NATURALLY LOVING ME

What Kind Of Eater Are You?

2011-12-08T12:36:00.000-05:00

Confess your food sins. Forgive and move on.

I realized today I wasn't a conscious eater, although I will be before my journey is over. There were a few things I needed to confront first like the fact I have food issues, yes issue, blockages that helped to pack on the pounds and made it incredibly hard to lose them.

So what did I learn? Well I learned there are many types of "eaters" and I identified with Emotional eating, Task Snacker, Fast Foody and Fretter as well as others. once I first realized which I identified with I then second needed to understand why I was that type of eater. I then forgave myself and issues surrounding it and moved on to the next step of my journey, so I can begin to consciously eat, be aware of my feelings when I eat and know what and why I'm eating it.

As emotional eater, I know a lot of it was tied to a past relationship and dealing with a lot of unresolved feelings that came from it. Recognizing that is the first step and you guys have no idea how powerful that was for me.

So what of kind of eater are you?

Fretter: frets over everything they eat and have a negative relationship with food always being overly worried about what it is they are eating.

Task Snacker: always eats whenever there is a task to be done and never eats alone. You eat while watching Television, while working on the computer,doing homework or while you're cooking.

Emotional Eater: Eats when stressed, upset, hurt, depressed, experienced trauma or loss.

Fast Foody: hooked on anything done the ski-mask way, quick fast and in a hurry. so meals Fromm fast food places, buffets, or microwave dishes are right up their alley.

The Grazer: The grazer eats unconsciously. They eat while driving, at their desk standing in the refrigerator and they overeat because of it.

If you can identify with any of the above raise your right hand and admit it, confess it, look into the reason why you do it, forgive yourself, make an effort to eat consciously and move on ladies. To the next!, To the Next!

Weight Loss Challenge!!!!

2011-12-07T15:26:00.001-05:00

Watch Me Shrink!

Today I am making a promise to myself to lose the excess baggage that is weight I have been carrying around like a bag lady. My goal is to lose over 50lbs and I am putting no time frame on it. The only time frame is to keep and maintain a healthy, yet comfortable weight by my 40th Bornday and beyond. Sooooo I am ready to do the work, eat and think consciously and have fun with food and exercise without deprivation. This is one journey I plan to see to the end.

Today Is the first day of my weight loss challenge and I will lose 50lbs+ so it is written, so it shall be accomplished. I claim it!
stats:
Height: 5"4
Weight over 200lbs
Size: tops m/l
Size: bottoms 16/18
BMI:
Overall: Obese!

Where Have I Been?

2011-12-04T00:00:00.000-05:00

School, school and more school! LolI know I have been neglectful of my blogs, but I haven't been able to come up for air In a long time. Between work, school and family, its been exhausting.I do appreciate all the new followers of this blog and i'm glad you found this information helpful. I notice in my absence there were comments and questions posted and I hope to answer them either on this blog or via YouTube. My goal is to post regularly and I welcome any positive comments, questions and feedback. Stay tuned.

Love Key-Key

Protective style. Quick Weave.

Tips On Winter Protective Styling For Natural Hair

2011-11-14T15:28:00.001-05:00

During the winter is when we naturals have to pay more attention to our locks for a number of reasons. One, hair seems to grow at a slower rate during winter, and we have to retain length by keeping hair moisturized especially since this is the time of year when we wear more hair coverings, which lead to breakage.

My suggestions:

1.When wearing wool, cotton, and mohair hats this season, please cover hair first with silk, or satin scarf or bonnet to avoid any friction between the hat and hair.

2. If wearing wigs, hair should be maintained regularly underneath, even if you are wearing wigs. Always keep hair, washed, conditioned and moisturized and again always wear a silk or satin cap underneath to avoid friction between your hair and the wig.

3. If wearing braids, or weaves, again hair should be maintained as if it was your own hair, wash, condition, moisturize and treat it well.

4. I keep no protective hairstyle for more than 30 days especially if it's a wig, or quick weave, sometimes less.

In Need of A MAC Color Match!

2011-11-14T15:14:00.000-05:00

Really? I just purchased this maybe two weeks ago, Now granted I do use this color just about everyday, it just goes way to fast. I realized a long time ago with the HIP-Duo you are paying solely for packaging, but I do however love this color and have yet to find a color match for it. If anyone knows of a color match by NYX, Or MAC please let me know.

SAUCY 818. Love the Brown side, don't use the other side that much. I wear it with MAC: ROMP and SHROOM

Make-up Haul!!!!....When I use it, I use it all!

2011-11-04T14:38:00.001-04:00

Natural is beautiful, but what better way to enhance it than make-up. Even the Egyptians wore makeup on their eyes, lips and cheeks. I like to think of it as when a peacock is looking to mate it opens it's feathers revealing the beautiful colors. Now although naturally we can display our inner colors, I love to reveal the outer colors as well.

So here is my mini haul
I ran out of foundation and concealer so I stopped by MAC and Purchased
Studio Tech.........................NW45..........................During Summer I wear NW47
Studio Finish Concealer.....NW45
Deep Truth Eye Shadow (The most beautiful Blue!)

Because as you see when I use it all, I use it all Lol. Although the prices are astronomical, they are well worth it. I think of it as having a little fun.

Flat Irioning Natural Hair

2010-09-22T18:48:00.008-04:00

So I decided to Flat Iron my hair again and this time i did it myself. So first things first was finding a flat iron and hair dyer.

The HUNT FOR A FLAT IRON.

I know everyone views the CHI and FHI as the holy grails of flatirons but I wasn't too sure if I wanted to invest in one just yet. They range in price anywhere $100-150. Now i'm not saying I won't eventually purchase one, but for now I basically wanted something that would do the job to prepare my hair for a good trim, because i don't like to trim it when it's curly.

O.k. so I knew that the best thing about the CHI/FHI was the fact they were

............................ CHI........................FHI.....................REVLON

Plate size. 7, 1, 2"....................1, 1.25, 1.75"......1"-?

Watts 20-25...................... 58.......................170

Flash Heating YES......................... YES....................Yes

Warranty 1Year........................1 Year.................1 Year

Easy to hold YES..........................NO.....................Yes

Swivel Cord YES YES Yes

Length of cord Longer than ..............^........................ Long

Ceramic&Tourmaline Ceramic....Both....................Ceramic

COST $100-150....... $50-150......... *$21.99

I decided to purchase the Revlon!!!! Why? It has a lot in common with the CHI, but the price is way less. Now the only problem is the Wattage being much higher than the CHI, but for now I can deal with that especially since I won't be straigthening my hair all the time it will only put a dent in my electric bill.

LENGTH CHECK!!!!!! FLAT IRIONING NATURAL HAIR

2010-09-20T01:40:00.007-04:00

I finally flat ironed my hair for a length check and trim. (original posting date 9/20/10)

What I did:
Washed hair (cream of nature)
Deep condition (DPR-11)
Leave in conditioner (Infusium 23 original formula)
Reconstructor (Aphogee Keratin & green tea) heat locks in this treatment.

What I used:
Revlon Hair Dryer (note this part is not needed, you could also used twist or braids to lengthen and let air dry then proceed with flat iron part. this will lesson the amount of thermal heat received).
Revlon Flat iron
Vitapointe Hair dressing.....( Now this product is in no way shape or form natural, but ladies I took it back to the old school with this product. I remember my mother and God-mommy would press my hair pre-creamy crack days with stuff and it worked! My hair was long and healthy, so I used it and it smelled just like I remembered and brought back so many great memories. Now I didn't used a lot so if you try it use sparingly.)

How I did it:
After applying reconstructor, I massaged in vitapointe and blew my hair dry. (dry, not fried, or bone straight ladies)
next I sectioned hair into four parts and went through each section tapering off small semi sections in which I added more vitapointe and began to glide flat iron over hair slowly and then off to the next section repeating only once. After entire hair is done I then apply my shea butter mixture.

So the outcome as you see still shows texture, it's not fried, nor is bone straight. It is simply lengthened I like to say utilizing heat. I won't be doing this often I just wanted to be able to do a trim and view my length.

Please feel free to comment on ways and products you used to flat iron your hair, whether it is a natural product or if you took it old school like me. I hope this helps

Love Key-Key

OH I COULD JUST DYE!

2010-08-01T00:54:00.023-04:00

A nice way to start August! I have been wanting to dye my hair since I my big chop, but was really hesitant. Now I'm up to the task after doing some research I think it would be a good change for me. I decided to do it for a number of reasons, a much needed change, cover a few grays and because my hair is thin I'm hoping color will add depth.

Prep before color:
Day 1 before I applied Cantu Shea butter conditioning cream to entire head and twisted hair into two flat twists.
Day 2 I shampoo.
*NOTE* Before coloring hair, the hair must be clean and free of dirt and product build up so that the color can take and be more vibrant Wash should take place 24 hours before color is added to the hair so that it gives time for scalp to excrete its naturals oils that will help to protect the hair when applying the color
**Never shampoo the day of coloring**
***Don’t apply conditioner after wash***
Creme of Nature shampoo (I didn’t have a non sulfate shampoo so I caved and used their newer brand which does contain sulfates).

Day 3 COLOR:
PREP:
Gloves, protection, towel, comb
Use a wax, mineral jelly, petroleum jelly, or oil to apply around hair line to protect against staining of the skin.

COLOR:
CLAIROL Textures & TONES (Made by African American Stylist for African American hair)
1B Silken Black & 4RC Cherrywood
When doing two tones the lighter color should be done first. Protect the rest of the hair from the dye by pinning in knots and securing with plastic clips or tuck hair into itself. *Never use metal clips or pins when dying hair*
Section the area I am coloring first with the lighter shade.
*Note if you wet the other part of the hair when washing out the first color you should wait until it is dry possibly the next day before adding the darker color.
**Follow manufactures instructions completely no matter which brand you choose**
Rinse, Shampoo, Deep condition
CONDITIONER
Coloring the hair is a chemical process. Protein must be added back to the hair after a chemical service
Elasta QP Intense: protein conditioner with hydrolyzed protein
What is hydrolyzed silk protein?
Aids in moisture retention due to its strong hygroscopic properties (silk is credited with the ability to retain 10,000 times its weight in water), resulting in optimum conditioning and increased strength. Provides superior conditioning properties, making it ideal for natural-type conditioners, shampoos, and hair repairing systems. Links hair fibers to improve elasticity, resiliency, and restore the moisture balance.
Leave-In conditioner
Apply Infusium leave-in treatment , Shea Butter

Lets' Talk Shea Butter and it's Benefits.

2010-07-11T00:02:00.006-04:00

One of natures best offerings to us. Not only can be used all over the body as a highly effective moisture locker, but used in the hair can lock in water and help the hair to retain moisture rendering the hair soft and easier to comb. This product is a must have staple for every natural diva.

How does Shea Butter benefit the hair?
Shea Butter provides moisture to dry or damaged hair from the roots to the very tips, repairing and protecting against weather damage, dryness and brittleness. It also absorbs quickly and completely into the scalp to re-hydrate without clogging pores. It is particularly beneficial for processed and heat-treated hair. It is an excellent treatment for dry scalp. It restores luster to damaged hair.

What color should Shea Butter be?
The color of unrefined Shea Butter depends on the Shea nuts used. Shea nuts will vary in color from almost white to yellow like rich butter. Therefore, refined Shea Butter will vary in color. You will not be able to determine the authenticity or quality of Shea Butter based strictly on its color. There is even a naturally golden yellow colored Shea Butter. Shea Butter should never be green, extremely hard or greasy. ( A friend bought me some that was green in some spots and smelled rancid, I did not use it)Most Shea Butter is a creamy color. Shea Butter that is pure white is highly refined and may or may not have its healing properties intact depending on how it was refined.

Is all Shea Butter the same?
All Shea Butter is not the same. Shea Butter loses some of its healing properties as it sits on the shelf, so very old Shea Butter is not as beneficial. Refining techniques will vary. Highly processed Shea Butter will not be as effective. Sometimes Shea Butter is mixed with other ingredients that reduce its benefits. Then, there are those products that add very little Shea Butter but prominently display "Shea Butter" on the label.

What's the difference between raw Shea butter, refined Shea butter?
The differences between raw, refined and highly refined Shea Butter lie in how the Shea Butter is extracted from the nut and how it is processed after that. Manual extraction processes leave more of the raw ingredients in the Shea Butter. After it is extracted, it can be further refined removing color and impurities that some people don't like. This further refining can also remove some of the smell. You can think of the difference between raw Shea Butter and refined Shea Butter as being similar to the difference between wheat bread and white bread; the same with pure brown cane sugar and white processed sugar. That is one end of the spectrum. On the other end, there is Shea Butter that is extracted using chemicals that is pure white, has no smell and has lost its healing properties in the process.

What are the benefits of Shea Butter?
Daily skin moisturizer
Dry skin
Dry scalp
Skin rash- including diaper rash
After tanning
Blemishes and wrinkles
Sunburn
Shaving cream to reduce razor irritation
Small skin wounds
Skin cracks
Stretch mark prevention during pregnancy
Minor burns
Eczema
Sun and wind protection
Even skin tone
Reduce blemishes and scarring
Eliminating scalp irritation from dryness or chemical processing
Preventing bumps after shaving
Reducing acne
Absorbs quickly without leaving a greasy residue
Helps restore elasticity to skin
Restores luster to hair
Soften feet

Micro Twist Out

2010-06-14T10:33:00.010-04:00

Products use Elasta QP Olive Oil & Mango Butter Moisturizer

(besides the urea and 2 Parabens, I love the smell and texture of this product not to mention the ingredients but i will not purchase again after i have used this jar).
Water bottle.

What i did
Use fingers to seperate hair, spray each section with water , add moisturizer then twist 2 strand twist throughout the head.

My Natural Hair Update

2010-06-13T05:48:00.006-04:00

Braid Out (Oh the shrinkage lol)June 10 C0-Wash
Couple of plaits all over head

June 10 June 09
Hey ladies,
Thank you guys for subbing and following. Hope everyone is well. I'm so happy my hair has grown out a lot from my first video on YouTube. I will now be concentrating on length and thickness. I think because i don't have much protein in my diet since switching to a vegetarian diet is the culprit for my thin hair. But i will be trying things to see if i can thicken it up from the inside out. So this is the first day with the braid out so there is shrinkage after a few days it stretches a little more and length is seen even more. Will be putting in twist tonight.
I am also considering dyeing my hair soon, so i will post on that as well.
What I Used
Co-washed with Trader Joe's Conditioner. Added honey, olive oil, rosemary, peppermint, water.
Will be starting a new hair regimen by the end of next week. with daily updates, photos, and weekly reviews.
Coming up Soon
Length & Thickness techniques
Dyeing
Trim
Natural Hairstyles
Product reviews

Bug Off!!!! Effective Naturally Ways To Repel Bugs.

2009-06-23T22:18:00.003-04:00

So summer is here , and so are the mosquito's, flies & other little critters. (Gotta love them but...)

We also want to enjoy being outdoors without being eaten alive. I am looking forward to going down south this summer, and i know i am going to need some protection. Being that i refuse to use any chemicals on my skin i look for healthy alternatives.

According to Malia Curran, MS MPH a nutrition and health consultant suggest looking for natural products containing citronella, neem, evergreen and eucalyptus.
as well as taking a B complex vitamins, as well as eating garlic and onions which repel mosquito's.

Also Some things i find helpful are making a blend or using separately essential oils (the oil from a flower, plant, herb etc used for aromatherapy). Not to be confused with synthetic fragrance oils.(which contain no aromatherapy qualities whatsoever).

Lavender oil - (dilute with carrier oil first) lavender is considered to be particularly effective against flies
Citronella oil (dilute with carrier oil first)
Eucalyptus oil (dilute with carrier oil first)
Peppermint oil (dilute with carrier oil first) more effective against mosquitoes but also considered to work against flies)
Lemongrass oil (dilute with carrier oil first)

what i do is make a blend or use separately and saturate a cotton ball and place in the corner of each window day & night.

or i place a couple of drops on the liquid wax of a burning candle.

NOTE* For information on how to make a blend for your skin i would suggest read a book on essential oils, or aromatherapy and how to use them effectively.

Awareness: All Of Us

2009-06-22T00:00:00.004-04:00

I know this is my natural hair blog, and i'm expected to constantly talk about hair. But since i have your attention every now and then i want to write a post that is also geared towards us as African American woman of color, and mother earth. So i will call it AWARENESS, and the second post will talk about H.I.V., and how it still affects our community as a whole.

I got the idea after watching a documentary called All of Us, and was curious to know what the statistics were for where i live. And the results are staggering!

According to the City Of New York
Far too many New Yorkers are being infected with HIV and dying of AIDS. We must do better.

"New York City remains the epicenter of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the U.S. More than 100,000 New Yorkers are living with HIV, but thousands don’t know they’re infected. New York City has the highest AIDS case rate in the country, with more AIDS cases than Los Angeles, San Francisco, Miami, and Washington DC combined. HIV is the 3rd leading cause of death below age 65 in New York City. HIV is also the health problem with the largest racial disparity; 80% of new AIDS diagnoses and deaths are among African Americans and Hispanics. Prevention, testing, and treatment programs are being expanded, but more must be done."

I encourage all of my sister's to love yourself first! Protect yourself!, and get tested. Below is a Preview of a Documentary entitled All Of Us.

For more info please visit: http://www.allofusthemovie.com/home.php

Awareness: I Am Because We Are

2009-06-15T00:27:00.011-04:00

I know this is my natural hair blog, and I'm expected to constantly talk about hair. But since i have your attention every now and then i want to write a post that is also geared towards us as African American woman of color, and as mother earth. So i will call it AWARENESS, And every Monday I will post a new awareness concern facing our community. This first post will talk about a documentary i saw yesterday entitled I Am Because We Are. It gives a glimpse into Malawi a small country in southeast Africa. It tells the stories of the Malawi Orphans devastated with H.I.V.,A.I.D.S, Poverty, Rape, Kidnapping. You name it these Beautiful children have seen it. Below is a preview, and also the full version. I hope you watch, and your heart, and soul move you to do more in your community, if when you cannot help have way across the world.

Thank you for reading.

Key Key

You can watch I Am Because We Are i it's entirety By pressing the play button below.

please visit: http://www.iambecauseweare.com/

The Wigs "The Colored Museum"

2009-06-10T11:27:00.001-04:00

I was so happy to come across this video. It is a excerpt from a play called The Colored Museum" A years ago I played the role of the Afro wig in this very play. I wish someone had recorded it because i was sooooo good. LOL! So just want to share this funny skit.

And What!!!!!

2009-06-10T11:10:00.000-04:00

I could not have said this better myself. I love this pic. I wish it was on a t-shirt!

More Natural Hair Update Pics!!!

2009-06-10T11:00:00.000-04:00

I just love my hair, Sometimes i want to shave it all off but that's another story. My goal is do more hair style pics. So look out for more.

Things I'm Doing To Maximize Hair Growth

2009-05-30T21:43:00.001-04:00

Here are just some of the things I'm doing to maximize my hair growth. Please keep in mind these are things i do for my hair. What works for me may not work for you.

INTERNALLY
Aloe Vera juice: Heals inside out.
Cod liver oil: Omega 3 essential for hair and nail growth
Prenatal Vitamins: Has essential vitamins as well as herbs that are essential for hair growth
Evening Primrose oil: GLA+essential fatty acids.Hair is often very dull looking and dry without enough omega-3 fatty acids in the body, flaxseed oil contains these fatty acids in abundance-the use of these fatty acids will restore life to lifeless hair. The use of supplemental flaxseed oil will also reduce the itching and flaking from the scalp which result in dandruff. This oil can also be very useful in the treatment of eczema and psoriasis affecting the scalp. The scalp and the hair are moisturized by regular topical use of the evening primrose oil as massage oil on the scalp

EXTERNALLY

Oils used
Virgin coconut oil: One of the only oils that actually penetrate the hair strand.
Jojoba oil: One of the only oils that actually resembles our natural sebum.
Shea Butter: (not listed)

ESSENTIAL OILS

Rosemary:dry hair and dandruff as well as itchy scalp, aids i hair growth
Sage oil:It deep cleanses impurities away from the scalp and works well with other herbs to heal scalp problems such as scalp psoriasis and helps with falling or thinning hair.
Ylang-Ylang :
Peppermint:helps to stimulate blood flow to the root of the hair. This helps the hair to receive proper nourishment and to grow correctly
Lavender: soothing the scalp and the hair

UN-NATURAL PRODUCTS I STILL USE

Elasta QP Mango Butter : makes my hair soft
Elasta QP Gel: I like the hold.
Elasta QP DPR 11: One of the best deep moisturizing conditioners I have used (will not give up)
I do add honey, rosemary, and a little coconut oil.
ORS Pack (not listed) Must have.

CONDITIONER

I will use this as long they make it. when i cannot buy Aubrey Organics or one of the other brands for financial reasons. It's inexpensive and does the job. Because it is so thick and doesn't have good slip on it's own I add water, honey,
and a little coconut oil. I still use this as a co-wash as well as a conditioner after shampoo.

TOOLS I USE
Large tooth comb or rake
Natural Boar bristle brush
Tooth brush:to control the hair helping it to lay flat.
Hair clips:to hold hair in place during detangling, conditioner faze.

Also I ..........
Follow a healthy dietary regimen.
Use a mild shampoo to wash my hair at all times.
Use a cotton t-shirt to dry my hair when needed instead of a towel.
Protect my hair from excessive wear and tear and therefore try avoiding contact with harsh chemicals. this can include the chlorine in swimming pools, and the high heat from common blow dryers or the heat of curling irons.
Do a weekly scalp massage as a essential component of my every day life. This will lead to the stimulation of blood flow to the scalp; in addition, it will also help relieve stress-a factor known to contribute to hair loss problems in many people.

Hair Update

2009-05-30T21:03:00.000-04:00

Finally a hair update! I know it's been a while nothing since my 6-month hairversary. So here goes. My hair is type 4a/4b So when wet it draws up appearing shorter than what it actually is. But i love it anyway.
Taken 5/30/09
Taken 5/30/09
Taken 03/09

I cannot get over how much my hair has grown. Even between the last photo i took which is the picture i used for my main blog photo. I blew it out 1 time last week just to see the length, and i didn't do it bone straight so i know if i had it is def on my shoulder. I am so in love with my natural hair.

And to think this where it all began. Honestly if it wasn't for my niece I think i would have grabbed the creamy crack (relaxer). LOL! But I'm glad i stuck with it, and am continuing to stick with it. I just cant wait until it's grow out more.

Happy Mother's Day

2009-05-10T04:46:00.000-04:00

Every day is a mother's day. So to all the Strong, superwoman, who put that S on their chest and struggle, sacrifice, love nurture, and teach the children of this earth. Enjoy this special that like you would any other.

Happy mother's Day!
Key-Key

Master Cleanse

2009-05-10T03:49:00.000-04:00

Today I am starting the master cleanse by Stanley Burroughs. I wanted to start it at the beginning of spring but, i decided to do it now.

It consist of a lemonade using lemons, water, and grade b maple syrup as well as cayenne pepper.
A laxitive tea
A salt water flush

I will be doing it for 10 days, and i'm excited (locked in and ready to go)
will let you know how its going.

Def Poetry Jam

2009-04-11T23:00:00.000-04:00

Love Like by Shihan

I love poetry, and i came across this video to share.

Beauty In The Strangest Places

2009-04-09T12:10:00.000-04:00

I came across this photo, and it is the most beautiful picture I have ever seen. I have always had a fascination with lighthouses ever since I was younger.

Blackstrap Molasses

2009-03-29T23:40:00.000-04:00

Hey Curly's

Wanted to share what I bought today... drum roll please. I finally purchased some Blackstrap Molasses. Yayyyyy! In case you heard of it, but are not sure exactly what it is. Blackstrap molasses is the the dark liquid byproduct of the process of refining sugar cane into table sugar.

It is made from the third boiling of the sugar syrup and is the concentrated byproduct left over after the sugar's sucrose has been crystallized. it is also a excellent source of manganese and copper, and is a very good source of iron, calcium, potassium and magnesium. In addition, blackstrap molasses is a good source of vitamin B6 and selenium.

For an in-depth nutritional profile click here: Blackstrap molasses. I know for centuries it was used for dark hair while honey was used for lighter hair. I cannot wait to make a caramel deep conditioner or pre-poo with it. When I do I will post it? Have any of you ever tried Blackstrap Molasses for your hair?