Vintage Retro Glam Updo on Short Natural Hair 4C Hair

Try this quick and easy short natural retro inspired up do for 4C hair. It's simple elegant and very chic! This looks great on any texture of natural hair.

Flat Twist Out on Natural 4C Hair

This quick and easy go to style was each to achieve.  All I used was Mixed Chicks leave-in conditioner and some Olive Oil.  My hands and a wide tooth comb was all I need to get the shape I liked.   To see the flatwist pattern I used click on my Youtube video.

Natural Hair Growth Journey & Confessions

I've decided to go on a growth journey.  In the 5 years that I have been natural I've pretty much had a laissez faire attitude when it came to my natural hair.  Now it seems that my hair has reached it's terminal length or can it grow a bit longer?  I would like to see how long my natural hair can grow.  I will admit that I've been pretty much a "lazy natural" opting for low maintainance style options.

But this year I will venture to see what great lengths my hair can reach.  I've made a video about this and I've put this on my blog.  I am now accountable. Below are a couple of pics, one is in September 2014 (hair is flat ironed) and the other is March 2015.  They obviously going to be dramatically different but I'd like to see comparison for 2016.  I will admit that I have not been keep the best hair practices which would explain a lot of set backs.  From here on I will baby my hair so I can see it grow.

Tracee Ellis Ross Inspired Milkmaid Braids - 4C Short Natural Hair

Anyone who know me will tell you that I fangirl over Tracee Ellis Ross. She's is forever my girl crush. Her hair and her style are to die for. But she's also smart and savvy (we're bffs in my head). This is my go to hairstyle when I have no time or don't know what do with my hair

Two Styles on Short Natural 4C Hair - Hair Updo

Review: Natural Hair & Satinique Smooth Moisture Shampoo and Conditioner

Satinique Shampoo & Conditioner were really nice to my hair so I thought I'd do a review.  It's short and sweet.  Watch what I have to say about this product on my youtube channel. I keep saying I was pleasantly surprised but I really was! See the review here on my youtube channel



INGREDIENTS

SHAMPOO 

 Water/Eau, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Glycerin, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Glycol Distearate, Glycereth-26, Dimethicone, Fragrance/Parfum, C12-15 Alkyl Lactate, Sodium Chloride, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Distearyldimonium Chloride, Panthenol, Tetrasodium EDTA, Citric Acid, Creatine, Tocopheryl Acetate, Aleurites Moluccana Seed Oil, Dipropylene Glycol, C10-40 Isoalkylamidopropylethyldimonium Ethosulfate, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, PPG-12-Buteth-16, Triethanolamine, Sodium PCA, Sodium Lactate, Arginine, Limnanthes Alba (Meadowfoam) Seed Oil, Aspartic Acid, PCA, Glycine, Alanine, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Ceramide 2, Serine, Ceramide 3, Valine, Behenic Acid, Cholesterol, Isoleucine, Proline, Threonine, Methylisothiazolinone, Histidine, Phenylalanine, Perilla Ocymoides Leaf Extract.

CONDITIONER

Water/Eau, Cyclopentasiloxane, Cetyl Alcohol, Stearyl Alcohol, Behentrimonium Chloride, Stearamidopropyl Dimethylamine, Dimethicone, Fragrance/Parfum, Citric Acid, Isopropyl Alcohol, Hectorite, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Panthenol, Tetrasodium EDTA, Aleurites Moluccana Seed Oil, Creatine, Lanolin Acid, Sodium PCA, Sodium Lactate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Arginine, Limnanthes Alba (Meadowfoam) Seed Oil, Aspartic Acid, PCA, Glycine, Alanine, Serine, Ceramide 2, Ceramide 3, Valine, Behenic Acid, Cholesterol, Isoleucine, Proline, Threonine, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Histidine, Phenylalanine, Methylisothiazolinone.

TWIST OUT ON SHORT NATURAL HAIR

Products used: Tresemme Naturals Conditioner, Coconut Oil, Mixed Chicks Leave In Conditioner

This is an easy style to do for short natural hair.  It best if your hair is completely dry before taking your twists out.  This will also give you the best volume! If you have type 4 (a, b, c) this should work for you. But remember the best products to use are the ones YOUR hair responds to.  Have fun with your hair.  See the video below for how to achieve this style.

VIDEO
 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=20fwi2PKZLo

Abercrombie & Fitch Worst Clothing Line Ever

Mike Jeffries is a douche.  The fact that A& F doesn’t want to carry anything beyond a Large shows how out of touch the company is.  It has been reported that the compay has been under scrutiny for not selling sizes beyond Large.  But of course the CEO is a 61 year old with the mind of a vapid teenager.  Jefferies never explicity stated that he didn't like plus size women but his company's practices say otherwise.

His ideal customer is thin beautiful and All American. I’m not even mad at him for wanting to sell his clothes to an exclusively to a thin all American ideal.  A & F sucks donkey balls anyway and as as someone pointed out it is for “kiddies with no fashion sense.”   The clothes are absolutely boring and generic. Jeffries is an old dude who is out of touch.  But he sounds like an immature insecure teen.

I’ve never had the desire to buy A & F's over priced unimaginative clothing and it will stay that way.  Best comment online about this douche: “His face looks like he went bobbing for apples in a barrel of wasps.” I'm done.

Teyonah Parris Inspired Makeup & Natural Hair

Can I just say how much I love Teyona Pariss?  Every time I see a photo of her on the red carpet her style is impeccable.  My new natural hair and style idol. She's gorgeous talented and smart!  It's always good to see black women in the media who are not of the Housewives reality.  Call me a hater but there is nothing that is more grating to the nerves than loud women who are menatally stuck in middles school putting on a show for the camera's.  I get that reality tv is scripted and supposed to be over the top but it's still annyoing. Anyway at least we have the Teyonah Parrises and the Kerry Washingtons to balance out the "ratchet" behaviour.

Short Natural Hair Tutorial Tumblr Request

 

                               Youtube Tutorial:

                             


This was a request from classify-me-relevant on Tumblr
http://classify-me-relevant.tumblr.com/This is my go to hairstyle.  It's real easy no styling tools for the first one just your fingers and bobby pins.  Hairtstyle #2 you'll just need a wid tooth comb.  I love the simple yet effortless styles of these looks. Even better when people assume you've put so much work into it ;)

Delicious Strawberry Summer Salad Easy Recpie

My version of a summer favourite

 Youtube:
 
Delicious Strawberry Summer Salad Easy Recipe 

Strawberries

Pecans (use walnuts, almonds or whatever you like)

Spinach

Dates

Raisins (you may substitute them for cranberries)

Dressing

Balsamic Vingerarette Dressing

Cumin 12 tsp for every 1/2 cup of Salad dressing

Curry 1/4 tsp

Brown sugar 1 tablespoon


Bon apetit!

Have Your Cheesecake and Eat It Too Easy Recpie

This is a quick and easy cheesecake plain cheesecake recipie I found online.  I modified it a bit.  I'm no Martha Stewart or Betty Crocker but I think it came out well.  Try it.  Enjoy.

Ingredients:

2 170 g of pre-made graham crust
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup butter melted
3 250 g packs of cream cheese room temperature
3 eggs, room temperature
1 teaspoon pure vanilla
1 tablespoon  lemon juice
1 cup Lactancia 35% cream room temperature

Topping:
Strawberries
Whipped Cream

You can make the crust from scratch or use ready made crust

Pre-heat oven 350 F
Cook for 40 - 45 mins

See real easy.  Watch the video for instructions.

Makeup: Slate & Fuschia

EYES
Wet & Wild - 248 Lust/Desir
Milani -- 05 Honey Glimmer
Essence -- Black liquid liner

FACE
Wet Dry Pressed Powder -- Java
Powder Blush Couples -- Berry #06

LIPS
Revlon Colorburst Lipstick -- Fuschia 030

Contrary to Popular Belief Size Does Not Matter

It's absurd he ideas that people women make themselves slaves to.  For example the idea that being thin is the eptiome of beauty or happiness annoys me to no end. I've often been a witness to this statement , "If I lost five pounds, I'd be good."  It's just so frustrating to hear comments like this.  How did we buy into this false dream that we've all been fed? I realize that the media, magazines, movies (the leading lady is always thin) and commercials always remind us that being skinny is "it".  I'm also keenly aware of this as people often have told me that I'm "lucky" because I'm skinny. I just would like to say what the fuck does that mean? No I'm not writing this to throw a pity party for myself but to impart some knowledge.  Let me make this declaration, I have never benefited directly or received special treatment because I'm thin.  The only "privilege" is that I can walk into most stores and find clothes that fit.  This only leaves me with a fuller closet and emptier pockets. This is not my idea of "lucky."  The idea that thiness equates to beauty is an artifcial and might I add completely meaningless idea that needs to die.

Thinness has not shielded me from heart  break, despair, loss or any type of misfortune.  I, like anyone walking this earth is subject to misfortune, sadness and pain.  That being said my thinness in the grand scheme of life is extremely inconsequential! I do realize that the there is a reason that being skinny is valued among most women, the media, as pervasive as it is, shapes how most women value their bodies.  But I'm also an advocate for taking responsibility of changing how you view yourself and demanding that other people recognize your intrinsic value.  You can choose to say that what sociey dictates as the standard of beauty is artificial bullshit and you don't have to buy into it.  It is just that simple, size does not matter, in the grand scheme of your life.  Choice is a beautiful thing.

Instead, we should make a conscious effort  to consume media that supports  healthy (meaning balanced and not one dimensional) images of what we consider beautiful.  Thank goodness for the internet it has allowed bloggers to expand the definition of beauty.  The interwebs has "democratized the idea of beauty" so to speak.  You will find countless sites dedicated to beauty that is often ignored and diminished by mainstream media. You'll find blogs dedicated with blogs for beauties with freckles (I absolutely adore anyone with freckles).  At least there are sites that recognizes beauties with such "flaws".  Thank goodness that everyone is not trapped in a narrow minded box.

I can recall as an eleven year old watching Fashion File and my father walking into the living room and exclaiming in his very East African and Ugandan accent, "eh who are these malnourished people?" and I responded, "they're not malnourished daddy, they're models, I'm watching Fashion File."  At that time time my father did the most loving thing a father could do for a young daughter.  He, with very little words, told me that being skinny is does not mean beauty nor does it signify health. After all, he did refer to them as malnourished and now as an adult I often chuckle at this memory. To this day I do not look at anyone who skinny and automatically think, beautiful.But that is typical of my father, giving love and dropping the most profound insight with very little words. I wouldn't be the that woman I am without him.

The idea that thinness is beautiful is a plastic concept that we have all been fed and it does us no good but teach women to devalue themselve when there is absolutley nothing wrong with them! But, as I said before before, I prefer that we take accountability. We should be aware that we support this BS. If we buy the magazines, watch the movies and buy the magazines we are complicit in maintain the false idea that skinny is beauty or perfection.  They (don't ask me who they are, I just know that they just suck) sold us a dream and we keep buying into it.  I'm here to tell you don't have to anymore.  Your value as a human being should be measured by the impact you leave here on this earth, the people you touch, and that your dress size is laughable in the grand scheme of your life as a human being with intrinsic value.

Think About It

From Miami With Love

“Sunshine and laughter just like my day dreams.” – Ian Pooley, ft. Esthero - Better Life

I left my heart in Miami. It was love at first sight! It was a short trip but well worth it. Little did I know that there was a storm and some controversy brewing from my escape when I returned to the prairies.  I was invited there and I took it also as an opportunity to decompress.  I was dealing with a lot; I’m not keen on airing out my problems so I retreat.  But, when you add negative people to the mix things can get ugly!

Without getting into detail all I’ll say is people who make assumptions based on little information without even asking you are not the kind of people you want around you.  Still I am not bitter, it’s just another life lesson learned.  I’m still grateful for my life and the people in it.  These situations only remind me how fortunate I am to have my loved ones.

Nonetheless, I’m still happy that I went. I’m glad I got to be in the midst of beautiful, weather, scenery, and people.  What more could one ask for?  So, it looks like Miami and I are going to continue our love affair.  I can live with beginning the day with morning Mimosa’s and ending it with champagne.  To be continued.

Things Will Get Better

The last few months of 2011 had been rough and the beginning of 2012 wasn't much better.  But I have this overwhelming feeling that things will get better.  I've made some mistakes and now it's time to dust myself off and move on. I'm too blessed to be stressed...cheers to that!

MAKEUP: Classic Old Hollywood/Pin Up Make Up

PRODUCTS USED

EYES



L'Oreal Infinite Wear 830 Deep Mocha
L'Oreal Voluminuous mascara Carbon Black
LA COLORS Cinnamon/Burnt Orange

LIPS
REVLON Super Lustrous Lipstick
010 Wine Not

FACE

Changing Things Up

"Your present circumstances don't determine where you can can go; they merely determine where you will start."

So this is where I have landed. I'm at a place where I'm reflecting on my life and the choices I have made. But more importantly the choices I have to make are staring me right in my face and I must make a move. I'm sometimes paralyzed by fear and uncertainty.  I have to learn to let go of that thing inside me that is always waiting for the perfect moment. I remember once telling sweet man that, "it's not about perfection it's about presence".  Why can't I ever take my own advice?  Well I have until December before this flip flop of emotions and decision making alters my life's path.

In the meantime, I'm still grateful. Grateful for the love and support of my sweet man. I'm grateful for my family and my friends. Most importantly, I'm grateful that I have the power and the choice to make decisions. Two years ago I chopped all my hair off. This year it's not going to be as drastic I might try crochet braids *grin*. My hair has always been a snapshot of what I'm dealing with internally.  It's never a dramatic issue but it's the only thing I have always been able to change immediately.  Until then I'm excited for what's to come. I always keep in mind this German proverb, "to change is one thing, to change for the better is another."

What I'm Wearing

HAT: Bootlegger

SHOES: Mizz Mooz $79.99 CDN (On sale of course)

CROCHET TANK: Spoof $8.99 CDN

CAMI: Costa Blanca $12.50 CDN

SHORTS: Old jeans I cropped