Love Your Naps

Fab Twisted Cinnabuns with Cornrows

noreply@blogger.com (Cj Harris) — Fri, 24 May 2013 15:20:00 +0000

Protective. Fab. Fly. Dope. Fierce. EVERYTHING!

Do you like this look? Tell us about it in the comments below.

Disclaimer: Love Your Naps does not claim any ownership of this image. If your feel your rights have been infringed upon or you would like an image credit or link to your website please let us know by emailing loveyournaps@gmail.com.

Receive updates straight to your inbox!

Join Our Facebook Community:

Super Sexy Coiled Mohawk

noreply@blogger.com (Cj Harris) — Sat, 27 Apr 2013 15:36:00 +0000

If you have short to medium length natural hair this is the perfect style for you. The sides of the hair are flat-twisted up into a very small curved pattern. The top and back are finger-coiled. You could alternate this look with comb twists or mini two-strand twists. This is not really a DIY style unless you have a few hours to spare, and are extremely patient. This is definitely a must try.
Do you like this look? Tell us about it in the comments below.

Receive updates straight to your inbox!

Join Our Facebook Community:

EDEN BodyWorks Launches New Coconut Shea Collection with "Style"

noreply@blogger.com (Cj Harris) — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 12:30:00 +0000

Alecia Tucker answers the ladies most pressing hair questions.

To celebrate the launch of the new Coconut Shea collection, EDEN BodyWorks has hosted a series of events entitled “Style with EDEN.” Infused with pure coconut oil and shea butter, the Coconut Shea product line, promises to change the way you manage your hair. I had the pleasure of attending the event along with many other style mavens in the Chicago area. The event was held at the hip, south loop venue, City Point Loft. A major highlight of the evening was the panel discussion, a fusion if you will, of hair and fashion.

The panelist included Chicago favorites: Aramide "Dee Dee" Esubi of The Sassy Peach, Alecia Tucker aka "Afros N' Baby Hair" of Thrive Beauty Bar (Salon) and Autumn Merritt of Sir and Madame Boutique with hair and clothing models Tanikia Thompson of Nikki in the City and Rachel Odem of Rachel O. Beauty. I was so inspired by the passion with the panelist shared their wisdom. Alecia Tucker gave us a breakdown of how she used each product to style models' hair. Armed with new knowledge, I can't wait to share my own experience and results of the new product line with you.

Here are some more photo highlights of the evening. Enjoy!

Stepping out with style

Ylorie Anderson, our host for the evening

Renae Bluitt of In her Shoes Blog, Ylorie Anderson, Aramide Esubi of The Sassy Peach,
Autumn Merritt of Sir and Madame.
Photo credit Chuckstr Photography

SWAG!! Each attendee received a full-size product to try.
(In case you are wondering...that's my hand on the right...lol)
Photo credit: Chuckstr Photography

Hair models Tanikia Thompson and Rachel Odem, Clothing styled by Autumn Merrit
and hair Alecia Tucker

Can we get an 'Amen' for the shoes!?

About the Collection

Pudding Soufflé: A lightweight soft hold styling formula perfect for setting, twisting and
defining hair. Great for elongating and stretching curls. SRP: $8.99 (16 oz.)

Leave-In Conditioner: A creamy detangler used to soften hair and improve manageability. This sulfate-free formula is safe for color-treated, chemically treated, curly, or straight hair. SRP: $8.99 (8 oz.)

Co-Wash: A no-suds, moisture-rich, sulfate-free cleansing conditioner that leaves hair silky, soft, and frizz-free while removing build up. Ideal for those seeking daily hydration without the concern of drying hair out from excessive shampooing. SRP: $8.99 (16 oz.)

Curl Crème: Eliminating curl shrinkage and fly aways, this humidity-resistant formulation refines and separates curls and waves while providing maximum hold. SRP: $8.99 (16 oz.)

Edge Gel: Smooth and tame hairline edges with an emollient rich, frizz-fighting
formulation that eliminates unruly tresses. SRP: $8.99 (6 oz.)

Wicked Single Flat-twist Spiral Style

noreply@blogger.com (Cj Harris) — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 22:24:00 +0000

Well, shut yo' mouth honey! This single flat-twist style is fierce! (It's actually two single flat twists going around her head.) This is one of my favorite go-to styles when I have unruly hair or an old twist out and I want a pulled together look. I've never seen it spiral in back like the young lady has it here. Would love to meet her! Great style. Definitely a must try.
Do you like this look? Tell us about it in the comments below.

Receive updates straight to your inbox!

Join Our Facebook Community:

Open Your Gifts! With Kim Coles

noreply@blogger.com (Cj Harris) — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 18:48:00 +0000

I had the pleasure of meeting Kim Coles at the 2013 Black Women’s Expo in Chicago. If you don’t know Kim Coles, you must have been living under a rock for the past two decades. She is an actress and comedian who starred on the hit 90s African-American sitcom, Living Single for five seasons. And now, you can find that show in syndication all hours of the day and night. What I really enjoyed about Ms. Coles’ presentation was that she was so open. She gave us a bit of her life story and how she, after leaving that show, hit sort of a low place. Perhaps “low place” is not the right phrase. Maybe we say, she hit a place where she had to redefine and rediscover who she was. Kim took us down memory lane on her journey to self-discovery. She took us through some of the highs and lows of her life and shared how she overcame them. She had us laughing the entire time (even on the sad parts).
Kim’s new mantra is “open the gifts.”

“Open the gift that is inside of you, so that you can share it with the world. Each one of us is a gift and each one of us has a gift. What if the world is waiting for you to open your gifts and share?”

Her gift, she shares, is love and laughter.

GIFTS, is also an acronym which stands for: G=Gratitude, I=Intention, F=Forgiveness, T=Triumph, S=Self-love.

After presentation, she asked members of the audience to raise their hand and share what they feel their gift to world is and a takeaway from the talk. Well, I found myself entertaining fear, wondering, “What’s my gift? Should I raise my hand?” Then a friend sitting next to me nudged my arm and whispered, “You should talk about your blog…” Then it clicked, “Oh, yeah! I do have this really cool blog, called Love Your Naps. And, yes I believe my gift is encouraging and supporting others while sharing my gift of creativity.” Of course, by the time I “got it” it was too late and Kim had already moved on to her closing. I didn't feel bad about it. My blog is one of the platforms through which I share my gifts with the world, and for that I am thankful.

Posing with the Traveling Naturalista Meetup Group

This experience left me thinking about the “T” in GIFTS, and that is “Triumph.” Kim’s concept of triumph is that we need to celebrate ourselves. Once we identify the “gifts,” celebrate them! Celebrate yourself and your achievements no matter how big or small. Let the world know how awesome you are. Many times we dull our shine because other folks aren’t shining or we are afraid people will think we are arrogant. When we dull our shine, we are actually doing a disservice to ourselves and to others who may need what we have to offer.

I made a pact with myself a while back to bring all of myself to the table and to not hold anything back. I heard Marie Forleo say, “Courage is a muscle and you build it by doing something you are afraid of.” One thing I’ve learned about fear is that it’s stubborn and it usually doesn’t leave. However, you have the power to choose not to entertain and engage with it. The more you focus on your fear, the more power it gains over you.

Thank you Kim Coles for sharing your gift of laughter and love! Be sure to check out her new book, Gratitude Journal.

Please, share with us, what did you takeway from this post? What is your gift and how do you plan to share it with the world?

Workday Low-Maintentance, Low-Manipulation Hair: Side Twistout Updo

noreply@blogger.com (Cj Harris) — Thu, 14 Mar 2013 17:54:00 +0000

Spending all day on my hair? Ain't nobody got time for that!!

I know some girls spend a lot of time detangling and smoothing out their kinks. The number thing I don't worry about is texture. First-day twistout hair for me is always the kinkiest with hardly any length. As I retwist throughout the week the hair will continue to stretch and become less kinky over time. I'm big fan of just learning to work with your texture. This style was achieved after I washed and conditioned it. Part of my detangling process is to put my hair medium to large twists. I left the back in twists and flat-twisted then up and pinned then down at the top with a bobby pin. I only took down the twists in front and swept the hair up and over to the side (my signature move...lol) and secured it with a hair pin.

Day 2
That night, I moisturized and retwisted with moisture cream. The next day, instead of wearing my hair out, I left the twists in the back pinned up. Then I retwisted the twists in front and secured then with a bobby pin over to the side. Any stray pieces were tucked in.

My hair is so kinky, people often think I have locs...lol (Love my naps...)

Easy breezy style. I think I will moisturize the back and retwist and keep the back twists pinned up and just continue to wear it out or twisted in the front until time for my next wash.

What do you think? Tell us about it in the comments below.

Receive updates straight to your inbox!

Join Our Facebook Community:

Fly Natural Hair: Simple, Chic TWA Headband

noreply@blogger.com (Cj Harris) — Fri, 15 Feb 2013 18:40:00 +0000

Short hair doesn't have to be boring. This beaded head band is the perfect accessory to add a little flirty pazzaz to your natural look. The model in this pic really lets her natural beauty shine with minimal makeup. Her curls are finger-defined with product. This look can be achieved using a twist defining cream or a gel, water and oil mix. Her earrings and necklace provide a feminine and sultry touch. She is killing this TWA!

Do you love this look? Tell us about it in the comments below.

Receive updates straight to your inbox!

Join Our Facebook Community:

Fly Natural Hair Daily: Side Twist + Roll up Protective Style

noreply@blogger.com (Cj Harris) — Sat, 02 Feb 2013 15:06:00 +0000

I'm so impressed with the way our sisters create inventive ways of styling that are both chic and practical. This is one that I would do after a fresh blowout or with an old twist-out. The hair is parted and slicked back on one side. The other side is beautifully smoothed down into a loose flat twist that hangs down over her face and swings around to the back. The hair is then gathered in the back, rolled and pinned up into a bun. This a great DIY, protective style. All the end are tucked away nicely. Way to go!

Don't miss a post:

Join Our Facebook Community:

Vintage Black Swag: 1969 Noxzema Ad

noreply@blogger.com (Cj Harris) — Fri, 01 Feb 2013 17:36:00 +0000

Hey guys! We're kicking off Black History Month with a little swag. Check in with us for more beautiful photos celebrating Black beauty.

People of African decent are known for having beautiful skin. This Noxzema ad appeared in 1969 in Ebony Magazine. It displays the beauty and diversity of African-American women. The ad reads, "If the girls with the most beautiful skin in the world wash with noxzema…why shouldn't you?” This ad is advertising gold in the clever use of the genetic makeup of African-Americans to tell their message. Having grown up in the 50's and 60's this is probably one of the reasons my mother never wore anything on her face but Noxzema all her life. She barely had any wrinkles in her face or gray hair for the matter as she aged. Timeless Black beauty.

On the Scene at The Beauty Exchange with Celebrity Makeup Artist Reggie Wells

noreply@blogger.com (Cj Harris) — Tue, 29 Jan 2013 14:20:00 +0000

Angela Lee, Founder Makeup and Martinis Chicago

Outstanding! If I only had one word to describe to the events hosted by Makeup and Martinis Chicago, that would be it. Founder, Angela Lee always puts her best foot forward and strives to create an experience that will be inspiring, uplifting and make you feel like number one. The December 2012 Beauty Exchange networking event was held at the Renaissance Chicago Downtown Hotel. It featured an exclusive panel of experts in beauty, hair, fashion, finance, fitness and life coaching. Everyone knows it takes a team to create your best self. Attendees had the opportunity to ask questions, mingle, sip martinis and network. Radio personality, Bionce Foxx was on hand to keep things moving along as MC. Yes, it was a night to remember. And, the guest speaker of the night, Oprah’s former makeup artist of 21 years, Mr. Reggie Wells did not disappoint.

The thing I love most about Reggie Wells is that you feel his genuineness from the moment he greets you. His motivation is always to inspire, teach and make you laugh while doing it. Even when he’s cracking a joke, he’s teaching at the same time. Mr. Wells shared that what it takes to be successful is 50% talent and 50% personality. You can have talent, but personality will get you in the door. He also reiterated our responsibility to this next generation of young people. You think that you are just coming to get beauty tips, but instead you get whole lot more. What an experience.

Additionally, the panelist included: Celebrity Makeup Artist Deida Massey, hairstylist and Creator of Genesis Hair Care Tajuana Hughes, Clothing Designer Laurie Underwood for Wanda Grace, Life Coach Audrey Woodley of Changing Oasis, Inc, Financial Expert Andre Senegal and Personal Trainer and owner of 1 on1 Health Fitness, Michael Harris. I'm so glad I was able to come out to support my dear friend Angela Lee. I’m not just singing her praises because she happens to be family as well. The event speaks for itself. I met a lot of great people and I look forward to seeing more fabulous events from Makeup and Martinis Chicago.

Here are some moments from the event. See more on the Love Your Naps Facebook page.

Zaneta Searles, Creator of Life Organics Products

Bionce Foxx doing her thing. :)

Mr. Wells himself. :)

Andre Senegal and Tajuana Hughes

Deida Massey

Tanikia Thompson of Nikki in the City

On the Scene at the Holiday Beauty Bazaar with Rachel O + Essence Photo Feature

noreply@blogger.com (Cj Harris) — Mon, 28 Jan 2013 15:00:00 +0000

As founder of Rachel O Beauty and Chicago Natural Beauty Meetup (one of the largest meetup groups in Chicago), Rachel O knows how to give you a show, packed full of fun, style and knowledge. At the December 2012 show, there was a natural hair fashion show featuring fabulous local designers and boutiques, hair-styling demos and a panel discussion with natural hair experts. This show was particularly special because it was held on World AIDS Day. AIDS is a growing epidemic amongst women of color. Part of the proceeds went to benefit the Chicago Women’s AIDS Project. It’s always an empowering experience to be in a room of natural sisters, and women entrepreneurs.

In fact, women empowerment was at the heart of this event. Essence Magazine was on hand covering the event and taking pictures of all the beautiful naturalistas for their Chi-TownNaturals gallery. I am honored to have been included in the round up. I am so happy that I was able to attend to support my friend Rachel in her endeavors.

Photo credit: Essence Magazine

Check out some pics I captured below. See more on the Love Your Naps Facebook page

Fly Natural Hair Daily: Cute Curly Cut

noreply@blogger.com (Cj Harris) — Thu, 24 Jan 2013 14:00:00 +0000

For all my curly sisters, this is an excellent way to put some sass back into your style. On top the curls are left long and defined. The sides are faded and tapered. This style could be adapted to kinky hair too with a twist-out or coil-out on top and the sides faded. This short style is classy and super low maintenance. Are you afraid of a cut? Would you rock this style?

Don't miss a post:

Join Our Facebook Community:

Save your hair! Tips on sealing your ends

noreply@blogger.com (Cj Harris) — Wed, 23 Jan 2013 14:14:00 +0000

Our ends are the most fragile part of our hair. They are the very reason so many African-American women experience breakage and tend to have shorter hair. This does not have to be the case. We can do this! Aside from the need to be gentle with our hair to retain length, we must also properly seal our ends. Since the moisture from our scalp has a hard time getting past all our coils and curls, our ends dry out really fast. To seal your ends mean to "lock" in moisture to your strands using oil or butter. Here's my technique. Of, course you can make adjustments based on your hair type.

Water
First, to seal your ends you need to start with wet hair. Our hair needs lots of moisture so that it will not dry out and become brittle. It's a good habit to practice sealing your ends after washing or as needed to control dryness. Be sure to towel blot the excess water. If the hair is too wet the products we apply will slip off. Also be sure to re-wet the hair with a spray bottle of water as the hair begins to dry out during the sealing process.

Water-based moisturizer
After adding water, you will want to use a water-based moisturizer or conditioner that lists water as the first ingredient and contains no petroleum, lanolin or mineral oil. During this process, I also like to detangle my hair with my fingers by gently running my fingers through my hair to pull the hair apart and loosen tangles. Then, I take one small section at a time and coat it with the moisturizer from root to end.

Oil
For your oil, try olive oil, grapeseed oil or shea butter. Some recommend coconut oil to seal ends, but I find it to be too light for this process (not enough slip + absorbs too much into the hair). Apply a small amount of oil to each small section from root to end. Add a little extra oil to your fingertips and pinch and smooth down the ends. If you find unruly spit ends, trim them. Sealing will not save them.

I like to twist each section as I seals my ends because I find it easier to manage my hair in twists. For those with shorter hair, you may find twisting to be unnecessary. I find it helpful to place my hair in a protective style after sealing. This way, you give your ends some rest from styling.

Your turn:
Do you seal you ends? How often? What products do you find most useful?

Don't miss a post:

Join Our Facebook Community:

Fly Natural Hair Daily: Serious Twisted Puff Updo

noreply@blogger.com (Cj Harris) — Wed, 16 Jan 2013 12:55:00 +0000

It's getting serious y'all. Natural hair girls are exploring all the exciting things we can do with our hair. This style shows blown out hair that has an inverted french braid in the back going into hair that's been twisted, puffed and pinned in the front. The earrings a jacket are on point too. Classy. Would love to meet this beautiful young lady.

Disclaimer: Love Your Naps does not claim any ownership of this image. If your feel your rights have been infringed upon or you would like an image credit or link to your website please let us know by emailing loveyournaps@gmail.com.

Don't miss a post:

Join Our Facebook Community:

Fly Natural Hair Daily: Stunning Fishtail

noreply@blogger.com (Cj Harris) — Wed, 09 Jan 2013 14:00:00 +0000

Gorgeous fishtail braid! This style is perfect for a wedding or special occasion. No perm necessary. It can be achieved through straightening your natural hair and adding weave.

Disclaimer: Love Your Naps does not claim any ownership of this image. If your feel your rights have been infringed upon or you would like an image credit or link to your website please let us know by emailing loveyournaps@gmail.com.

Don't miss a post:

Join Our Facebook Community:

Dare to Be Different: Funky Flat-Twist Up

noreply@blogger.com (Cj Harris) — Tue, 08 Jan 2013 14:00:00 +0000

Dare to be different. With natural hair comes a new creative license to achieve looks that are considered out of the box. We are stunners, head-turners. Yep. Be you, be free. #LoveYourNaps

Disclaimer: Love Your Naps does not claim any ownership of this image. If your feel your rights have been infringed upon or you would like an image credit or link to your website please let us know by emailing loveyournaps@gmail.com.

Don't miss a post:

Join Our Facebook Community:

Fly Natural Hair Daily: Coil Flat Twists and Bantu Knots

noreply@blogger.com (Cj Harris) — Fri, 04 Jan 2013 14:00:00 +0000

A beautiful mix of coil flat twist and bantu knots. This is a perfect style for short hair or as a transitioning natural hair style

Disclaimer: Love Your Naps does not claim any rights to this image. If your feel your rights have been infringed upon or you would like an image credit or link to your website please let us know by emailing loveyournaps@gmail.com.

Don't miss a post:

Join Our Facebook Community:

Fly Natural Hair Daily: Protective Updo Style

noreply@blogger.com (Cj Harris) — Thu, 03 Jan 2013 14:00:00 +0000

This gorgeous corn roll, updo and two-strand twist pompapdour is the perfect style to keep you looking fly and your hair protected. Of course, this is not a DIY style unless you are seriously talented and have eyes in the back of your head.

Don't miss a post:

Join Our Facebook Community:

Starting From NOW: Recovering from setbacks

noreply@blogger.com (Cj Harris) — Tue, 01 Jan 2013 21:14:00 +0000

Let’s see if I can write this post without crying. I was running along at first half the year 2012 like a young gazelle in the African savanna. I was making moves. Big ones. I had plans to take this blog and my design business to a whole other level. Then it was as if someone came along with a poison dart blower and shot me in the butt. In an instant I was down. The pain of my heartaches was almost unbearable. Staggering and woozy, I spent the latter half of the year playing catch up to my dreams.

2012 stretched me in ways beyond what I could have ever imagined. Husband hospitalized twice due to a chronic illness. Baby son had a terrifying accident and had to be rushed to the hospital. Mother and two uncles and husband’s grandmother passed away within months of each other (Actually, grandma died three days before mom, two funerals in the same week.). Went through the stress of buying our first home. Gained new friends, lost others. Throw in some of the normal stresses of life, and what do you have? A recipe for a breakdown, perhaps? No, what you have is an opportunity to claim victory! Why? Because I made it. I’m stronger, I’m wiser, I’m better, much better (If I can steal a line from Marvin Sapp).

Starting from NOW

How do you pick up the pieces of your life? For me, it started with the decision that quitting was not an option. In this moment of “NOW”, I may not be at the momentum I want, but I can at least make a step.(How do you climb a mountain…one step at a time.) I can get up in the morning and thank God for another day. I could ask for guidance and grace. Regardless of what your situation may look like, keep reminding yourself that there is greatness in you. Every action you take reveals just a little bit more of that greatness.

Make yourself accountable. You cannot seize the moment of your “NOW” without being accountable. When I first started Love Your Naps, I had no clue about blogging or how much work it would be. All I knew was that I was having success with my natural hair and I wanted to inspire others to do the same. I also knew that in order to stay natural I needed accountably. It became too easy for me to just throw on a wig if I was having a bad hair day. However, every day should not be a bad hair day. I had to make a decision to confront my hair and deal with it on a daily basis. I am accountable to myself to make sure my hair looks nice and I’m accountable to my online community.

What’s New?

Love Your Naps is about self-discovery. It’s about falling in love with our hair and ourselves. We plan to deliver content that makes us feel good. More color, more positivity, more enlightenment, more styles and trends. Be on the lookout for a new look and some awesome projects that we are cooking up. Come along for the ride. Subscribe and stay connected. We also want to hear from you. What would you like to see more of this year from Love Your Naps? (Please comment below.)

And no, I couldn’t get through this post without crying. However, I can end it with a smile. I’ve learned to take life one day at time. I am full of hope and faith. I know if God has carried me this far, he will see this through to end. So take the first step, whether in your career, hair goals, personal development, recovering from a bad relationship, etc. Start from your “NOW”, whatever it looks like.
What steps are you taking to start at "NOW"? Please share in the comments below.

Stay Connected:

Join Our Facebook Community:

On the Scene with Elasta QP Products

noreply@blogger.com (Cj Harris) — Wed, 19 Dec 2012 17:26:00 +0000

Have you heard of the Elasta QP brand? Perhaps you are one like me you used this brand when you were relaxed. Perhaps your stylist introduced it you, and you could not believe how incredible silky your hair felt. Well, guess what naturalistas? Elasta QP has launched their new line of Olive Oil and Mango Butter products created with natural hair in mind. I had the pleasure of dining with the fine folks at Elasta QP and others on the beauty scene in Chicago at their Curl Cues product launch at the fabulous Public Chicago Hotel. The lovely Miss Tasheara Neshell, celebrity hair stylists to the likes of Jennifer Hudson, Kiki Palmer and Viola Davis was on hand to share her inside tips for using the product on live models.

The product line includes five anti-breakage products (Moisture Shampoo, Leave-in H2 Conditioner, Growth Moisturizer, Growth Oil, and Leave-in Conditioner) as well as three styling products (Curl Defining Pudding, Moisturizer and Curl Wax). I can’t wait to provide you with a full product review. I can tell you now that I’ve already been dabbling in the moisturizing cream with outstanding results.

Sandy Hook is a National Youth Crisis: A Clarion Call for Change

noreply@blogger.com (Cj Harris) — Mon, 17 Dec 2012 20:54:00 +0000

It still hurts. Bad. The tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary in Newtown, Connecticut is unfathomable. Twenty-seven people were shot dead, and 20 of them children under age 10. A parent should never have to receive the call that their child is dead due to gun violence. I live in Chicago were gun violence has become a norm. This year, 2012, there have been nearly 500 murders in Chicago alone. Has anyone recognized that youth and young adults are at the heart of these gun violence tragedies—whether on the giving end or the receiving end? The tragedy in Newtown, Connecticut was carried out by a troubled young adult on innocent children.

This kid, was not just some deranged psychopath in his 40s. He was 20 years old, barely an adult. In fact, most of these “murderers” whether in the inner-city or affluent communities are barely adults. At the core of this violence, is a youth, parental, mental health and spiritual crisis. I’m sending out a clarion call to parents everywhere: PARENT YOUR CHILDREN. Adam Lanza’s mother Nancy is a victim is this tragedy, regardless if she had guns in the house or taught her son to shoot. I don’t want to go into blaming the victim. We don’t know what their relationship was like. However, generally speaking, I can say that this should be a wake-up call for parents to pay more attention to their children. Get old school. Get all up in their business. There is no such thing as privacy as long as you live in my house. My daddy took the lock off my door as a teenager, because he remembered when he was a teenager. He knew I was up to no good. Of course, we don’t want to assume the worse of our kids, but we need to stop living in La-La land. We are at war for the hearts, minds and souls of our children.

I’m sending out a clarion call to religious and civic leaders: SHEPHERD YOUR FLOCKS. Feed this starving generation with more than just religion and rules. Give them hope—something to aspire to. Be our role models again. Another call goes out to the state legislatures: WAKE UP! WE ARE IN A MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS. Stop cutting funds to mental health. Let’s have real discussion about how we can get people in the community the help they need. Part of the problem, of course is getting people to recognize that they need help.

We also need to hold the entertainment industry accountable—be it gaming or Hip Hop. No lyric should be allowed to incite violence against another human being. We can argue "free speech," but people are dying. We can't possible teach kids to avoid violence when we ourselves enjoy violent video games and violent, misogynistic rap lyrics because it has a nice beat. That's just as bad as saying, "do as I say, not as I do." Change starts with cleaning up our own house first. When are we going to start making hard sacrifices for the safety of our children and our community?

A note about guns

As stated by Father Michael Pfleger:

“Now is the time to Demand a REAL conversation about Guns! About Banning Assault Weapons, Closing the loopholes on purchasing guns (private sale, lost or stolen, mental illness) And TITLING GUNS LIKE Cars. We cannot simply talk about the tragedy in Connecticut or the streets of Chicago and refuse to take steps to STOP it from repeating itself again. If we don’t our sympathy is shallow…….”

Final thoughts

What was the first thing people did after the shooting in Connecticut? They ran into the house of God. They bowed their heads in prayer for the survivors and for our nation. To remove God from the equation in solving our nation’s problems is like going up a creek without a paddle. Commit to prayer for our children and our country. Be open to dialogue and creative ways of creating change. Let’s build on the momentum of this tragedy. Let’s honor the memory of the fallen by taking action.

Get Pillow Soft Curls on Kinky Hair (and other types)

noreply@blogger.com (Cj Harris) — Thu, 06 Dec 2012 19:10:00 +0000

Ever wonder the secret to gorgeous curls? Are you tired of the plain old twistout or braidout? Does the curl fall out of your bantu knots as soon as you take them down? The other day a lady complimented me on my hair. She was like, “Wow, it looks so soft and shiny…Can I touch it?” Proudly, I said, “Sure!” Normally, I might hesitate but I was feeling my curls. Here’s my technique using bantu knots to achieve an optimum curl.

1. Start with stretched or blown out hair. If you are strictly a no heat person, then working with an old twistout or banding technique will do fine. Stretching will give you more length and flexibility and dry faster.

2. Go one section at a time. Section hair into medium to large chunks, about 1-2 inches wide.

3. Smooth out kinks with oil and a wide-tooth comb. I used Eden Body Works Jojoba and Monoi Oil and coconut oil to smooth out my hair. Using the oil will prevent hair from becoming too hard or flaking. A dab of oil on each section will do.

4. Do not use gel. Use a good curly pudding. For this I used Miss Jessie’s Curly Pudding. A dab or two will do. You don’t want too much because the product mixed with oil will be too gloppy.

5. MY SECRET: Two-strand twist the hair before bantu knotting...why? Makes kinky hair more curly, and lasts longer. Kinky hair is thick, so the more sections you make, the more curl you can add.

6. Allow bantu knots to set over night. Before taking down your hair, squeeze the knot to make sure the hair is completely dry. It is still feels damp, or if too much oil is coming out, your hair will be frizzy and have little curl. If you have time, wait another day…seriously. Or, sit under a hooded dry on a low setting to speed up drying time.

Day 1 Bed Time

You should still have enough curl left in your hair to not have to do much to it. All I did for day one is make sure my curls where laying uniform and gently crunched them under my satin hair bonnet.

Day 2 Bed Time (and beyond)
By the end of day 2, my hair was pretty frizzy. So, I decided to retwist and re-bantu only using a moisturizing cream. I focused primarily on smoothing product on my ends, then smoothed down from root to end. At Day 3 you might consider spritzing with water to rehydrate your hair. You can repeat the day 1 routine with the curly pudding which I find gives more sheen than just using the moisturizing cream. However, if this is my day to day style, then I like using just the cream for less build up. I would not do this past a week due to product build up and the potential for overstyling abuse.

Hope you enjoyed this style. Let us know if you have tried or plan to try this style.

All Love Your Naps Merchandise 15-20% off this holiday season

noreply@blogger.com (Cj Harris) — Fri, 23 Nov 2012 19:38:00 +0000

Hey everybody!

In the spirit of giving, we are shaving off 15-20% on all Love Your Naps merchandise! Express your natural style. Treat yourself or the naturalista in your life to the perfect gift! Nappy Holidays!! Don't wait order today: http://loveyournaps.spreadshirt.com/

Great Low Maintenance Style: Pompadour/Bang Bun Updo

noreply@blogger.com (Cj Harris) — Tue, 23 Oct 2012 17:42:00 +0000

I often talk about this blog about how I have no time to fuss with my hair. I tend to stick with low manipulation styles that last a long time. This week, I'm wearing my hair in a pompadour and bun updo style. It is cute, extremely easy to do and maintain. These pics are from a friend's birthday party I went to over the weekend. Here are a few tips on how I achieved this style.

1. I work with hair that has already been stretched either from a blowout, twistout or other method.

2. Next, I take about a third of my hair in the front to make a bang. Then secure it out of the way with a hair clip or scrunchy.

3. My hair was a little dry so I moisturized it by lightly spritzing with a detangling spray. Then I smoothed in some hair milk. Be sure to separate the hair so that you get good coverage throughout that section. Use sparingly. Making the hair too wet will cause more shrinkage. (You will get some shrinkage by moisturizing, but it's worth it for the sake of your hair.). Lastly, I sealed in moisture with coconut oil (use oil of choice).

4. Use the oil to smooth out the hair with your hands from root to end. Gather the hair into a ponytail or puff atop your head. Secure with a hair tie or ouchless headband. I prefer to use a headband and double-loop it for a tighter hold that doesn't hurt. I find it to be the best solution for gathering a whole bunch a kinky or thick hair.

5. Make a bun by separating the puff into two sides. Start with one side, and roll the hair down and around and secure with hair pins. Be sure to cover the headhand with your hair. I don't worry about making a perfect bun...remember I have no time to fuss with my hair.

6. Repeat steps 3 and 4 on the front section. Finger-roll the bang/pompadour by clamping the end of your hair with your index and middle finger. Use your other index finger to roll the hair under. Secure with hair pins. I used to use this technique back in the day as a little girl to make bangs.

7. For an added touch, I tied a pretty scarf around my head and made a bow on top.

Hope you enjoy this style as much as I do. Let know if you have done it or plan to do it in the comment section or on our Facebook page.

Quick Tips for Dealing with "Wet Hair Syndrome"

noreply@blogger.com (Cj Harris) — Thu, 27 Sep 2012 17:48:00 +0000

Source Unknown

Have you ever had this problem? "Wet hair syndrome" You take the time moisturize your hair with oil and water, but then the entire day your face and neck are dripping oil...I mean, not just dripping, but oozing with oil! The other day I was in that situation where the left side of my face was oozing oil and I couldn't stop it. Even more embarrassing, I had sit in the dentist chair and when I got up it reminded me of the scene in "Coming to America" when Daryl's family left Jerry Curl juice stains on the McDowell's couch. Yuck! Here are some tips to avoid that from happening:

1. Apply, the minimal amount of oil. Sometimes, it's just a matter of putting too much product. Sometimes we have the mentality of the more product I use, the more benefit. Instead, use a small amount and gently work the oil in. To ensure you use a small amount, rub the oil into the palms of your hands first.

2. Remove excess moisture w/ a towel before styling. Get a large towel soak up the excess. Press and squeeze the oil and water out of your hair. If you are detangling, and preparing for a wash, this does not apply, because you will wash it out anyway.

3. As a last resort, blow dry the hair on "low" to dry up the excess moisture. If you have a diffuser, that's even better because you are not putting direct heat on the hair. Plus, a diffuser will allow you to target specific areas like the roots only to avoid damaging your ends.

4. For a wash-n-go that is still dripping wet, try loosely wrapping it with a sheer scarf to catch the water. Try not to disrupt the style too much. The sheerness will allow it to still air-dry.

5. If the style lends itself to wearing the scarf in a bow, that will catch any drippage that you have from oozing onto your face. Also, wearing a pretty scarf around your neck will at least prevent the water and oil from dripping onto your clothes.

Either way, try to follow step one to avoid this problem altogether.

Have you had this problem? What are some of your ways of dealing with this?