AfroTina

Gabby Douglas' Hair

2012-08-05T18:10:00.003-07:00

Hi fives, thumbs up, and a big round of applause for Gabby Douglas. What a shining moment for her and for what she represents; hard work, commitment, sacrifice, excellence and so much more.

She is the best gymnast in the 2012 Olympic Games.

She is the first black woman to achieve this honor. And what do we her fellow sisters have to say about it..... some embarrassing ridiculousness about her hair not being just right.

These two articles say it all...

Riley: Don't ruin Douglas' moment with pettiness about hair

In Defense of Gabby Douglas' Hair

Color Me Beautiful

2012-04-20T23:37:00.001-07:00

Color Me Beautiful by tinascott featuring Red Herring rings

H M top
$20 - hm.com

True Religion jeans
$245 - stylebop.com

Nine West shoes
£65 - kurtgeiger.com

Reed Krakoff tote bag
€860 - colette.fr

Necklace
$339 - shopzoeonline.com

Coralia Leets earrings
$193 - charmandchain.com

DKNY watch
£99 - houseoffraser.co.uk

Red Herring ring
£4.80 - debenhams.com

Theyskens theory belt
¥9,450 - mirabella.jp

The Row sunglasses
$390 - net-a-porter.com

Napoleon Perdis lip pencil
$20 - nordstrom.com

Mint Green Love Print Nursery Wall Art by Field Trip - contemporary -...
$18 - houzz.com

Fabulous Fro ❤ Jamyrlyn

2011-12-20T20:40:00.000-08:00

Today I used a blow dryer and blew out my friends natural hair. It was her first blow out since she cut off her dreadlocks 5 months ago. We are all big and bad until we are hit with the realization of our own natural hair.

She has been very supportive while I've walked out my hair journey but now it was time for me to hold her hand. She thought that because she had worn dreadlocks for 10 years this would be easy.

She kept saying things like "it looks nappy" "it looks unfinished" "it looks like it needs a comb" and then came the power phrase....."I just need to put my make up on. Then it will look right." All the while I am laughing and encouraging her. I could not be more empathetic. I said and did all the same things and more. I GET IT, truly I do.

And this is what I have learned...

No more self-hatred.

No more put downs.

Natural hair, while it may not be mainstream or widely accepted, is good enough. In fact, it is just right. So Stop it! Stop beating yourself up. And if you want to take your natural hair for a glam ride, do it, even if you don't have your make up on.

Jam, you are a fabulous fro!

THANKSGIVING

2011-11-24T11:32:00.001-08:00

Enter with the password THANK YOU, psalms 100.MSG.
Gratefulness gets us a lot further than grouchiness.

Have a grateful thanksgiving!

Protective Styles: Roll and Tuck

2011-11-16T20:19:00.001-08:00

I have been natural for 5 years now and have just learned the importance of protective styling. I have grown out my afro twice in 5 years because I always seem to do something to mess it up. I recently read a post by curly nikki that said "more hair, more problems" and that certainly has been true for me. But I think protective styling may be the missing link.

I usually have to suffer through protective styles but this one was very well recieved. And most importantly, I felt confident and beautiful wearing this style. It lasted for a week and weathered 4 sweaty workouts and nighttime. I wrapped a satin strip around the edges at night. Below is the link to the tutorial that I sent to my stylist to watch.

http://youtu.be/MSCBQ_RItFw

This is a cute protective style for little ones. This is my daughter Savanna and she has 3c hair.
Criss Cross Buns

Cheers to beautiful protective hair styles!

Smokey Chic

2011-09-29T17:28:00.001-07:00

Smokey Chic by tinascott featuring leather belts

Helmut Lang long sleeve sweater
$275 - lagarconne.com

Miss Selfridge black legging
£18 - missselfridge.com

Charles David black leather knee high boots
$237 - bluefly.com

Linea Pelle leather jewelry
$62 - lpcollection.com

TopShop chain necklace
$85 - topshop.com

Lola Rose sterling silver ring
£75 - liberty.co.uk

Silver earrings
$58 - nordstrom.com

Oasis stud earrings
£6 - oasis-stores.com

Nicole Miller leather belt
$130 - nicolemiller.com

An Anthem for our girls...

2011-02-02T17:19:00.000-08:00

Afro Champion

2011-01-08T20:01:00.000-08:00

Shortly after I had my daughter Stella my husband and I went on a lunch date. After being cooped up on bedrest for so long I had forgotten that my hair often times is a conversation starter. However I was quickly reminded that my hair and me are a team, it speaks and I answer and this particular day it shouted to our waitress. Because before I knew it, her hands were in my hair poking around: stunned at first and then flattered we immediately struck up a conversation.

Katie is a vivacious slim figured blonde who is fascinated with afro hair. If everyone were as quick to embrace diversity as she was we wouldn’t have half of the racial tension that we do in our world today. She began to tell me that one of her closest friends has kinky hair and how unique it is see to all the different styles she can wear with her hair.

Captivated by my new afro champion, I told her about my blog, asked to take a picture with her and if I could share our encounter on AfroTina. She was slightly camera shy because at the moment she was doing an experiment. She had recently seen a news report on a group of high school girls that were protesting makeup in an effort to re-connect with their inner-beauty. So inspired by their story, Katie decided to go a week without makeup or hair extensions. Isn’t that just how life usually works, she is bare faced with limp hair and here I come along asking to take her picture so I could put it up on the internet. We laughed at the irony and then in the spirit of “inner beauty” we both said cheese for the camera.

I admire Katie’s openness and acceptance of beauty that is different from her own and her eagerness jump in and express her approval. Today I encourage you to love your beauty and appreciate the variety of beauty around us.

Happy New Year✳

Merry Christmas from AfroTina☆

2010-12-24T23:45:00.000-08:00

I love that time stops during this holiday.

When we opened our XBOX just a few minutes ago and realized that we only had one controller. My husband and brother in-law immediately said to each other let's call Best Buy and go get another one. I was so happy to hear that the store was closed and had been closed since 5pm.

This is a time to relish in the company of your family and friends and breathe in the joy and laughter around you.

Merry Christmas from AfroTina

Photos by www.photomelatasha.com

News Reporter goes Natural

2010-11-28T16:06:00.000-08:00

This is liberating. Rochelle Ritchie has said “No More!” She did what was asked of her in order to advance her career (wear weaves) but now she is standing up for herself and owning her beauty and in turn is giving a voice to women and girls all across the country.

When I see vulnerability and leadership like this from one of my sisters it makes me proud to be a black woman.

Happy ThanksGiving from AfroTina

2010-11-25T09:11:00.000-08:00

Today is a day to smile. To be grateful. To eat lots and lots of turkey stuffing and apple pie.

For our National Holiday and day off from work, we have this lady to thank, Sarah Josepha Hale. Not only did she give us this day of smiles but she also gave us "Mary Had a Little Lamb".

Thank you Sarah H.

Find a reason to smile today. If you need a nudge to get started, let my Stella Joy's innocent smile be your inspiration.

Happy ThanksGiving Friends❖

Fabulous Fro Friday is Red Hot!!!

2010-11-12T09:06:00.000-08:00

This is a special edition of fab fro friday. Today we meet, the fearless Tasha♡. She is stepping across all sorts of barriers and is doing it with great love and style.

AT: Hi Tasha, tell us a little about yourself? What makes you tick?

TT: I am an outgoing 23 year old girl who is all about relationships and music. Keeping a busy social schedule and singing as much as possible are two of the key ingredients to my happiness.

AT: How did you end up in South Africa? And what do you love about living there?

TT: To make a long story short it was a total God thing. I was in my last term at SPU, I knew I wanted to live somewhere else for a while and when my dad mentioned something about the church in South Africa I jumped at it, threw the list away of other options and never looked back.

I love everything, the culture is completely different, and the people are the same yet offer a completely different passion to life. I think their experiences and rich history in terms of racial struggles have created a society that is unique, loving, and surprisingly accepting.

AT: How would you describe natural beauty?

TT: Being confident in your own skin. Loving what you see when you look in the mirror—loving and laughing go hand in hand, so that’s not to say sometimes you cant laugh when you look in the mirror, but ultimately loving it!

AT: How is that definition of natural beauty true in your life?

TT: I often look in the mirror and can't help but laugh, hectic freckles and red cheeks are funny!

AT: What inspires your overall style?

TT: My style has simplified A LOT since moving to South Africa. People don’t have as many clothes here and we wear the same thing frequently. The trick is to switch around the ensemble and then highlighting one favorite piece (like my favorite beaded sandals!).

AT: What are your most valuable qualities?

TT: Interesting question! I think my ability to adapt is one of my favorite qualities, being anywhere and happy, fitting in, loving all people and all walks of life. Those are all things I treasure and strive to improve upon.

AT: Tasha, talk to us about your glorious red hair, have you always loved having red hair?

TT: Aahhh the hair—its as much a part of my personality as it is my look. I am the outgoing person I am today because there hasn’t ever really been a day that goes by where it is not mentioned from grocery store clerks, to random street vendors. My hair forces me to talk to a lot of strangers! I guess we made each other, it made me outgoing and I embrace the loud statement it makes before I open my mouth.

AT: What motivated you to get your hair braided? Twisted?

TT: Well I have always done things people didn’t expect me to do (move to Africa being exhibit A) and I love seeing all the different ways my friends show up with their hair! It totally dramatically changes their look! I told Moses one day I was gonna braid it and he laughed at me and said, “NO your not!”. I just chuckled and then the following week (with the appointment made) mentioned it again and said it was gonnna happen…the following day my friend went to 11 different shops, found my hair piece (33a)… 5 pacts of hair and 12 hours later I had twists!

AT: How do you feel now having worn the hairstyle for several weeks? Do you love it, hate it, can’t live without it, glad you did it?

TT: I LOVE IT! It has been so much fun to do something different, change my look, and not to mention it is so easy!

AT: What sort of response do you get from those around you?

TT: I could and have thought about writing a book about all the responses I have been getting with these braids. It is almost amazing the wide range from glares and stares to complete amazement and awe. In general everyone loves them, or at least appreciates them for being a fun change. To be honest, the young black girls (specially my friends) LOVE the braids and don’t ever want me to take them out. They play with them, examine my scalp, and the caliber of job Matau did in actually twisting them.
Older black women ask why I did it and then smile and think I’m a strange little novelty. The white women are funny in general and the response has been the same from all ages: grossed out I don’t wash my hair, ask how long it took and then tell me how they could never sit that long, ask how long I will leave it in, where I got the RED extensions, and then they wrap up the conversation with something to the affect of, “your brave because I know you still have a headache from all that pulling”.

AT: What movie is guaranteed to make you laugh?

TT: Something New!

No surprise there that it is one of my favorites!

AT: If you were a superhero, what would be your superpower? And how would you change the world with it?

TT: Transport from one place to the next instantly! I don’t know if I would change the world but I would sure keep my family and boyfriend/new friends happy!

AT: How does the media influence your self-image?

TT: I don’t watch TV here at all so I have gone a full year without TV drama, radio, and pop culture on a daily level and that has changed me my quite a lot!

It is amazing how my self-image improved the moment I started hanging out predominately with big hipped, big booty, small wasted women and stopped seeing tiny girls on TV all the time! Media portrays one look and I certainly don’t like or want that look, its nice not to see it as often.

AT: What is your victory statement or positive self-talk? What allows you to rise above the inundation of negativity? What keeps your beauty pure on the inside?

TT: “My beauty and confidence rests in my ability to be truly me.” Confidence is one of my greatest assets and if I squander that in trying to be someone else I will certainly lose my beauty along the way.

AT: Is there anything else you would like to add?

TT: YES :) There is nothing as empowering as being encouraging to those around you! I have grown so much in acknowledging and sharing my thoughts in regards to other people’s beauty! I shine when I try to encourage my friends to shine! Bringing out other peoples beauty allows me to feel beautiful inside.

The Pretty Girl's Friend

2010-11-09T08:45:00.000-08:00

A few weeks back I was out with one of my BFF’s. She is a true friend and is also eye catching beautiful. She favors Paula Patton, Tyra Banks, Jessica Alba and or the Mowry twins. You know the look, the tall skinny Caramel Macchiato type.

She and I were out in the city together with our kids and I walked away for a moment to grab lunch and while I was gone an unkempt mister approached her and started talking. When I got back he acknowledged me but then turned to her and said, “Check it out.” As he left I asked her what that was about and she said, “He was asking me to be a part of his model in his agency.” We chuckled, because this guy was a mess, dirty clothes and missing teeth, and had no business asking anyone to be in a modeling agency let alone his modeling agency.

But here is the kicker --I’m thinking, well what am I? Too short? Too dark? Too nappy? A short Americano? But then thought, why do I care what this toothless man thinks?!?!

In years past this would have sent me into weeks of depression and extra time of negative self-talk, but not this time! This time I was merely annoyed for a few minutes.

But the truth still remains that our culture is obsessed with the caramel colored, bouncy haired, tall and slim look. Now, don’t throw tomatoes at me and yell ‘hater’ because, honestly I am not. I too agree, that this look is beautiful and I am proud to say that my girls will be one of these exalted women.

But I think we can all give a round of applause to these up and coming models Alek Wek and Ataui Deng for being trailblazers. They are paving rocky pot holed dirt roads for young girls to walk on from all over the world.

On a personal level, I am smiling. I am smiling about the roots of confidence that are growing deep in my soul. The kind of confidence that will not be shaken by someone saying, you are not as pretty as the girl standing next to you. That inner strength is more valuable than any physical attribute. That is the definition of strong self-esteem, secure in your beauty whether a societal standard validates it or not. That kind of security in oneself is priceless. That woman is fearless, confident and unstoppable. And in the end, the exalted one.

Fabulous Fro Friday: Karima Lawton

2010-10-29T07:53:00.000-07:00

Today we meet, lovely Karima. She says, she is done resisting the 'real her' and has embraced her natural hair for good.

AT: Tell us a little about yourself? What passion fills up your day to day life?

KL: I am a 33 year old single mother with a very active seven year old named Gracie who keeps me on my toes. I have a deep passion for the freedom of self expression, art and advocacy. I currently work in the fields of marketing, advertising, and community advocacy.

AT: How would you describe natural beauty?

KL: Good Question! Well, for me Natural Beauty consists of a combination of confidence, self motivation and an awareness of “who you are.”

AT: How has that definition of natural beauty true in your life?

KL: Now, I am truly empowered to fully express myself through my style and the way I communicate who I am to others.

AT: What inspires your overall style?

KL: When I was younger I was trendy. Currently, I keep it simple. My style is based on natural fabrics, flowing scarves, and cultural accessories.

AT: What do people say they love about you?

KL: My energy, smile, and joyful heart J

AT: If you were a superhero, what would be your superpower? And how would you change the world with it?

KL: I would be a miracle healer. I see so many people hurting from emotions such as anger or guilt and people with sickness and disease. Sometimes, I imagine what it would be like to take away the hurt and the pain instantly. That would leave people with more time to love one another and share the joy in each other’s lives.

AT: When and Why did you go natural with your hair?

KL: I have been natural three times in my life: when I was a child until age 12, for a four year period in my life from age 26 to 30 and I went back natural for good in March of 2009. Natural just works. Why resist, “The Real You?”

AT: What are your favorite hair products?

KL: Except for Sisterlock brand shampoo, I don’t use any products in my hair on a daily basis.

AT: What is your favorite hairstyle?

KL: Sisterlocks, right now. However, I do favor afros too. My daughter calls them “Halos.”

AT: What movie is guaranteed to make you laugh?

KL: Ooh, I have too many. I love to laugh. The one that sticks out is a classic, “Coming to America.”

AT: What do you love about wearing your hair natural? Greatest challenge?

KL: I love that it is versatile. My greatest challenge is keeping my hands out of it because it feels so soft.

AT: How does the media influence your self-image?

KL: They don’t really. I have learned to ignore the negative stuff. However I have found some positive outlets like your site and the official Sisterlock site.

AT: What is your victory statement or positive self-talk? What allows you to rise above inundation of negativity? What keeps your beauty pure on the inside?

KL: I have two favorite quotes right now: “The best way to predict your future is to create it” by Dr. Forrest Shaklee and “Be the change you want to see in the world” by Ghandi. Everyday these two statements remind me that my life is whatever I create it to be.

AT: Is there anything else you would like to add?

KL: I sincerely thank you for the interview. My little one love’s your site. Also, I am currently working on my own website which will be up and running by next month at TheRealYou.me. It will feature some of my art, writing, and services.

Sesame Street: I love my hair

2010-10-28T16:28:00.000-07:00

A white father's wish for his adopted ethiopian daughter....

Full Article

I hope that Mr. Mazzarino follows through with developing this character.

It is natural for young people to look around at their environment and ask the question, Where do I fit? Am I acceptable? And while a puppet on sesame street doesn't change the world, it certainly is a step toward acknowledging that all looks and cultures need to be celebrated and affirmed.

" I DECLARE. I LOVE MY HAIR... "

Baby Girl Do Rag

2010-10-14T11:37:00.000-07:00

My oldest girl just turned two years old last week. And over the summer her hair has taken off in growth and thickness. I have concluded that as long as I comb through it morning and night we avoid most of the blood, sweat and tears associated with her heralded curls.

Pictured to the right is my mom. She is a supermom and now is a supergrandmom.
Her braiding skills have always been useful and whenever she gets a moment she braids savanna’s hair and it lasts a few days. --- That means two to three days go by and all I do is a light mist of water and a few ringlets with my finger.... bliss

So this particular day she put 4 cornrows in Savanna's hair and she was GANGSTALICIOUS. The following day she had a party to attend and I was determined to keep the look overnight.

So I did what any overly caring mom would do.

I put a satin pillow case on her pillows and wrapped her hair in a do rag.

That's right, my sweet girl and this guy now have something in common.

Happy Birthday Savvy girl*

Fabulous Fro Friday: Liz and Jaya

2010-10-01T11:13:00.000-07:00

I am so happy to showcase Jaya and her equally beautiful Mom, Liz. This mother and daughter love each other and definitely have a grasp on what matters most*

AT: Hi Elizabeth and Jaya. Tell us a little about your family? And Jaya tell us what has been fun about your summer?

Liz: We are a crazy bunch! We love flea markets and thrift stores. We like to take things and make other things out of them. We would eat sushi everyday if we could. We love a good book and a good movie. We like any excuse to wear a costume. Holidays (all of them!) are our favorite! We really love naps...oh, wait, thats just me...

Jaya: Swimming and going to camp!

AT: Elizabeth, how would you describe natural beauty? And how do you

communicate that to Jaya?

Liz: It sounds cliche, but I think natural beauty shines in someone who is content and comfortable with themselves. I also thinks it really beautiful when someone expresses themselves outwardly in way that is different and unique.

I think as mother's it is important to remember that our children (especially our daughters) are watching and listening. I can tell Jaya she is beautiful all day long but if she hears me complain about my weight, my nose, my hair, my hips, my eyes, my lips...I think she would be much more likely to be discontent with those same things in herself.

AT: Jaya, what or who is beautiful to you? And why?

Jaya: My mom because she has pretty hair too (Liz: I swear I didn't pay her to say that.) and flowers because they can be lots of different colors.

AT: Liz, what inspired you to let Jaya’s hair be full and natural?

Liz: Obviously, I am kind of bias, but its amazing hair! It totally suites her. It is completely apart of her personal style and if personality could be defined by hair hers go hand in hand. Plus, if that was my hair thats how I would wear it. I am totally living vicariously through her.

AT: Jaya if you could be a Disney princess who would you be? Tell us what you love

about her.

Jaya: Princess Tiana, from he Princess and the Frog. She spends a lot of time in nature and I love her green dress!

AT: What are your favorite products to use on her hair?

Liz: Kinky Curly Curling Custard! Its amazing!!!! I can totally see a difference in her hair when we run out and use something else. Its very mousturizing! It hold her curls like nothing else! She can sleep on it and wake up and it still looks amazing! It also doesn't weigh it down at all...we totally live by "the bigger the better" when it comes to hair!

AT: I know with my daughter, combing through her hair can bring on some tears.

How do you comb through Jaya’s hair?

Liz: Well, we only comb it when its wet. I do small sections at time, working from the ends up to the roots. We deep condition it every other day and don't shampoo it. Also, I don't rinse the conditioner out all the way. As long as we comb through it every other day we don't have any problems. But if we miss a day crying can occur!

AT: Jaya, what is your favorite hairstyle?

Jaya: When I wear my hair down with a flower in it!

AT: What movie is guaranteed to make you laugh?

Jaya: Ramona and Beezus

AT: What do you love about wearing your hair natural? Greatest challenge?

Jaya: Its fun, bouncy, and its different!

Liz: I really don't think we have any challenges! She loves it. I guess my challenge is making sure it stays that way!

Fabulous Fro Friday: Krista Elle

2010-09-17T12:15:00.000-07:00

Today we get to visit with an inspiring young lady. I had

a big smile on my face after reading her words.

AT: Hi, tell us a little about yourself? What makes you tick?

KP: Well, I’m a lady from the South and I currently reside in Atlanta, Georgia. I’m an Early Childhood Education major and love the kids! I want to be an elementary school teacher, then go on to become a principal further into my education career.

But honestly, my Heavenly Father makes me tick. He gets me up everyday and gives me life. He’s made me unique and orchestrated my desires, passions, and loves. I love God, my life, my family, my friends, and everyday, I try to learn more and search for exposure to new experiences. My hunger for knowledge keeps me going.

AT: How would you describe natural beauty?

KP: We are all God’s creations! The way He made us without the manipulation of humanistic beauty enhancements, such as chemicals on our hair or skin, surgery, makeup, etc. is true natural beauty. Natural beauty is looking out my window and seeing the trees, flowers, birds, soil, the sun, the sky. God’s visions are natural beauty. We are His visions. God is beauty.

AT: How has that definition of natural beauty true in your life?

KP: Since becoming natural back in January of 2009, the beauty in the eye of this beholder has shifted! No longer do I see lighter skin complexions, long straight locks, light eye colors, and European features as the most beautiful of them all. Since I grew to understand what true beauty is, how to love my own beauty, and accept it exactly as it was made, my whole view on how I live and see life is different. I encourage any and every woman I know to become natural and love herself.

Being that I work with children, I also encourage and compliment little girls who have the tighter coils, the darker skin, and the shorter hair. I tell them that they are beautiful and encourage them to love themselves. Also, I encourage mothers of children who I care for to not chemically process their hair. I’m always advocating for the children who don’t have the “mixed” or “biracial” look. I want self-love to start from a young age.

AT: What inspires your style?

KP: My hair! And that might sound strange, but the freedom and boldness of my hair has started to manifest into my style. When I was relaxed, I was always very plain in my clothing choices, always going for the “safe” look. My look was always very flat, just like my hair. Now, I am a million times more confident! I’m much more adventurous. The look I’m rocking now is more vintage but still very classy. It’s fun! I’m not into brand names anymore, so I’m a huge thrift store fanatic now. I love finding interesting little boutiques to buy one-of-a-kind pieces now. Also, I love supporting my naturalista entrepreneurs! They have the best online stores for jewelry, clothing and fabulous accessories!

AT: What are your most valuable qualities?

KP: My confidence, my nurturing spirit, and my care and concern for others. I bend over backwards and go out of my way to help my friends and family. I have a big heart! I love people, even if I don’t know you. If I consider you my friend of family, you’re taken care of.

AT: If you were a superhero, what would be your superpower? And how would you change the world with it?

KP: My superpower would be to end all of this hatred! It might sound really hokey or corny, but I really hate hatred. People hating others because of them being different from themselves results in separation, turmoil, war, and ultimately, the taking of someone’s life. It is so unnecessary. If people would stop being so scared of others differences, learn from them, and just learn to love, then this world be a whole lot better off.

AT: When and Why did you go natural with your hair?

KP: I decided to go natural in November 2008, and did my big chop in January 2009. I kept seeing all of these beautiful women with this beautiful curly hair and I was intrigued and quite frankly, jealous! My best friend had decided to go natural the previous year, so I was getting encouraged by her to go natural. Back then, I was rocking a short pixie cut and I just got tired of the frequent relaxers and wasted money. My hair grows way too fast for all that maintenance! So, preparing myself mentally, I transitioned, gradually snipped off the relaxed ends for about 2 months. Then, I got tired of the “transition” and just cut the remaining relaxer off. I fell in love with my curls!

AT: What are your favorite hair products?

KP: Well, I use only a few products. I avoid any parabens, silicones, and sulfates in any products that I use. I use Avalon Organics shampoo and Aubrey Organics Shampoo and Conditioner. Then, I make my own styling and moisturizing products. I make a whipped shea butter mix, a smooth shea butter mix, and flaxseed gel that I got as recipes from one of my favorite YouTubers, Naptural85. Then, I got my moisturizing spritz recipe from another loved YouTuber, Seemyhealthyhair. Check out their YouTube channels for recipes, they are super easy!

AT: What is your favorite hairstyle?

KP: I LOVE braid-outs! They make my hair big, fluffy, and sexy! The bigger my hair, the better. Also, I love doing mini-braids on my hair. I leave them in for a week or two as a protective hairstyle, co-wash every 4-5 days, then take them out for a big, fabulous braid-out!

AT: What movie is guaranteed to make you laugh?

KP: “Kings of Comedy” is hilarious! It always makes me laugh, never gets old.

AT: What do you love about wearing your hair natural? Greatest challenge?

KP: I love that it has a personality. When you put a relaxer in your hair, you take away the funkiness, the fun, and the soul of your hair. I also love the volume of it! The bigger my hair is, the happier I am. I love humidity now! The biggest challenge is making sure to give it the time and love it needs to prevent from damaging it. I have to schedule my time every 7-10 days to ensure that I am able to go through my routine of cleansing, detangling, and deep conditioning my hair.

AT: How does the media influence your self-image?

KP: I relish it, actually! I actually see a lot of women in ads, on television, and models that are naturals with big, curly hair. But also, it makes me feel exotic, unique, and somewhat elite. I don’t mean to come across as arrogant, but seeing myself as not doing what’s popular, not trying to fit in, and being my own woman actually makes me hold my head up higher! It’s not that I feel as if I’m superior to other women, but I do like the feeling of being unique, or one-of-a-kind. I don’t like blending in. I get noticed a lot more being that I wear my hair natural, it’s interesting!

AT: What is your victory statement or positive self-talk? What allows you to rise above inundation of negativity. What keeps your beauty pure on the inside?

KP: Three words: I AM BEAUTIFUL!! I am what God intended when He made me and I choose to be what He made for me to be. How can you get any more inspirational than that? God is perfection, pure, and without flaw. He does not make mistakes, so he sure did not when He made me! That’s what keeps me my head up, my shoulders back, and a smile on my face!

AT: Is there anything else you would like to add?

KP: I want to encourage every woman out there, no matter your race or ethnicity, to love who God created you to be. You are beautiful and absolutely perfect in your most natural form. Don’t allow anyone to steal that from you or tell you otherwise, it is the truth! Be who you are, embrace the differences of yourself and others, and know that diversity is beautiful. Peace, love, and much blessings to all of my sisters!

If you are interested in being featured as a fabulous fro woman simply send me an email tinascott@me.com

Joyful Star

2010-09-13T13:54:00.000-07:00

Early on we agreed that we would not find out the sex of our baby. So we did everything for both boy and girl: room décor, few days of clothes, and of course two names. The boy name we were solid on but the girl name we waivered on for months. The name I wanted is timeless and classy, STELLA. The name my husband wanted is cute and popular, SIERRA. Until now we had never had a problem agreeing on a name but this time it wasn’t coming so easy. For whatever reason he pictured a Stella as a untamed haired bag lady wearing mismatched clothes.

One night a friend came over who is a fan of the name Stella and gave him a new vision, a vision I was unable to communicate. I think it had something to do with a Stella looking more like Zoe Saldana rather than a bag lady....hmmm. And within moments he caught it and fell in love and wanted nothing else but his little girl to be named STELLA JOY. I was thrilled! Thank you Miss Saldana.

From that moment on I was convinced we were having a girl. And Stella Joy would be her given name, meaning ‘Star’… ...

Joyful Star.

I tell you this story because it came as a shock to me when she popped out that I second guessed her name. She was so little and slim, 6lbs 10oz, and it just seemed like I should name her muffin or pumpkin. Stella seemed like such a big name, as if I were naming her Barbara Bush. So I called my husband over to the bedside and confirmed our choice of Stella. Thankfully he didn't waiver. Because, while she looked like muffin at the moment, in 10 years she may be slightly embarrassed to introduce herself as muffin ... but my friends call me muffy.

Welcome to the world Stella Joy*

Tyson and Paul Frank go to school

2010-09-09T18:39:00.000-07:00

My 4yr old boy started pre-school this year and for any controlling loving mom this is a big day. No longer are you the soul authority and one and only in your child’s life, now you are sharing your pedestal with a teacher. I was very much looking forward to getting school supplies and clothes ready for his big day. As I have mentioned before, I have been on bedrest for 4 months and I think I overbuilt this event in my and Tyson’s mind. With that being said, the backpack shopping day arrived and I was on my feet and ready.

Now usually when we shop for something of this nature the “no cartoon character policy” is in effect. But sadly I forgot to mention it this time.

So he and my husband reach the backpack station before me and by the time I waddle over, my son is running to me with his choice securely fastened to his back… and yep you guessed it, it is an over the top bling bling shiny plasticy gaudy batman back pack. With hopeful pride in his eyes and glee in his voice he says “Mom! This is it. I found it.” As I attempt to match his excitement I am thinking… how am I going to get out of this one? As I began to pull out other options, my son is kindly accommodating me but is sticking to his initial choice. 5, 10, then 20 minutes go by as I try to negotiate with him.

Now....

I know, a 1/3 of you moms understand me and the other 2/3 of you are saying, “really, Tina. It is just a back pack, let it go, he is 4yrs.” I also had this thought but embarrassingly I couldn’t let it go. So finally I tried to pull Mommy rank and say “Tyson we are getting mom’s choice,” which is this fashionable Paul Frank design. As the tears started to swell in his eyes I sensed I had pushed this too far and that if he didn’t own the decision of the Paul Frank pack it could potentially be a lifelong emotional scar. So I compromised and walked away from the backpack station with both bags. Resolute that by the time we reached checkout an opportunity for me to sway him would present itself.

As we finished up our shopping, every time we passed a Paul Frank item I would say “Look Ty isn’t that cool” and he would say “ya!” At the last moment we passed a rack of Paul Frank shirts and he said, “Mom, those shirts are cool!” I said, “if you get the Paul Frank backpack you can get two of these shirts.” He said, “Cool.” He picked his shirts and said, “this is cool mom, my shirts match my backpack” and took the batman pack out of the cart.

Mission accomplished.

He was happy, I was happy.

For the 1/3 of you moms out there who understand me I found this website while I was researching for this entry www.coolmompicks.com and for the other 2/3 who don’t, would you please send me a dose of your chill out pills.

.....and then there were 5

2010-09-02T19:23:00.000-07:00

Our home is buzzing with excitement as we welcome our 3rd child. Stella Joy arrived Tuesday at 3:00pm. 6lbs 10oz. I apologize for the lack of posting as wet diaper and nursing schedules have taken over my mind. Please stay tuned, I look forward to getting back in the groove shortly.... More fabulous fro's and relevant family posts to come. In the meantime, here are a few pictures from the Maternity photo shoot I had two days before Stella's Birth Day.

This swing went up in our back yard at the beginning of summer.... every dayI looked out our window and thought "I will do that" and.... I did!

After the swing... I needed a little help up the hill

... and then there were 5. More on baby Stella soon

Fabulous Fro Friday: Ernessa T. Carter

2010-08-27T11:54:00.000-07:00

Please welcome the beautiful and witty Ernessa Carter to AfroTina. She is a wife, mother, blogger and author. I hope you enjoy her interview.

AT: Hi, tell us a little about yourself? What makes you tick?

EC: Oh, I’m SO bad at the “tell us a little bit about yourself” question. So I’ll just say I fell in love with writing when I was seven years old, and that love of story has guided my path ever since

AT: How would you describe natural beauty?

EC: I think it’s making the choice to dictate your own terms of what is beautiful.

AT: How has that definition of natural beauty true in your life?

EC: At one point I just kind of decided I was gorgeous. That’s been the gift of my 30s. Someone could come up right now and try to tell me otherwise and I’d be like, “No, you’re wrong. And moreover, you’re an idiot if you can’t see it.”

AT: What inspires your style?

EC: I don’t have a very specific style. I grew up with Madonna and so I try to change up my look yearly. I rocked glasses and sweater vests last Fall, and right now I’m transitioning into yet another look – something really simple and funky.

AT: What are your most valuable qualities?

EC: I think everything is funny. Even the things that aren’t funny. That comes in handier than one would suspect. Also, I’m in head-over-heels love with the human race.

AT: If you were a superhero, what would be your superpower? And how would you change the world with it?

EC: I think like every other mom out there, I really would just adore the ability to multiply. I don’t know if that would change the world, but it would certainly help with my to do list.

AT: When and Why did you go natural with your hair?

EC: I went natural when I was 17. Basically because I was both political and lazy. I wrote all about it here CurlyNikki and here BGLHonline

AT: What are your favorite hair products?

EC: If Oyin Handmade ever goes public, I’m going to be the first to buy stock. I use their Whipped Shea Butter, Shine & Define, Brown Sugar Pomade, AND their Whipped Pudding. They seriously need to like put me on a poster or something, b/c I represent.

AT: What is your favorite hairstyle?

EC: I love putting in four cornrows at night along with some whipped pudding and Shine and Define and Aloe Vera Gel. It takes 15 minutes and your hair looks awesome when you take them out.

AT: What movie is guaranteed to make you laugh?

EC: I don’t rewatch movies. But back when I did, UNDERCOVER BROTHER was my go-to.

AT: What do you love about wearing your hair natural? Greatest challenge?

EC: I love the versatility of natural hair and how the growing out process MAKES you change. Just when I get settled on one style, my hair kind of outgrows it. I love that. I find nothing challenging about being natural.

AT: How does the media influence your self-image?

EC: Rather positively. It feels like there are a lot of natural women in commercials these days. But even when there weren’t, that was cool. I like being different.

AT: What is your victory statement or positive self-talk? What allows you to rise above inundation of negativity. What keeps your beauty pure on the inside?

EC: There’s a line from “The World Should Revolve Around Me,” this fantastic Little Jackie song and it goes, “There’s only one me in the galaxy.” And then there’s another line: “Ain’t nothing gonna come between me and my Afro.” I absolutely live those two lines.

AT: Is there anything else you would like to add?

EC: Thanks so much for the fabulous hair talk. Do come visit me at my book blog, 32Candles.com or at my community blog, Fierce and Nerdy.

17 Life Lessons from 17 weeks of Bedrest

2010-08-25T15:23:00.000-07:00

17 weeks of bedrest complete! I get asked all the time “how did you do that?” usually followed up with “I could never do that.” There are many answers to this question. And some of the answers have been found here in this series. But in a nutshell, I had to remember that what I was saying YES to was much more important than what I was saying NO to. A healthy baby vs. carrying on with play dates all summer was just not an equal match. And I think many of you would surprise yourself if you were presented with the same option. Keep your life for the next 4+ months or keep your baby? Baby says “pick me, pick me, MOM.” And that is what I did and most likely what you would do too*

Along the way I learned these 17 life lessons here are the last 5.

Hopefully this time next week, I am holding my new baby…

13. Be mindful of your priorities and don’t let the demands of life turn them upside down.

14. Be religiously committed to what brings you peace(prayer, reading, exercise, journaling) If mama is happy then hubby and kiddos have a chance at being happy. Cliche, but true.

15. Listen to your body and your spirit when it is telling you to slow down. Don’t let circumstance knock you off your feet and force you to bring balance to your life.

16. When circumstances are tough seek for personal growth. Don’t be in such a hurry to be done with it and move on. Look for the lesson to be learned, learn it and then stand on top of it and live it.

17. Showering everyday is overrated!!!

He thinks your hair is SEXY

2010-08-24T09:55:00.000-07:00

10 Beauty Moves Guys Find Sexy

We asked, they spilled. Real guys dish about what they find sexiest in their mates. We bet some of their turn-ons surprise you!

When You Toss the Hair Dryer

Photo: Ben Goldstein/Studio D

"Amy refuses to leave the house without stick-straight hair," says Steve, 23, of his naturally curly-haired girlfriend. "It's ridiculous! Every day, she spends hours in the bathroom using that straightener thing. I wish she'd leave it curly, at least a few days a week."

We're pretty sure that the "straightener thing" Steve was referring to is a flatiron, and we're even more sure that he's echoing the sentiment of many more guys out there: We like your hair just the way it is!

"This one's spent hundreds, no, thousands, of dollars on relaxers, extensions, perms, and color jobs over the years," says Clement, 45, of his wife, Cherie. "You name it, she's tried it. But eventually, she came to realize what I'd known all along: that she was blessed with beautiful hair naturally."

"Her hair was, honest to God, bright yellow," says Jason, 42, of a bad dye his wife had a few years ago. "I mean, it really looked terrible — like a highlighter. After that, she stopped coloring her hair, and I think she's never looked better."

"[My girlfriend] Danielle's got really thick hair," says Steve, 30. "She's probably in the bathroom about two hours every day, just working on her hair. Which is fine, except she thinks it only takes her about 30 minutes, so when we're running late for something and she says 'Oh, I'm just going to hop in the shower and do my hair real quick,' it's frustrating. Every hair does not have to be perfect, woman!"

I love that there are men out there who think this way! I also love that girls with curly to kinky hair textures can do so many different looks with her hair; flat iron, extensions, weaves, luscious curls, and afro kinks. Let’s remember that our natural look is equally as beautiful as the sleek straight and is appreciated by good men.

Fabulous Fro Friday: Olivia Wells

2010-08-20T09:31:00.000-07:00

Today AfroTina talks with 13yr. old Olivia. She is a fun and spunky young woman who has fantasies of giving the human race a dose of common sense. Hope you enjoy.

xoxo
Tina

AT: How would you describe natural beauty?

OW: Natural beauty to me is being able to dress and be yourself regardless of how others look at you or act toward you. Understanding that you are who you are and being happy with your self. Once you manage that beauty will flow from you heart out into the world.

AT: How has that definition of natural beauty true in your life?

OW: As I look at all these other "teens" doing their own thing, which is really just what the person next to them is doing, I am able to shed light to their sheltered mines. Being true to myself and staying happy no matter what comes my way puts me in a position to be the example for everyone who is struggling to "keep up with the Jones's." My ability to do this only makes me more naturally beautiful.

AT: What inspires your style?

OW: My style honestly comes from whatever mood I’m in whether that’s lazy or summeryish I go with my flow. Even if what I feel isn’t in style I still try to keep it pretty original.

AT: What are your most valuable qualities?

OW: I would have to say my ability to interact with people. I am outgoing which allows me to make friends easily. Plus I’m a natural born leader I break it down for everybody stuck in their shell. Most of the time people are watching how people do their thang, so I gotta step up and show them how it's done.

AT: If you were a superhero, what would be your superpower? And how would you change the world with it?

OW: Out of all the possibilities I would have to say COMMON SENSE. Because for whatever reason people don’t use it. See it would go a little something like this; a person would have an issue and when they needed an answer they would simply call out “Lady O”. Then I would swoop in like nothing, listen to the situation and with the snap of my fingers relieve them of stupidity... SIMPLE!

AT: When and Why did you go natural with your hair?

OW: Actually natural was never really my thing. I had long nice naturally curly hair but for what ever reason I put a relaxer in it and me being a mixed bread and all the chemicals really messed me up big time. That was about 2 years ago and my hair is still recovering so natural was a away of nurturing my hair back to heath. As it grew back I started to look in the mirror more and more and I realized that; HEY! I look good. So I've stuck with it ever since and I love it.

AT: What are your favorite hair products?

OW: I’m absolutely in love with Ecco Styling Gel which is oil based for my side burns, Blue Magic for my braids, and of course Treseme's Flawless Curls shampoo and conditioner for my natural fro. They are totally my HBF’s! (hair’s best friends)

AT: What is your favorite hairstyle?

OW: My number one fav has to be the MOHAWK on the real, I look swaged out and plus I get a lot of props. Usually it's twisted up into the hawk with a little Treseme moose for those super swirl curls and every blue moon I’ll have it braided that is what I call my boneified rockstar look.

AT: What do you love about wearing your hair natural? Greatest challenge?

OW: I love how my blonde is faded in to my little swirlies and how my hair basically matches my sweet mocha skin tone. The style is a killer because sleeping with a fro is no joke I don’t wrap it or band it, I sleep with it which I do pay for in the morning but its not that bad just spray and flip and I’m good to go.

AT: How does the media influence your self-image?

OW: Just like all the other hatters in the world the media is the same. As a young teen we get fed this horrible crap about dropping school and getting into the fast life. Since we mostly relate to fashion that’s where the media steps in, placing advertisements about hair and clothes and jewelry and shoes that makes our teens go crazy. Of course we want to rock the "new, new," so we flow with the examples we see causing lots of kids to follow everything and everybody.

However if we rise up and be who we are and not be a target then we can maintain a respectable image not for the public but for ourselves. I guess what I’m saying is I don’t let the latest fads and the hottest styles affect who I am as Olivia, sure I see them and I want it all who doesn’t, but I make sure what I choose to view on the media doesn’t dictate me as a person or my actions as a teen trying to make it in the big city!

AT: What is your victory statement or montra: what allows you to rise above inundation of negativity. What keeps your beauty pure on the inside?

OW: My all time thing is this " you gotta ‘DO YOU’ regardless and without destroying everything around you. Tell the hatters along the way to fallback. Stay focused, life is no joke and its to short to waste on drama with everybody trying to break you down. Stand up and keep on trucking!" That’s like my little pep talk for my friends and it's the truth. Believe in yourself and hang on to those words and you can go far and accomplish great things.

AT: Is there anything else you would like to add?

OW: For all my sisters nationwide doing their thang keep on work'N it ladies!