Take a look at these one-of-a-kind dolls. They are all made by doll artist Linda Rollins. She was kind enough to let me post them for everyone to see. They are all cloth dolls and can be found on Esty.com. Her collection is called Rollins Collection Love Dolls.
Each doll is given a special number and a name.
Layla Candy Rollins also gives a portion of the proceeds from her dolls to the homeless and cancer survivors. How great is that? :)
My first natural hair book, "No-Lye: The African-American Woman's Guide to Natural Hair Care," by Tulani Kinard Everyone say. . "awwwwww"
Anyway, this book was my self-declared hair bible and was one of the only motivators for me going natural when I did some 9 years ago and of course another motivator was the bald spot in the back of my head from very last relaxer I ever had, but I will leave that for the "hair horrors" post.
No-Lye answered all of my questions and provided a better understand of this thing we call "hair."
I used this book so much the pages are falling out.
Many people around me had their own opinions of what I should do with my hair.
Whether it was chatter about their thoughts on it being too kinky, unpresentable, down right "not cute" and oh don't forget the typical "black power" jokes. I'm glad I stuck to my decisions and sometimes that is what you have to do to make yourself better.
Nonetheless its 2009 and many more people are going natural now.
I was thumbing through this book and found some interesting things I highlighted almost ten years ago.
There is section in this book that talks about the harsh chemicals that relaxers have in it. Here is what I had highlighted:
"Would you put this cream on your face--or better, on your arm, and leave it there for just half of the recommended time?" I don't think so. Then why would anyone put this on their heads?"
Here's another:
Just for the record: No Chemically straightened hair can be reverted back to it's natural state. The only option for returning to a natural state is letting the hair grow out naturally, then cutting off the damaged, "straightened" part.
Side Note: This is what I did, also I think in order to be truly natural is to not straighten your hair at all. That goes for hair dryers. . hot combs etc.
Natural Hair means just that "natural"
There is also a section in the book entitled, "What Your Hairdresser May Not Tell You."
I truly agreed with this section at the time, especially after my very last relaxer experience.
The author Tulani Kinard was making a point in this section to explain that chemically straighten hair can not be totally healthy, unlike what may stylists have said and agreed with at times.
She writes "Based upon my research and experience, it is impossible for chemically processed hair to be healthy."
She goes on with "I'm sorry. . but if you have a chemical straightener in your hair and your stylist is telling you your hair is healthy, 1. your stylist is ignorant of the healthy hair process, or 2. your stylist is not being totally honest."
Kinard also makes it very clear that she has many associates that are stylists and its nothing personal.
Also since this book has been published there has been much more going on in the natural hair world. Stylists and customers are educating themselves more.
Well this has been a long post but I just wanted to share. If you plan on reading or have read this book , share your thoughts. .
A good friend of mine that is a killer artist has a T-shirt line called Early Bird Tees.
Early Bird will be doing a small run of 50 shirts. Each shirt will be on an AnvilOrganic® 4.5 oz. 100% Organic Cotton black t-shirt. For the size chart check here on Avil Knitwear. The Early Bird logo will be on the front which consists of the bird and eb (worm - the image you see below).
10% of each purchase will go towards Little Lights Urban Ministries a non-profit in Southeast DC Little Lights.
Each shirt will be 20 dollars with a little something extra. If are are interested in purchasing a shirt please message me with your full name, size, and email. Right now I can only do a small run of shirts so if you do not make the 50 please be patient and I will most definitely be in contact. If all of this goes well I plan on doing hoodies in mid to late January.
Thank you for the support and enjoy your day!! (Tim)
BIRD CATCH WORM,
Early Bird tees!
I've already ordered mine, when are you going to order yours?
Share your hair woes and hair wonders through this challenge. I know going natural is not an easy process, but is defiantly life changing and is more than just about your hair believe it or not.
Each month Miss Jessies founder sisters Miko and Titi will select four winners to receive a special product gift package. See the sites for more details.
I remember going to the spa with my mother sometime ago to check it out for her birthday. I wasn't getting any special treatment, but I was offered some very interesting looking water.
It was in a nice glass pitcher, but it had sliced cucumbers in it. I pointed at it and said to my mom "what in the world is that?". .. . She said "I don't know. . but it looks interesting." Needless to say we gave it a try and now we love it.
It's a refreshing taste with your typical glass of water. It doesn't have a strong taste of cucumber, but adds a little extra purified taste that you will fall in love with.
The cucumbers improve the taste of regular tap water. If you drink distilled or purified water like myself, it is just fine .the taste will be good as well.
Soooo you can have your own spa right at home. .. Here is what you need and what I use:
Note: Make sure that you make this in advance before enjoying it. The longer it sits the better the taste. I don't suggest letting it sit for days at a time. At minimum 3hours at most overnight.
Here is what you need: Glass Pitcher or a regular one is fine(I just like using a glass one to show off the cucumbers)
2 medium size cucumbers
Ice Cubes (optional)
2 or 3 mint leaves for decoration (optional)
Directions:
1. Fill a pitcher with water 2. Slice one of the cucumbers (sit aside the other to use later) 3. Put the sliced cucumber in the pitcher and put the pitcher in the refrigerator.
*When you are ready to serve. . take out the cucumbers in the pitcher and throw them way. then slice up the second cucumber and put it in the water. . along with the hints of mint(optional) . . Ive also put in a couple slices of lemon too. . (optional). You can add the ice cubes if youd like and wallll llaaaaa there you go. .
If you give it a try. . let me know how you like it. . I will post a lemon and orange water recipe later . .:)
It's always nice to go out to a spa and get pampered with fresh facials, bombshell back rubs or even a good ol' mani or pedi....but let's face it... Sometimes we can't always do it:(
I've made my own hair creams and conditioners in the passed... I've also come across some nice and easy home spa beauty boosters in "Braids and More" magazine.
According to their article, "Try A Refreshing Lemon-Aid " by Tri Ba, a good clarifying facial is just what every beauty needs to give themself a boost.
Here are some easy steps they give for a great DIY facial:
1. Fill a basin with hot water. 2. Add the juice of one lemon. 3. Add a few red clover blossoms or rose petals to make skin softer 4.let the mixture set.. And in the meantime pin your hair back or tie it up with a scarf. 5. Wash your face. 6. Place your face over the basin (at lease 12 inches away) and cover your head with a towel. 7. Relax and let your face stem for at least 10 mins. 8. Wait a few mintues then pat dry your face and rinse with cool water. 9. Follow up with a light facial moisturizer.
They also noted if you have serious thread veins, skin disorders or asthma... Do not steam your face.
The article also listed this simple scalp cleanser whether you wear braids.. Locs....or flat twists
Here it is: 1. Add two cups of warm water to a bowl. 2. Add strain juice from a lemon 3. Add 3 to 4 drops of tea tree oil. (tea tree oil is a good antibacterial and antiseptic) 4. Use the squares of a white lint free cloth to dip into the mixture and rub on your scalp.
I think a good alternate to the cloth would a simple spray bottle to spray in between your scalp.
You can't do an at home DIY spa without getting those hands and feet.
Here's a hand and feet smoother the article also lists: 1. Mix 6 tablespoons of lemon juice 2. Add 4 tablespoons of honey
3. Add 2 cups of oatmeal or cornmeal to make a paste. 4. Then add generous amounts to hands and feet. 5. Then cover with cotton gloves or socks for 30 mins. 6. Rinse paste mixture off then add a Shea butter based lotion.
Please note: As mentioned before these DIY recipes are from an article in Braids and More magazine. I have also not tried any of these recipes. Although I do intend on giving them a try:)
I'm sure everyone has seen the previews for the heart drenching movie "Precious." I actually saw the previews for this movie when I went to see "Good Hair."
The movie is based on the book "PUSH" by Sapphire. It's about a young teenage girl named "Precious," that endures sexual...emotional... and physical abuse by her mother. Precious is 16 and is pregnant with her second child.
The previews for this movie is nothing I have ever seen before. It seemed so raw and uncut.
The movies all star cast is seen in a very different setting...stripped of the glam... and flashing lights. As I was watching the previews... It took me a minute or two to recognize the well known celebs. The movie stars comedian Monique, actress Paula Patton, singer Mariah Carey, comedian and The View co-host Sherri Shepard.
The movie also introduces Gabourey "Gabby" Sidibe in the starring role as Precious.
I would like to read the book first. I have had a couple friends share their reviews of the novel. They said it's like nothing they have ever read before.
I will keep you posted on the novel...and when I see the film.
If you've seen it or read the book...., Leave a comment tell us what you think....
I have been asked a lot about how to get your curls more defined or how to get your hair to shine more.
I have found first styling your hair while it is still wet makes for better styling and setting, plus it leaves your hair with that locked in moisture it needs.
I have seen some interesting clips on YouTube via Miss Jessie's that gives some tips on how to finger style your hair. Of course depending on your hair type will determine how well your hair does with the wet finger styling.
For those of you that are a 2 to 3 texture this may work well. (see my earlier post if you don't know your texture) Check out this Miss Jessie's Finger styling tutorial.
I'm sure some of you are thinking. . uhhhh my hair will not curl by just putting my fingers thru it . .well I understand. Twisting styles are also perfect too. .then loosing the twists out when your hair is dry. Check out this Miss Jessie's Tutorial for an alternative to finger styling to achieve a shiny curl pattern look.
I haven't used Miss Jessie's yet . . Can You Believe it? But I have heard good things. I twist my hair all the time in the video above but haven't tried it with Miss Jessie's. I will be trying this product out and will post a review with pics. .
I find using products like Optimums 3 in 1 moisturizer creme is wonderful to work along with a twisting style and Cantu's Leave In Conditioner works well for me too. If you have been keeping up with the blog you will definitely see these products over and over again. .:)
It's always important to wear a satin scarf to bed too. Don't just go to bed without anything on your head thinking it will look nice. . .. no no no... :)
I have to also add that this are products that work for me. . . . I sometimes switch the products up using things like pure Shea butter. .carols daughters products etc. I will post other products later. .. These are some of the staples. . :)
Generally here are some basic tips to get the curls going. 1. Wash your hair and condition it very well. I like to comb my conditioner thru my hair with a wide tooth comb. This ensures that the conditioner is in your hair really good from root to tip. Conditioner is suppose to enhance and give your hair a boost just as you would condition your body to get it in shape. . :)
2. After washing your hair and rinsed out your conditioner you should apply the leave in conditioner or curl cream. (Note: there are plenty of times that I will deep condition my hair and then go back and add a leave in conditioner after rinsing the 5-10 one) There are thousands to choose from and as I have mentioned depending on your hair texture will determine what would work well for you. My hair really doesn't curl.. I make it . lol.. . by twisting it and applying the moisturizing cream.
3. So at this stage, it depends on how your hair is as it's natural texture. If your hair has a defined curl when it is wet, then you might be able to finger style it while its wet. For me. I prefer to twist my hair then loose it out.
4. After you have fingered styled it ( see tutorial above for a more descriptive way of finger styling) then its ready to be dried in place. I let my hair air dry for the most part, but using a hair dryer is perfect. (the one you sit under) I would definitely suggest using the hair dryer when finger styling because you are styling it with your fingers and want it to style that way and drying it immediately after will set it. If you twist it.. there is not an urgency to sit under the dryer because it is already set in a style. You see? You can if yo want though..
If you try this out... . I would love to see pics and post them. .
So happy styling. . .look out for an additional post that will help determine what products work well for different hair textures.
Here are some curly products I have found
photo credit: Cantushea.com, texas beauty supples.com, youtube, miss jessies
Ok sometimes you have do's and sometimes you have don'ts.
I wanted to give a little insight on what I have found on the next tip and hair don't that many women are doing to their little ones hair.
Please do not put weave or anything fake in your child's head. Besides it not being very appealing in mines eye, it does not send a good message to that child.
It is important for your child to grow up knowing that they do not need a weave in their hair to look nice, pretty or handsome.
I have seen everything from microbraids in a little girls hair to a little boy with synthetic straight braids down his back.
Sure, there are some instances where a child may need to wear fake hair, maybe they are sick or something along those lines, but other than that do not compromise your child's young scalp and hair follicles just for what you may think is style or an easy way out from doing their heads everyday.
I also found this now infamous video clip on youtube with over 70,000 views of a mother combing her childs dry hair via the online magazine The Root It's called "dry tangled hair".
It looks like a typical Sunday afternoon in many of our homes. The day you get your hair combed, but it really shows a very sad example of how NOT to take care of your childs hair.
Don't get me wrong. . we all had our crying and wet face days getting our heads combed, but this video is not what I remember in my childhood.
Supposedly this mother has been taken to court over this video.
Here are some pics of my best friend Katrina. She is a new natural that has fallen in love with her fresh look. Be sure to lookout for her hairstory and new beginnings.
I'm a daughter, sister, friend, writer, artist and creator.
I love being able to discover and create new things. My energy stems from my drive to do more and learn life.
Please feel free to leave comments. .. or email me at
emailnaturalhigh@gmail.com
