The Hair Journey: Tress Update #12

Howdy Folks! I've been juicing up a storm lately and I've neglected my hair posts.  Welp, it's time for another tress update.  It's been a while so I wanted to share my growth progress!

This is the second time I've blown out my hair in an effort to have a bigger afro this year!  Here is where the Flo fro started.  It's lovingly named after Florida Evans the mom from a 1970's sitcom called Good Times.

June 2013

 

June 2013

 

September 2013

May 2013 - picked out fro - freshly washed and buttered

May 2013 - Blown out Freddie D fro.

May 2014 - Blown out Freddie D fro (side view)

May 2014 - Blown out Freddie D fro (another side view)

Freddie D blow out - after a full day...I'm looking kind of disheveled but still fabulous!

May 2014 - Side swiped fro

May 2014 - Side swiped fro (side view) with Hair Kandy.

May 2014 - Oh yeah!! I'm loving this fro!!!

 I used the hair pomade that I can't live without and shea butter.  Then I blow dried it, picked it out and shaped it up.  That night I braided it.  The next day I released the braids (which stretched it out further) , carefully picked it out  and styled it.  Note that picking out your hair while dry is not the best thing but I was as gentle as possible!  Do you see all this hair on my head?!? It was quite a task!!! :)  I AM LOVING my HAIR!  I'm so thankful that it's growing well and is so thick!!

Tell me what you think about my latest styles!

Peace and love!

 

 

 

The Daniel Fast.....It's time to pull myself together!

Hi Folks...it's been awhile since I've posted anything.  My life has been an utter and complete roller coaster of sleepless nights, challenging work projects and deadlines, toddler behavioral "fun", bouts of all night eczema parties...allergic skin reactions........and Doritos and Ben and Jerry's (have mercy!!). 

So to help put things into perspective and clear my mind, body and soul I've decided to do the Daniel Fast.  It's a 21 day fast that consists of eating vegetables, legumes, grains, fruits and water.  No sugar, processed foods, meat, dairy, juice or leavened breads.

Daniel, a biblical character upon being captured by the Babylonians and brought into the King's service refused to eat the food that was offered (the King's meat and wine).  Instead Daniel and his friends requested to eat only vegetables (think vegan diet) and drink water.  After 10 days, they were proven to look more nourished than the young men that consumed the King's food.

After some friends told me about it, I bought the book to learn more about it.  After reading the first few pages I knew it was something I had to do. I like doing these "programs" or "challenges" because it drives and motivates me to accomplish a goal.  It's going to be tough because of my philandering ways.  I envision the 21 days to be like a detox program, with spiritual enlightening and faith building. 

I'm on day #2 and can already feel the detox symptoms coming on.  I'm no stranger to detox challenges.  After the dry brushing...and 30 Day Raw Challenge and Detox for a Diva, I feel almost like a pro.  This Daniel Fast will be different from the others.  The purposeful seeking to gain clarity and deliverance from my deepest darkest ailments are in the forefront of this program.  I'm game and definitely in need. Because our mind, body and soul are connected there is no way to clean one and not the other.  The other "challenges" provided enlightenment and mental strength and fortitude too, but I considered those to be secondary to the primary goal of strengthening my physical health.  Welp.....I'm forecasting this one to be a humdinger and a much different experience.

Here is what I hope to gain:
1 - mental clarity on how to reach my life goal (personally and professionally)
2 - deliverance from spiritual bondage
3 - improvements in time management (personally and professionally)
4 - weight loss (loose the Dorito jiggle).
5 - emotional healing for me and physical healing for Caleb

Whew! Deep stuff guys!

Has anyone out there tried and accomplished the Daniel Fast? 

Peace and love!

Confessions of a Naturalista

Hi Folks!  I consider my self a "Naturalista".  Not just because of how I wear my hair (which is what the term is mostly used for), but because of my personal philosophy on what living a natural life means.  I hope you all know by now that I am very transparent.  I wear my heart on my sleeve and it's hard for me to hide anything.  I'm a very bad liar.  Not very good at pulling the wool over people's eyes.  Which leads me to my confession.


My confession:
I have been living a double life.  My life is split 50/50 between eating healthy good food.....and eating junk! Ever since Thanksgiving I've been lacking my normal "food filter".  All that darn blueberry cobbler I made for Thanksgiving desensitized me.  Now I will say that I was a beacon of healthy food for my family - making stir fry , soup, fresh juice, smoothies and chia porridge during the entire vacation.  I even helped my mother combat a cold she got while I was visiting with herbs, food and juice.  I gave food advice and taught my sister to fix Caleb's seed milk in hopes that she would make some for her own children.  But that darn blueberry cobbler got me!

Darn Blueberry Cobbler!

50% of what I eat is good for me:
The thing is: every morning I start off REALLY WELL!  I consume: smoothies, fresh juice, oatmeal, etc.  By the time noon hits I find myself munching on something really sweet and naughty!  Not only that, but as my food filter gets clogged, my exercise filter has just stopped working all together!  What I haven't posted about recently was that in November I sprained my ankle and could not exercise.  Because of babying my ankle I've relaxed about getting my work outs in.  And I feel like a creaky old Ford that needs a tune up.....and an oil change.

I was doing so well in November with the Detox for a Diva program and my liver cleanse that got derailed because I caught a 2 week cold.

Mr. Foolery:
I've still been eating my CSA veggies, and vegan meals (as posted).....I've just been following them up with what I like to call: TOM FOOLERY.  And having something sweet displayed on festive holiday platters calling my name loudly every where I go does not help!  I can hear the sweets now: "Zahra!? Zaaaaahraaaaaaa! Over here!! Come get a little taste...Just a pinch! It won't hurt." It's a snowball effect. Loss of self control in one area of life trickles into other areas.

The combination of too many sweets and no exercise despite the healthy food has not been good.  My pants are getting tight, and I'm noticing a belly bulge! It's not just about looking good either.  I don't feel good when I eat all that junk!  I hate to be so cliche and talk about New Year's Resolutions: but I'm changing my 50/50 ways for the new year.  After knowing what it feels like to have endless energy and self control I feel hypocritical about my food choices recently.  I've succumbed to the holiday pitfalls most of us experience.  Moderation is fine...but I've exceeded that principle! It's like I've been cheating on nourishing food for disease causing crap.

Okay! Now that I've exposed myself who is still with me? The fact that I know better means I MUST do better.  Pitfalls are a part of the journey.  What we eat can heal us or kill us.  It's time to put down the sweets and get myself together. Can anyone relate to my tales of woe?

Coming up for 2014:
1. Liver cleanse (FINALLY!)
2. Exercise 3-4 times a week
3. Food filter overhaul
4. Self control tune up

What are your health and wellness goals for the new year??

Peace and blessings!

The Hair Journey: Tress Update #9

It's been 9 or 10 months since I've had a hair cut! My hair is growing nicely, but in the back of my mind, I feel like it should be longer by now.  It seems twice as thick as before...and I'm loving my extended Flo Fro!

Extended Flo Fro - front view

Extended Flo Fro - side view

The return of the Fungus:
Unfortunately I dropped the ball on my apple cider vinegar treatments to help thwart my fungus friends......and It's baaa-aaaack! So I'm back on the program.  This fungus fight is a long term initiative.  Gotta stay on it...or it comes back! 

What I'm using on my hair:
I decided to take a break on the wash and go since I was having a hard time finding products that provided the curls I liked....remember the weird  Jheri curl look?? LOL! I've stuck to just using plain shea butter for my hair and tea tree and rosemary oils for my scalp. 

How I've been styling my hair:
Lately I've resorted to twist outs, chunky afro and head wraps.

 

The Chunky fro



In Pursuit of a Curl Pattern: Hats hats and more hats!

Ki-ki is back!  Hats have been a way for her to cope with her new look  and this post will feature an array of  hats that she's been wearing over the past week.  Here is Ki - ki in her own words:

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Until I gain confidence or get used to my 30 day look, I have taken to wearing hats all of the time.  Here are some of my "model shots" in case there are those out there in need of hats too.  (Please excuse the model, the photographer, the background and any random objects.) :)

 

The MJ hat -   I got this hat from a corner Asian store in Detroit!   I love it because it reminds me of Michael Jackson's glove.    Oh, poor Michael.  So exceptionally good and so crazy, SMH.

 

 

Girl Power! -  This is a new hat from Walmart - only $6.96!   I love it!  It says, "I mean business!".   Go Walmart!

 

 

Most Compliments Hat - This old lime green hat from the Target clearance rack never fails to get a compliment from a stranger each time that I wear it.   It does not fail to brighten my day, if I am feeling low or the weather outside is gray.  I love it!

New Summer Hat - Oh no!  This is my new 2013 hat from Target.  It doesn't fit anymore. 

WTH?!?!

New Fall Hat -  This is my new Fall 2013 hat.  It is super cool and full of style.  The best part is that it only cost $6.96 at Walmart!  Yep, Walmart!

 

Old Favorite - I absolutely love this hat and hope that I will have it to wear forever.  It is an old hat from Target clearance rack.  The fit is so comfortable that I forget I am wearing it.   It matches most casual outfits.  Definitely, an oldie but goodie.

 

Winter Hat -  This is my winter hat from Burlington Coat Factory.  I am sure that I did not pay much for it but it is warm, cozy and nice color that matches with mostly anything.  This is as far down as I can get it on with my new boy head.  (May not be able to wear it this winter).

 

Road Trip Hat - Oh, this poor that - I hardly care about it - just toss it on and treat it any kind of way.  I can't remember where I picked this up from.

 
 

Beach Hat -  Oh yeah, Baby!  Take me to the beach.... I love this floppy hat but  only works well at the beach when I don't have to chase the kids.  Maybe this is from Target....

I  hope that I have illustrated that hats are a viable option for those who may be in need.  One doesn't have to spend a lot of money.  Clearance racks are the best places to look.  I recommend  having a min of 2 or 3 that are different from each other but that can be worn with a variety of  outfits

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Ki-ki!!! I love the beach hat the most!  The new summer hat look is quite comical!!  Oh and the MJ hat!!! Have Mercy!!! It really does remind you of those gloves! :) Thanks for sharing and bringing us along on your curly journey!  I can't wait to see what's next! 

Remember folks...scour the clearance racks for some good deals!

Personally, scarves and head wraps have been my go to accessory, especially on those bad hair days! 

What do you think about Ki-ki's hats? 


Peace and blessings!

The Conversion: From Straight to Curly

The conversion from chemically treated relaxed hair to natural curls is a BIG DEAL for most women.  How the conversion or transition happens depends highly on your comfort level.  I didn't feel comfortable chopping off all my hair so I let my perm grow out, then cut it off.  During my conversion I wore braids and had my new growth straightened.  I finally cut off the perm when I had about 4-5 inches of new growth and I haven't turned back.  That was about 12 years ago!

Based on the survey results many of you guys did the same thing I did. 

• 11% - always had natural hair
• 22% - had a rough transition
• 67% - let the perm grow out first
• 11% - did the big chop (BC)
• 22% - did something else (other)

The conversion or transition is always a sensitive, life altering experience....why?  Because you are TOTALLY changing your overall look,  your hair styles (which could add time to your morning routine), and creating a totally new hair care regime (which can take time to establish).  Natural hair can be tricky and finding the right look can be overwhelming. It takes time and patience to land the right products and techniques to get the look you are satisfied with.  I saw a friend today who just did the big chop! She looked gorgeous to me...but still felt unsure about how to handle her new curls.  I will also mention, some men are not in favor of natural hair (especially the big chop)...so getting your man on board may be an issue as well. 

The following is a real life account of a beautiful woman named Taraja who has been converted and fully transitioned into a naturalista.  Enjoy!

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TARAJA'S STORY (in her own words):

All my life I was exposed to beating my hair into submission with a hot comb and then the creamy crack.  That's all I knew.  With my thick unruly hair I always turned to straightening my hair.  I struggled with combing through my extremely thick hair, so the only solution I saw was to chemically straighten my hair.

 

Relaxed days

WHAT CHANGED....

Knowledge is power.  That statement was what started my natural hair journey.  After realizing that I've been trying to manage my hair all wrong and that my hair could actually be combed through in no time, there was no turning back!  With the birth my first child, I also wanted to show her by example to love her natural curls, not naps.

 

Faux natural

Cut short

Transitioning

BC DAY...

First off it didn't start off as a full Big Chop.  I just wanted to cut off my relaxed hair.  So I took advantage of a trip to Maryland and made an appointment at a Natural Hair Salon!  My friend came with me and documented the entire process.  It was an exhilarating experience, I had no fear, just shear joy.  During the whole time I was either smiling or laughing.  Once my relaxed hair was cut, I could only see an afro puff. To make the styling process easier for myself I decided right then and there to just cut it all off!!! 

 

Hair before the big chop (BC)



Hair during the big chop (BC)

All off!!! I'm a new woman!

TODAY...

I feel like I'm seeing my hair for the first time.  The versatility, the richness, the possibilities are endless and it hasn't even been 1 full year after my BC!  Not only am I in love with loving my curls, but I'm exploring home made products...shea butter, raw black soap, essence oils, etc, are among my current arsenal.  Oh! I'm also teaching myself to flat twist.  All that I am learning on myself, will be applied to my precious daughter <3

First twists



Exploring natural styles

Great coiling method

Great example for daughter

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I'm sure Taraja's story has resonated with most of you like it has with me!  The conversion process is exciting and the new hair adventure you accept along with the process is EMPOWERING!  I think the choice Taraja made is indeed an excellent example for her daughter!  I'm looking forward to seeing her progress!

I want to give a HUGE thanks to Taraja for being so candid and sharing her hair journey with us!!!!!

What was your conversion/transition process like?

Peace and blessings!

 

Detoxification: 3 Ways to Cleanse your MIND!

Hi Folks -

This summer I've been experiencing physical detoxification.  I first started out by  dry brushing my skin and that led to the 30 day raw food challenge.  Both forms of detoxification pulled toxins out of my body, gave me more energy, provided a break for my digestive system and changed my overall appearance (my skin cleared up, I lost some jiggle and water weight and toned up my muscles).

Both challenges increased my will power and resolve to "close the deal" no matter how tough it got (Raw Food Land....not a Happy Place to be) , gave me confidence, and a sense of achievement. Our bodies are not the only part of us that need cleansing.  Our minds are a powerful part of our beings.  We need it to make decisions and function properly.  But just like our bodies, when our minds are clogged with junk we cannot think straight, perform mental tasks optimally, and achieve inner peace.

Some people struggle with stress, depression, anxiety, negative thoughts, and paranoia.  All are forms of mental toxicity.  In order to be WHOLE and FREE we must detoxify our MINDS.  Here are 3 ways to do it:

1. Be POSITIVE.  Instead of always noticing the negative things first, re-wire your brain  to think of the positive.   Instead of saying: "I'm tired of my job...it's too much work for not enough money".....remember: many people do not have jobs.  Be THANKFUL that you have a job, and find ways to make the day better.  NEGATIVE words and thoughts are TOXIC!

2. Stay away from things that IMPLANT negative vibes into your mind.  This includes movies, music, t.v. programs and people.  I am a Christian and filling my mind with lessons from the Bible has helped me ENORMOUSLY over the years - especially most recently.  Fill your mind with GOOD things, then the toxins won't have anywhere to go but out.

3. RELEASE the past.  The past is the past....You cannot re-wind the clock and change anything.  Stop dwelling on former mistakes, issues, bad situations or hurt feelings.  Release all of it, and resolve to have a better present and future.

I'm still in the process of detoxifying my mind.  I mainly struggle with choosing positivity first and releasing the past.  I will overcome both with God's grace!

Can you think of other ways to detoxify your MIND?  Please share!


Peace and blessings!