><br /><br />One of my goals coming into 2011 was to showcase my talents more. I began making hair clips and earrings and find it so relaxing and rewarding when I see the finished product. I was asked repeatedly if I was going to open up shop and sell them but I didn't want to until I built up my inventory more. Well the time has come! If you look over to the right, that is a small sample of my inventory.<br /><br />bigGirlbigHair presents Arym's Creations. It will feature homemade and handmade fashion and hair accessories to include assorted hair clips and earrings. I will take custom orders. We can discuss what you are wanting before setting a price.<br /><br />I will have an Arym's Preferred mailing list that will allow those subscribed to it to find out about sales and specials before it's announced publicly. Please send an email with your Name, Email address, and Birthday to bigGirlbigHair@gmail.com<br /><br />Currently, if you use the code <strong>Twitter</strong> during checkout, you'll receive 15% off!nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03306910615374171045noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8515991042735771343.post-41715108683615419802011-01-08T17:42:00.002-05:002011-01-08T17:56:19.934-05:00Castor Oil Challenge<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7KrVbCp2H80/TSjrYVq_lgI/AAAAAAAAAPE/SOmH7j5GiMU/s1600/castor-oil-8-oz-home-health.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7KrVbCp2H80/TSjrYVq_lgI/AAAAAAAAAPE/SOmH7j5GiMU/s320/castor-oil-8-oz-home-health.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559952543355737602" /></a><br /><br /><br />As much as I love kinky twists extensions and similar extension styles, I hate what they can do do edges/hairlines. I just took out a set of twists after having them in for about 2.5months. My edges are still in tack but just look thinner than usual so I've decided to challenge myself to a Castor Oil Challenge as it supports hair growth and thickness in hair, eyelashes, and eyebrows. I would love for you to join me in it.<br /><br /><strong>Details:</strong><br /><strong>What:</strong> I'm using the HomeHealth brand Castor Oil but you can use whatever brand you want (Palma Christi or even any of the Jamaican Black Castor Oil brands)<br /><strong>When:</strong> I'll be applying to my edges and scalp once in the morning and once at night on dry hair (using it on wet hair will cause your pores to clog because pores open when they are wet)<br /><strong>How:</strong> I'll be mixing it with some EVOO or other essential oil just to help with the smell.<br /><strong>How Long:</strong> This challenge will go from Sunday January 9, 2011 to Sunday March 13, 2011. That gives a full 2 months<br /><br />I'll be posting pics tomorrow of my hair so I'll have a comparison and I encourage you to do the same. <em><strong>If you are interested in this challenge please leave your twitter name in the comment section and I'll be sure to mention (@) you on twitter using the hashtag: #CastorOilChallenge</strong></em>nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03306910615374171045noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8515991042735771343.post-19628088787779227902011-01-03T18:44:00.008-05:002011-01-03T20:02:46.668-05:00Natural Hair Expressions -Product Review<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7KrVbCp2H80/TSJgQ1X3SrI/AAAAAAAAAO0/C2_NSsXPEk8/s1600/nhe.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 140px; height: 210px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7KrVbCp2H80/TSJgQ1X3SrI/AAAAAAAAAO0/C2_NSsXPEk8/s400/nhe.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558110732449958578" /></a><br /><br />I love being able to test products for natural hair. About 3 months ago I learned about a company out in California that was creating and selling natural hair products and contacted them about being sent samples to do a review. I never heard anything back at first but about 2 weeks ago they I sent me a message on Twitter asking if I was still interested. Of course I was :-) I was send the Herbal Shampoo and Misty Hair Spray. So I wanted to share with you all the product info (directions and ingredients) and my review.<br /><br /><strong>Herbal Shampoo-</strong> Wet hair thoroughly. Apply shampoo to the scalp and gently massage toward the ends of the hair. Shampoo, rinse, and repeat.<br /><em><strong>Ingredients: Purified water,disodium lauryl sulfosuccinate (a non-toxic cleansing agent) green tea extract,rosemary oil, peppermint oil, horsetail extract, wheat protein, and hydrolyzed silk.</strong></em><br /><br />For those who know me, know that I am a no-poo/low poo girl. I shampoo about 3-4 times a year. So since we're coming into a brand new year I did a full wash. I shampoo'd with the Herbal Shampoo, detangled while using Giovanni 50-50 condish, DC'd with Giovanni Deeper Moisture, and used Giovanni Direct Leave-In. The shampoo was great. The usual issue I have with shampoos is that it dries my hair while I'm washing it and I can actually feel the texture change. This shampoo barely gave me that feeling. It had a tingling to it that felt amazing and the peppermint smell of it was so relaxing. It cleansed really well and had a good lather to it. I used about a quarter sized amount and it lathered like crazy lol, a little definitely goes a long way.<br /><br /><strong>Overall Grade: B; Definitely recommend</strong><br /><strong>Misty Hair Spray-</strong> Apply to damp or dry hair and massage thoroughly. For deeper conditioning cover with plastic cap for 10 minutes. No need to rinse.<br /><em><strong>Ingredients: Distilled water, lavender oil, rosemary oil, and peppermint oil.</strong></em><br /><br />As I was previously saying, I did a full wash Sunday night (1/2/11). After applying my leave-in I put my hair into four ponytails and then twisted and bantu knotted the ends and wrapped my hair in my satin headwrap to let it dry overnight and also stretch it naturally. This morning (1/3/11) I loosened up the bantu knots and twists and sprayed the hair mist on my hair to lightly dampen it enough to use my wide tooth comb and achieve the big hair look I was wanting. The mist has that same nice peppermint smell to it as the shampoo. It refreshed my hair greatly without over-wetting it. It left my hair so soft and smelling good. <br /><br />Here's the final product today. I did a puff with a modified pompadour in front:<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7KrVbCp2H80/TSJuYtVBubI/AAAAAAAAAO8/vOZAtEeAuK0/s1600/photo_1.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 282px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7KrVbCp2H80/TSJuYtVBubI/AAAAAAAAAO8/vOZAtEeAuK0/s320/photo_1.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558126260892318130" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><strong>Overall grade: A, Highly recommend.</strong><br /><br />Please check out <a href="http://www.naturalhairexpressions.com/shop/">Natural Hair Expressions</a> to purchase either of these items. The line also includes a styling lotion and conditioner. The founder of the line, Miss Tee, can be found on <a href="www.twitter.com/MissTeesBeauty">twitter</a>. I'm not sure if she's still sending out samples but it may be worth it to at least ask. <br /><br />Thanks for coming by and I'd love to hear your thoughts on other products you've tried that may be worth me reviewing on here.nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03306910615374171045noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8515991042735771343.post-38513600901636354262011-01-02T17:21:00.004-05:002011-01-02T18:29:21.425-05:002011 Natural Hair Goals<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7KrVbCp2H80/TSEKS-Cj8pI/AAAAAAAAAOs/laLXTGk6WN8/s1600/PINKI-vi.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 160px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_7KrVbCp2H80/TSEKS-Cj8pI/AAAAAAAAAOs/laLXTGk6WN8/s400/PINKI-vi.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557734736159568530" /></a><br /><br />As I sit here and type this I am working on my top goal for my hair for 2011; no heat! I never use direct heat but I do sit under a hard bonnet dryer when I do my deep conditioning treatments. A few days ago I was chillin with my best friend and my goddaughter and my bestie was walking around with this foil on her head shaped like a bowl and I asked her what it was and she was saying she was DC'ing with the ORS Replinishing Pack and that the foil kept her body's natural heat in better than just a shower cap. Makes sense right? Well why was I shocked about it lol. After taking off the foil, I touched her hair and it was so incredibly warm. It felt as if she had sat under a dryer. Welp! That did it for me. In 2011 as I near my 2nd hairversary I'm challenging myself not to use any heat!<br /><br />So here's my complete list of 2011 Natural Hair Goals:<br /><strong><strong>1.</strong> No Heat</strong> (explained above)<br /><strong><strong>2.</strong> More Water</strong> (Body loves it, hair can't get enough of it)<br /><strong><strong>3.</strong> Pescetarian Diet </strong>(Vegetarian + Seafood/// A cleaner, more natural eating lifestyle)<br /><strong>4. More Protective Styles</strong> (Less manipulation plus i have Hand-In-Hair syndrome lol)<br /><br />I want to hear yours. Please leave a comment with at least three goal for your natural hair in 2011!<br /><br /><strong>ALSO: I have created a twitter name in connection with this blog so if you already follow me on beautiifuldream, please add bigGirlbigHair, thanks loves!</strong>nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03306910615374171045noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8515991042735771343.post-69022701709570747002010-12-28T12:03:00.002-05:002010-12-28T12:06:33.358-05:00NaturalHair Trend!<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7KrVbCp2H80/TRoZDiw0oiI/AAAAAAAAAOc/lBwjaBmo4DE/s1600/twitter.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 225px; height: 225px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_7KrVbCp2H80/TRoZDiw0oiI/AAAAAAAAAOc/lBwjaBmo4DE/s320/twitter.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5555780638976811554" /></a><br /><br />Hey ladies! On January 2nd, we want #naturalhair to be a top trending topic on twitter. Please unlock your accounts and participate. If you use the #naturalhair hashtag with a protected account, it does not count toward to the trend so please unlock your accounts that day!<br /><br />I know that the hashtag has been gaining popularity throughout 2010 but we want to start 2011 off in the top spots!<br /><br />Let's do it!nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03306910615374171045noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8515991042735771343.post-15470194894034660662010-12-16T20:13:00.010-05:002010-12-16T20:59:49.983-05:00"The Five Commandments for Going Natural"<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7KrVbCp2H80/TQrEDCWIonI/AAAAAAAAANw/EtoEZ4Bm6X0/s1600/frustration.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 262px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7KrVbCp2H80/TQrEDCWIonI/AAAAAAAAANw/EtoEZ4Bm6X0/s320/frustration.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551465047135920754" /></a><br /><br />So you're thinking about going natural, or are currently transitioning, or even ready to BC but you're not sure what to do or what to use. Frustration is a good word to describe you right now; but it doesn't have to be. I can't remember what magazine I was reading, I took a picture of the page because I was at work and couldn't take the magazine out the break room, but anyway, I was reading an article about the five basic commandments for natural hair and thought it would be great to share. I see on twitter and fb that so many ladies are BC'ing because they want to start a new year, with a new natural look. My add-ons are in italics, solely my two-cents.<br /><br /><b>1. Manage Your Mane</b>- Condition, detangle, moisturize, trim. This is your new style mantra. And make your transition that much easier by working with a pro who is well versed with natural hair. <em><FONT COLOR="Darkpink"> [I highly recommend finding a local natural hair stylist. If that's not an option for you, get on twitter and ask questions. There are a lot of stylists that are willing to help and advise from a distance. Just ask, they're under the #naturalhair hashtag.]</font></em><br /><br /><b>2. Choose Protective Styles</b>- If the hair is put away in braids, twists, and coils, it's less likely to break from the friction of daily combing and brushing, pillow cases and so forth. <em><FONT COLOR="Darkpink"> [Right now,the winter is really wreaking havoc on much of the US and Canada, so protective styling is a must. Also, don't forget to seal your ends with oils such as coconut, sweet almond, and jojoba.]</font></em> <br /><br /><b>3. Change Your Shampoo</b>- Your regular shampoo is full of sulfates that strip our already-dry hair of essential oils. Choose creamy, sulfate-free shampoos instead. <em><FONT COLOR="Darkpink"> [I, personally, am a no/low poo girl. I only shampoo about 3 times a year. Most of my products are all natural and don't cause build-up. Plus I don't use a lot of products but oils and shea butter. However, when I do shampoo, I go for Sulfate-Free (NO SLS) products. My favorite to use is the Mixed Chicks Shampoo.]</font></em><br /><br /><b>4. Jump in 100%</b>- Some think natural hair could hurt their career or love life; other think it means you're political or spiritual. This process isn't about anyone else but you. So stick to it. <em><FONT COLOR="Darkpink"> [I agree totally. I hear so many people say that their family, loved-one, or friends don't support them...so!? This is about you, about your personal choice.]</font></em> <br /><br /><b>5. Straighten On Occasion</b>- Excessive straightening can compromise your curl pattern, leaving some parts of the hair straight, some parts curly. If springy curls are your goal, keep the heat to a minimum. <em><FONT COLOR="Darkpink"> [Okay 2 quick points: 1. Deciding to not straighten your hair doesn't guarantee springy curls, if that's not your hair pattern, it's not gonna happen anyway & 2. I'm at 19mths post BC and have only straighten my hair once. After about 3hrs, I missed my curls. Straight hair just isn't versatile enough for my personality. With that said, I was lucky (so to speak) to not have any heat damage but please believe me it's real and it's a chance you take every time to apply direct heat.]</font> </em><br /><br />I hope this was of some help to you. I LOVE feedback so feel free to add on to other points you think should be mentioned. Or if you disagree, I'd love to hear from you.nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03306910615374171045noreply@blogger.com7