Thursday, December 22, 2011
Thursday, December 15, 2011
LOOK AT THESE LOVELY NATURAL CELEBS
ESPARANZA SPALDING
FABULOUS HAIR
JANELLE MONAE
SOLANGE KNOWLES
TRACY ELLIS ROSS
Q & A: Is it bad to brush or comb your natural hair?
NO it isn't bad to comb or brush your natural hair.
The negative affects of brushing and combing are when we do these things on dry hair. It is always BEST to brush and comb your hair while "WET". When the hair is wet you are able to manipulate your curls and they become looser.
Brushing you hair can have its benefits: scalp stimulation, detangling (Denman brush), cleansing, helps spread out natural oils in hair, smoothing, styling
Combing: styling, scalp stimulation, detangling, cleansing
Yes over time brushing and combing can begin to loosen and straighten you curls. Be gentle and delicate with your hair while doing either task.
Hope these tips help!
India.Arie - I Am Not My Hair ft. Akon
BE PROUD OF YOU NATURAL HAIR. YOU CAN STILL BLOSSOM WITH YOUR WAVES AND KINKS. GOD MADE US ALL DIFFERENT BUT IN HIS IMAGE. DON'T LET OTHERS DEFINE YOU BY YOUR CURL PATTERN.
ENJOY YOU, ENJOY YOUR STYLE, AND DEFINITELY ENJOY YOUR HAIR!!
ONE LOVE, AMBER
Via Curly Nikki: Self Concept Thursday
It doesn't seem fair when he cheated on you and now he's happily married and raising a family with the woman he cheated on you with. It stings when the job that fired you for unfounded reasons is growing in leaps and bounds and you are having trouble finding a job just to make ends meet.
Where's the retribution? Have you ever felt this way?
I have a couple friends going through these things and the common theme I hear voiced through their frustration is that they feel they are being punished. They don't understand why it seems that the people who have done them wrong are being rewarded.
Why do bad things happen to good people? No one on this earth can answer this question with certainty, but what I believe is that 1) What doesn't kill us makes us stronger or teaches us something we needed to learn 2) We won't get stronger if we view ourselves as victims and 3) When we've been wronged, we need to focus on our own healing and let go of our fixation with the person who hurt us.
I know it's not easy. I've been trying to think of ways to comfort my friends through these situations, and I keep hearing myself say "Let go. This is not about them, this is about you. Don't worry about what they think or if they are laughing at you or feeling sorry for you. The only thing you should be thinking about is how you will heal and move forward. Take the lesson and let it go."
Do you have any advice to share based on what you've been through? Are you going through something right now? Consider the following affirmations:
I am stronger and more resilient than I think I am.
My joy and peace of mind are not dependent on my current circumstances.
The quality of my life is defined by staying true to my values, no matter how others behave.
I don't need revenge or retribution to feel closure from a bad situation.
I can empower myself by not playing the victim, and looking at challenges as opportunities to overcome.
I believe in myself when no one else does.
I love myself unconditionally.
Curly Nikki | Natural Hair Styles and Curly Hair Care: Self-Concept Thursday: Affirmations for Letting it Go by GG of PeaceLovenadPrettyThings It doesn't seem fair when he cheated on you and now he's happily marrie...
Curly Nikki | Natural Hair Styles and Curly Hair Care: Self-Concept Thursday: Affirmations for Letting it Go by GG of PeaceLovenadPrettyThings It doesn't seem fair when he cheated on you and now he's happily marrie...
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Church & the NZURI NATURAL HAIR HEALTH & BEAUTY SHOW
THANKFUL!!!
I must say I really had a great time and met some wonderful people. This show and the workshops have challenged me to push myself.
Thanks again to my mom and one of my closest Ayesha!!!!
ONE LOVE, AMBER
I am truly blessed. I woke up Sunday morning determined that I was going to get up and go to church if not then no hair show. I am still unable to drive so I had asked my mom would she take me and attend church with me. We were awake at bright and early at 5:30am in order to leave the house on time and make it to 7:30am service. It was still dark and chilly when we left the house heading for 45 North.
We made it to Lilly Grove Missionary Baptist Church at 7:45am. (YES we were LATE!) We I walked into church I had a clear heart and a open mind to receive the word. The melodies from the choir sent chills down my body and tear down my cheek. It had been two months since I had been to my church and it felt good. I left church that day felling refreshed and with the understand that I need to let things go.
After church mom and I met my friend I Ayesha at Farrago's for brunch. Even though the day was gloomy and chilly brunch/good company was a treat. I may not be able to drive but I because of my mom I was able to hear the word. And because of a great friend I was able to go to the NZURI NATURAL HAIR HEALTH & BEAUTY SHOW. Thankful.
Ayesha and I arrive at the hair show at approximately 11:30am. Let the fun, tips, and education begin.
VENDORS, VENDORS, STYLIST, BLOGGERS, AND GUEST.............MY EYES WERE LOOKING IN ALL DIRECTIONS.
I must say I really had a great time and met some wonderful people. This show and the workshops have challenged me to push myself.
Thanks again to my mom and one of my closest Ayesha!!!!
ONE LOVE, AMBER
BACK TO STYLING!
Well this weekend was fun filled and challenging. Saturday was the first day I had done hair in approximately 2+ months. My knee was feeling good and I had made plenty provisions so that I would be comfortable. I received a text that morning asking me was I back doing hair since my surgery. My response was yes.
10:00 am My first customer a third grader who's mother has been transitioning her for a year now. So she still had about 3 to 4 inches of permed ends.
10:15 am WASHED, DEEP CONDITIONED, & DETANGLED her hair.
10:45 am Began twisting...starting from the back. Now since she still had perm on her ends, I had to make provisions to make this style successful.
1:30 pm Complete and here is the final product.
She was the quietest customer I have ever had but I was glad she left skipping out with a SMILE. She liked her hair and so did her mother. HAPPY CUSTOMERS!
Thank God my knee didn't sound any alarms.
3:00 pm My 2nd client comes to get her hair whipped.
10:00 am My first customer a third grader who's mother has been transitioning her for a year now. So she still had about 3 to 4 inches of permed ends.
10:15 am WASHED, DEEP CONDITIONED, & DETANGLED her hair.
10:45 am Began twisting...starting from the back. Now since she still had perm on her ends, I had to make provisions to make this style successful.
1:30 pm Complete and here is the final product.
Thank God my knee didn't sound any alarms.
3:00 pm My 2nd client comes to get her hair whipped.
BECOMING A HEALTHIER YOU!!
Are there ever times when you become uncomfortable to look in the mirror? Have you had those moments when you should step away from the table but keep eating? Wondering why am I looking at those numbers on the scale.
When do you say enough is enough with the weight gain? Yes a healthier living can be apart of your lifestyle. As I continuously learn about my hair and what stimulates it so does the food and liquids I put into my body.
I have a friend that is starting a weight loss challenge on her BLOG: lifeasannabanana.blogspot.com
Check it out maybe it will be the push you need to motivate yourself to a healthier lifestyle. You will see that on her blog she let's free and exposes herself to motivate not only herself but others. I definitely recommend reading her WEIGHT LOSS CHALLENGE 2012 ENTRIES. Plus be motivated to take part in the challenge for a very reasonable fee. ;-)
Also if you are a runner and exercise enthusiast. Check out the ladies at Alex and Whitney at sportyafros.com. They give great exercise regimens and alternate options to maintain healthy hair while working out. Plus plenty more......ENJOY!
PLEASE REMEMBER THAT ARE BODIES ABSORB EVERYTHING AND YES THIS ALSO MEANS WE SECRETE THESE THINGS BACK OUT THROUGH OUR HAIR FOLLICLES. WHICH IN TURN GIVES US THE CURRENT STATE OF OUR HAIR.
ONE LOVE AND I HOPE THIS HELPS THE NOT SO HEALTHY NATURAL WOMAN INSIDE OF YOU.
Check it out maybe it will be the push you need to motivate yourself to a healthier lifestyle. You will see that on her blog she let's free and exposes herself to motivate not only herself but others. I definitely recommend reading her WEIGHT LOSS CHALLENGE 2012 ENTRIES. Plus be motivated to take part in the challenge for a very reasonable fee. ;-)
Also if you are a runner and exercise enthusiast. Check out the ladies at Alex and Whitney at sportyafros.com. They give great exercise regimens and alternate options to maintain healthy hair while working out. Plus plenty more......ENJOY!
PLEASE REMEMBER THAT ARE BODIES ABSORB EVERYTHING AND YES THIS ALSO MEANS WE SECRETE THESE THINGS BACK OUT THROUGH OUR HAIR FOLLICLES. WHICH IN TURN GIVES US THE CURRENT STATE OF OUR HAIR.
ONE LOVE AND I HOPE THIS HELPS THE NOT SO HEALTHY NATURAL WOMAN INSIDE OF YOU.
H&M is coming to Houston!
Amber Brooks (@DillardLady06) has shared a Tweet with you: "DillardLady06: H&M looking at three mall locations for first Houston stores http://t.co/g0lpmO5 via @culturemap" --http://twitter.com/DillardLady06/status/146660313599721472
DIVERTED!
Sorry LADIES I diverted for a quick minute. I am back and ready to get back to NATURAL HAIR.
I had to let somethings go to have a clear mind. So now I am fully focused and ready to give you information I think is helpful.
I am back feeding information into my Naturel Hair Neighborhood!
Monday, December 12, 2011
Prayer sure does work!
Boy I had a great day at therapy. I made it to 100 degrees. Lord knows when you open your heart and let God in results are sure to come. I truly handed this recovery over to God when I let somethings go this morning.
Icing my knee sure is torcher but I will take it to get better!
One love,
Amber
Icing my knee sure is torcher but I will take it to get better!
One love,
Amber
Revelation!!!
Good Afternoon!!!!
I had a revelation yesterday that it always GREAT to surround yourself with good company and family!
For those of you who don't know I had knee surgery on October 13, 2011. I was prepared mentally and physically to go in that day to have my medial menicus repaired. My recovery time was suppose to be approximately less that 3 weeks and back to work I went. God knew there was something else wrong and revealed it to my orthopedic surgeon upon entry to repair my menicus. The surgeon also did a chondroplasty (drilling of holes into my knee cartilage to produce more blood flow and reduce the extreme risk of arthritis). That chondroplasty has completely set me back mentally and physically. My recovery has been long and unexpected. I am learning that this was God trying to tell I need to slow down, humble myself, and let things go that I have no control over and to definitely fix the things I do.
I am still frustrated and perplexed that the weakness in my quad and the poor flexion in my knee have caused me to be home and dependent on others for the past 2 months. I have lived life think that I can do it all by myself with the exception of a little help from others. I have refused in the past to ask for help causing me to have self inflicted setbacks in life. This recovery process has definitely humbled me. God has shown me who my true friends are, even with a simple phone call. Those closest to me know that this is definitely taking it's toll on my spirits. I have never had to deal with pain to this degree nor the inability to fully function on my own.
There have been people I have dismissed out of my life for reasons that I thought were beneficial to myself and my growth. I now know that those people I thought were blisters were there to get make me stronger/tolerable to the pain. God definitely places people and circumstances in front of you to help shape a better you. Lord knows I can have a hateful heart and am quick to let go and throw away. But as Rev. Anderson preached yesterday the only person suffering and missing their blessing is "ME". There are some folks that I know I will never talk to again because of instances, but I need to clear my heart of the negativity and move on. Knowing that later God may place this person in my life once more and I will be the person in NEED. God is definitely working on me and my mindset. I am by no means a horrible person but sometimes I think I give too much of myself expecting the same in return from others. Knowing now I do what I do because I care and no longer expecting the same from others. LIFE is truly an unwritten book because each day can definitely deal a different outcome.
In years previous I have always thought of ways to pay someone back or think of ways of belittlement but currently that doesn't even seem to matter anymore. The day will come when I fully have a soft heart but God is showing me how to let go and let Him work his on His masterpiece.
ONE LOVE,
Amber
I had a revelation yesterday that it always GREAT to surround yourself with good company and family!
For those of you who don't know I had knee surgery on October 13, 2011. I was prepared mentally and physically to go in that day to have my medial menicus repaired. My recovery time was suppose to be approximately less that 3 weeks and back to work I went. God knew there was something else wrong and revealed it to my orthopedic surgeon upon entry to repair my menicus. The surgeon also did a chondroplasty (drilling of holes into my knee cartilage to produce more blood flow and reduce the extreme risk of arthritis). That chondroplasty has completely set me back mentally and physically. My recovery has been long and unexpected. I am learning that this was God trying to tell I need to slow down, humble myself, and let things go that I have no control over and to definitely fix the things I do.
I am still frustrated and perplexed that the weakness in my quad and the poor flexion in my knee have caused me to be home and dependent on others for the past 2 months. I have lived life think that I can do it all by myself with the exception of a little help from others. I have refused in the past to ask for help causing me to have self inflicted setbacks in life. This recovery process has definitely humbled me. God has shown me who my true friends are, even with a simple phone call. Those closest to me know that this is definitely taking it's toll on my spirits. I have never had to deal with pain to this degree nor the inability to fully function on my own.
There have been people I have dismissed out of my life for reasons that I thought were beneficial to myself and my growth. I now know that those people I thought were blisters were there to get make me stronger/tolerable to the pain. God definitely places people and circumstances in front of you to help shape a better you. Lord knows I can have a hateful heart and am quick to let go and throw away. But as Rev. Anderson preached yesterday the only person suffering and missing their blessing is "ME". There are some folks that I know I will never talk to again because of instances, but I need to clear my heart of the negativity and move on. Knowing that later God may place this person in my life once more and I will be the person in NEED. God is definitely working on me and my mindset. I am by no means a horrible person but sometimes I think I give too much of myself expecting the same in return from others. Knowing now I do what I do because I care and no longer expecting the same from others. LIFE is truly an unwritten book because each day can definitely deal a different outcome.
In years previous I have always thought of ways to pay someone back or think of ways of belittlement but currently that doesn't even seem to matter anymore. The day will come when I fully have a soft heart but God is showing me how to let go and let Him work his on His masterpiece.
ONE LOVE,
Amber
Friday, December 9, 2011
My BC: SEPT. 2009 - SEPT. 2011
My natural journey was not originally by choice. I had an
allergic reaction to some medicine causing my hair to come out all around the edges and nape.
The dermatologist recommended that I stay away from chemicals on my scalp until fully healed.
The process of regrowth was stunted due to irritation but I nurtured it the best way I knew how.
After healing I noticed the regrowth and decide to just leave my hair alone and let it grow. I have
come along way. Though natural from a tragic event I have embraced each loc and curl with
LOVE.
~~~~~ A-woman-au-naturel~~~~~
WELL I FINALLY MADE A VIDEO. LOL! THIS IS MY NATURAL HAIR JOURNEY STARTING SEPTEMBER 2009 TO SEPTEMBER 2011. I AM EXCITED TO START BRINGING VIDEOS TO MY BLOG ANDN TO MY YOUTUBE PAGE.
PLEASE BARE WITH ME BECAUSE I AM NEW TO THIS.
THANKS IN ADVANCE!
ONE LOVE, AMBER
Thursday, December 8, 2011
Curly Nikk: NATURAL HAIR: YO BOYFRIEND DON'T LIKE IT?
Reblogging:
WELCOME!!!
For my many ladies thinking about taking that leap into the natural neighborhood PLEASE be kind to hair while transitioning. You will begin to deal with two different textures.
Just a little FYI before getting started transitioning:
1. You now need to be gentle and precise with the care of your hair.
2. Your hair needs to be cleansed and moisturized on a schedule. It is recommended that you wash your hair at least 1x per week. Also moisturizing(wet/condition/oil) is key to do at least every 3-4 days.
3. CO-WASHING is an option to help seal in moisture. Definition of CO-WASH: is the process of rinsing the hair and using a conditioner to cleanse instead of shampoo.
4. Please remember to use WIDE TOOTH combs for DETANGLING, PADDLE BRUSHES w/ coated bristles used for scalp stimulation & removal of build up.
5. PLEASE remember to detangle your hair while WET to prevent extreme breakage.
6. When detangling remember to comb out your hair from the ENDS to your ROOTS.
7. Then style to your liking.
I hope this helps you understand the process and help you maintain healthy locs. WELCOME TO THE NATURAL NEIGHBORHOOD!!!!!
ONE LOVE, A WOMAN AU NATUREL AMBER!!!
Just a little FYI before getting started transitioning:
1. You now need to be gentle and precise with the care of your hair.
2. Your hair needs to be cleansed and moisturized on a schedule. It is recommended that you wash your hair at least 1x per week. Also moisturizing(wet/condition/oil) is key to do at least every 3-4 days.
3. CO-WASHING is an option to help seal in moisture. Definition of CO-WASH: is the process of rinsing the hair and using a conditioner to cleanse instead of shampoo.
4. Please remember to use WIDE TOOTH combs for DETANGLING, PADDLE BRUSHES w/ coated bristles used for scalp stimulation & removal of build up.
5. PLEASE remember to detangle your hair while WET to prevent extreme breakage.
6. When detangling remember to comb out your hair from the ENDS to your ROOTS.
7. Then style to your liking.
I hope this helps you understand the process and help you maintain healthy locs. WELCOME TO THE NATURAL NEIGHBORHOOD!!!!!
ONE LOVE, A WOMAN AU NATUREL AMBER!!!
Trying to figure out your CURL PATTERN #
I personally thin that my hair is a mix between 3c and 4a. It all depends on which section you look at in my head.
Monday, December 5, 2011
The RESULT, after the first steps.
WELL THIS IS THE FINAL RESULTS OF THE FULL STEP ONE:
I WOULD PREFER FOR MY HAIR TO BE A LOT SMOOTHER. I AM GOING TO BLAME THAT ON THE FACT THAT YOU CAN'T ADD ANY EXTRA PRODUCT TILL AFTER THE 48 HOURS HOLD. LOL!!
I WILL HAVE MORE PICTURES IN TWO DAYS WHEN I WASH AND RESTYLE. AND OH YES I WILL BE APPLYING SOME TYPING OF SMOOTHING SERUM. I HAVE SOME STUBBORN HAIR THE REQUIRES THE WEIGHT OF SOME TYPE OF SERUM OR OIL TO MAINTAIN A GOOD NATURAL WRAP.
THIS IS A PICTURE OF MY HAIR JUST FLAT IRONED AND WRAPPED WITHOUT DOING THIS KERATIN TREATMENT. SO HOPEFULLY THIS WILL HELP YOU UNDERSTAND WHAT I MEAN WHEN I SAY I MISS MY SMOOTH TAMED HAIR.
Okay here is the PROCESS
This was after I had colored my hair Dark Auburn.
I had washed my hair with the ORGANIX EVER STRAIGHT BRAZILIAN KERATIN THERAPY SHAMPOO and detangled it.
Okay I have TONS of curls and shrinkage.
I began spraying the ORGANIX EVER STRAIGHT BRAZILIAN KERATIN THERAPY 14 day treatment
80% dry hair and about to spray on the ORGANIX EVER STRAIGHT BRAZILIAN KERATIN THERAPY 14 day treatment.
This is my hair after spraying the ORGANIX EVER STRAIGHT BRAZILIAN KERATIN THERAPY 14 day treatment on those strands of hair.
The following three pictures are a visual of what my hair looked liked after applying the ORGANIX EVER STRAIGHT BRAZILIAN KERATIN THERAPY 14 day treatment.
The next PROCESS:
LET THE BLOW DRYING BEGIN!!
FINAL PICTURES IN THE NEXT POST!
14 day Brazilian Keratin Treatment
I am going to give my opinion first before I post pictures.
The process is quite tedious and a two day process.
QUICK DIRECTIONS: The directions tell you to wash your hair and don't condition it. Spray the product on you hair once it is 80% dry. Blow dry your hair till straight. The directions specifically say to flat iron your hair with a high heat of 450 degrees and to flat iron each section 7 times to seal in the product. Well I was not about to go buy a new flat iron that goes to 450 degrees, so I used mine. It went to 400 degrees (it is a REMINGTON ceramic flat iron from TARGET). It does not tell you to apply any extra products while styling. So NO serums, oil sheens, and hair sprays. IN 48 HOURS YOU SHOULD WASH YOUR HAIR AND RESTYLE. It is best to use the entire product line in order to get the best results. If not make sure to use a shampoo that is SODIUM AND SILFATE FREE.
Okay I do have to say my hair SUPER SOFT. I can't feel a coarse strand. My one complaint is that my hair is really BIG and FLUFFY. I am not a fan of FLUFFY hair. I don't mind big as long as it is tamed. We shall see what the next results look like in 48 hours.
The process is quite tedious and a two day process.
QUICK DIRECTIONS: The directions tell you to wash your hair and don't condition it. Spray the product on you hair once it is 80% dry. Blow dry your hair till straight. The directions specifically say to flat iron your hair with a high heat of 450 degrees and to flat iron each section 7 times to seal in the product. Well I was not about to go buy a new flat iron that goes to 450 degrees, so I used mine. It went to 400 degrees (it is a REMINGTON ceramic flat iron from TARGET). It does not tell you to apply any extra products while styling. So NO serums, oil sheens, and hair sprays. IN 48 HOURS YOU SHOULD WASH YOUR HAIR AND RESTYLE. It is best to use the entire product line in order to get the best results. If not make sure to use a shampoo that is SODIUM AND SILFATE FREE.
Okay I do have to say my hair SUPER SOFT. I can't feel a coarse strand. My one complaint is that my hair is really BIG and FLUFFY. I am not a fan of FLUFFY hair. I don't mind big as long as it is tamed. We shall see what the next results look like in 48 hours.
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