Sunday Cuteness: Natural Updos!

My post yesterday about Natural Updos got me thinking that today I would post some more. I know we naturals are always looking for ways to dress it up. So here goes this week's edition of Sunday Cuteness!

Ahhhh just lovely. Didn't get enough??? Check this out:
http://www.nappturality.com/forum/lofiversion/index.php/t128160.html

Weekend Updo Inspiration ;)

Hey guys!!! So I am going to an 8th grade formal this evening (I know, awwww so cute) and I want to put my hair up somehow. But with this busted (well not so bad but on its last leg) twist-out, I needed some "hair-spiration". I always go to You Tube and look what I found! There are so many fly natural ladies out there who are nice enough to video-chronicle their styles for the rest of us. Thanks Misskrisnew!

So here's what I'm gonna do....
1. Retwist the majority of my hair with my Shea Moisture Shea Butter Leave In lotion
2. Let these twists set until this evening
3. Take them down and ATTEMPT to re-create this chic updo...maybe add a flower or a cute clip

I am excited for two reasons.
~ One, I get to see all my 8th graders dressed up and enjoying themselves as they approach the end of their middle school careers :)
~ Two, yet another opportunity to show the young ladies (and the fellas) that you can be dressed up AND natural and still look great. I think if I had seen more natual hair as a kid, for casual, professional and formal events, I may have considered going natural a little sooner. Just trying to plant seeds people...



So anyways.... I hope you all have a great weekend and check out the vid if you need some inspiration of your own!

Summer Skin Scrub

It's almost here ladies and gents! The long days of warm summer sun and cool frosty drinks...ahhh I get excited just thinking about it! I am especially looking forward to hitting the beach this summer, a well deserved treat after 14 months dedicated to school. Mmm hmmm.

So to get ready, I thought I would try my hand at a homemade sugar scrub. Lately, my skin has been feeling great since I totally ditched lotion for 100% pure Grapeseed Oil. I LOVE it! But we could all use an exfoliant to shed that layer of "winter skin" before we don our shorts, bathing suits, and tanks.

Here's one recipe I found that I think I will try first:

• 50 percent white cane sugar (note that organic sucanat, while the best choice for food, doesn’t work as well for this recipe)
  
• 50 percent vegetable glycerin to moisten the sugar (or some kind of oil since which can be a successful substitute)
  
• Small amounts of aloe vera gel, vitamin C crystals, or anything healing that dissolves in water
  
• 1 or 2 drops of essential oil if desired (Larry recommends combining orange and lavender)

Combine the ingredients in a bowl. Scoop some of the scrub onto your hand and massage gently onto your skin for a minute (the scrub will actually tighten onto your skin like a masque). Leave on for 3 to 4 minutes before rinsing.

I have all the ingredients above from the hair mix I made a few weeks back....so I won't feel any PJ guilt, lol. But, I think I might use EVOO instead of GSO becasue the GSO is much more expensive. I will never buys this from anyone ever again now that I can make my own!

Check out these other links for more sugar scrub recipes:
http://www.recipezaar.com/Simple-Sugar-Scrub-92027
http://www.cancerlynx.com/bodyscrub.html
http://tipnut.com/homemade-sugar-scrub-recipes/

And for those of you who are visual learners (like me!):


Do you have any special summer treats you concoct yourself? If so...do share!

Are you a PJ?? A Response to BGLH

I admit I had never heard the term product junkie until I started reading natural hair blogs last year. Of course it refers to someone who is constantly buying new products with the zeal of a "junkie", even if they already have similar items at home. It is an interesting term and so true for a lot of people, myself included at times. Black Girl with Long Hair did a great post about hair regimens getting out of control within the natural hair world and I just had to comment. It got me thinking about my own product-buying habits as of late and how I have felt influenced by the different blogs and You Tube videos online. I began to feel out of the loop on certain things when really what I have been doing and using works just fine for me.

I have been natural for a while now so I thought I was beyond that phase. But every now and then I relapse when people start posting about the amazing results they have with "such and such" product or this-n-that routine. And going to the natural hair show in Atlanta was another time I felt compelled to try new stuff. It's not all bad, sometimes you do come across a great product that really works well and fits nicely into your routine. But other times, you look up and realize you have 11 bottles of this or 5 jars of that and it is all sitting under your sink, collecting dust.

So I made myself follow one simple rule when it comes to product buying:

If I have one already, I can't buy a new one until it's gone.

This applies to anything - shampoo, conditioner, gels, combs, rollers, whatever. I have not always followed this rule but it helps when I stroll past a beauty supply store or the hair care aisle in Walmart. Here's another one that's good:

If it ain't broke, don't fix it!

That means, if I like the conditioner I am using, I won't stop or throw it away just because someone else says it's bad. Or just because a certain technique works for someone else does not mean it will work for me.

Here are some more tips I found in this article. They refer to beauty products but work for hair stuff as well:

Only shop when needed. This may seem like a simple point, but think about the number of times you've gone into a store like Bath and Body Works just to "browse." You're bound to come out with a couple of lotions or sprays. Especially during sales. If you must go to the mall walk by those stores that tempt you. Avoid the beauty aisle in grocery stores. Don't even use it as a shortcut to another section of the store. You may be lured in by that new diet pill you saw on television. Bath and Body Works gets me all the time!

Don't read about new products. If you're facial cleanser is working beautifully for you, don't search for a new one. If the latest cleanser is any good, it'll still be available when you've finished the one you have. If you're bombarded with advertisements, blogs and forums raving about a project, tuck the review in the back of your mind and proceed to point below. I'm guilty of this guys...

Swap beauty products with your friends. It's like getting something new, but it won't cost you a thing. Swapping products also allows you to try out new things. This works best with other product junkies also looking for their next fix. This is fun AND free! I give my best girl friend lip gloss or eye shadows all the time and she loves it!

Sometimes trying new things is fun, especially when you are new to the natural thing. There is nothing wrong with trying a new look when you feel the time is right. But when it becomes a money issue or a competition-like "I'm trying to keep up with the other naturals" issue, it is a bigger problem. Considering I am still in "broke grad student" status, I'm going to do my best to take my own advice! So thank you BGLH for this nudge, I am back on my mission to spend wisely and focus on what works for me. Each head is so different so stick with that works for you. Good luck to you all and go check out the BGLH post if you have not already!

Sunday Cuteness: A-Keys Cornrows

I can't tell you how much I miss Alicia Keys gorgrous braided designs. She is still amazingly beautiful with straight hair, of course, but I can't help but find myself yearning to see her stunning braids. People say she has adopted a more "polished" or "sophisticated" look. Bah humbug! Braids and cornrows ARE elegant too! To me, that is such an example of looking at Black beauty through a White/Non-Black lens. So I decided to dedicate this Sunday's Cuteness all to Miss Key's lovely braided locks from yesteryear! Summer 'do anyone?!?!

Gotta love the beads. I can imagine it was hard to keep this look going when people are urging you to straighten or "soften" your look to gain crossover appeal.


How can you tell me that these lovely shots below are not elegant. She looks stunning to me with them swept to the side like that!


I used to love the braid wrapped around the front!


When I was in college that was a girl who could do my hair like these. I LOVED it! She only charged 5 dollars!


Just beautiful! She looks like some kind of princess with this one.

She does amazing things by the way with the Keep A Child Alive organization. Click HERE to visit.

My new favorite song...

...by my favorite singer. I have the Spanish version of the Italian CD this was on, so I am hearing it for the first time tonight. I could be disappointed that it took this long and I'm just now hearing it. But then again, it's kind of like discovering a little hidden treasure, like finding money in a pocket you haven't checked in a while. By the way, it was a song she wrote for her sister's wedding. Couldn't you just imagine a lovely bride walking down a rose petal-covered aisle to this? Ahhh...I just love love. *sigh*


Here's the translation:

I Take You
I take you
Your hands
And I take us.
Look at me

I take the one who
Is my tomorrow.
Love me.
I am here

Love me
For however much time next to you
I will tell myself at night
And I will protect you

I will have more feeling together with you
If I think that you have me.
Always close to each other

Ask me today
Ask me today
About sharing with each other
If it will even turn off the darkness

I take you
I take you
Your hands
Love me
I am here
Love me
Love me

For the Fellas...and the ladies too ;)

I know a lot of women worry about what some men might think about them going natural. They wonder if they will still find them attractive, sexy, desirable, or beautiful. Truth be told, some men DO prefer the straight look and considering the fact that they have grown up in this eurocentric culture just like us, that is not much of a shocker. But, I think we sometimes forget that there are sooo many men out there who LOVE natural hair and rock their own fabulous manes in a variety of styles. Some days nothing is nicer that when a man compliments my hair out on the street, making a point to say he appreciates the natural vibe. Love it! So, I wanted to post this video showcasing men with lovely locs, amazing afros, and just cool hair in general. By the way, 4:22 is the hotness.
Tell me what you all think!

Reader Question!!!

Tamandra asked "can you tell us the steps you took to straighten your hair? what products did you use?" Sure Tamandra!




So here is what I did:
1. Washed with Taliah Waajid Total Body Black Earth Shampoo

2. Conditioned with Pantene Relaxed and Natural Mask

3. Sprayed slightly diluted Infusium 23 Leave In Treatment to my whole head

4. Applied Taliah Waajid Black Earth African Healing Oyl to my whole head (I got a sampe of this stuff from the hair show and LOVED it!)

5. Pulled my hair back into a low bun (like I had it for graduation) and applied a scarf - I do this to minimize the blow drying time and it straightens some of the roots in the front.

After these steps I let it dry a little so that the front would be pretty much be flat.
Then, I blew out my hair (on medium) in sections, detangling as much as I could beforehand. After that, I flat ironed in sections with a Revlon Ceramic flat iron . I could see where many of my ends had those annoying little knots so I took that as an opportunity to trim. I ended up taking off up to an inch in some places but at least a fourth of an inch in others. I then curled my hair with Revlon 3/4 inch curling irons.

At night I have been adding a little coconut oil to the ends, putting my hair in a satin bonnet and that's it!

What I would do differently next time:

1. Prep freshly washed hair with some kind of heat protectant before or after the leave-in.

2. Instead of pulling hair into bun ( I used to do this a long time ago when I straightened but since my hair is so much longer it does not work as well), I would make four braided sections to let my hair dry.

3. Not do it during summer since, duh, it's so freakin humid.

So that's it! Any suggestions???

I caved...

Ok...I said I wasn't gonna do it. But, I straightened my mother's hair last Saturday for an event she went to. She wanted to try something new and got the idea to flat iron it. Cool. I looked at those irons not thinking I would even dare bring them close to my tresses. As you may recall, I suffered so pretty bad heat damage in the front of my hair so I have not used heat since...that was 2 years ago. Well....I guess curiosity got the best of me and...um... this is what happened next
...

And this was the final result...not too bad. Clearly this is not the time of year to try to wear a straight style considering the always looming threat of NC humidity. But it has been ok the past few days. By the time I took these two shots a few hours later, though, I could already see some moisture creeping in.


I think I was pretty careful as I did it so hopefully everything returns to normal when I wash it later. I also trimmed about an inch from my ends, eliminating some of those nasty little single-strand knots. I realized in the process that I had not removed all the tangles at my roots where the twist extensions had been. I think if it had its way, my hair would really like to lock since it takes any chance it gets to begin the process. I also got a got a good look at my length which I have not done in the two years since I cut it. So in a way, getting my hair completely straight had its advantages.

So.. although I won't be straightening again any time soon, and by soon I mean within a year's time at least, I did gain something from it.

Eye Candy!

Sometimes a good You Tube vid is all you need to feel naturally beautiful! I love natural diversity and this video has it all I do believe.

Blame It....Obama Syle????

I saw this on the view and thought it was just silly. I guess what made it funnier to me was that I JUST saw Jamie Foxx's video this morning for the first time. I know, what took me so long. Watch for "Mrs. Obama" to get on the mic! LOL
Anyways... Check it out and tell me what you think!

M.Ed. 2009!!!!!

Yeah! Last weekend I graduated from UNC with a Masters of Education in School Counseling! Whooo hooo! We were so lucky, the weather was perfect and we got to hear Bishop Desmond Tutu!

Cheesin with a girl from my program...


Walking to the stadium... I rocked a low bun which worked well under that hat!


Bishop Tutu talking about President Obama!

Group shots!


Congrats to anybody else who graduated this past weekend!!!

Sunday Cuteness: Afro PUFFS!

Remember wearing these as a kid? Do you rock them now?? I'd love to see your Afro Puffs!

Off to Durham's Bimbe Festival!

On Saturday, May 16, the Durham Parks and Recreation Department will host the 40th Bimbé Cultural Arts Festival in Downtown Durham. The theme of this year's celebration is "Back to the Basics." The festival will take place at the CCB Plaza (201 Corcoran St.) from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. and will feature an eclectic mix of music and dance celebrating African American traditions. There will also be a Bimbé Marketplace for visual artist exhibits and many other vendors.
From: http://www.durhamnc.gov/departments/parks/bimbe_Index.cfm

From "Push" to "Precious"

I just saw a preview of a new movie called Precious.



Precious is based on the book Push by Sapphire and tells the story of a young girl growing up amid terrible domestic abuse in Harlem. It will be released to the public on Nov. 6.

Perry and Oprah Winfrey will support Lionsgate’s distribution of the movie through their respective motion picture companies: Harpo Films and 34th Street Films. It will be the first film affiliated with Perry’s 34th Street banner.

Starring in the film are Mo’Nique, Paula Patton, Lenny Kravitz, Mariah Carey, Kimberly Russell and Sherri Shepherd. Newcomer Gabourey Sidibe is playing the starring role.

The film won three awards at this year’s Sundance Film Festival, including the grand jury prize and the audience award in the U.S. dramatic competition.

Verbally and sexually abused by her family, her troubles lead to problems in school. Precious has no friends, no money, two kids (from her father), and she’s illiterate. After being accepted into an alternative school, one of her teachers (Patton) helps her find new direction in life. Along her journey, she comes across a concerned social worker (Carey) and a nurse (Kravitz) who show her incredible kindness.

Story from: http://blacknewstribune.com/2009/02/lee-daniels-film-renamed-precious/

I remember Monique talking about a film with sexual abuse awhile back on tv and I was wondering when it would come out. So I guess this is the film she was referring to. It sounds tragic and triumphant all at once.

Andrea's Beau Hair Accessories

Hey guys and gals! I recently received an email from an online company called Andrea's Beau that creates and sells amazing hair accessories for women and girls. I immediately thought back to my Decorative Hair Things post from April 29.

Click here to read a little about who Andrea's Beau is and what they do. I especially like the fact that all their products are handmade in the US by women and that they support two awesome charities!

Their products for women and girls include adorable headbands, clips, pins, combs and other accessories in an array or colors and styles. Prices appear to range between $10 and $40 dollars on average. And here's the cool part.... Andrea has agreed to give all Naturally Leslie readers 20% off their order through the end of May! All you have to do is put "Naturally Leslie" in the comment section upon checkout and you're good to go :)

So...take a peek below at some of what they have to offer (And how cute is their model with natural hair BTW!!!):

For Women...



And Girls...


Super cute stuff so go check them out!