NubianLioness

Repost from Living My Life Like It's Golden.

2012-02-02T13:38:00.000+01:00

Black Women In America

Being Black in America has become much easier than it was in my Grandmother and Great-Grandmother days. But it still aint no walk in the park. We have learned to adjust to our surroundings and have made ourselves successful in the direst of situations.

I am the eldest of four children and took on a great deal of the burden in my household by helping raise my siblings. I started babysitting when I was about 9 years old. My mother worked outside the home and on the weekends she needed me to watch the kids. At the time I had two brothers one was 7 and the other was 1. When I was 10 my mother gave birth to my sister so I started watching her too. I was resentful but I knew that this was not an option. I helping my family survive and it simply had to be done. This were I learned that family always comes first. It is expected that sacrifices be made to make things work, no matter how uncomfortable they are.

My father was in and out the home. When he was at home the financial stability her brought to the household was amazing. When daddy was home we had the best of everything. We ate good, we dressed good, we looked good and mama didn’t have to work as hard to make the ends meet. But when daddy left things went back to normal and we back to me and mama co-parenting the kids and keeping the house together. This is where I was taught that as a woman you gotta get your own you can’t depend on a man. Even if a man looks dependable always keep a few dollars hidden so if he leaves you won’t fall off.

I went to college and thought that doors would swing open and people would beg me to work for their organization. Well…..needless to say that didn’t happen. I graduated with my bachelors degree in Business Administration in 1999. I had a few nice jobs but when it lay off time it was like a first in, first out type of deal. I went back to get an Advanced degree because I was drilled that the more educated you were the better your chances of getting that six figure job. Yes I got that degree and got a job after looking for 6 months. However, it took 4 years to make a decent salary.

The Washington Post and Kaiser did research on Black women in America and here are some of the findings.

More than a fifth of black women say being wealthy is very important, one in 20 white women.

Sixty-seven percent of black women describe themselves as having high self-esteem, compared with 43 percent of white women.

Forty percent of black women say they experience frequent stress, compared with 51 percent of white women.

Nearly half of black women fear being a victim of violent crime, compared with about a third of white women.

Forty percent of black women say getting married is very important, compared with 55 percent of white women

63 percent of black women said it is acceptable to have a child without being married, roughly the same percentage as white women.

I can attest to all of those findings I over value being financially sound. My self-esteem is very high because I have trained myself to think that I am beautiful. After years of being down played for my dark skin and kinky hair, I decided f*ck what you heard I am phyne? So yeah I really don’t have a problem with how I look. Stress what can I say about stress.. there is more than enough of it to go around. Its always lurking somewhere. Being a victim of a violent crime is also on my list. I live alone in the city in a pretty big house. It wouldn’t matter if I lived in a tiny apartment. I always feel vulnerable like anyone can just come kick down the door and do whatever if they really wanted to. What can I do to stop them?

As a black woman we have so many titles. Ever heard of them…well here they go
The angry black woman, The strong black woman, The unfeeling black woman, The manless black woman, Welfare Queens, The work horse, The loud and obnoxious black woman, The black bitch and The black woman with an attitude.

I can personally say that people have used a few of those titles to describe me. Strong, bitch, manless and attitude. Normally these titles have been bestowed on me by people who either fear me and my potential to outshine them or they don’t know me.

Finances vs Love

The Post article stated that,
It is an age in which young black women see more options for themselves than ever. They can run a cable network (like Oprah Winfrey), lead a Fortune 500 company (like Xerox’s Ursula Burns), become an international pop icon (like Beyonce). Secretary of State? Condi Rice has been there, done that.
But even in this “age of Michelle Obama,” black women are rethinking the meaning of success and fulfillment. Many are concluding that self-empowerment is the road to happiness, and happiness does not require a mate.
“I can go to school. I can be successful. I can make money. I can have a career. That is in my power to control,” says Towan Isom, 39, who owns a public relations firm in the District. “Finding a husband — that would be great, but that’s not in my power to control.”

I’m going to agree with the sister. Making my coins and building a financially fit and stable life is of great importance to me, finding a soul mate…uh…not so much. Yes I have found someone whom I love and would like to spend the rest of my life with. However, when I met him I was not looking for him and it just never really made a difference to me if I ever got married. Yes there were times when I wanted to have a mate, but I dated pretty frequently and hell getting sexed up was never a problem for me.

As time went on many of my friends started having babies and getting married and I briefly questioned if that was the path the right path, At the time I was 30 unmarried and no children. I was chasing money living from state to state going after the most lucrative job offers. I am 35 now and I am still in the same space. I don’t know if that will change anytime soon.

Some say what is riches without someone to share it with. To that I say now that I found someone who loves me I am happy to grab is hand and walk through life. But I didn’t grow up being told I was a princess and that love would conquer all. All the women in my family worked and obtain financial freedom with the strength of their own minds and hands. I was expected to do the same thing. It’s was laughable to think a man would come along and make my dreams come true and that our love would bring us through the storms. I was taught.. “Girl if you wanna eat steaks, drink fine wines, go on vacation, own a home, drive a nice car and live the life you desire…YOU better make it happen.” And my Grandfather was one of the people that planted those seeds in my head. Did I believe love was possible well….yes. But on a level that I would find a guy he would work and I would work we would build a life together and no one would be 100% for the other person, unless there was a change in circumstances. And that is exactly what I got. However, if he never would have come along I would have been okay with it.
Breaking down stereotypes
Asha Jennings Palmer was quoted in the article said, “black women are too often viewed as flashy, provocative, eye-catching — imagery that makes her cringe. According to the stereotype, African American women — educated women — are b------, and they run men out of their lives

Yes I can most certainly relate to this. Like I said earlier I have been referred to has a bitch and made to feel that my education has cost me the likely hood of marriage. When you are the boss at work and you happen to be black if you ruffle a few feathers you are considered a bitch. Well this concept applies to women in general, However, I think it is just as hard as a black women being educated and salaried in the work place as it is being a regular worker. Some people expect the black woman boss to be an asshole and have an attitude. Of course she is single no man can stand to put up with her. I will call bullshit on that in a minute. I have been playing this corporate game for a minute and I am more educated and knowledgeable than most of my counterparts. Yet I have watch them climb up the ladder with little to no effort.

Interracial Dating

According to a 2010 study by the Pew Research Center that looked at the rates of interracial marriage among newlyweds in 2008, just 9 percent of black women married a spouse of a different race — a rate that was less than half that of black men.
The reasons for the gap between black women’s interest in interracial marriage and their rates of interracial marriage are complex, according to experts who have researched the subject. Studies of online dating, for instance, have shown that black women are less likely than other women to receive messages of interest from men of other races. Researchers attribute that to a social hierarchy that still undervalues them and unflattering stereotypes of black women — loud, aggressive — that remain in the popular culture.

Okay just turn on the television on any music channel and you will see a black beauty shaking and gyrating like her life depended on it. The black music industry idolizes a big black ass. It makes it seems as if all you need to stay laced with the best is big ole fat ass! Black women are more than likely the bread winner in their household. Most of us have babies with no daddy in sight. If you look at VH1 and Bravo and see Basket Ball Wives (most of which are not wives), The Real House Wives of Atlanta (most are not wives), Love and Basketball. If this is your only contact with black women personally ( which for a great deal of white folks it is) your likely to think very low of black women. In the show we come off as putting materialistic possessions before our self respect, our kids and any other value we are suppose to have. Not to mention that it shows that we cannot handle conflict and fight at a drop of a dime.
Okay we have Oprah, Beyonce, Michelle Obama and Condi Rice but they are marketed to the world like a freak accident. Like they some type of exception and a true rarity. Are they rare? The answer to that is HELL NO. Black women have been making things happen and doing amazing things since we graced the earth. No our accomplishments are not spread across the media lines. We normally don’t get kudos for our efforts, but rest assured there are plenty of fabulous black women, some work at the school serving lunches, some work in factories, others are stay at home moms, and plenty work at fortune 500 companies.

Let’s just say being a black woman in American is very complex. I will be glad when people stop analyzing us like we’re some type of abnormal species. We are an ever evolving group of people. It is really hard to categorize us, and I wish they will stop with their (mainstream white America) attempt.

Locs Stars. Thanks to iRockLocs.

2012-02-02T12:54:00.001+01:00

Jeanille Bonterre

www.jeanillebonterre.com/

Valerie June

www.valeriejune.com/

Nakimuli

www.nakimuli.com/

Sepsenahki is Solice

www.myspace.com/sepsenahki

Harleighblu

www.myspace.com/harleighblulow

Nerissa Irving

www.nerissairving.com/

Karen

www.naturalbeautifulhair.com
http://naturalhairbeauty.blogspot.com

Kumia Lee

www.kumialee.com/

Czelena

www.myspace.com/czelena

Meela

www.myspace.com/meelamusicpage

Gina Loring

www.ginaloring.com/

Luna Angel

www.lunaangel.com/

Nova

www.novalewis.com/

Wahidah Fowler

www.wahidahfowler.net/

Malaika

www.dreadznheadz.com/

Goapele

www.goapele.com/

Lauryn Hill

www.lauryn-hill.com/

India Arie

www.indiaarie.com/

Lalah Hathaway

www.lalahhathaway.com/

Salakida

www.salakida.com/

Cassandra Wilson

http://www.cassandrawilson.com/

Majora Carter

www.majoracartergroup.com/

Natalie (formerly of Floetry)

www.myspace.com/thefloacist

Janelle Gordon

www.modelmayhem.com/janellegordon

PJae

http://www.myspace.com/pjae1015

Lisa Bonet

Ledisi

http://www.ledisi.com/

Toshia

http://www.ontheroadtoqueendom.com/

http://www.toshiashaw.com/

Camille Reed aka @Noireboss1

http://www.noiredesignconcepts.com/

Sara Tavares

http://www.saratavares.com/

Aja Black

www.myspace.com/ajablack

Clara Aker Benjamin

Divinity Roxx

www.myspace.com/divibaby

Rizpah Lowe

http://www.rizpah.net/

Toni Morrison

Kopano Matlwa

http://kopanomatlwa.book.co.za/

Angela Brown

http://www.angelambrown.com

Sandria Washington

(model for Entwine Couture)

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=637847791

Asa

www.asa-official.com

Annette Brissett

Dakore Egbuson

www.dakore.com

S. Epatha Merkerson

Zahra Redwood

Saidah Garrett

www.saidah.com

Crystal Bowersox

www.crystalbowersox.com

Angel Taylor

of gospel group Trin-i-tee 5:7

Billy Ocean

www.billyocean.co.uk

Bob Marley

www.bobmarley.com

Thierry Baptiste

www.thierrybaptiste.com

Jason Castro

www.jasoncastromusic.com

Marion Barber

www.mbiii.com

Jason Momoa

Lil Wayne

www.lilwayne-online.com

Manny Ramirez

www.mannyramirez.org

Dustin Brown

www.dustinbrown.de

Sway Calloway

www.mtv.com

2012-01-25T19:51:00.000+01:00

When i do pipe cleaners. i tend to leave my locks just the way it is once i pull our the pipes. I like the bouncy, kind olden days little girl long heavy curls.

I did this scalp scrub before.

FROM JUNGLE BARBIE http://junglebarbie.blogspot.com/

I find that scrubbing your scalp after washing your hair helps to reduce the dryness as well as remove build up and dry scalp. You might be saying "how's that possible?" just as with scrubbing your skin, you remove the dead skin to promote the growth of healthy supple skin its the same with your scalp. Scrubbing gets rid of the dry scalp to pave the way for clean hair follicles which in turn will lead to healthy hair growth.

Sea Salt & coconut oil hair scrub

Things you will need

Container to combine your ingredients.
Spoon
Organic coconut oil
Sea salt
Tea tree oil/rosemary oil

How to make the scrub

Put 15 tablespoons sea salt in the container.
Add 15 tablespoons of coconut oil
Add 1spoon tea tree/ rosemary oil
Combine the mixture until the salt is moist and slightly runny.

How to use

Shampoo your hair as usual.
Take the mixture and apply it to your scalp.
Massage the product into your scalp. You can do a scrubbing motion but you want to be careful you don't scrub away too much of your scalp leading to sores.
Rinse out with lukewarm or cold water.
Shampoo again.
Make sure you use a hydrating conditioner because the sea salt when combined with water makes your hair dry because the combination is denser than normal water.
Style as usual.

PS: I use this mixture as a body scrub as well and it work wonders for my skin.

I recommended a honey scrub before which is great as well. To see the receipt for this one view it here.
Do you scrub your scalp? How often? What do you use?

Exersice for 2012

2012-01-02T14:36:00.001+01:00

Started exercising again (1.1.2012). Started the new Fitness Evolved 2012. Some nice exercise. But boy, it's way too hard to point your hand and select a program. A exercise in itself. But still a good workout. Will be doing it every other day so.

A Black man's view on our natural hair. From BGWLH

2011-12-28T23:18:00.000+01:00

I absolutely love my woman’s natural hair

Martin B. (pictured below with daughter)

Martin and daughter

By Martin B.
In November 2010, my girlfriend, let’s call her “D”, decided to do the “big chop” and go natural. She confessed that, years before we met, she considered going natural, but was reluctant to take that step. And from the moment we started dating, I encouraged her to embrace her natural hair. I’m so glad she finally did.

I am a corporate attorney; and like most black men in Western society, I was socialized by the media to believe that straight hair was the preferential “professional” look of choice for any woman with whom you want to climb that corporate ladder. However, there is no better woman to help me reach the place where God is taking me, professionally or otherwise, than a black woman who is confident—and strong enough to celebrate the natural beauty that she is.

I’ve dated black women with perms and weaves. Without question, these women are also beautiful. But when it comes to a black woman who has made the move to go natural, there is an added beauty, strength and sense of self-awareness that is very sexy and captivating.

For D, going natural has been an outward expression of her inward journey to wholeness and wellbeing. With the New Year and a new beginning, her focus is on wellness—physically, emotionally, and spiritually. She’s watching her diet and exercising regularly. She and I have grown closer spiritually by praying together and fasting the first part of the New Year (at least, she did). Her forward-thinking desire to cleanse her body of all toxins, including those produced by perms, for the sake of her health and the health of unborn children we may have in future makes me even more enamored with her. She has grown as a black woman. I’m enjoying taking this journey with her. Our relationship has been strengthened as a result.

In the words of India Arie, D is not her hair. Of course, she is so much more than that. Even if she were to revert back to the “creamy crack” (which I don’t think she will), she would still be the woman

I love. However, her going natural is her journey to become the woman she loves.
To the brothers out there—we have an obligation to love and support our women on any journey they embark upon to improve themselves, even if this means supporting their efforts to go natural. We should also encourage our daughters to embrace their own natural beauty. We need to be mindful of the images we parade—or allow to be paraded in front of them.

I have a beautiful and intelligent six-year old daughter—“Baby girl”. And yes, with thick curly locks, Baby girl is quite tender-headed. I have often wrestled with Mother Africa when doing her hair. Once, it took me an hour and a half to do two Afro-puffs on each side of her head with a straight part down the middle. I struggled to gather her hair and pull it tight enough and bind it with ponytailers I purchased from Wal-Mart. I never got the part quite straight enough.

A few months ago, Baby girl and I watched Chris Rock’s “Good Hair” and discussed the movie at length. The movie was an eye-opener for both of us. I think, after watching the movie, she’s afraid to get a perm. Good! If it were up to me, she would never get a perm. I’ve heard the horror stories of too many black women that have regretted the decision. I encouraged Baby girl to love the beautiful black princess God made her to be and to love the hair God gave her.

I want all the sistahs out there to know that you are absolutely beautiful. Embrace the person God, the Creator, created you to be. God made you with your kinky hair. In His eyes, it’s beautiful. It’s impossible to improve upon His work. In the words of theologian Julius Charles Hare, “Be what you are. This is the first step toward becoming better than you are. ”

Nutrients needed for our hair

2011-12-28T19:32:00.000+01:00

Protein is the building block of hair. Hair is 88 percent protein. Protein will give the shaft of your hair more strength, and will reduce the probability of damage. Excellent sources of protein include tuna, shrimp, and cod, snapper, venison, halibut, salmon, scallops, turkey, chicken, lamb, beef, calf’s liver, spinach, tofu, mustard greens, crimini mushrooms, soybeans, and mozzarella cheese, eggs, milk, collard greens, cauliflower and many legumes including lentils, split peas, kidney beans, black beans, pinto beans and garbanzo beans.

B Vitamins

The B vitamins are necessary for healthy hair. Lack of B vitamins can lead to oily hair conditions. Good sources include: animal products (meat, poultry), yeast extracts (brewers’ yeast, Marmite), asparagus, broccoli, cauliflower, spinach, bell peppers, turnip greens, bananas, potatoes, dried apricots, dates and figs, milk, eggs, cheese, yoghurt, nuts and pulses, fish, brown rice, wheat germ, garlic, tuna, wholegrain cereals, avocado, herring, salmon, celery, crimini mushrooms, sunflower seeds and walnuts.

Vitamin C

It strengthens the immune system, and assists in metabolizing B vitamins and amino acids into the body. Lack of vitamin C can cause dry hair. Excellent food sources of vitamin C include: broccoli, bell peppers, kale, cauliflower, strawberries, lemons, mustard and turnip greens, brussels sprouts, papaya, chard, cabbage, spinach, kiwifruit, snow peas, cantaloupe, oranges, grapefruit, limes, tomatoes, zucchini, raspberries, asparagus, celery, pineapples, lettuce, watermelon, fennel, peppermint and parsley.

Vitamin A

Vitamin A is important for the health of your scalp. A lack of it can lead to dry hair. Good sources include: Calf liver, Cow’s milk , eggs, carrots, apricots, mangoes, squash, sweet potatoes, spinach, kale, collard greens, tomatoes, guava, and pink grapefruit, salmon, shellfish, Cayenne pepper and chili pepper.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E provides lots of benefits for growing vibrant hair. Good sources of vitamin E include: mustard greens, turnip greens, chard, sunflower seeds, almonds, spinach, collard greens, parsley, kale, papaya, olives, bell pepper, brussel sprouts, kiwifruit, tomato, blueberries, and broccoli.

Vitamin K

Vitamin K helps to maintain healthy hair. Good sources of vitamin K include: spinach, Brussels sprouts, Swiss chard, green beans, asparagus, broccoli, kale, mustard greens, green peas and carrots, fig, brewer yeast, asparagus, broccoli, lettuce, cabbage, egg yolk, oatmeal, rye, soybean, liver, wheat, yogurt, tomato paste, Swiss Emmental cheese and Norwegian Jarlsberg cheese

Iron

Healthy hair needs iron in the body. Iron is needed to help carry oxygen to the hair. Without enough iron, hair gets starved for oxygen. Good sources of iron include: chard, spinach, thyme, and turmeric, romaine lettuce, blackstrap molasses, tofu, mustard greens, turnip greens, string beans, and shiitake mushrooms, beef tenderloin, lentils, Brussel sprouts, asparagus, venison, garbanzo beans, broccoli, leeks, and kelp.

Magnesium

Magnesium deficiencies lead to hair problems. Good sources: of magnesium include Swiss chard and spinach, mustard greens, summer squash, broccoli, blackstrap molasses, halibut, turnip greens, pumpkin seeds and peppermint, cucumber, green beans, celery, kale and a variety of seeds, including sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, and flax seeds.

Copper

Copper is needed for hair structure and is involved in the pigmentation of hair.
Good sources of copper include: calf’s liver, crimini mushrooms, turnip greens and molasses, chard, spinach, sesame seeds, mustard greens, kale, summer squash, asparagus, eggplant, and cashews, peppermint, tomatoes, sunflower seeds, ginger, green beans, potato, and tempeh.

Zinc

A lack of zinc can lead to hair loss. Zinc is necessary for building hair protein.
Good sources include: Calf’s liver, crimini mushrooms, sea vegetables, basil, thyme, spinach, pumpkin seeds, yeast, beef, and lamb, summer squash, asparagus, venison, chard, collard greens, miso, shrimp, maple syrup, broccoli, peas, yogurt, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds and mustard greens.

Water

Water is important for hair. Water makes up one-fourth of the weight of a strand of hair. Moisture makes the hair supple and helps keep your hair silky and shiny. Eight to ten glasses of water a day are absolutely necessary to nourish healthy hair.

Potassium

Potassium is found in abundance in many foods, and is especially easy to obtain in fruits and vegetables. Good sources of potassium include : chard, crimini mushrooms, and spinach, potassium include fennel, kale, mustard greens, Brussel sprouts, broccoli, winter squash, blackstrap molasses, eggplant, cantaloupe, and tomatoes, parsley, cucumber, bell pepper, turmeric, apricots, ginger root, strawberries, avocado, banana, tuna, halibut, cauliflower and cabbage

Essential Fats (EFAs)

Healthy hair also needs two essential fatty acids, omega-3 and omega-6, that are not produced naturally by the human body.Omega-3 fats sources: flax oil, algae, cold-water fish, dark-green vegetables, hemp oil and pumpkin seed oil. Omega-6 fats sources: borage, evening primrose oil, safflower oil, sunflower seeds, hemp seeds, corn and pumpkin seeds.

Lastly…things to avoid

Eating dead food can lead to lifeless hair. These are sugars, chocolate, cakes, cookies, starches, soft drinks, snacks, Caffeine, alcohol, nicotine and recreational drugs destroy important hair growing nutrients. If you can’t resist keep these to a minimum.

THANKS TO BLACK GIRL WITH LONG HAIR

Natural hair on a rise - a USA TODAY article

2011-12-22T22:52:00.001+01:00

'Natural hair' is making waves among black women

Flip through magazines and TV channels this month, and you'll see coily, kinky and curly natural hair models in ads from Banana Republic to Gain detergent, from HomeGoods to Kmart.

"Natural hair has been a movement for several years. What we're seeing now is a confirmation that this is a lifestyle that is very important to a lot of women," says Cyntelia Abrams, marketing coordinator for Design Essentials, an Atlanta-based hair-care company that commissioned a 2010 study on the popularity of natural hair.

The number of black women who say they do not use products to chemically relax or straighten their hair jumped to 36% in 2011, up from 26% in 2010, according to a report by Mintel, a consumer spending and market research firm. Sales of relaxer kits dropped by 17% between 2006 and 2011, according to Mintel

TWAs (teeny-weeny afros), mega-size 'fros, braids, coils, heat-straightened 'dos — a number of styles are being worn by black women, from statement-making fashionistas to image-conscious professionals.

http://mediagallery.usatoday.com/High-profile+women+embrace+their+natural+hair/G3133

Rochelle Ritchie, 29, a reporter for WPTV in West Palm Beach, Fla., made headlines last year when she went natural after years of chemical straightening, braiding, extensions and wigs. "It wasn't me," says Ritchie, who grew tired of "the financial burden" and "feeling like I was covering up."

The public response has been "extremely positive," says Ritchie.

And viewers get to see that "I'm still professional, still articulate. My hair doesn't change any of that," she adds.

In the Washington, D.C., suburbs, Braids Elite owner Marie Lourdes Price, a licensed cosmetologist for 21 years who today focuses solely on natural hair clients, is booked well into 2012. "I see ladies really embracing their natural hair," says Price.

Keisa Cromer, 30, a nurse and mother of two who lives near Jackson, Miss., and blogs about natural hair at newly natural.com, stopped "relaxing" in 2007, inspired in part to "see what my own hair looked like."

Like many black women, Comer grew up believing that her tightly curled natural texture would be more attractive, versatile and manageable worn straight. That required the use of hot combs for temporary straightening, starting when she was about 5, and then, from her preteens into adulthood, the use of strong chemical-based creams that altered the structure of the hair, keeping it straight for weeks.

But according to the American Academy of Dermatology, highly textured, curly hair is, "by its nature, more fragile than naturally straight hair," and "relaxers make curly hair more fragile."

A repost from NaturalSelection. But she is just amazing. Go check her out.

2011-12-11T02:24:00.001+01:00

Loc Week: Bangin’ Holiday Bun by Chescaleigh

A Re-post from UrbanBushBabes, pop over and check them out.

2011-11-08T01:12:00.000+01:00

Style: Tracee Ellis Ross

Posted by: Cipriana

Click Read More/Comment for more pictures. Little has to be said that hasn’t already been said or perhaps even song about this stunning woman’s impeccable style that almost literally speaks for itself. Talented actress and one hell of a comedian Tracee Ellis Ross has a gift for wearing the most impeccable well-tailored pieces and a taste that exemplifies the epitome of how to choose a flawless cut or line in form fitting clothing. Below is Tracee showing us all how to really master the art of choosing a flattery cut in whatever your style may be.

Re-Post (Thanks For Research Like These)

2011-10-21T06:39:00.001+02:00

Essential Oils vs Carrier Base Oils on Sisterlocks

What are Essential Oils & Carrier Oils?

Essential oils are distilled from plants & roots, as you may know, most essential oils comes in a concentrated form, and have a very strong aroma. Carrier oils on the other hand, are pressed from the fatty material such as seeds, nuts, and kernels, they do not carry a strong aroma (and if they do, then they are NOT pure carrier oils). Carrier oils can go bad over time, while essential oils do not, but essential oils do lose its benefits as it age.

Because essential oils are so strong, you do need to dilute it, before added them to your sisterlocks or hair in general. The most popular way of mixing essential oils is by mixing it with carrier base oils. I know most of the sisterlocks community dilute their essential oils with water, but I fear that it is not as potent as mixing it with a carrier base oils. Please note: If you going to use oils as a moisturizer you will still need to add water to distribute it evenly through the hair but if you going to use it on your scalp for (dandruff or thinning hair control) then I don't recommend adding water. Adding the carrier oil to your essential oil(s) will work much better on the scalp. Remember, moderation is the key, and only put these oils on your trouble spot, since your scalp does produce it own oils.

Benefits of Essential oils & Carrier oils

Now you wondering, why you need to know this information, the simple reason is this. I truly believe you need to know in detail, what works for you, and what doesn't, especially when dealing with hair care.

Below are what can be accomplished, if you do your own research, on what essential oils and carrier oils are, and what situation they can be used for. Below I listed some examples of what average women face every day.

1. Hair Loss or Thinning
2. Dandruff
3. Mildew Locks
4. Very Dry Locks

Now what works for me, may not work for you, since we are all different. But I do believe a natural remedy can help or alleviate whatever ails us (even our own hair issue). For example, if you experience hair thinning or lost, adding a little rosemary to carrier base oil (avocado oil) will help slow or even grow back the hair that is experience thinning. Another example is if you experience major dandruff (shedding of dead skin cells from the scalp) you can use Jojoba oil with Tea tree essential oil to combat that. Now me, I like to buy my product already made and tested, but if you are adventures and what to make your own oils, then you will need to know what carrier base oils vs. essential oils are. You also will need to know which oil is good for what and what mixture will work best for whatever ails you.

Now there are many carrier oils and essential oils out there, but I'm going to list the common ones for hair and hair related issues.

Essential Oil		Benefits
Tree Tea Oil		Control Dandruff & Dry Scalp
Rosemary Oil		Hair Growth - Reduce Hair Thinning & Hair Loss
Sage Oil		Prevent Dandruff - Strengthens the Hair Follicles
Peppermint Oil		Cooling effect to the head - Removes dandruff & Lice.
Cinnamon Oil		Thicken the Hair - Scalp Circulation

Carrier Base Oil		Benefits
Jojoba Oil		Light Moisturizer - Fungicide - Mildew Controller
Avocado Oil		Heal Scalp - Hair Nourishment - Hair Growth
Olive Oil		Control Dandruff & Dry Scalp
Coconut Oil		Softens Hair - Conditions Scalp
Castor Oil		Hair Growth - Reduce Hair Thinning

Above is the most common oils that are used, and each oils, has its own benefits. The key is to find out what works best for you. The oils that works best for me and my hair are Jojoba, Avocado, Rosemary, and Sage. If you have been following me, you will notice most of my product contain some form of these oils. I suggest to learn and research about each individual oils. Learn what work for you, because remember every one is different. Also learn about your hair and keep trying to discover more about your hair as you continue in your sisterlocks journey.

Lint in Locs

2011-10-21T06:16:00.000+02:00

Removing Lint From Loc's

Lint in locks, don't be like me and be lazy and wait too long, start as soon and as often as you can.
Article by Au Natural by Mz.Sixx

Commercial products that remove lint

A good clarifying shampoo might be all your hair needs to remove lint build-up, especially if you don’t have much to contend with. Here are a few products that get locked hair lint-free:

Aubrey Organics Green Tea Clarifying Shampoo ( from website)

This fast-acting clarifying shampoo deep-cleanses with just one application and rinses clean to leave hair shiny, bouncy and full. Herbal extracts deliver beneficial nutrients quickly and reduce drying time for fast and easy styling.

Bo Beam Lemon Drop Oily Hair/Locs Shampoo Bar ( from website)

The Lemon Drop is made with an aloe base and is packed with essential oils geared toward soothing oily hair and scalp - lemongrass, lavender, cedarwood, and aloe. It can be used as a clarifier to get rid of product build-up. It can also be used for teen and mature locs.

Carols Daughter Rosemary Mint Purifying Shampoo ( from website)

Invigorates and refreshes the scalp with cooling Peppermint Oil
Deeply cleanses and removes product build-up and daily toxins, without stripping away essential moisture
Restores your hair to its original shiny, healthy state.
Has Rosemary Extract to deliver antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits to hair and scalp. Has Moisturizing Marine Extracts (Algae, Carrageenan, Spirulina and Seaweed) to provide hair and scalp with nourishing hydration
Helps to smooth, soften and boost shine.

Natural remedies to get rid of lint

Apple cider vinegar rinse – An apple cider vinegar rinse works as a natural hair cleanser by gently removing build-up. The rinse can produce a shine because apple cider vinegar naturally closes cuticle scales found on the hair shaft’s surface.

Create an apple cider vinegar rinse by combining:
* 1 cup distilled water
* 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar

*Optional* add 5 drops of lavender, rosemary, lemon , sage or rose essential oil to the basic vinegar rinse recipe.

Pour the mixture over your hair as a final rinse after you shampoo. You might have to do an apple cider vinegar rinse a couple times before you see results.

Baking Soda – This is a powerful way to remove lint from your locs. Baking soda works as a clarifier, leaving your locs squeaky clean.

Make a baking soda clarifier by combining:
· 1 tablespoon baking soda
· 1 cup water
Pour the mixture over your hair, squeezing it into the hair and focusing on troublesome locs. Massage it into the hair for 1 to 2 minutes and rinse thoroughly.

Bentonite Clay – No, it will not build up in your locs. Just be sure to rinse thoroughly. Bentonite clay pulls chemicals and metals out from our bodies, like a magnet. When applied to locs, bentonite clay pulls dirt, lint and product build-up from our hair. When you apply bentonite clay, be sure your locs are freshly shampooed.

Mix equal parts of the following in a non-metal bowl with a non-metal spoon: (If you use metal, you will activate or de-activate certain properties in the bentonite clay)· Bentonite clay
· Apple cider vinegar
It is normal for the mixture to sizzle. If you think the mix is too thick for you, use a few drops of lukewarm water. The consistency will be creamy. Place the clay directly on your locs, and leave it there for about 20 to 30 minutes. Rinse your hair thoroughly. The lint will come to the surface and easily be removed.

Tweezers – Use tweezers to perform surgery on your locs. Carefully remove lint from wet locs with the tweezers. (Some prefer using a pin or a straightened paper clip). Make sure you actually have lint to begin with! If the stuff on your locs disappears when wet, you have build-up. If the fuzz remains, it’s lint. Go for the tweezers. Be careful you don’t thin your loc out. If it becomes too weak, you will have to cut or repair the loc(s).

Visa done

2011-09-20T13:26:00.001+02:00

Well, with all the checks and you can't take this inside the consular and so and so forth. A first check to see if I have all docs, then another doc check. Then about a hour or more my turn to see a consul, questions asked and answered. Visa granted. Now ticket buying time. Let's hope minds are now changed. We're talking about America here.
Jah bless

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One day visa trip to Bern

2011-09-20T08:04:00.001+02:00

Sitting in Starbucks waiting for the time to go by, looking at people go by. Lots of movement. Since I got here, I've seen a huge amount of people leaving the train station and going. Taking the trams. Really alot of people in the mornings. I never really paid/see, seeing as though most morning I start at 4:00.
And oh yeah, I said extra hot my hazelnut chocolate, this is not America, I won't sue if I get burnt.
Bless, later

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Location:Wald,Wald,Switzerland

How Artificial Ingredients Can Lead to Artificial Kids By Susan -

2011-08-27T11:38:00.001+02:00

My daughter Sophie is a beautiful and brilliant five year old, with a wildly creative personality and witty sense of humor. She’s the light of my life. And until six months ago I could barely stand to live in the same house with her.

My husband and I have always struggled with getting a handle on Sophie’s behavior. It seemed that no matter what parenting style we used, no matter what consequences we imposed, nothing made a difference. Even when she was very young she couldn’t sit still. Her hands or feet were in constant motion. Later we noticed she had trouble following simple instructions. Her mind just bounced to the next thing before we could even finish a sentence. She never stopped talking - from sun up to sun down there was constant chatter.

I write a food blog, I live for food. I spend a lot of time researching and reading about food. Over the last year I’ve made some pretty unsettling discoveries about the food I’ve been buying. I learned what those weird words in the list of ingredients really mean, and most of them mean the same thing – petroleum. One morning I woke up and decided to clear my kitchen of anything that had petroleum as an ingredient – especially artificial colors or flavors - and focus on more natural foods with real ingredients, not ingredients created in a lab. Because of that decision I cook a lot more often, rather than buying those pre-packaged foods we used to depend on. Quite a commitment for a Mom who works full time to undertake, but I was determined to put our health above convenience.

And now I can say without question that it was the best decision I have ever made. Within 36 hours of getting rid of all those chemicals my daughter sat at the table and ate her dinner. She didn't stand on her chair, she didn't crawl under her chair, and she didn't run circles around the table or wander into the living room because something caught her attention. She sat there, ate her food, and talked to me about her day, for the first time EVER. Amazed doesn't even begin to describe the way I felt. I eventually discovered that Sophie wasn’t dealing with ADHD; she was reacting to the chemicals in the food she was eating! And it’s a common condition. I would have never in a million years predicted how drastic the before and after picture of our family would be. Even Sophie herself says that she feels better and can think better than she ever could before we cut out the chemicals. We finally know the real Sophie, not the artificially flavored one.

You may be thinking that eliminating chemicals from your family’s food is a pretty drastic change to undertake, but that leap of faith can make an incredibly important difference for your family. It’s not my intention to imply that the need for medical help isn’t real in true cases of ADHD. I’m simply sharing our experience in the hope of helping others. If you suspect your child has behavioral issues, take a look at what they’re eating every day. It may be the chemicals that are the problem, not the child.

What do you think? Have you had a similar experience?

Susan is a mom to two young children, with a full time job and a hungry husband. Her blog, Our Family Eats, began from a desire to help other overwhelmed families find easy and inspiring ways to get fun, wholesome meals on the table fast. She loves old school cameras, documentaries about useless information, and Bundt cakes, but she won’t tolerate chaos.

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Dark Girl

2011-08-25T20:51:00.000+02:00

We talk about racism from white people, yet the biggest racism is from our own people, Blacks. We need to stop it. Like James Brown said 'I'm black and I'm proud' And i know people always tell me I'm not black. I might be light skin, but I'm black and I'm proud.

So say it today, My Black Is Beautiful
http://vimeo.com/24155797

Dark Girls: Preview from Bradinn French on Vimeo.

Mk Asante

2011-08-22T13:53:00.000+02:00

I was watching a docu on itv (something) How hip-hop changed the world presented by Idris Elba, very interesting. Mk Asante was on it and i was curious to know his age, seeing as how he was a author, filmmaker and professor. Very accomplished young man. So here is a small bio. Will check out one of his books and post a bit about it. Blessings

Biography

MK Asante is an award-winning author, filmmaker, and professor who CNN calls "a master storyteller and major creative force."
The author of three celebrated books, Asante is the recipient of the Langston Hughes Award. His latest book, It's Bigger Than Hip Hop, was hailed by the Los Angeles Times as "An empowering book that moves you to action and to question status quo America."
His other books are Beautiful. And Ugly Too and Like Water Running Off My Back. Asante’s fourth book, Buck, will be published by Random House in 2012.
An acclaimed filmmaker, Asante directed The Black Candle, a film he co-wrote with renowned poet Maya Angelou who also narrates the prize-winning film. He wrote and produced the film 500 Years Later, winner of five international film festival awards as well as the Breaking the Chains award from the United Nations. He also produced the multi award-winning film Motherland.
Asante studied at the University of London, earned a BA from Lafayette College, and an MFA from the UCLA School of Film and Television.
Asante has lectured in 25 countries as well as throughout the United States at hundreds of colleges, universities, libraries, conferences, and festivals. He was awarded the Key to the City of Dallas, Texas.
He has been featured on numerous TV and radio programs including the CBS Early Show, CNN, NBC News, BBC News, Tom Joyner Morning Show and NPR. Asante’s essays on music, politics, and culture have been published in USA Today, Huffington Post, and the San Francisco Chronicle.
Asante is a tenured professor of creative writing and film in the Department of English and Language Arts at Morgan State University.

Asa (or Asha)

2011-08-14T23:59:00.016+02:00

is a Nigerian singer-songwriter. she has two albums Asha and Beautiful Imperfection.
beautiful music. so good to have really good music to listen to in this commercial-everything the same music industry

exercise

2011-08-01T18:41:00.000+02:00

well I'm back to doing serious exercises. B4 it was just normal stuff. now I've added the shapeup shoe to jogging and for walking around the easytone by reebok. i sure so feel my legs work extra in them. so far everyone's been telling me I've lost weight. so all most be working.

we as a people. let us not forget to help reconfidentise Africa also.

2011-04-18T15:32:00.001+02:00

Tweet forwarded by @jahliones

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Roasted broccoli

2011-04-07T09:00:00.001+02:00

Healthy Eating for Children
Roasted Broccoli
Source: Courtesy Amanda Haas

Roasted Broccoli
If you think your children don’t like broccoli, try roasting it! Roasting broccoli at a high temperature brings out all of its sweet flavors, so it tastes completely different than if you normally boil or steam it. If you’d like to add more flavor, you can zest a lemon over the top before roasting, or sprinkle good Parmesan cheese over it when it comes out of the oven.

Ingredients
1-1 1/2 lbs broccoli florets, washed, dried & cut in 1" pieces
extra virgin olive oil
salt
freshly ground pepper
Preparation
Preheat the oven to 450 degrees.

Place the broccoli in a mixing bowl and add a few tablespoons of olive oil. Sprinkle with salt and pepper and toss until all the broccoli florets are generously coated with the oil. Spread out on a rimmed baking sheet. Roast until the broccoli is just soft, about 15-20 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes to ensure even cooking.

Note: For a little added heat for the adults, sprinkle 1/2 teaspoon of chile flakes in before roasting.

NOT MY RECIPE. WILL TRY IT TODAY. LET ME KNOW IF ANYONE OUT THERE TRY THIS. BLESSINGS

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Long time

2011-03-20T10:10:00.001+01:00

Blessings to all.
I haven't posted anything in ages. Being a mom and full time worker with all kinds of hours are hard.

But I'm trying to be back.
I just ordered myself some hair and things to add in the making of my hair products. My locks need some serious building up.
I'll try my best to post.

Jah blessings.

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Banana Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies

2011-03-20T10:01:00.002+01:00

Made these this morning. There're quite good. My son had one he also seems to like them. Energy goodies with the right kind of sugars.

If Anyone for To Try
2/3 cup well-mashed ripe bananas (about 2 small ones)
2 tablespoon ground flax seeds (linseed)
1/4 cup nondairy milk
1/2 cup oil
1/2 cup brown rice syrup
1/4 cup agave nectar
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
1 cup all purpose flour
1 cup whole wheat pastry flour
1 1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
2 cups quick-cooking oats
1 cup nuts of choice coarsly chopped
1 cup dries cranberry

Preheat over. In a large bowl, mix banana, flax seed, nondairy milk and mix until smooth.
Mix in oil, brown rice syrup, agave and vanilla.
Sift flours, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking soda and salt, and mix to form a moist batter.
Fold in oats, nuts adn dried cranberries. The dough will be moist yet thick and sticky.

Size as you like, though big is better, it's supposed to be like a muffin, a breakfast energyizer. Bake till eadges are brown.
Store loosely, they'll get soft if stored too tight. Up to 2months in freezer.

Bless
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Location:Ch du coin de terre 7, Switzerland

Happy new year

2011-01-02T00:42:00.001+01:00

Happy new year. May Jah continual to guide you all. And keep inspiring.

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Location:Chemin du Coin-de-Terre,Châtelaine,Switzerland

WHY IS THE BLACK RACE SO MESSED UP A

2011-01-01T22:45:00.000+01:00

It is an open secret to Blacks who have knowledge of self and carefully navigate their way behind enemy lines here in AmeriKKKa, that the biggest impediment to AfriKKKan AmeriKKKan progress are not White Supremacists and their sympathizers, but colonized and ASSimilated AfriKKKan AmeriKKKans themselves .

Amongst Mainstream AmeriKKKa's shot-callers, White Supremacist have largely been silenced by the prevailing morality that viewed expressions of overt hostilities directed towards Blacks as unfashionable and out of vogue.

In fact, when not burdened by racial and ethnic insecurities (or 'white guilt'), many closet bigots could be enlisted to support Blacks on the basis of personal integrity.

By definition, the ASSimilated and colonized-minded AfriKKKan AmeriKKKan, has surrendered their integrity. This makes them a very useful tool of the Mainstream AmeriKKKan establishment; because once they are empowered, these people are guaranteed to support the most covert and overt forms of anti-Black prejudice.

A colonized-minded Black man or woman has the most intimate understanding of this principle of plausible denial, having chosen to live under the complete subjugation of White Supremacist rule.

In fact, these 21st Century Uncle Toms are far less likely to demand fair and just treatment for themselves or for their own, because to do so would not only call attention to themselves, but it would jeopardize their livelihood, their prestige, their comfort, and even their lives.
And this sad soliloquy of chaos, self-hatred, and paralysis by analysis, continues to play itself out in our communities.

Single and Saved

2011-01-01T21:55:00.000+01:00

repost by me. this seems like a good book. i just ordered it. i will give an update when i finish reading

Monday, November 1, 2010

Review for "Single and Saved" by Shelia Copeland

Shelia Copeland really outdid herself when she wrote Saved and Single. An exhilarating story that follows the life of a thirty-two-year-old virgin named Tiffany and the counterparts within her life. Tiffany is a wedding planner who is saved and has been waiting patiently for God to send her the right husband for quite some time. When presented with the opportunity to plan her crush, Myles’s, wedding Tiffany accepts and gets to know her crush a little better. The story opens on the day of Myles’s wedding, however, his bride, a super star actress named Melody gets cold feet and jilts her super fine fiancé at the altar. Tiffany sees this opportunity as being a sign from God. As if God was telling her that she was meant to be with Myles and not the superficial non-Christian woman he was about to marry. Just when things were about to go somewhere between Tiffany and Myles, Melody pops back in to picture and Tiffany is left high and dry by her dream man.

Tiffany’s sister Shay is her complete opposite. A mother of three, Shay is definitely a thrill seeker when it comes to meeting new people (mainly men). She lives with her unemployed boyfriend/babies daddy of 10 years in a very nice neighborhood. Shay is ready to move on to find a new relationship with a man who is romantic, fit, and more importantly has a job, but she can’t seem to let go of the father of her three kids. Flirtatious with every other man except her own, Shay finds comfort in an online dating site where she uses her sister’s picture as her own to find true love.

Deborah is Tiffany’s best friend from college. The two of them have been together through thick and thin. A devout Christian just like Tiffany, Deborah has been waiting for God to send her husband to her as well. As a successful lawyer she is the epitome of what an independent woman should look like. She’s beautiful, stylish, and quick to tell anyone in public that she does not need a man to define her worth. She is known for quoting the phrase, “The devil is a liar” as her motto for any given situation. However, in private Deborah is secretly a tease, very lonely, and desperate to find a husband. When her much younger assistant turns up engaged to her boss at the company’s annual Christmas party, Deborah is more determined than ever to help rush God in the process of sending her a man.

On the day of Myles’s wedding someone left flyers on the cars outside promoting a new website, www.savedandsingle.com. It was a Christian website popular in helping other saved single Christians connect and find love. After church one Sunday Tiffany, Deborah, and Myles met up at Shay’s house for Sunday dinner. During dessert Deborah decided it would be fun to sign everyone up for the saved and single website, but Tiffany thought it would be best for her to wait on God.Ultimately, each person got what they wanted or deserved the most. Deborah found her Mr. Right through the website. He was successful, rich, fine, and he loved his mother dearly. Unfortunately, he was hiding a terrible secret that Deborah quickly found to be too much to handle. This example teaches individuals to wait until you know your spouse fully before jumping the broom and getting married. It also shows the importance of waiting on God to do what He does and not interfere. If we do, He’ll back off and let the cards fall where they may.

Myles ended up reconciling with his ex-fiancé and struggling to find happiness again. He was too concerned with the outer appearance and physical aspects of a relationship to see him and Melody were not compatible. Instead, his focus should have been on his partner’s relationship with God. The lesson learned here: no matter how bad it may seem a marriage is forever and if a spouse wants to remain in the marriage it is up to both parties to make it work. You can’t decide that you want out after you’ve gotten married and finally see that the other person is not the one for you. Pay attention in the beginning to all of the small details.Shay thought she found what she was looking for on the website; someone better than her long-term partner Norm, who had a job, and who was super romantic. Everything Norm wasn’t. After kicking Norm out of their home, she made some life changes regarding her health and even lost weight. However, she soon learned how much Norm really meant to her family, mainly because the kids prayed for their dad to come back home. On top of that, her internet love turned out to be a sham, therefore, left with no one to call her boo while on the saved and single cruise Shay found God.Tiffany, ironically enough, connected with her love while on the saved and single cruise; despite the fact that she did not want to take part in the internet dating site. After what seemed like one failed attempt at love, Tiffany was ready to make herself known to her destiny. What at first seemed like a cat and mouse chase without a happy ending; persistence, patience, and forgiveness soon rendered Tiffany as the winner in the story. She held on and waited for God to do what He said He will do.

Overall, this book taught me that sometimes you have to take a chance on love, however, if those steps are not ordered by God don’t continue to pursue it. Patience is truly a virtue, and often time’s real love is already staring you right in the face. It shouldn’t take a website or misconstrued perceptions about individuals and his or her profiles to teach us these lessons.I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and it left me wanting to know more about what happens between Deborah and her bisexual husband. How she deals with his issues and whether or not she is willing to look past his faults and see his need. If Myles will eventually love his wife the way he once loved her before she left him standing at the altar, if Shay is finally happy with her happy ending and new found love for Christ, and if Tiffany can say that it (the wait) was worth it all.

Nicole Duff

Proverbs 31 gives this book 4 stars.