Natural Hair: Hair Journey & Protective Style Jumbo braids

Jumbo braids.

                    My Journey to Jumbo Braids
                                            By

                                       Larisa Dawkins (aka Nap Risa Py)

            So I’m at an in-between state with my hair….too short and not too long. It is giving me fits…..so I decided to do some protective styles. I started out getting a wig made, however, as soon as it reached 90 plus degrees outside, I had to forgo the wig!! So, I decided to try a modified “Curly Girl Method”……BIG SIGH…..I hate wash and go’s but I tried it anyway…..I got about a week into that and realized that it was not going to work for me……then, I had an epiphany…..Jumbo Braids!! I started researching on YouTube and found a few channels that had an example of the braids I was looking for. There are several different names for them: Jumbo braids, poetic justice braids, Solange Knowles style braids, etc….. So, I figured why not try it!! The styles looked easy to maintain, versatile (you can wear them in several different styles), long wearing and requires hardly any maintenance (I am natural, but I’m a lazy natural….teeheehee) !!! PERFECT!!

Where did you get the hair and how much did it cost you?

   My first task was to find the hair. I went to my local beauty supply store and asked and wouldn’t you know it…. they actually have braiding hair called, Jumbo Braid hair!! No kidding…but it really is 100% Kanekalon hair and it costs $3.99 per pack. It does come in a variety of colors and most packs were about 18”…. so I got 5 packs. I still wasn’t sure, so I went to another beauty supply store and bought 5 more packs that were 24” long!! I know, what can I say; I live in Texas, so go long or go home!!! LOL!!

How long did it take to braid and how many pack of hair did you use?

Now, I am not a braider, so I asked my resident braid expert, my Niece Meme, how long this would take….she said 3-4 hours…..we started at 11:30pm on a Friday night and did not get finished until 0930 the next morning….yes, you read that right, 10 HOURS!!!!! UGH……let me be honest with you guys, I have a GI-NOR-MOUS head , so we used 9.5 packs of hair and it took 10 hours…..for the average person, I believe it would probably take about 3-4 hours, especially if you went to a professional braider.  But when you are being frugal, and have a tendency to change styles, as fast as I do, you realize you have to forfeit some things!! 

Jumbo braids

How long do you plan on wearing the braids and how do you maintain them?

My goal is to wear the braids for a month…so far so good!! I’ve washed my scalp once so far and it was pretty easy. The challenge is not wet the entire strand of braids, as the drying time will be much longer. But just focusing on the scalp and the length of the braid that intertwines my hair, has worked out well.  Anyone looking for an easy to maintain style that is versatile and long lasting should check out Jumbo Braids!!  And yes, you do need a strong neck!!!

Jumbo braids

The pictures above were kindly provided by Nap Risa. Please do not copy without written consent.





N'na

Words of Inspiration~ How to stay motivated

Hello dear friends.

June is now here and we have made it half way in the year.
I know... that went fast... real fast...

How are you all doing? What about all the resolutions you had early this year? Making progress? Stuck in a rot? Got off the bandwagon?

Well, wherever you are I am sure there are some areas where you are probably doing very well and deserve a tap on your shoulder and a reminder that You Can Do It!!! Whatever your dream, your goal...whatever your "It" is/are....You can do it!

So here we are!!! Half way into the year 2012 you can move forward with a new attitude

A new walk
A new point of view
A new purpose for everything you got to do...

(Please Pause the music player above if you haven't done it and enjoy the video below. The Lyrics of Bravo by Ledisi are very inspiring)

Bravo

It's my new " anthem" for the rest of the year.  I am celebrating life, I am clapping for myself because I found new strength, I am still standing and still pushing and moving forward and I am so FULL of gratitude. I am grateful for many things such as  my 4 months old daughter, my children, the lessons learned already during the first half of this year. I am grateful for the blessings that have unfold this year, for the promises of many radiant days ahead and for Life.

Yes I am celebrating life and I hope you are or you will.
I invite you to clap for yourself
Step forward for the rest of the year with your new walk
your new point of view
and your new purpose for everything you do.

Be radiant like Ledisi below. I picked this picture because turquoise is my favorite color, because she is very feminine on this picture and she is looking up with a bright smile while sitting on the back of an old car.

To me the picture offers many life metaphors. I hope it would suggest you some inspiring ones for the rest of the year. Have a great 2012 for what's left of it and make the best of it. In the meantime BRAVO to you...




What message does the video leave you with? Is there any situation in your life the lyrics of the song and/ or  the photograph speak to you about? Do they support your current metaphors of life or suggest some new ones? Is there any change you are inspired to make? Any new perspective you gained?








N'na

Benefits of Apple Cider for skin and hair

The post below was written by Gaurav Jaggi a fellow blogger from India who contacted me about his desire to write a post on a subject he specializes in. Since I use ACV daily and have also used it on my hair  I figured it would be great to learn and share more on the subject.

ACV for Gorgeous Skin and Great Hair by Gaurav Jaggi

First, let’s just say that we all want great skin and hair; hence we invest so much in hair and skin products.  We can never tell what the perfect skin product is and advertisers don’t make it any easier to know what product to settle for.

Skin and hair differs, so do the products we are supposed to use in maintain them, so what do you do if you aren’t sure what to buy and how do you know if what you buy is really what your hair or skin needs?

Well here is what I think is quick answer to all that: Apple Cider Vinegar

There are numerous Apple Cider Vinegar benefits and it is your solution to great hair and skin for the following reasons:

Fewer Toxins, Great Skin

A liver with few toxins is a great liver and a great liver translates to great skin. Drinking a solution of apple cider vinegar in water up to three times in a day promotes great liver functions. It reduces the toxins in the body making your skin clearer and healthier looking.

 Washing with apple cider vinegar directly also promotes great skin however the ratio of water to apple cider vinegar should be 10% apple cider vinegar dissolved in water and you wash using a cotton wool or a soft cloth.

Shiny Healthy Hair, a Rinse Away

Don’t we all hate having dandruff?  It seems hard, costly and frustrating to try to get rid of dandruff yet there’s a very simple, affordable and effective solution: Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar will offer you shiny looking, bouncy and healthy hair.

Vinegar, first of all, helps to promote the health of your scalp, while the solution of apple cider vinegar can eliminate dandruff and maintain the volume of your hair by reducing hair loss.

Better yet, apple cider vinegar is best for removing styling products that have accumulated over the years from styling your hair.

In order for this to work for you, wash your hair and rinse in the solution of water and apple cider vinegar, make sure the solution reaches your scalp. Let it rest for up to 30 minutes, then rinse. You should do this minimally, once a week.

The Mother, Apple Cider Vinegar

To get the best from apple cider vinegar, you should go for the ‘mother’ – this is basically the suspended liquid formed when you age apples (organically grown), in a wooden barrels, ‘the mother’ is pungent and slightly dark brown and in the light it’s feathery and cobweb like. This is a sign of good ‘mother’

Remember, apple cider vinegar has been used for year for its many medicinal purposes. Raw unpasteurized apple cider vinegar contains all the enzymes and life improving nutrients that are good for your health and that of your hair and skin. You can find out more about Apple cider vinegar benefits.

Thanks for reading this article please share with us how you use Apple Cider Vinegar in your daily life and benefit from using it!




N'na

Natural hair: How to transition from relaxers to natural hair

Natural hair: 
How to transition from relaxers to natural hair.
                 10 Tips for easy transitioning
                              by N'na

I have transitioned for over a year before enjoying my natural texture and have learned a few things over this incredible journey. Going natural has taught me more patience than I had and opened my life to so many new things. Below are some of my tips that have made my experience enjoyable.

1) Do not rush to big chop. Cutting you hair is not the only way to go natural.

2) Do your homework and ask a lot of questions.

3)Make up your mind and have peace with your decision.

4) Deep condition you hair at least every two weeks for healthy hair.

5) Continue getting your hair professionally done or caring for it in the best of your abilities. Going natural is not an excuse to neglect your hair. Preferably stick to hairdressers who are experienced in treating and styling natural hair.

6) Get you hair trimmed as needed. Cutting your ends gradually will facilitate its growth and the transition to natural hair.

7) Use products and treatments that work best for you hair. You can use protective styles, products from professional brands with no paraben and/or  kitchen/natural products such as coconut oil, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Shea butter.

8) Love the process and be patient. A transition is just that, a journey to a chosen destination. It's a special time worth enjoying and impatience can influence you to make decisions you might not be pleased with.

9) Surround yourself with supportive people and if the ones closest to you are slow to share you excitement, remain confident in yourself. Our loved ones will always turn around because at the end, all they care about is our happiness.

When you don't get the support you expected remind yourself that it's not personal they just want you to make the right decision based on  their own belief system.

If you are married or have a boyfriend it's important to have his support and his input. Do not neglect your man's opinion and tactfully show him why going natural is best for you. 
I was very fortunate to have my husband's support from the get go but I have always valued his input in the process as we discussed very frequently the beauty of natural hair.  http://goodhealthdiva.blogspot.com/2011/03/i-am-coming-out-call-to-naturals.html

10) Attitude is everything. Beauty is a whole package deal. It's not just hair so as you learn to take great care of your hair take great care of the whole you as well.

We would love to learn from you. Are you new to transitioning or have you been doing it for a while? How long? What's your tips to transitioning? Which one of the tips above best relate to your journey?


N'na

10 Health and Fitness Tips to Keep an Exercise Routine

10 Tips to Keep and Exercise Routine by N'na
 
1) Work out in the morning.
Morning workouts are easier to schedule. Completing your workout in the morning is ideal if you have some weight loss goals and it allows you to start your day fresh and energized. Get your clothes ready the night before and get dressed as soon as you get up. Doing this will motivate you to exercise before you change your mind (smiles). But if you can't work out in the morning...

2) Turn your Lunch break into an Exercise break. Many companies offer their employees the opportunity to work out on site, attend a gym that's in partnership with them, and allocate to their employees a couple of hours a day to use toward wellness goals. More people should take advantage of the resources available in their companies. If your company does not have a program make your own plans to turn your lunch break into a time to walk for 30minutes-1hr or work at a nearby gym.
If you really can't workout during your lunch break...
3) Go straight to the gym from work, do not go home first.
One smart idea is to drop you gym bag with your home keys in it to the gym on the way to work. Keep your bag in a locker, secured with a lock and key.
Having your home keys at the gym will force you to go back to the gym and work out before heading home.


4) Get a workout partner.
Having a partner can make you more accountable and if you are the kind of person who need/love having someone to motivate you each time you work out. I would suggest getting more than one work out partner for different days of the week. In having more than one work out partner you do not depend on one particular partner when that one is not available (or so that you don't get bored with each other).

5) Join a team or start one.
Group activities can stir your competitive spirit if you have one or make it more fun for you to achieve your goals.

6)Hang out with active people. Some studies show that we tend to adopt the habits of our friends. We are more likely to be healthy and make healthy choices when we have healthy friends. I find this to be true. Having all my closest friends being so active and health conscious make it easier to stay disciplined, focused and motivated.

7) Invest in Home Work Out equipment.
I love Home Work out equipments and the versatility they offer. Even though I have a gym membership to a great gym that provides daycare 
I love that I can reach for a video, get on the treadmill, or use any one of my equipment every time I feel like it.

Here's my new toy (smiles)

 My exercise tote. I keep all my small items in that tote. It's like a toy box for me. I keep bandannas, socks, baseball caps, DVD player, DVDs, books, magazines, resistance cords, stretch belt, workout gloves etc...

 

 

A DVD collection can uses some seasonal upgrading as it can get pretty monotonous to repeatedly use the same ones for an extended period of time.


8) Choose Low cost or no cost Exercise!
Many people get a gym membership and do not take advantage of it as they should while others just can't afford one. Exercising doesn't have to cost.
There are many ways to work out at home or out. Dancing, walking and running outdoors are the most pleasant and even effective ways to work out.
I love walking outdoors. There's nothing like being rejuvenated by the restful sight of nature, being entertained by birds, squirrels, geese etc and meeting some cheerful people who are just as happy to be outdoors.



9) Take advantages of any ressources available in your community, in your company etc.

If you live in Atlanta Georgia you could enjoy Woodruff Park for example.


Located in downtown Atlanta, Woodruff Park offers a way to work out while enjoying the outdoors.





10)Diversify & Be creative. Even though you want to keep a routine and make working out a habit try to diversify a little so that you don't get bored.
I love walking at our gorgeous Riverpark parking and starting at a different spot by the river make it less predictable.
Other things you can try:
When running or walking try a different path
Rotate or upgrade your DVDs
If you work out with music change your playlist often
Do some cross training
Try tip #4 above
Try something new.



Which one of those tips do you apply more frequently? Which one would you consider applying? How do you keep an exercise regimen? What works best for you? Where do you live and what does your city offer to exercise and enjoy the outdoors?

other related you might enjoy http://goodhealthdiva.blogspot.com/2011/11/psychology-of-weight-loss.html

http://goodhealthdiva.blogspot.com/2012/01/health-and-fitness-tips-for-2012.html
N'na

Natural hair: Celebrities with natural hair Viola Davis

               Natural hair inspiration: Celebrities with Natural hair
                                                   Viola Davis


I am a Viola Davis fan. She is already a great inspiration as an actress. I enjoyed her in EAT PRAY LOVE,

I appreciated and was proud of her role in THE HELP. If you
 have not seen the movie yet please do! It's a beautiful and powerful story with some pretty funny scenes like the one depicted in the picture below.

I always get a smile on my face when I watch her but the picture of her at the Oscars was so stunning and MESMERIZING! She was so gorgeous with her natural hair and she was proof that you can be classy and natural!




Isn't she stunning? She is so beauuutiful with her natural hair! Hummm!  Thanks Miss Davis for being such an inspiration in so many ways.



picture from http://news.instyle.com/2012/02/24/viola-davis-hair-natural-wig/

She is pictured below with her husband who encouraged her to dicth the wigs! 

Picture of the Oscars 2012 source http://www.justjared.com/2012/02/26/viola-davis-oscars-2012-red-carpet/

Are you a Viola Davis fan?Who is/are your hair inspiration?


N'na

Benefits of detoxing: How and why to detox

                              Detox 101 : How and why to detox

Hi there,

I have a few friends who have asked about detoxing recently so I figured it would be great to share some basic tips with you as well.

Spring is around the corner and it's a great time to consider doing a detox and do a " Spring cleanse". Detoxing can ideally be done every 3 months, but doing one early Fall/Winter and one early Spring are good times as well.

So below I am  offering some general tips on detoxing that I hope will benefit and inspire you to detox.

There are different kinds of cleanses you can do and if you have never detoxed before a candida cleanse, a colon, liver and kidney cleanse are generally most recommended to free your body from toxins that have affected your health. Some cleanses can be done in 7 days, 14 days, 21 or 30 days. Embracing a healthier lifestyle and eating habits are crucial to further benefit from your detox.

                                                DETOX 101

Written by N'na. All rights reserved 2012.

Disclaimers: The suggestions below are not to replace doctors' advices. If you have certain medical conditions you should consult your doctor before starting a detox program or eliminating some things from your diet or adding to it.

Why should you detox?

We live a very toxic lifestyle and in spite of our best efforts to make healthy choices our surroundings,foods and cosmetics are loaded with toxins.

What are some benefits of detoxing?

• Cleanse your body from toxins
• Give your organs a chance to rest and work better
• Give you more energy
• Naturally heals your body from certain ailments : you get less  headaches, less diseases and sicknesses throughout the year.

• Better skin and complexion
• Give you a clearer sense of thinking and feeling
• More willpower and more positive outlook on life
• Weight loss (detoxing assits with weight loss because your organs working better once you give your body a chance to release toxins, bacteria, fecal matter etc).

                         
Which organs can mostly benefit from a detox?
Your whole body can benefit from a detox but some organs play a major role in the quality of our health such as:

• the kidneys
• the liver
• the colon

There is actually various kind of cleanses:
Candida cleanses, parasite cleanses, kidneys & liver cleanses, colon cleanses, colonics, lung cleanses, total body cleanses etc.  Each one is beneficial to your health and for optimal health it's recommended to do them all especially if you have never detoxed before.

When to detox? At least twice a year such  as Spring and Fall.

Please consider Fasting. Fasting is probably the best way to detox your body and your mind. It’s important to fast often. Fitting a one day fast weekly/biweekly or a 3 days fast in your monthly schedule are all reasonable endeavor. ( Please consult with your physician before embarking in any fast)

Keep in mind that while you are detoxing you might experience some headaches, you will have to take more frequent trips to the bathroom as your body must flush out many toxins, bacteria, fecal matter etc. Do not stop the detox on account of these as it's actually a proof that the detox was much needed but PLEASE if you suffer from any particular health condition consult with your physician before, during and after your detox.

To Jumpstart your detox.

Gradually eliminate or cut down certain foods from your daily diet.

Gradually add more healthy food and drink more water.

Drink every morning a glass of water with apple cider vinegar, freshly squeeze lemon juice and a spoon of honey.

Eat daily one or more grapefruits and/or apple.

Select a detox program and time frame as you can detox for 3 days, 14, 21, 30 days or longer.

Drink plenty of water to allow your body to flush the toxins.

Drink detox or herbal teas.

Foods to avoid when detoxing

Sugar

Dairy products

Wheat

Gluten: rye, wheat, bran, barley,baked goods...

Caffeine: Coffee, Black tea, sodas...

Other foods: yeast, alcohol, food additive and preservatives, chocolate, high fat foods.

Foods to eat when detoxing

Fresh fruits.

Fresh vegetables. Great detox vegetables includes broccoli, cauliflower, garluc, beets red and green vegetables.

Rice: Brown or basmati rice. Rice cakes, rice crackers, rice pasta.

Other grains:  quinoa, flaxseed, millet can be used instead of rice.

Beans:  Lentils are a great option.

Nuts and seeds:  such as walnuts, almonds, cashews, sunflower seeds. Avoid peanuts.

Oils:  Extra Virgin Olive oil, flaxseed oil, coconut oil.

Condiments: fresh herbs, sea salt, limited amount of honey, 100 % natural fruits and vegetables drinks, rice milk, almond milk.

Beverages: water, lemon water, herbal teas, freshly squeezed fruits or vegetables juices, smoothies .
                         

Herbs you can use daily to help with your detox: Ginger, oregano, cayenne, fennel, turmeric.

 Garlic: Fresh garlic is great to not only strengthen your immunity but it also cleanses your blood.

                                          Detox products on the market


There are many great products on the markets.

Please do your research before selecting a product. When selecting a product take time to ask questions, explain your goals, research the ingredients included and their roles and be aware of the fact that a detox program will not necessarily feel good at first!

A great website to check is http://www.drnatura.com/

                                  

Detox hygiene

Avoid beauty products that are harmful and loaded with toxins because your skin is your largest organ. Use organic, green or homemade beauty & cosmetics products.

During the time when you are detoxing avoid if you can and if it's not your workplace places such as Nail shop and Beauty Salon or any environment that would expose you to toxins.

Consider dry skin brushing before taking a shower.

Consider oil cleansing to cleanse your face.

Detoxing is about more than food & the body.

Detoxing is not just about food. There are emotional triggers to the food that we eat and habits strongly influenced or influencing our food choices.

Other things to consider when detoxing:

Rest your mind and body more.

Cut down or temporarily eliminate on TV time especially news and TV shows that cause the body stress. Cut down on activities or interactions that are unpleasant and unnecessary.

Train your mind each morning to expect the best.

Refrain from complaining unnecessarily focusing on negative things create more stress on your body.

Take time to start your day with a stretch as stretching allows trapped energy to be released.

Stretch often throughout the day.
see the benefits of stretching http://goodhealthdiva.blogspot.com/2011/05/benefits-of-exercising-stretching.html
the benefits of exercising http://goodhealthdiva.blogspot.com/2011/05/benefits-of-exercising-introduction.html

Walk more during the day.

Spread more love and do good more good deeds.

Smile and laugh more. ( Being scornful, sarcastic and laughing at the expenses of others is NOT what I recommend).

Keep a journal. Record your emotions, your goals…

Keep a gratitude journal. Make time each day to write things you are grateful for and start and finish each day by expressing verbally or in writing something you are grateful for.

DETOX  your environment.

Make time to go through your home, bathroom, closet, kitchen cabinets, home office and remove everything old, expired, useless etc.

In your closet get rid of everything stained, with holes, old and that no longer fit.

Declutter and cleam your space totally. A messy and dirty environment can also trigger stress and expose you to toxins.

Add some green plants in your home to purify your indoor air.

For more ideas please consider reading the following articles:
"The psychology of weight loss"

http://goodhealthdiva.blogspot.com/2011/11/psychology-of-weight-loss.html

"Pampering yourself is good for your health"

http://goodhealthdiva.blogspot.com/2011/01/pampering-yourself-is-good-for-your.html

If you consider fasting:

Disclaimer: Please consult with your physician before starting a fast.

Days before your fast drink plenty of water and eat more fruits and vegetables that are rich in water such as watermelon and cucumbers.

Determine the length of your fast. A meal, a whole day, a few days. Any  longer fast should be supervised.

The way you break your fast is very important. Eat foods that are light such as a fruit, a bowl of soup, a salad and eat slowly.
                       


There's a lot more to detoxing than the information I just provided. This article is meant to be an introduction and offer you some direction.

Detoxing is essential to your health and organs' cleanses such as the Colon  cleanses can improve your health and even assist with weight loss.

Detoxing has the power to heal, alleviate or prevent some conditions, so do it often and enjoy its many benefits.

I wish you a happy detoxing, a great health journey and if you are new here you are welcome to become a Follower, Like the FB page, subscribe for email updates and let us know about your detoxing experience!!!



N'na