Song of the Day: Sweetest Thing

http://www.last.fm/music/Lauryn+Hill

The beautiful, multi-talented, queen of r&b/soul/hip hop (whatever you want to call it) Lauryn Hill gives us the song of the day today.  I don't even know where to began with this.  Her lyrics, the melody...it's mesmerizing.  Like all of Lauryn's music, this one is timeless.  I'm speechless. This song is most definitely the sweetest thing I know. 

My Hairstory So Far...3months in

Watch my journey from short relaxed hair to a chemical free TWA.  Let it be inspiration to those who are transitioning or thinking about it.  It is so worth it!
Sidenote: The timing and quality of the pictures got messed up when I uploaded it.  Sorry if the words move too fast.  Perhaps I'll figure out how to fix it.

Skin Health: Indian Healing Clay

I purchased this from The Vitamin Shoppe 4 weeks ago for about $9.  I saw it on the shelf several times but I was only pushed to get it after I watched a video by the Boho Naturalista Fran of HeyFranHey.com.  It is 100% natural bentonite clay and it has so many benefits.  It can be used as a foot soak, clay bath, acne relief, a chilled clay for insect bites and more.  Fran uses it to clarify her hair as well as a facial mask.  I have only used it has a facial mask to lift blackheads and whatnot.  I am fairly pleased with my results.

The instructions say to mix it with apple cider vinegar or water, but I use my trusty Aloe Vera Juice.  Once you mix it, you put it on your face and let it dry for 5-20 mins. depending on your skin type.  Those with sensitive skin should stay in the 5-10min. range.  You can use it however often you'd like.  I only use it once a week, but I've heard that some people use it every other day.  Whatever suits you.

I was a little caught off guard the first time I used it as a mask because it got so tight on my face and it began to pulsate just like the directions say.  I didn't realize how odd it would feel for my face to pulsate that way.  After the initial shock, it began to feel more like a massage.  Overall, my face does seem clearer, and it does do a good job of removing impurities.  I use E.L.F mineral mist and a little clean and clear acne fighting moisturizer (cvs brand) afterwards because my face is extremely dry after I take the mask off.  Also it might began to sting a little (take it off), but I still love it.

Today's Special: Cider-Glazed Pork Chops with Cabbage and Apples

Prep. Time: 18mins., Cook Time: 32mins., Serves: 4

You'll Need:
3 cup(s) apple cider
1 cup(s) reduced-sodium chicken broth
1 Tbsp Dijon Mustard
2 tsp caraway seeds
2 1/2 tsp table salt, divided
2 tsp olive oil, extra virgin
1 1/4 pound(s) uncooked lean boneless pork chop(s), four 5 oz, 1-in-thick chops
1/2 tsp black pepper
2 large uncooked red onion(s), thinly sliced
2 large Granny Smith apple(s), peeled, diced
3 1/2 cup(s) shredded red cabbage

Instructions

• In a large bowl, combine cider, broth, mustard, caraway seeds and 1 teaspoon salt; set aside.
• Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over high heat. Season pork with 1 teaspoon salt and pepper. Add pork to pan and cook until browned on both sides, flipping once, about 6 to 8 minutes total; remove pork to a plate .
• Add onions and remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt to same pan; cook, stirring often, until onions begin to brown, about 5 minutes.
• Stir apples into onions and nestle pork chops underneath onion mixture. Pour cider-broth mixture over top and bring to a boil; cook, uncovered, for 5 minutes.
• Add cabbage to pan; cook until wilted, stirring occasionally, about 2 minutes.
• Remove pork chops from pan; place on a cutting board to rest.
• Using a slotted spoon, remove cabbage mixture to a large shallow serving bowl; cover loosely with foil.
• Continue to boil cider mixture until it’s thick and syrupy, about 8 to 10 minutes. Serve pork and cabbage mixture drizzled with glaze. Yields 1 pork chop and about 1 1/4 cups apple-cabbage mixture per serving. 

Tip:  You can buy already shredded red cabbage in the produce section of most grocery stores.
Source: Weight Watchers

Think About it...

Hair Tip: Detangling

Seamless Bone Comb Purchased online from Hair Sense

Detangling natural or transitioning hair can most definitely be a doosie.  For starters,  If you are transitioning and you have done your research, you know very well what the line of demarcation is.  For those that don't know, the demarcation line is the section of your strands of hair where the relaxed and new growth meet.  This section of hair is particularly fragile and susceptible to breakage.  That breakage mainly occurs when you comb your hair the wrong way (or too much manipulation and rough styling...but this tip is all about detangling).  Yes there is a wrong way to do it.  I'm going to give you my top 3 tips for detangling, based on things that I have done wrong in the past.

1. Comb your hair starting from the roots Comb from the tips of your hair and work up to the roots.
-You know that joke about your hair being so nappy that it sounds like your eating an apple when you comb it?  That joke is real life!  For transitioners especially, you have to realize that your hair is more tangled at the roots than it is at the tips.  Combing your hair by starting where it is the most dense, is asking for trouble.  By starting at the tips where it is less dense, your hair has time to loosen itself up by the time you get to the roots.  No more crunchy apples!

2. Dentangle while dry Only detangle while your hair is wet or moisturized.
- Combing dry hair is like raking dry grass.  Like the rake, the comb will get stuck, yank, and pull at your hair in all the wrong ways.  When your hair is dry, think of it as being asleep.  When your tired, you don't feel like moving.  Your hair is the same way.  Dry, sleepy hair will not move smoothly through any comb, therefore causing breakage.  By waking your hair up with water or some type of moisturizing product, it will be able to bend freely without breaking.

3. Use a comb with closely placed teeth  Use a wide toothed comb or your fingers.
- This one is pretty self explanatory.  For the sake of less breakage, use a wide tooth comb.  Some people don't like to use a comb at all so they just finger detangle.  Just remember, that whether you use a comb, or your fingers, your hair should always be combed starting from the tip while hydrated.

Bonus Tip (just my opinion): new naturals/those with shorter natural hair...STOP DETANGLING YOUR HAIR!! I'm only 3months into this natural thing and I have to say that detangling for me has been an absolute breeze! Why you ask? Because I only detangle my hair once a week, twice at the most.  If you are only wearing your hair as is (no twists, or style, etc.) after a wash, there is no need to detangle your hair.  The only time I detangle my hair is while I condition it on shampoo days.  Any other time is only when I am styling it.  I wear a wash-n-go pretty much everyday, so there is no need for me to comb my hair.  I used to comb it when I first BC'd, but that was only to cover up the patchy spots.  My hair is never tangled and on the days that I do detangle, I have little to no breakage.  I think that this is the reason that my curls are so defined all the time. The less you do to your hair the better. 

Song of the Day: Womanopoly

http://www.massappealnews.com/2011/04/27/musiq-soulchild-raids-kc/

Musiq Soulchild is another soul artist that has been around for awhile that no one seems to pay any attention to.  Many people know him for his hits Love and Just Friends, but he has so many other great songs.  This song in particular is one that I was introduced to by my friend Julian.  There were a few of us playing monopoly one night and he decided that it would be appropriate to play Musiq's song Womanopoly.  I absolutely love this song! It's very empowering and it has a nice groove!    

My first style Experience: Coils

So this past Thursday night, I decided to try some coils on my hair.  I envisioned the style in my head and asked my sister to help me make it happen.  The first thing I did, was co-washed with Organix Coconut Milk Conditioner.  I consider the Organix to be a little more luxurious than the other conditioners I have, so I only use it for special occasions :). 

The rest of the products used were Oyin Juices and Berries for a leave in, Eco-Styler gel for the flat twists and coils, and a mixture of Aloe Vera Juice and water for detangling.  I also used clips, rubber bands, and a wide tooth comb.

It was pretty simple.  I did four flat twists on the right side of my head and my sister did the rest of my hair in coils.  We started on Thursday night since I don't  have classes on Fridays, and finished the next day.  I'd guesstimate and say it took about 3hrs, mind you we took a lot of breaks.  The gel has really allowed the coils to stay coiled up w/o making my hair hard.  My hair was a bit itchy this morning, but I fixed that by spraying the Juices and Berries on it and putting on a baggy while I was in the shower.  Here's some photos:

Song of the Day: Free

http://aftm.wordpress.com/2010/01/18/deniece-williams/

Deniece Williams was an artist that appeared on TV One's Unsung.  I knew her before I saw the show because of her song Free.  I remember hearing this song on the radio for the first time and being absolutely enchanted by it.  She has such an angelic voice and this song is so soothing.  Free was first released in 1976 on her album This is Niecy.  Have a listen and free yourself!

Think About it...

Puff Stuff

So I wore my puff for the 3rd time and decided to have a mini photo shoot in my backyard.  Here are the results:

My Current faves...

At this point, I am less than a week away from being 3months natural.  In these early stages, its hard for me to say what my staple products are, because I feel like anything works well with the little styling that I do.  However, there are three products that I absolutely love and I'll tell you why.

Honey Hemp Conditioner 8.4oz

Oyin Honey Hemp is described as a detangling and moisturizing conditioner.  It's all natural (like all Oyin Products).  The instructions say that you can rinse it out or leave it in.  I leave it in.  I love the smell of it and it is light enough to leave in my hair.  I love it as a leave in, because unlike other conditioners, this does not leave my hair crunchy or hard.  Plus it keeps my hair moisturized throughout the day!  The only downside to this product, is that it's a little out of my price range (I'm a broke college student).  It is only available online since I live nowhere near the store location, so I have to pay S&H in addition to the price.  It comes in 3 different sizes, but I just get the smallest to save money.  For this reason, I don't use this everyday (only on shampoo days) in order to conserve it. Other than that, I love this stuff! It can be purchased at curlmart.com and the official Oyin Handmade site.

Moisture Butter 8oz

Beautiful Textures Moisture Butter is amazing! It smells great and it really penetrates my hair and hydrates it.  I use it at night, or on days that I'm too lazy to co-wash.  It makes my hair soft and manageable.  It does a good job of relieving my hair of any dryness or itchiness that occurs. I also like that it doesn't contain harsh chemicals or petroleum.  The price isn't too bad.  Check your local beauty supply or Walmart.

Replenishing Conditioner 12.25 oz

I use Olive Oil Replenishing Conditioner as a deep conditioner.  On shampoo days, I put this in my hair, and it makes it so easy to comb through.  After I detangle, I put on a baggy and sit under a dryer for 15mins.  This smells wonderful as well and it makes my hair supper soft.  This can be found almost anywhere, and the price is right. 

Song of the Day: Got 'til its Gone

http://www.essence.com/2010/04/12/star-gazing-04-12-10/

Janet Jackson and Q-Tip sampled Joni Mitchell's Big Yellow Taxi and came up with Got 'til it's Gone.  It's from one of my all time favorite albums The Velvet Rope.  Janet and Q-Tip's soft voices work well together on this song.  It's a classic. 

Think about it...

Song of the Day: For the Love of You

http://www.bbc.co.uk/music/artists/4a76400d-283f-492e-9754-18ef41755f81

I can only say so much about this group being that I wasn't even born when they were on top.  The Isley Brothers paved the way for so many people in the music industry today.  Their sound is unmatched and their hits are endless.  For the Love of You was first released in 1975 on the album The Heat is On.  The first line of this song tells it all.  Drift away...

Booked: Tar Baby by Toni Morrison

Toni Morrison is a world renown author that I am just now beginning to love.  Tar baby was the first book I read completely through by her.  In a nutshell it's a novel about a rich white man, his worrisome wife, their appreciative black servants, the black servants' niece,  and an uninvited male guest. Though there were about 3 stories in one, the main focus, was that of a forbidden love.  At first, I was very confused by the way Morrison wrote, then by the middle of the book, I was hooked!  I couldn't read this book fast enough.  I kept wanting know what would happen next and I couldn't put it down.  However, by the time I was finished, I was beyond shocked and appalled at how badly it ended.  Although I really hated the ending, I will say that this is one of my favorite books that I read this summer.  Check your local library! 

Today's Special: Chocolate Sheet Cake

Prep. Time: 15mins.; Cook Time: 30mins.; Serves 12

 You'll need:
1 spray(s) cooking spray
1 3/4 cup(s) all-purpose flour
1 1/4 cup(s) packed light brown sugar
3/4 cup(s) unsweetened cocoa, powder
1/2 cup(s) sugar, granulated
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1 1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp table salt
1 1/4 cup(s) fat-free skim milk
3 large egg white(s)
2 Tbsp regular butter, melted
1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup(s) water, boiling
1 Tbsp powdered sugar 

 Instructions

• Preheat oven to 350ºF. Coat a 9- X 13-inch baking pan with cooking spray.
  
• In a large bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, cocoa powder, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt; mix well with a fork to combine.
  
• In another large mixing bowl, combine milk, egg whites, melted butter and vanilla. Using an electric mixer, mix on low speed until blended; gradually beat in boiling water.
  
• Gradually add flour mixture to milk mixture and mix on low speed until blended. Pour batter into prepared pan and bake until a wooden toothpick inserted in center comes out clean, about 25 to 30 minutes. Cool cake in pan, on a wire rack.
  
• Sift powdered sugar over cooled cake before cutting into 12 pieces. Yields 1 piece per serving.

Source: Weight Watchers

Think about it...

Song of the Day: Crowned and Kissed

http://mmusicmag.com/m/2012/03/esperanza-spalding-2/

Jazz musician/singer Esperanza Spalding riled up many pre-teen girls in 2011 when she won the Best New Artist Grammy over heartthrob Justin Beiber.  The win was well deserved.  She has been around since 2006 and has had a slew of under the radar hits along the way.  Her latest album Radio Music Society contains today's song Crowned and Kissed.  This song is such a great interpretation of what a loving relationship should be.  I love her style and she has a pretty impressive Afro.  She is Black Gold!

Hair Tip: Straightening Natural Hair

This is a topic that I have no experience in whatsoever, so this is a video that will be helpful for me in the future as well.  I love the natural/blood sisters India, Toni, and Carmen. Their joint YouTube account MyNaturalSista's has so many helpful and inspirational videos for natural hair, make-up, protective styling and more.  In this video, India gives a tutorial on how she safely straightens her without heat damage.  Check it out!

Today's Special: Baked Chicken

Prep. Time: 10mins.; Cook Time: 35mins.; Serves 4

You'll need:
1 spray(s) cooking spray
1 pound(s) uncooked boneless skinless chicken breast(s), four 4 oz halves
1/2 tsp table salt
1/4 tsp black pepper, freshly ground
1 tsp olive oil

2 tsp fresh lemon juice, or more to taste

2 tsp rosemary, fresh, chopped
2 tsp fresh parsley, chopped
1/4 cup(s) canned chicken broth
1/2 medium lemon(s), quartered (for garnish)

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 400ºF. Coat a small, shallow roasting pan with cooking spray.
• Season both sides of chicken with salt and pepper. Transfer chicken to prepared pan and drizzle with oil; sprinkle with lemon juice, rosemary and parsley. Pour broth around chicken to coat bottom of pan.
• Bake until chicken is cooked through, about 30 to 35 minutes. Garnish with fresh lemon and serve. Yields 1 chicken breast half per serving.

Source: Weight Watchers

Think About it...

Song of the Day: DUI

http://musicjustice.net/2012/06/music-video-teyana-taylor-bad-boy/

Teyana Taylor recently signed to Kanye West's G.O.O.D Music label after being signed to StarTrak under Pharrell Williams.  Before it was announced that she had moved on to the G.O.O.D label, she released a mixtape titled the Misunderstanding of Teyana Taylor.  Obviously the theme of her mixtape was fueled by Lauryn Hill and 90s R&B.  This particular song, DUI, samples Janet Jackson's Pleasure Principle and Prince's The Beautiful Ones, so of course it has a classic sound.  Despite the negative title, DUI is actually a love song.  It features rappers Fabolous and Jadakiss.  I appreciate Teyana's love of R&B and this song is just too catchy!

Bobby Pins are Handy!

I have a tank top that I really love but it hangs way to low with no adjustable straps.  I randomly looked down and saw a bobby pin on the floor and immediately had a mentos moment.  I pulled the shirt up to where I wanted it and pinned it to my bra strap.  The bobby pin doesn't show and its a lot easier for me to use than an annoying safety pin.  I wonder what else I can do with them...

Hair Tip: Puff Power!

Now that my hair is a bit longer, I can do more things with it like the beloved afro puff.  I'm going to take you step by step how I do this style.

Before

So, I usually co-wash every day, but on days that I'm going to do a puff I don't (or I wait until my hair is dry if I do co-wash).  I want to have maximum volume.  No time for shrinkage!  This look can take some time so make sure you aren't in a hurry.  Here's what I use:

Brush, Mixture of Water and Aloe Vera Juice, BT Moisture Butter, Plastic Pick, Headband w/o metal, Eco-Styler

Step 1: Moisturize hair with Beautiful textures moisture butter.  Make sure you get it all through your hair using your fingers.  This makes your hair easy to detangle.

My hair with the Moisture Butter

Step 2: Pick your hair out.  This is the longest step.  Make sure you pick it out as evenly as possible all over.

Picked...solid

Step 3: Apply Eco-styler to just the front and spray it with the water/aloe vera juice. (I spray it to make sure there's no white residue).  I know this defeats the purpose of my hair being dry, but I don't spray that much and it dries relatively fast.

Step 4:  Use a brush, to smooth the front down and put the headband on.  Push the headband back as far as you see fit.

Headband on

Step 5: Pick-n-Pat!! This is the final step.  Pick your hair out to make it the length you want and pat it into shape.  Be very careful not to pull hair from under the headband as you pick.  You can add a little more eco-styler to your edges if you'd like.  Add some funky earrings and you are finished!

Finished!

Think about it...

Today's Special: Ginger and Scallion Stir-Fried Brown Rice

Prep. Time: 30mins.; Cook Time: 14mins.; Serves 4

You'll need:
2 tsp olive oil
1/2 cup(s) uncooked carrot(s), thinly sliced
1/2 cup(s) dried shiitake mushroom(s), stems removed, thinly sliced
1 tsp ginger root, fresh, minced
1/2 cup(s) snow peas, sliced in half lengthwise

1/2 cup(s) frozen green peas, or fresh peas

4 cup(s) cooked brown rice, freshly cooked or day old
1 cup(s) uncooked kale, or other greens such as Swiss chard or collards, chopped
2 large egg(s), well-beaten
2 Tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
1/3 cup(s) uncooked scallion(s), sliced, divided

Instructions

• Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over high heat until very hot but not smoking; add carrots and then mushrooms. Cook, stirring and shaking pan for 2 to 3 minutes. Add ginger and snow peas and cook for 30 seconds more; add peas and rice and stir to combine.
• Next, add chopped greens; reduce heat to medium and cook, covered, about 2 minutes. Remove cover and increase heat to medium-high. Add beaten eggs, soy sauce and 1/4 cup of scallions, stirring to combine; cook 3 to 4 minutes more and garnish with remaining scallions. Yields about 1 3/4 cup per serving.

 Source: Weight Watchers

Song of the day: BabopbyeYa

http://www.cityist.com/features/janelle-monae/

Janelle Monáe is beyond underrated.  She has been around for nearly ten years now with barely any recognition.  Her debut studio album The ArchAndroid has so many hits on it, it was hard for me to pick just one for the song of the day.  I chose the last and longest track BabopbyeYa.  Close to 9mins. long, this song takes you on a journey.  Even the instruments tell a story.  This song has an acquired taste, but its way to interesting to not to be drawn into it.  It's like watching a movie without the visual!

Hair Tip: The Importance of Moisture

Fresh after a Co-wash

 Keeping your hair moisturized is a big part of maintaining happy healthy hair.  Natural hair, especially, can become very dry and brittle.  Dry hair, is more susceptible to breakage and breakage leads to low length retention (keep in mind that keeping your hair hydrated does not mean your hair will begin to grow at a faster rate, it only helps to retain length).

Everyone's hair is different, so what may work to moisturize one head of hair may not work for another.  However the #1 universal moisturizer is water.  Some say that the water should be distilled, but I've found that just plain water works fine.  There are many products that claim to provide moisture for hair, but beware, if the ingredients say mineral oil or petroleum (or anything that resembles the word petroleum) think again.  Although mineral oil and petroleum might make your hair appear shiny and soft, both do a terrible job of penetrating the hair.  Instead, they build up on the scalp.  Using products with these ingredients won't kill you, but try to find products that have aqua (water) as a main ingredient.

So what should you use, and how often?  Again, that all depends on your hair type.  For me, I co-wash daily.  When I first started my natural hair journey, I would seal my ends with grape seed oil everyday to retain moisture.  However, I felt that it made my hair too greasy.  So I stopped sealing with oil and just applied a leave in conditioner.  That worked okay, but it didn't keep my hair hydrated for long.  So I finally began a routine of spraying my hair daily with Aloe Vera juice.  The combination of co-washing, using a leave in, and the Aloe Vera juice works well for my hair.  I recently added Beautiful Texture's Moisture Butter to my nightly routine just to add extra moisture (I love it!).

Whether you co-wash, moisturize, or seal with oil, it is very important to maintain your moisture.  Healthy hair is happy hair, and happy hair is hydrated hair.  Find what works for you! :)   

Think about it..

My Godmother gave me a book entitled "Inspiration for Girls" a few years back.  Yes the title says "for Girls" but this book contains inspirational messages and bible verses that can be applied to everyone.  I'm going to feature a page everyday from this book on my blog in hopes that you are as inspired and uplifted as I was reading it.  The first page reads

Whenever you feel down or things aren't going your way, know that it doesn't have to stay that way.  Everyday that you're blessed to wake up, is a brand new day that you have to make a change for the better.