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Thursday, June 30, 2011

~5 WAYS TO GET WATER INTO YOUR HAIR!~...



Hey there fabulous Fellow Naturals!

Today I bring you another great tip, from Chicoro.  One that many of our seasoned fabulous Naturals many already know, this may be just a reminder. not for get our  newly fabulous naturals, who may not know of these very helpful tips on water retention for our natural hair.  As we alllllllllll know water, is a must for natural hair, I have found the more water I use on my hair and in my products my hair seems to thrive...thrive ...thrive!.  Below I will share a bit on what Chicoro says about ways to get water into our hair:

1. RINSE YOUR HAIR WITH VERY WARM WATER:

The easiest way to water into your hair is to saturate or rinse your hair with water.  Warm water will penetrate your hair faster than colder water.  But, do not use water that is to hot!

2.  STEAM YOUR HAIR:

Another way to infuse your hair with water is to steam your hair.  There are four methods or ways to steam your hair:
     
             A) Most Expensive- Buy a steamer.  Steamers add a steady stream of warm, vaporized water to
                  the hair. 
            
              B) Expensive- Purchase a hair dryer. Dryers use hot air and no water or moisture.  You can wet
                    your hair and place a plastic cap over it and sit under the dryer.  Or you can wet a towel under
                    hot running water, or heat a towel in the microwave.  Put in on your wet hair and sit under the
                     dryer.  Please be careful!

                C) Less Expensive- Purchase a heating cap.  Wet your hair and place the cap on top.

                 D) Not Expensive- Wet a towel place it in the microwave to warm it up, Place the towel on your
                      Then place a plastic cap over the towel.

                  E)  Cheap- Wet your hair and place plastic bag over your hair. Leave this on for 15 minutes or
                         over night.

3.  Use water based moisturizer- Use a water based moisturizer in your hair. you can use this during the week , and you can also use this while placing a plastic cap on top.

4.  Use Hygroscopic ingredients in your hair- Perform treatments on your hair by adding honey to your conditioners , amino acids or glycerin to your other products.

5.  Use protective styling- To help in holding onto moisture longer.  This will keep the hair moist and protected.


 There you have 5 ways to get water into your hair.  Many thanks to the fabulous Chicoro, for sharing these tips with the natural hair community. 

Thanks a bunch for stopping by, and remember to stay .....Naturally Fabulous!

TAKE CARE !:))


               

Saturday, June 25, 2011

~BUGS IN YOUR TEA'S AND HERBS~....



Hello Ladies!

I usually don't do posts on the weekends, but when I saw this I knew Immediately I had to share it will you ladies here @ AuNaturale.  Apparently, some of your teas, and herbs may have bugs crawling in them...yes! BUGS. I am going to keep this sweet and short, so that you ladies can benefit from the video yourself.  But, I will say this.....Check your teas, and herbs .....IMMEDIATELY!

Check the video out here, to see exactly what I am talking about
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=96MIbkVqke8

ENJOY YOUR WEEKEND!, TAKE CARE :))

Friday, June 24, 2011

~ GET READY FOR THE .....CHERRY BOMB~....



Hey there Fabulous Fellow Naturals!

As The weekend is here , I wanted to leave you ladies with a great , healthy and refreshing summer time drink you can make from your very own kitchen:

CHERRY BOMB

Blend 3/4 cups of frozen cherries
1 kiwi peeled and quartered
1/4 cup orange juice
1/2 cup coconut water
3/4 tsp agave nectar
3 ice cubes

TO JAZZ IT UP A BIT

Add a scoop of vanilla protein powder

Sit back , lounge in your yard, chatting with your best girlfriends , read a fabulous book or sit back and enjoy a great movie.  Whatever you are doing this weekend....ENJOY!!!!

Thanks for stopping by , and remember to stay Naturally Fabulous!

TAKE CARE :))

Thursday, June 23, 2011

~WE MUST PROTECT OUR CHILDREN....NEIGHBORHOOD BULLYING MUST STOP~



Hello Ladies!

Today I bring forth an very important subject.  That happens to near and dear to my heart.  That is "NEIGHBORHOOD BULLYING".  Bullying of all types are on the rise now, especially in our schools.  But,  you rarely hear of neighborhood bullying.  My children are currently being bullied in our neighborhood.  Immediately after I am done with this post my husband and  I will be going to the police station to  make our 3 rd police report , on children from the neighborhood in which we live. harassing my boys.

From there I plan to spend the entire day, two days, week, weeks, month or months researching this disgusting behavior to bring forth more awareness in neighborhood bullying, I will not take this lying down.  I plan to use every breath in my body , until I am heard.  It seems some adults think that this is common children like behavior...I am hear to tell "IT'S NOT".  These are my children, they are not action figures, they have feelings, and have the right to feel safe in there own neighborhood.  They have the right to feel relaxed and free as they play outdoors , just as children should feel. 

My husband and I have been to many childrens homes to speak to the parents, in most cases the parents will instruct them to no longer behave in that manor. These children don't even honor their parents wishes. And continue to do as they please...which is to harass my boys.

My boys were jumped a month or so ago, by 5 ...you heard me 5 other thugs ( yeap, that's what I called them.....common THUGS).  My boys are the ages of 12, and 9.  Right here at our neighborhood " quote un quote "PLAYGROUND".  These thugs had the nerve to hold my 9 yr old back while the other 5 jump my 12 yr old, they then stole one of his sneakers, in which I sent him out with two, along with his watch.  But, I must say My 12 yr old fought back, with every bone in his body.

This post is not to boast about how well behaved , smart and mannerable my children are.....But, damn it they are... that plus more.  I am raising men, not punks.  My boys are the type of boys who will run across the street to help our older neighbors with their bags, and will politely refuse anything offered to them in return for helping.  They will politely say " We just wanted to help" .  You can see my boys ( not only my boys all of my 5 children girls included)  on any given day picking up trash off of our front lawn, with out being told.  When they take in our trash cans on trash day, they also take in our neighbors " just because".  You will never hear them curse, wear their pants belong their butt, or see them grabbing their crotch as they talk . This is how they are being raised...to be men.... not punks.

My husband and I have since put them into boxing, ( including my 11 yr old daughter) , there they are learning discipline, restraint, more respect, and confidence in knowing they are NOT push overs...."WHAT SO EVER". And they love it! ( they will not however be taking this boking thing to far, just now its doing just what they need, confidence. They will not become pro's , just a little something for now)

Now, my husband and I have informed them they "MUST" defend themselves when at all necessary.  But only when necessary, like if someone puts their hands on you. However the bullying in our neighbor hood has gotten totally out of control.  One little thug had the nerve to tell my son he was going to put him into a coma, another time we came home and a kid ( I believe it was a kid because of its handwriting)  came up to our pourch while we was not home and wrote " WE HATE YOU".  There has been soooooo many incidents, it would take to long to type.  My boys are tired of this nonsense now, as my husband and myself and are ready for an all out war.  However I've explained to them we will settle this differently.  The police will get tired of coming out to my home for complaints, they will do more about it.  Because each time it happens I plan to call them out or go to the police station myself. 

If your child is being bullied ANYWHERE, but particularly in your neighborhood, please do something about it. I implore you to not ignore it.  The more awareness to this problem, the more it will be taken seriously.   parents, police, landlords,  ( been there too) and neighbors will be forced to realize this is NOT JUST KID BEHAVIOR, THAT THIS IS ONE STEP AWAY FROM CRIMINAL BEHAVIOR.

FACTS ABOUT BULLYING


What Is Bullying?





Bullying is a form of aggressive behavior that is intentional, hurtful, (physical and psychological), and/or threatening and persistent (repeated). There is an imbalance of strength (power and dominance).
The above definition includes the following criteria that will help you determine if a student is being bullied.

What Does Bullying Look Like?

•Hitting, slapping, elbowing, shouldering (slamming someone with your shoulder)

•Shoving in a hurtful or embarrassing way

•Taking, stealing, damaging or defacing belongings or other property





Verbal Bullying :  
•Name-calling
 
•Insulting remarks and put-downs
 
•Repeated teasing
 
•Racist remarks or other harassment
 
•Threats and intimidation




When and where does bulling occur:

In the United States, it increases for boys and girls during late elementary years, peaks during the middle school years, and decreases in high school.

Physical severity may decrease with age.


It is most likely to occur where there is no adult supervision, inadequate adult supervision, poor supervision, a lack of structure, and few or no anti-bullying rules; it is also more likely to occur where teachers and students accept bullying or are indifferent to it.

It occurs virtually everywhere: in homes, nursery schools, preschools, elementary schools, middle schools, high schools, neighborhoods, churches, city parks, on the trip to and from school, on the streets, and in the workplace, for example. It occurs in large cities and small towns, large schools and small schools—and even one-room schools in other countries.

DID YOU KNOW:

3.7 million youth engage in bullying each year

3.2 million youth are victims of moderate or serious bullying each year

Bullying has been declared a violation of civil rights in some cases

160,000 students per day stay home from school because of bullying

Bullying creates a fearful environment that impacts learning.  Approximately 14% of 8th through 12th graders and 22% of 4th through 8th graders surveyed reported that bullying diminished their ability to learn in school;

Bullying causes children to runaway

Bullying causes eating disorders

Bullying causes low self-esteem

Bullies grow up and often abuse their spouse, children and co-workers.


So, as you can see ladies as you can see bullying is very...very...very serious.  I plan to make and pass out fliers  in our neighborhoods in hopes of spreading awareness on  neighborhood bullying.  In trying to  advocate for all of the children like my very own who are being bullied in their neighborhood.

Some may think, perhaps you should move.  My husband and I have considered it.  But, to be very honest I like it here its just the " children like thugs". The neighborhood is lovely, beautiful , well kept...just overall a very nice area.  If in fact my husband and I decide to relocate, it will not be before I bring awareness to this problem , in hopes of helping the family who may move into my place.

Please...please...please spread the word.  And, if you see any child being bullied in your neighborhood, even if its not your own.  Please be a voice for that child , step in...help , and do not become a victim yourselves.  Because bystanders who do not speak out  are just as much a bully or being bullied by the bully.

Thanks for reading guys, you are appreciated!:))


PLEASE SPREAD THE WORD.....

TAKE CARE :))

Sunday, June 19, 2011

~MY THOUGHTS ON QB's OLIVE AND HONEY HYDRATING BALM~....




Hello Fabulous Fellow Naturals!

I hope all of you fabulous ladies had a great weekend!:).  During the Qhemet Biologics recent sale along with a few other items.  I purchased a sample size of their "Olive & Honey Hydrating Balm".  I have recently fell back in love with my Qhemet Biologics moisturizers, right now there doing it for me, to be quite honest I had never fallen out of love with them.  I just stopped using their products momentarily, just to try other brands.  And, as always found myself right back at their doorsteps (lol). So Here are my thoughts on the hydrating balm:


THEY SAY:

Our pure and natural hydrating balm leaves dense, coarse and dry hair touchably soft, moist and supple.

 KEY INGREDIENTS:

Key Ingredients: Pure Olive Oil, expressed from the fruit seeds of the noble and majestic Olive tree, delivers softness and emollience. Pure Grapeseed Oil delivers shine, softness and lubricity. MSM nourishes scalp and encourages healthy growth while pure wildflower honey and vegetable glycerin contribute lasting moisture and softness.

I SAY:

I really like this product!....it does just as it states, as with the Amla& Olive heavy creme.  Having had used 3 products thus far from this line, I must say that their products live up to what they state on their site.  I use this in conjunction with the Amla & Olive heavy cream, using the cream first then sealing with the Hydrating balm.  Doing so ...my curls are seriously hydrated without feeling greasy, and are  seriously, thick and well defined.  This leaves my hair super soft, however this product does contains glycerin, just as the Amla & Olive, but it does not affect my hair.  Perhaps, its because the glycerin is a few ingredients down on the list.  But, thus far this is the only line that contains glycerin, and does not make my hair over the top frizzy.  The consistency is thick, and the scent is pleasant. A little goes a long way, which I appreciate that, because that means it's not necessary to use a lot, and because of that the product should last longer.  Will this be an added staple to my collection...YES INDEED!.  My plans are to repurchase as soon as QB, reopens their store, god willing.

http://www.qhemetbiologics.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=OHHB

I just love it when I purchase a product and its a winner!...so what about you ladies, have you made any recent hair purchases and found it to be a winner ?


Well, that's all for now .  Thanks for stopping by and remember to stay....Naturally Fabulous!:))

TAKE CARE !:))

Tuesday, June 14, 2011

~HOT OR COLD ?~





Hello Ladies!


I'd like to share with you an article in which I read from Naturally curly.com I love that site , it's loaded with tons of great informative article, tips and ideas for natural hair care.  In this particular article they speak about the pros and con's of washing your hair with hot and or cold water, great read.  Here is a bit of what was said:


Hot Water


PRO: Rinses Away Dirt and Oil


Hot water and steam naturally open the pores, which is great for exfoliating and removing the oil from your skin. If you have a very oily scalp, washing with hot water can be beneficial. Warm water allows the dirt and hair product that has accumulated on your scalp to escape the pores and be rinsed away. It’s especially important to cleanse your hair of all hair products for your next styling. Overall, warm water might be more beneficial for washing your hair.


CON: May Result in Overly Porous Hair


Aforementioned, hot water opens up the pores and the cuticle of your hair shaft. That being said, rinsing your hair with hot water too often can leave the hair overly porous, causing it to be dry and brittle. Unfortunately, hot water seems to be a double-edged sword. Just as hot water helps to rinse away oil and dirt, it also strips your hair of its natural oils. The sebaceous glands in your skin produce natural oils called “sebum” that are essential for your hair’s health. Sebum gives the hair shine and strength, both of which are vital for beautiful hair.


CON: Causes Frizz


Heat causes frizzy hair, and hot water is no exception. No matter what your hair type, the hair needs moisture to stay frizz free. Because hot water can strip the hair of natural oils, moisture escapes the hair shaft and results in frizz. If your hair is especially prone to frizz, you might want to turn off the hot water.


To read more on this great article, click the link below:


http://www.naturallycurly.com/curlreading/wavy-hair-type-2/how-to-wash-your-hair-hot-or-cold




And as always thanks for stopping by, and remember to stay.....Naturally Fabulous!


TAKE CARE!:))

Monday, June 13, 2011

~STEAMING WITH BENTONITE CLAY~....




Hey there Fabulous Naturals!


I hope everyone had a fabulous , yet productive weekend:)).  One of the many things I did this weekend was enjoy my wash day.   Lately, I've been steaming twice a week, and I must say my hair as well myself are enjoying the results.  However, this weekend I did something a bit different . One of the products I use on my hair at least once monthly is bentonite clay.  Although , I am considering using it a bit more after the fabulous results I had using it under the steamer.

I pre-pooed my hair as I always do, allowed that to sit on my hair for a while. Rinsed and applied my bentonite clay mixed with Aloe Vera juice ,  a bit of water and olive oil. I use majority Aloe Vera juice in my bentonite clay mixtures to help in lowering the pH., and it does a wonderful job.  After, applying that I sat under my steamer with the clay remaining on my head to aid in the conditioning process for about 20 minutes. After allowing my head to cool off a bit, I then proceeded with rinsing and co-washing, deep conditioning , etc.  Let me tell you .....I love the results the clay gave me while sitting under the steamer.  We all know that the clay aids in serious curl definition afterwards.  But, this time my curls were beautiful ...different from using the clay and rinsing without the heat.  And, super soft!.  I believe this process is a keeper in my regimen.  I am in love with the results!

What about you ladies, have you ladies ever steamed with bentonite clay?, if so what were your results.  Do share :))

Thanks for stopping by, and remember to stay......Naturally Fabulous!

 TAKE CARE!:))

Friday, June 10, 2011

~ASK THE HAIR DOCTOR~....



Hey there Fabulous Fellow Naturals!

I hope all is well:)). I remember when I first decided to go natural.   One of the very first naturals I read from was Lisa Akbari also  know as "The Hair Doctor".  I will never forget when I saw her Fro for the very first Time...It was beautiful.  It was then when I became interested in researching about her hair products.  In fact That was my very first post here at AuNaturale, asking if any one had heard of her and if anyone had used her product line.  And, I must admit at that time I hadn't heard Much about her line. So I decide not to go forth with purchasing her products.

I recently came across her YouTube channel.  She take questions and answers them. I must admit its pretty interesting, she seems to be quite knowledgeable in the area of proper natural hair care. 

Below I will gladly share the link so that you ladies can check her out for yourselves.

http://www.youtube.com/user/LisaAkbariProducts#p/u

Thanks for stopping by, and remember to stay....Naturally Fabulous!

TAKE CARE!:))

Tuesday, June 7, 2011

~THE HIGH AND LOWS OF HAIR POROSITY~....



Hello Fabulous Fellow Naturals!

I hope everyone had a fabulous, yet productive weekend:)).  I was reading this article on the porosity of hair over @ naturally curly.com  I've read on this subject before, during a different time in my previous hair journey.  But, for some reason re-visiting this topic is better than the first time.  Here is a bit of what was said:

When it comes to porosity and its effects on curly hair styling, naturally curly consumers are well ahead of the curve. In the past few years, natural curlies have evolved home-grown styling techniques beyond those that only emphasize curl type to ones that include porosity and its impact on curly hair wearability.

Porosity – Its Highs and Lows

Porosity is all about water and how your hair absorbs it. All hair is porous, and curly hair is more porous than natural, uncolored straight hair.

Highly porous hair has a cuticle layer that is raised and open. The hair quickly absorbs moisture, but loses it just as fast. Very porous hair can absorb more than twice the amount of water and moisture than hair with normal or low porosity can. It loves rich, moisturizing conditioners that contain protein, and even takes to pure protein treatments well.

But the more porous your hair is, the more prone it is to lose tensile strength and to break when soaking wet. If oils, butters and silicone products are applied in the wrong order or amount, your hair can get weighed down from within and build up in the hair shaft make it bloated, limp and lifeless. With porous hair that’s relatively dry and lacks sufficient moisture in the shaft, when dewpoints rise, get ready for a frizz fest.

In hair with low porosity, the cuticle layer is more tightly closed. Hair is slower to absorb water and longer to release it, so low porosity hair holds moisture quite well. But with fewer surface openings for product to be absorbed into, build up on the hair’s surface can happen quickly. Too much conditioning and excessive stylers may coat the hair and rob it of its vitality and bounciness. Some styling products may even sit on your hair or create a white cast. And because there’s little margin for absorption on low porosity hair’s smooth surface, excessive or pure protein treatments may cause the crispy, straw-like feel of protein overload.

To read more, visit Naturally Curly.com
http://www.naturallycurly.com/curlreading/curly-hair-care-methods/no-poo/how-does-hair-porosity-affect-your-curls?utm_source=nc_newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=20110607

Thanks for stopping by , And remember to stay...........Naturally Fabulous!

TAKE CARE!:))

Sunday, June 5, 2011

~REVISITING OLD PRODUCTS~.... MY OLE' FAITHFULS!

Hello there Fabulous Fellow Naturals!

First let me say....This girl is "SHARP" in this picture above.  I love everything about this picture, and her style from top to bottom.

Now, That I've gotten that out (LOL), on to the topic at hand.  I've been revisiting some of my old products ones that I swore by during my first Big Chop.  My ole' faithfuls , I have always been a huuge fan of Vo5 strawberries & cream conditioner for co-washing.... Curls " Coconut Sublime Moisturizing Conditioner.....Qhemet Biologics "Amla & Heavy cream"......kiss my face "upper management" styling gel ...or Uncle funky's daughter " Curly Magic" and....Jane Carters " Nourish & Shine" ( only when needed, or when not using the Amla & olive heavy cream, both of them together is to much for my hair)

For what ever reason my ...MyHoneyChild Products, is doing less of the job it had been for my hair, It's just not doing it for me right now.  I am beginning to think my hair gets bored just as I do, of using one product allllll the time ( or maybe that's what I'd like to think, because my doing so allows me to buy more products...lol).  But, anywho I had to retire my honeychild for a bit, and resort back to my Ole' faithfuls. 

The products mentioned above never lets me down ...no matter what!.  Annnnd....it seems.... my hair is a lot smoother, and moisturized since going back to my Ole' faithfuls.  The moisture level in my hair has jumped up a notch or two, which is always music to my ears.  Even , for my baby girls hair ( which is in the 3b range) the Qhemet Biologics has been doing a much better job , lately at laying her cuticles down and making her hair smooth and urber moisturized...for days!

Has this ever happened to you ladies, where you had to have sort of a rotation of  products in your regimen.  Or has a product you loved stopped working for you?  Do share, I would love to hear from you ladies:))

Here are the links to my Ole' faithfuls :

http://www.curls.biz/curly-hair-products/coconut-sublime-moisturizing-conditioner.html

http://www.curlmart.com/store/curls-coconut-sublime-moisturizing-conditioner.html

http://www.qhemetbiologics.com/

http://www.vitacost.com/productResults.aspx?.y=16&ntk=products&ss=1&.x=11&Ntt=kiss%20my%20face%20upper%20management%20gel

http://www.unclefunkysdaughter.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=192

http://www.janecartersolution.com/Nourish-Shine-4oz.html


Vo5 - Can be found at any of your local drug stores.

As Always thanks for stopping by, and remember to stay....Naturally Fabulous!

TAKE CARE!:))

Thursday, June 2, 2011

~SAVE THE DATE !~....



Hello ladies!

For all of you Qhemet Biologics lovers out there , like myself.  They are having their summer sale:



WHEN- Saturday,  June 4th

TIME- 12 PM EST

PLACE -Qhemet Biologics

DISCOUNT- 20 % off EVERYTHING

COUPON CODE- Summer1

The sale will last as long as supplies last so place your order early!

http://www.qhemetbiologics.com/

I will be there....what about you ladies.  Hope to see you there!:))

TAKE CARE!:))

Wednesday, June 1, 2011

~WARNING ON SYNTHEIC HAIR, USED FOR BRAIDS, ETC~...



Hey there Fabulous Fellow Naturals!

I hope everyone is well :)).  There are many Naturals we wear their hair in braids from time to time as a protective style.  There has been an alarming amount of ladies who have done just that and to their shock have found that they are in fact Allergic to the hair put in their hair for braids, extension's, etc.   Their symptoms range from a severe case of an itchy scalp, to sores in the form of burns from relaxers, sore with pus coming from them,  baldness, swelling of the eyes, and even getting sick on the stomach.

It is said that Synthetic hair has a chemical film left on the hair during the manufacturing process. I have also read that the synthetic hair is coated with alkaline , which is a chemical found in many of our household cleaning products.  I also read that some companies put a chemical preserver on the hair so that it doesn't get moldy.... Moldy seriously.....just the thought  of that is sickening.

Know that this is not just with Synthetic hair, it's also the case with human hair as well.  Ladies, please be super cautions when paying to have your hair braided or doing it yourself.  I am not sure what is going on with the hair these days , but in my opinion it is NOT worth having health and scalp issues.

I've read there are ways to pre treat the hair before having it put into your hair.  I did not bother to post that info here at AuNaturale, because in my opinion it's simply not worth the time and effort of the braids.  I feel our health and the health of our hair and scalp is far more important that any so called way of pretreating hair that has been previously treated with a chemical film or coated with a substance found in our household items.  And, lets not get started on the the fact it could be treated before hand to prevent "MOLD",  this is crazy. 

For all of the fabulous ladies out there who are rocking the Micro mini's, kinky twist, etc please beware and educate yourselves on exactly what your are putting into your hair.  Way, the pros with the con's....stop and think...... is it really worth it.

Thanks for stopping by , and remember to always stay....Naturally Fabulous!

TAKE CARE!:))