INSPIRATION | Big Chop to Stop Cancer

I'm so excited to see this, but sorry that I didn't see it prior to Sunday when I cut my hair. I definitely would have participated. If you're thinking of cutting your natural hair or know someone who is, PLEASE READ!

(via ZuriWorks - Andrene Taylor)

The Big Chop to Stop Cancer invites women to use their hair as a statement that goes beyond personal aesthetics. We invite women to “big chop” to take a stand for the health and well being of their mothers, grandmothers, aunts, and sisters. We invite women to be fearless and big chop. Each big chop promotes lifesaving cancer screening and early detection.

All women, regardless of race, ethnicity, and hair type, are invited to participate in the Big Chop to Stop Cancer Campaign.

Our hope is to unite women for the greater good – saving black women’s lives from cancer.

Stylists, salons, and individuals across the country are invited to participate in the Big Chop to Stop Cancer with ZuriWorks, Johnny Wright, and other celebrity stylists.

Find out how you can help women who face the challenging road ahead of cancer treatment and recovery with dignity and joy.

Natural Hair|The cut AFTER the BC

I've decided to cut my hair after my last post. For several reasons.
1. I needed a change
2. My hair was growing out in an awkward way where I couldn't wear it completely out w/o looking like I had a mullet.
3. I had breakage from over-doing it with protective styles last year. (I didn't take a break for 6 months)
4. I've been seeing so many fly hair cuts lately!
5. I'd rather have healthy, short hair over broken and unhealthy long strands, any day.

Natural Hair... WOES??

Hey, ladies 'n gents.

I'm coming to you today in the most honest way: I'm so over my hair. Yes. It's true. No, I don't regret being natural and no, I don't want to relax or straighten (I've been natural for 4 years now). What does this mean? I'm not sure, but I think I am really just BORED with my hair. It is in a weird grow-back stage where the length is awkward (really long in the back, shorter in the front). I got my hair cut in layers last Sept/Oct and initially it made my hair fuller and yielded great twistouts. I also got color then. However, now it's growing out and not laying right and every twist out turns into a high puff because I'm never happy with it. Smh Over it, I tell you! Another thing: I think I have become dissatisfied with my hair after wearing so many protective styles over the last 1-1.5 years. Now, I'm brainstorming ways to "keep it interesting" and am strongly considering cutting in. I don't even know how I want it cut but I need a major change. And the sooner, the better.

April 2013

International Natural Hair Meetup Day

It's that time again! Natural Hair Meetup Day is coming to a city near you on May 18th, 2013. Please visit the link (here) to get more information and for tickets. Maybe I'll see you there!

Avoiding Heat Damage | Hair Update

My hair has been straight for approximately 5 weeks now. Every time I wash it, I anxiously check to make sure there are no heat damaged pieces. You will know your hair is heat damaged because it either won't curl back up at all, or it will have a looser curl pattern than before. Using a heat protectant and as little heat as possible is so helpful. Everyone is different - because I have friends who straighten their hair often but don't get heat damage, and then there is me. My hair tends to suffer from this easily (which is why you haven't seen me straighten my hair more than 4 times in the 4 times I've been natural).

I've been using and happen to really like Moroccan Oil and Organic Root Stimulator's Heat Protectant. I apply the ORS heat protectant prior to blow drying and the Moroccan Oil prior to using the flat iron. I don't pass the flat iron more than 2 times on each section.

When You Have to Eat Your Words...

A friend of mine shared with me some time ago a business that she is involved in. She would give body wraps to women, helping them to tone and firm and lose inches, and also reduce the appearance of stretch marks and cellulite. I was skeptical, and at the time declined the offer to get involved or to even try it for myself. As an esthetician, I know there are so many products on the market that claim to do so many things. And I stand by the tried-and-true "workout and eat right" to get fit. Fast forward 6 months. My sister tells me she is involved in the same business. What!?? Still, I was skeptical. But, I always support my baby sis. So, that  prompted me to look further into the products she offers and to do my own research. I liked what I saw, because unlike my initial thought that people were doing wraps thinking they'd lose weight from just doing that alone, I learned that this is not the claim. The wraps and the other products offered are to be used in CONJUNCTION with a healthy diet and a workout regiment to ENHANCE the results. Being that I recently made some major changes in the last month to my own diet (eliminating meat and refined sugars) and started exercising, this definitely caught my attention. I also learned that other products are offered besides the wraps, like skincare products to tone, tighten, and firm the skin, as well as nutritional supplements and detox products. This is awesome! After learning all this, I had to tell my sister - and eat my words - that I am going to get involved, too. I couldn't pass up this opportunity (not this time), because I love helping women to feel and look better, inside AND out. This is right up my ally!
(click to read more and see my results)

Baltimore Natural Hair Care Expo 2013

I've attended the Baltimore Natural Hair Care Expo for the last 3-4 years and I always enjoy myself. I'm happy to see that it is growing into a bigger event with each year. THIS year, it has moved to the Baltimore Convention Center. The dates are March 23 and March 24 (a Saturday and Sunday). I usually attend on Saturdays because I like to dedicate my Sundays to church/rest. FYI in case you may want to meet up! :)


Link to the event: http://www.bmorenaturalinc.com/
Buy Tickets here: http://www.bmorenaturalinc.com/buy-tickets.html
$15 online; $20 at the door

Baltimore Convention Center
1 West Pratt St
Baltimore, MD 21201

What You Can Expect in 2013

• Exposure to approximately  1000 - 5000 (varies per show)
• Quality and informative workshops, classes and exhibitors
• Instructors/Educators
• Professional and friendly team of staff and volunteers
• Remarkable entrepreneurs opportunity to market products/services to a widespread & diverse audience
• The best in the natural hair care industry, instructors/educations, manufacturers and YOU!

(Above info from Baltimore Natural Hair Care Expo's Website)

Essential Oils - Uses for Lavender

Essential Oils have so many useful properties. If you're anything like me, you prefer home remedies over medications/medicated products. Below, I've attached a useful pic giving many of the uses of Lavender. Lavender oil is an essential oil obtained by distillation from the flower spikes of certain species of lavender. Lavender oil, which has long been used in the production of perfume, can also be used in aromatherapy. The scent has a calming effect which may aid in relaxation and the reduction of anxiety and stress. Check it out, and if you have any other uses for lavender or other oils, do share! :)

Something New

Hi, All! I'm back :)

I came back to my social networks about a week ago. I decided to do something a little different with my hair. I'm wearing it straight for a little while. Here is the thing: I didn't want to straighten MY hair for fear of heat damage. And I didn't want to cut my hair because I am growing it out. So, what's a girl to do?

Some Time Off

Although I am aware that I don't have to "explain" my whereabouts, I do feel a sense of responsibility with you all, and just out of respect for my readers or those who may follow me online, I wanted to share this. I have bonded with a few of you and I don't take it lightly. That being said, I'm taking some needed "time off" from everything (social media, blogging, etc.) for an indefinite time. It may only be a week or two, or it may be a month or two. I'm going with whatever God leads me to do, but I feel this is necessary at this time to recenter and refocus my energy and time into what God is telling me to do. And I can't hear from Him if my mind is always cluttered with everything else. As much as people may think that I am a very social person, I'm actually pretty introverted and can be quite quiet. That's just my nature, I've always been this way. Alone time is something I crave and need from time to time.

I really just want you all to know - I appreciate you! Many of you have reached out to me, and I even know some of you now on a personal basis and I am grateful for that :) Thank you for everything, and I will be back soon. So, don't get worried or think something bad has happened when you don't see posts for awhile. Lol I am truly blessed and doing well, and doing my best to follow God's plan for my life. xo

Keeta