Style Rut! :-(

Could it be!? Almost 2 years natural and... NOOOOOO!!! I think I have run out of styles! :-/ Wait, no... That's impossible. I have so many options. Someone, help! I need ideas. Tired of this bun and I'm in no mood to do mini-twists... and although I LOVE LOVE LOVE my twist 'n curl styles, I'd like another option. Any ideas?

Favorite Styles

I can't believe it will soon be 2 years that I've been natural (this November). The time went by really fast. My staple style is the twist 'n curl - I posted on that a little bit ago. But my other fave now is my bun! When my twist 'n curl gets old (or I get lazy with my hair), I put it in a high bun. It's cute and easy, and I can leave it like that for a few days until I muster up the energy to do my hair again. Lol It's also a great protective style.

What are some of YOUR favorite hairstyles?

Changed my mind... Just a HIATUS.

Hi, Everyone!


In my last post I stated that I'd be ending this blog. Well... after thinking about it (and slightly missing it), I decided to keep it up AND update from time to time. But the updates will probably be less often and the next one after this won't be for awhile. Let's just call it a brief hiatus. I've been so busy with the new job and my business and LIFE itself. So when things slow down a bit, I'll be back. Until then, be BLESSED and I appreciate you all!!! :)

KeetaRay

Blog Change!! - It's the end of an era...

Hi, Everyone!!

The sad news is... I am "ending" this Blogger. The good news is... I have moved to Tumblr! You can find me here: KeetaRay's Tumblr. I'll keep this blog up for the information it already has as a reference, but new posts and updates will be on my Tumblr site. Please follow! :-)

KeetaRay

This Week's Natural Hair Feature: Lateshia

1. How long have you been natural? Did you transition, BC, both?
I Transitioned for 3 months, lol I couldnt take transitioning any longer than that!!!

I was looking in the mirror one nite and just Chopped it all off. January 16, 2009 was my BC date.

2. What reaction have you received since going natural? Did you announce your decision or did you just do it?
I Just Did it No announcement, I actually didnt wear my hair out after the BC, I already had a scheduled

 hair appointment the next day, But when people were finally able to see what I had done, the remarks I got were mainly

" Oh natural looks good on you", or "it fits you", or the "my hair to nappy to do that."

3. What are your current fave styles to do on your hair? Do you have a staple style? Please share how you achieve it :)
I dont do alot of styles lol my hair is still short due to all the cutting (for a while i loved it short!) but I mainly do fro hawks and  some

updos . My staple style is my fro hawk.

 

 

4. What has been the most significant change within yourself that you've noticed since going natural?

Im alot more confident and out going. Willing to do certain things i'd never have done with relaxed hair. lol

Like getting caught in the rain :). I feel free.

5. What do you love most about being natural?

Honestly, lol I love that my hair stands still where the wind blows lol no more adjusting or pulling out

the comb or brush to fix it. lol

6. What are your must-have products? Any favorites that you cannot do without?
Water, essential oils, shea butter, herbal essence conditioner (hello hydration), oyin handmades' juices and berries, lekair cholesterol

deep conditioner and my Eco styler. hmm I'd say the herbal essence condition is a MUST!!!

STOP Sex Trafficking of Children & Young People

Good Morning, Everyone!

The Body Shop (a store that sells bath/body/home fragrance products), is running a campaign to Stop Sex Trafficking of Children & Young People. PLEASE SUPPORT.

You can sign the petition either in-store or online (www.thebodyshop.com/stop) in order to greater protect our children & young adults who are vulnerable to exploitation. Also support by buying Soft Hands (hand cream), Kind Hearts Hand Cream, or Bag for Life & gift bags & you'll be helping campaign partners.

Spread the word!!

More information available on: The Body Shop

Who is your fave celebrity MakeUp Artist?

Good Morning, Readers!

I was watching TV last night (very rare for me, I rarely have time to watch much TV) - and I saw my FAVORITE makeup artist Mally Roncal on TV. I love her spirit and she does an excellent job. Seeing her and listening to her renewed my spirit and my love for MUA (makeup artistry). I had gotten away from it a bit, but that is my ultimate career goal. I took the "safe route" and got my degree in Computer Science. While I like technology, I have a love & passion for skincare and makeup that I cannot ignore. So I've decided I'm going to take the necessary steps to achieve that goal. I also have my own business which will be a vehicle to fund this dream. So tell me... do you have a favorite MUA? Who is he/she? And what is YOUR dream?

Do share... :)

This Week's Natural Hair Feature: MsButtahFly!

Denyelle, better known as MsButtahfly to those who know here via Twitter and YouTube, has been one of my main natural hair inspirations and her videos helped me through my transition and early natural months. Here, she shares her story with us :-)

1.       How long have you been natural? Did you transition, BC or both? 

I have been natural for 4years; I chopped on May 10, 2006.  I did not transition, my chop was an impulse decision, and I was hot one day and just decided to cut my hair because I was tired of dealing with it. (I had APL relaxed hair)

2.       What reaction have you received since going natural? Did you announce your decision or did you just do it? 

I did not announce it, I was about to cut my best friends hair, and said “You know what? I’m going to cut my hair too!” She and my son thought I was just playing until I walked out of the bathroom with one inch of curls.  I was in shock and thought I looked like a little boy, didn’t like it at all. The next day, I went to my local beauty supply store and bought all kinds of fancy earrings and sunglasses. I also started to do my makeup a little differently. By day three my confidence was through the roof!! I received a lot of “OMG I can’t believe you cut all that pretty hair!!” and “Why did you cut your hair??”, but I didn’t let that bother me, I was becoming a new me.

3.       What are your current fave styles to do on your hair? Do you have a staple style? Please share how you achieve it. 

My favorite style for summer is a low curly ponytail with bangs accented with a headband or flower. For winter, my favorite style is a Bantu knot twist-out which is achieved by twisting hair, Bantu knotting it leaving it in overnight and fluffing out in the morning. The bigger the better!!!

4.       What has been the most significant change within yourself that you've noticed since going natural?  

I have noticed that I’m more outgoing and carefree. If I get caught in the rain, who cares??? ;)

5.       What do you love most about being natural?  

The flexibility that natural hair gives you is ongoing, as long as your hair is neat and clean, you can just about wear any style. 

6.       What are your must-have products? Any favorites that you cannot do without? 

My MUST HAVE products are Econ clear gel, for my slicked back pony puffs, Africa’s Best Curl Keeper, for twist outs and any twist or braided styles, Shea butter/olive oil mix, water is also a must, and my big stretchy bands…I could go on and on. :-)

7.        Finally, any advice you'd like to give to women who have just BC'd or are thinking of going natural? Please share :) 

If you are leery or afraid to show your natural hair, do your research online via Natural Hair Blogs, Natural Hair websites, and YouTube, you will see how natural women exude a beauty and confidence that’s like no other. If you have the guts to just go for it and cut it all off then GO FOR IT!! Otherwise, transition with braids, cornrow styles, or weaves. I also recommend that you see a natural hair stylist in your area for that first chop, that way you’ll get it right! Also, don’t worry about what people think of you, you are doing this for YOU and the well being of your hair, not for anyone’s approval. Be patient!!!! This is really important because everyone hair grows at a different pace, and we all don’t have the same hair texture. Embrace what you have and rock it!!! 

 MsButtahfly is also a HOT makeup artist. You can follow here here: MsButtahfly on Twitter, MsButtahfly on YouTube 

 

Keep Going!! Quitting is NOT an Option

Hi, Everyone!!

I've truly been inspired today. I mean, seriously inspired. Some people are inspired by words from positive people, or good things that have happened. And that is fine. I am usually inspired by the same. But TODAY... today I am inspired by a minor setback. It isn't necessary to go into detail about what it was exactly, but know that I am just fine. I am ALWAYS blessed, no matter what. But the setback inspired me to get out of my comfort zone, get out of my own way, take ownership of myself and my business, and TAKE ACTION. I already have EVERYTHING in me necessary to do what needs to be done. It's time to do it. I have a goal to reach by September 18th and I WILL reach it.

That being said, I hope you are ALL having a blessed day. Please choose to let small issues to be stepping blocks and NOT hurdles. Let NOTHING stand in the way of the future you want to have. Trials build character, and when I reach my goal I'm going to have a hell of a story to tell!!! ;-)

KeetaRay

Meet Naomi! This week's natural hair feature!!

1. How long have you been natural? Did you transition, BC, both? I have been natural 2 years (anniversary was July 4th), Yes I transitioned for 6 months before the BC, I had about 1/2 a inch to 1 inch of her left :) By the way my hair is back where it was when I cut it.

2. What reaction have you received since going natural? Did you announce your decision or did you just do it?  I was telling everyone I was going to do it I had (bsl) relaxed hair, I took pictures and sent them out as I was doing it the BC everyone was shocked but said it looked cute on me.

3. What are your current fave styles to do on your hair? Do you have a staple style? Please share how you achieve it :) Well my staple or favorite is my chunky twist out I use Bonner Brother moisturizer to set it and each night I pull my hair in a loose pony tail on top of my head without retwisting by the end of the week it is HUGE and beautiful.

4. What has been the most significant change within yourself that you've noticed since going natural? I have more SWAGGER, it has been the biggest confidence booster and people are always asking me if it's a wig or telling me that they are thinking about going natural and ask for advice.

5. What do you love most about being natural? The FREEDOM, the $ I am saving (my savings account is thanking me) and the time that I can never get back because I was sitting in a SALON for 2 to 3 hours.

6. What are your must-have products? Any favorites that you cannot do without? Must have is my shea butter mix that I make,WATER, and I must say that 3.99 Bonner Brother moisturizer.

7. Finally, any advice you'd like to give to women who have just BC'd or are thinking of going natural? Please share :) I can san just take the plunge but you have to be ready and do it at you own time, don't let anyone talk you into or out of it. Because when I do my mini twist and it takes me 5 hours nobody is helping me. Most importantly be happy and accept you texture don't wish for somebody else hair because more than likely someone is wishing for your. Just DO YOU!!! :)

(1st picture twist out, 2nd press, 3rd front braided with twist)