VABK- Va's Best Kept!

VABK Diva Chef!! Frittatas..

2012-01-26T18:55:00.000-08:00

Ok, so I've been gone for a minute; life has taken over! With the birth of my daughter and returning to work as well as business picking up in the natural hair business, life has just been busy! One thing I have been keeping up with is preparing home cooked meals. I made a challenge with myself at the end of 2011 that I wanted to cook more and become a better cook, and so far I have been doing my thing! If you are a friend of mine of Facebook or Instagram, you may have seen pics of meals I have cooked. Because I've been getting requests for recipes, I am planning to start adding my meals and recipes to the blog. I will start this off with a dish I stumbled across today: frittatas.

Frittatas is the Italian version of the Spanish tortilla. It is egg based and you can pretty much add whatever you want to it; Italians have been known to add leftover spagetti to it! The basic idea is, if you have leftovers, add it to your frittata!

For this frittata, I added lots of veggies and spiced it up with some left over andouille sausage. I also added some texture with two different cheeses, feta and cheddar cheese. With some seasoning, this dish came out EXCELLENT. It can be paired with a small salad or roasted potatoes. If you try this, let me know what you think!

Ingredients (Serves about 3-4):

Andouille Sausages (I used half a pack as this was all I had but for a more meaty frittata use the whole pack)

8 eggs

1/2 cup of milk

1 Bundle of Broccoli, chopped into half bite sizes

2 zucchinis, grated

1/2 sweet onion, chopped or minced

1 small block of feta cheese, crumbled

a few sprinkles of cheddar cheese to top the frittata

Directions:

Preheat oven for 375 degrees. Lightly beat eggs and then mix in milk. Next, add your andouille sausage, broccoli, zucchini, onion and feta cheese to mixture. Mix ingredients a little with spoon. Pour mixture into a casserole dish, spreading out evenly. Bake for 30-45 mins or until egg is no longer runny. Finished frittata should be moist.

Yes! Another Miss Jessie's Haul

2011-12-12T06:50:00.000-08:00

Y'all are going to be tired of hearing about Miss Jessie's when I'm finished, lol. So I went and purchased a couple of other items while the Target BOGO Free sale is still going on for Miss Jessies (only a few more days...what are you waiting for??). Check the video below to see what I purchased. Reviews and my thoughts of Miss Jessie's products coming soon!

Have you purchased anything during the Miss Jessie's BOGO Free sale??

VABK Inspiration: Don't Hate! The Blessing Is In Your Neighborhood

2011-12-09T02:53:00.001-08:00

"Seeing those around you being blessed with what you've been wanting for quite some time? Don't hate! The blessing is in your neighborhood!"

I remember seeing a Facebook friend post something along the lines of the quote and had to take a step back and evaluate. There had been times I was a silent hater of those who were being blessed with circumstances I had been wishing and praying for, and I'm sure you have to....don't lie! :) A job? A relationship? An engagement? Or even materialistic things? When others around you are attracting the circumstances or materials, it doesn't mean that you are not attracting those things. We have to look at others blessings as indication that the Source (and when I use Source I mean whatever you put your faith in, ie, God, Buddha, Allah, Universe, etc) hears and sees what we want and that the blessing is right around the corner from YOU! So instead of unconsciously turning on your silent hate radar, consciously be aware; don't hate, but give thanks for the blessing that person has received, and then give thanks for the indication that your blessing is on the way. Most importantly, have FAITH! Keep the faith within your heart along with gratitude; these are the quickest ways to exactly what you want.

-VABK

VABK Inspiration: Utilize and Create!

2011-12-07T05:41:00.001-08:00

This week I started a 21 Day Gratitude Challenge started by life coach Shanel Cooper-Sykes and we had an amazing class yesterday that inspired this inspirational post. Today, we will briefly dwell into utilizing what was put purposely in front of us to be for our ultimate good, whether it appears good or bad!

VABK Quote of the Day: "When fate hands you lemons, make lemonade"- Dale Carnegie

I'm sure we all know that life's road will not always go without a bump, curve, or pothole to try to slow or defer our travels. We can't avoid them, so why not try to utilize those to our advantage? Instead of sulking over the issues we have in our lives, we should step back and see how we can make this a good for ourselves. Lost your job? Instead of sulking for weeks upon weeks, use that time to figure out how you can make income that will constantly come in, build your own source of income from a hobby. While I've been on maternity leave, I've been utilizing my time to not only spend time with family but figure out how I could bring in residual income and working on trying to make my hobby a source of income. Car broke down? Take the time to sit in the house and do some much needed...NOTHING! We tend to run and run around doing any and everything to stay busy when a lot of times our body needs us to rest and just enjoy a moment of stillness. Sit, grab you something enjoyable to eat and just enjoy time at home, spend time with your family, do something you relaxing and nice for yourself and body, like a relaxing bubble bath.

There are no limits, so take the bars off of your life! :)

VA Natural Hair Meet Up: Tresses & Tini's Holiday Soiree

2011-12-05T15:52:00.001-08:00

I was informed by a fellow Youtuber that a natural hair event was approaching within the coming week, so I did my research and found the info. I love seeing these events in VA! Hope to see all my naturalistas there!

Below are the deets which can be found also on the Richmond Naturals Meetup.com page.

Come and ring in the Holiday Season with your natural sistahs and brothas@ the Tresses and Tini's Holiday Soireé presented by Richmond Naturals' on Friday, December 16, 2011 at Aloft hotel from 7pm-9pm! Were talking great cocktails, terrific conversation, product swaps and more!!! For those that remember our Curls and Cocktails event.... you know how we do it! Specialty vendors, delicious food, drinks specials and terrific give-aways. We look forward you and your friends (and yes that means guys too!) celebrating natural beauty and the holiday season with us. Please RSVP ASAP to guarantee your spot. Admission is $7 in advance and $9 at the door. We will also be raffling off a FREE 1-Night Stay at Aloft Hotel!! Raffle tickets are only $1.00! Please click on the link below to pay via Paypal for those that want to save by paying in advance. We can't wait to see you there!!!!

https://www.paypal.com/us/cgi-bin/?cmd=_pay-inv&id=INV2-C8EB-KFC9-E2MD-PJW4

Tresses & Tini's Holiday Soireé

December 16, 2011

7:00pm-9:00pm

Aloft Hotel

Admission: $7 in advance/$9 @ the door

Heavy hors d'oeuvres included

Drink Specials

*** Bring your gently used products for the Product Swap***

Ask VABK: Let's Talk Miss Jessies!

2011-12-03T03:23:00.001-08:00

So since I've posted a few videos about my experience with a couple of Miss Jessie's products, I have gotten a few questions for suggestions on my recommendations and/or thoughts about different products in the line. I plan to make a video discussing all of the products that I have used in the Miss Jessie's line (pretty much everything besides the one of the shampoos, the condish, Rapid Recovery Treatment and Quick Curls; but plan to grab those before the BOGO Free is up!), BUT before I do so, I want to know YOUR questions you may have about the Miss Jessie's products that you'd like answered by another natural diva :) Questions? Email vasbestkept@gmail.com or leave a comment below!

VABK Inspiration: Old Sad Story--BE GONE! Create Anew NOW!

2011-12-03T02:27:00.001-08:00

Too often we live our lives in our past by using phrases like "....understand what I've been through"...."...understand my past.."; we sing the same ol' tired sad story of our PAST while we let our PRESENT pass us by. Quit NOW! Repeating the sad, hurtful stories of your past events of your life does nothing but bring you more of situations like such, more sadness and hurt. Instead of telling the same story with the same undesirable results, dig deep inside and find the courage to step out of the hold of your past and CREATE the story of happiness, love, and joy! It's never too late to start a new story; YOU control the story of your life, and your Source, your God, did not intend your time on Earth to be sorrows. The saying goes, the present is YOUR PRESENT...so do the most with the wonderful gift; be thankful, be joyous, and love! :)

-VABK

YouTube Natural Hair Gurus Say Happy Holiday!

2011-12-01T12:34:00.001-08:00

I just love the natural hair community (most of the time :) ). A group of natural divas put together this nice holiday video...check it out!

VABK Inspiration: Look Towards the Little Things..

2011-11-30T11:56:00.001-08:00

VABK Quote of the Day: Open your mind and your eyes and see the little things. They are the guide to what you want!-VABK

We tend to get frustrated and question our Source when we don't get what we want when we want it. It's not that your Source does not want you to have what you want, it's very possible that at this time you are not really ready for what you want. But don't be discouraged! Open your mind and your eyes and see the little things. Want to be married? Do be discouraged when you see your co-worker or people around you getting engaged. Without a job? Don't hate on the next person that received a great paying job or someone that has a job. Want to be fit and fabulous? Don't scrunch up your nose at the woman that reached her weight loss goal. Instead, take others triumphs as confirmation that your desire is on the way. After all, when those around you are being blessed, it means there's a blessing near you.

Great day, family :)

-VABK

Curly with Miss Jessie's Curly Pudding!

2011-11-29T05:10:00.001-08:00

I've been an avid user of the Miss Jessie's products for over the past year of me being natural, first using them for my wash and go on my TWA and then later as my styling product for my twist outs. I enjoyed both ways and decided to try it again now that my hair is longer. Check out my video discussing my results plus my method of maintaining my wash and go for a minimum of 3 days. I'll probably be posting another video showing the maintenance method sometime this week or the next.

First Impression: Miss Jessie's Super Sweetback Treatment and Wash and Go Technique

2011-11-25T06:58:00.001-08:00

I told my YouTubers I'd record my impressions of the Miss Jessie's Super Sweetback Treatment and how I do my wash and go, so I decided to do a 2 in 1 video! Check it out!

VABK Inspiration: Learn the Lesson!

2011-11-23T06:01:00.001-08:00

VABK Quote of the Day: There is a lesson in EVERY struggle. Until u learn the LESSON, you will continue to STRUGGLE with the same problem over and over again--Shanel Cooper-Sykes

Ever experienced going through the same unpleasant situation over and over? Asked "Why do I always attract the same men/women?" ..."Why does this always happen to me?" If you don't want to admit to it, I will! I have said this a time or two until I realized through many sources who in many of the same words said the same above quote, that apparently there is a lesson that needs to be learned and I am not getting it! And with that realization, I sat down, evaluated my situation to figured out what the lesson of the situation was. Take the time (and this time may be a day, week, months or years) to figure out what the lesson of your situation is and then LEARN from it. You'll know you've learned your lesson when your situation is not a situation anymore, but a blessing!

Curly Nikki | Natural Hair Styles and Curly Hair Care: What's the Best Oil to Use on My Hair?

2011-11-22T05:55:00.000-08:00

I've had questions come to me about what oil to use on hair and came across this article via CurlyNikki.com . Take a read!

Curly Nikki | Natural Hair Styles and Curly Hair Care: What's the Best Oil to Use on My Hair?: Hair Liberty's Nicole Harmon, our Resident Curl Chemist, is answering your most urgent hair questions.

VABK Inspiration: Let Go, Live Life!

2011-11-21T06:07:00.001-08:00

VABK Quote of the Day: "It's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years."--Abraham Lincoln

We all have our good and bad days; some more than others. The difference between those "some" and the"others" is that the "others" have learn to let go and live! Which one are you? Do you dwell on what has happened to you in the past, bring along the baggage from year to year? The year end is right around the corner. Choose NOW, to let go of your grief and hurtful past and LIVE life now. It's never to late to start life over and CREATE the life you want to LIVE through out the many years you have in front of you :)

Miss Jessie's BOGO Haul

2011-11-20T16:40:00.001-08:00

So, this is my first year participating in the Miss Jessie's BOGO Free sale and I'm super excited that the year I decide to participate is the year they offered the deal in-store at Target. Check out the video below to see what I purchased.

Do you plan on participating in the Miss Jessie's BOGO sale? What's your favorite Miss Jessie's product?

VABK Health: Forget V8! Very Berry (and Leafy) Smoothie!

2011-11-18T06:23:00.001-08:00

So, now that my pregnancy is over, I have consciously taken on getting back to healthier eating habits. One of my favorite things to do to compliment this habit is creating smoothies. Nothing like creating a tasty beverage (or can supplement as a meal) that assists in getting your fruits, and also veggies if you're bold enough, into your system daily! Below is a fruit and veggie smoothie I created last night. If you find this a little bitter for your taste buds, you can add honey or brown sugar for more sweetness.

Very Berry and Leafy Smoothie

handful of spinach (kale will also work)
frozen or fresh strawberries (no measurements; use how many you like!)
frozen or fresh blueberries (no measurements; use how many you like!)
frozen or fresh raspberries (no measurements; use how many you like!)
Orange juice
Ice cubes

Directions:

Add spinach, strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries to blender. Add orange juice and begin to blend. Add more juice if it is hard to blend. Add ice cubes and blend more until smoothie is of desired consistency.

Have you tried this smoothie? Have any great smoothie ideas? Post a comment and let's discuss!

Contact VABK @ vasbestkept@gmail.com or on Twitter @VAsbestkept

VABK Fitness: Winter Weight Loss Challenge

2011-11-17T11:52:00.001-08:00

I came across this video while browsing Youtube and thought I'd share. Youtuber BeautifulBrwnBabyDol has talked about her weight loss journey several times on her channel and now she is launching a Weight Loss Challenge. The challenge isn't your average challenge; she is including a FREE ebook detailing the steps and schedule for the two month challenge and she has a Fitness DVD available on her website for purchase. I recommend this challenge to anyone who wants to get serious about losing that weight over the next two months. Check the video below for more details and visit her website: http://www.beautifulbrwnbabydol.com

ASK VABK: How Do I Get My Curls to Pop?!

2011-11-17T11:25:00.000-08:00

I thought I'd start a segment to my blog called "Ask VABK" in which I'd answer any questions that I may receive, whether it be about natural hair or life. So here it goes!

From time to time, I have had people ask me how to get their curls to pop when using the wash n go technique. During my natural hair journey, I've tried many techniques to try to fulfill the "defined curl" look that I was pleased with and it simply boiled down to, with my hair, I definitely needed a product that would provide "hold" as my hair texture consists of some clumped curls and frizz. This ruled out just applying a cream product or "conditioner only" method, especially if I wanted uniformed and super defined curls. To be honest with all who has this question, this is something that will take trial and error and learning YOUR hair, as I had to do, but below are some tips that I feel may be helpful if you already know the type of hair you have and how it "operates":

Detangle! I found that first and foremost detangling your hair well will assist in getting the ultra defined look. This can be done by simply using your shower comb, wide tooth comb, or whatever you choose to detangle your hair with and detangling, starting from tip to root. Be gentle and make sure all knots and tangles are removed; it will help make getting product through hair and curls uniformed in the long run ( and also save you some hair! :) )
Rake, Smooth, Brush! Some techniques I've found to help with the final look of curls are the rake and smooth and using the denman brush. For short TWA length, raking your product through your hair seemed to be enough to get the curl to pop. If your curls aren't popping enough, rolling your palm in a circular motion throughout your hair will help as well. For short to medium hair, using a brush like the Denman Brush proved to be helpful. By gently brushing through hair and flipping the brush up will assist curls to really coil and pop. I recommend this method for short to medium hair because the shrinkage that may occur is less bothersome for this length. I know as hair starts to get longer, many like to keep as much length as possible and then I'd recommend the rake and smooth technique. With this technique, you will take your product and smooth it through a section of hair from root to tip and then rake through to break the clump of curls to your desired size. Depending on the product you use, this will somewhat elongate your curl.
Water is key! In all of my trials, I have found that water is key. I have gotten much more "curl popage" when my hair was dripping wet. With the hair being dripping wet, it for one makes it easier to get product through hair. The water also assists with really making your curls pop.
Gel vs Cream? This was the debate for me for a very long time, and will probably be yours too until you find the product that works for your hair type and gives you the look you are looking for. However, what I have found that if you have curls that do not easily clump with just water and conditioner, using a gel has helped clump curls together and hold the curl. My preferable gel is Ecostyler Argan Oil as it leaves my hair with hold yet touchable and somewhat weighs my hair down. If your curls easily clump together, a cream moisturizer or styling product could suffice, but as I mentioned, before, it's totally what you are looking for when it comes to the look of your hair. Don't be afraid to experiment!

What are your suggestions/techniques for getting your curls to pop?

I Have Been MIA...

2011-11-17T06:41:00.000-08:00

Yes...I have been MIA for way too long :) As many may know, I just gave birth to a little girl, so my time prior, and still is, being occupied by her, but I wanted to get my hands back into my blog and vlog ASAP! :)

Natural Hair Event: Curls for a Cause

2011-08-20T17:20:00.000-07:00

I'm so excited that the Virginia area is booming with more events for the natural hair community. Check out the event information for the Curls for A Cause charity event. It's definitely an event worth a little drive for!

Waterfront Millionaires invites Hampton Roads

and surrounding area community members to attend their first “Curls for a Cause” charity gala

event on Friday September 23, 2011 at the Downing-Gross Cultural Arts Center in Newport

News, VA. Guests can purchase tickets online or make donations at

www.curlsforacause.eventbrite.com

The “Curls for a Cause” charity gala, sponsored by Waterfront Millionaires, is geared towards

anyone interested in natural hair and will benefit Menchville House, a long-term transitional

facility for homeless women and children located in Newport News, VA. Tickets for the event

are $15 each for regular admission, but the first 50 guests who purchase tickets will receive VIP

reserved seating. All attendees will receive a complimentary “goodie bag” filled by event

sponsors.

The gala stars at 6:30 PM, with complimentary food and drinks until 7:30pm, giveaways from

event sponsors, performances by local artists, a silent auction and a fashion show all being a

part of the night’s festivities.

Area women can enter the “Big Chop Bombshell” makeover contest for a chance to win a

complimentary haircut, style and makeup, along with other prizes from event sponsors. For

more information or to enter the contest, please visit

http://bigchopbombshellmakeover.wordpresscom.

For more information or to purchase tickets or donate online, please visit

www.curlsforacause.eventbrite.com. For sponsorship opportunities, email

h2omillionaires.events@yahoo.com.

Wash n Go: Diffusing/Stretching Curls Video

2011-07-31T02:08:00.001-07:00

I don't do many wash n gos for many reasons but yesterday I decided to do one for a cookout I was attending. Since I had a little time I decided to diffuse my hair and stretch my curls. Check the video for the process and results! :)

Natural Hair TLC: Updating My Hair Regimen

2011-07-30T08:22:00.000-07:00

So after going 2-3 months of just doing wash n gos on my hair (thanks to 1rst trimester sleepiness and laziness), mid June, I really took some time to examine my hair and decided that my hair was in major need of a trim. Although my trim was only .5 inch to maybe a little more, I started thinking to myself, every season I did not want to even have to trim THAT much if anything. It was time to really focus on pampering my hair as I did before and make my main goal one of maximizing the health of my hair.

So first things first; with my journey to maximum health of my hair was narrowing down my hair products, figuring out what worked best for my hair and sticking with it. I decided I wanted to go back to all natural products when it came down to shampooing and leave in conditioners. I hated the way my hair felt after using sulfate shampoos. As of right now, my choice of shampoo is the Kinky Curly Come Clean shampoo. The shampoo is not stripping to my hair and I definitely feel that after using it my hair is clean. Another plus is that it suds, I do like the idea of shampoos sudding :) As far as my leave in conditioner I am using my variation of Kimmaytube’s Leave In Conditioner. It’s all natural and it helps close the hair cuticles. My hair feels AMAZING afterwards.

Secondly, I decided on a hair regimen that worked for me and was consistent. My hair regimen looks like this:

Week One:

Pre-poo with an oil
Shampoo
Deep Condition (moisture enriched) (deep conditioner product still varies for me; I’m still looking for the best DC for my hair)
Apply Leave In and Style

Week Two:

Pre-poo with an oil
Shampoo
Protein Treatment (currently using Anata Naturals Protein Conditioning Treatment)
Apply Leave In and Style

After doing research upon research, I came to the conclusion that moisture-protein balance is a must. I want my hair to be strong as well as moisturized.

Third decision in my healthy hair journey was to use protective styling. This decision came along accidentally. A couple of weeks ago I decided I just wanted to try mini-twists. Well I did and enjoyed the low maintenance of it and the cute styling options. I even ventured off and did some flat twists and individual twists. One of my favorite Youtubers, Kimmaytube, raves about protective styling, along with other naturals whom I’ve seen their amazing hair results, so I figured, why not. My protective styling will be simple. Either mini twists or some sort of twist style will be done on Wash Day (normally Saturday) and worn until mid week, after that I will unravel my twists for a twist out until Wash day. So far this has been going well. I have to say it again, I love the low maintenance of this option!

This pretty much sums up my changes I have added to my haircare regimen. I will probably give an official update sometime in late September/October; whichever marks the beginning of the Fall Season, which will be the time I will examine my hair for a trim.

What does your regimen look like and what is helping your hair maintain its healthy state? Also, what is your favorite Deep Conditioner? I am in need of a DC to use consistently! Questions/comments welcomed!

Sephora Ultimate Dual Exfoliating Brush Review

2011-07-30T07:01:00.000-07:00

After watching one of my favorite empowerment individuals, Shanel Cooper-Sykes, recent skincare video , during my last visit to my local Sephora, I purchased the Sephora Ultimate Dual Exfoliating Brush. I have been in need of uprading my skincare regimen and I'm very pleased to add this Exfoliating brush!

This brush as two sides, a side with soft white bristles which is used to lather your preferred face wash on to your face and remove any dirt, makeup, etc from your face. The other side is a a silicone pink brush which is used to open your pores for an even more deep cleanse/exfoliation. Both sides are soft enough to use daily, so no worries on abusing your skin!

I've been using this brush for about a week and I am already noticing a more beautiful glow to my face. Not only do I see a glow but my face feels as if it has had a great and thorough cleanse with the combination of my face wash and the face brush. Plus, I feel much better using a brush oppose to my hands on my face when washing.

I would definitely recommend this face brush to anyone who wanted to "upgrade" their skincare regimen. It does exactly as described and it's price, about $18, is very reasonable for the quality and what it does. This face brush is available at your local Sephora or you can order via Sephora.com

Check out my recent skincare regimen video below:

VABK Quote of the Day

2011-07-29T04:06:00.000-07:00

"Man's mind, once stretched by a new idea, never regains its original dimensions"-Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr.

I challenge everyone to expand their "mind power" by creating a new idea! A new idea to generate financial prosperity in your life, an idea for a vacation, an idea to be more happy! Have a wonderful day! :)

For Colored Girls Who Contemplated Going Natural and Finally Big Chopped!: Tips!

2011-07-29T03:58:00.000-07:00

Ok, so this post is not just for “colored girls” lol…but this was a pretty snazzy title, don’t you think? This post is for all ladies, no matter race or background who have decided to BIG CHOP and join the natural community. This post came along because I’ve spoken to many women who have big chopped and have become a tad frustrated because they aren’t too sure what to do next. Considering that I big chopped last August with only 2 inches of hair, I knew EXACTLY what recent BC-ers are feeling and wanted to share some tips that I think will help keep the faith and patience going with the time it will take to grow out the beautiful locks! I will also list a few products that I found helpful during my TWA (teeny weeny afro) phase. Hope this helps any ladies!

1. Moisture Is Your Best Friend! So now that you’ve big chopped, one of the things you need to be sure to do often is moisturize. Your natural hair is different than your old relaxed hair. Relaxed hair needed moisture, but more protein to keep the hair strong because of the chemical treatment. Now that you are natural and most likely chemical free right now, your hair needs lots of moisture! This will keep your hair from feeling dry and brittle as well as make it more manageable. What I’d suggest is to co-wash (wash your hair with conditioner) your hair 1-2 during the week for starters. And this is simple: when you shower, wet your hair, run your favorite conditioner through your hair, let it sit 3-5 mins and rinse out. This will help add moisture to your hair within the week. Plus if you are using products on your hair during the week, it will give you a mild wash of the hair oppose to shampoo-ing, which if done too frequently can be drying to the hair. Also, experiment with different moisturizers to find what best suits your hair in keeping moisturized. One of my favorites that I recommend to new naturals is Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie or Shea Moisture Curl Milk. These two a shea butter based products that is enriched with other butters and healthy components for the hair and it leaves the hair very moisturized. These products can be found at your local Target and very soon they will be in Walgreens.

2. Create Your Regimen: Create a schedule as to when your wash day, deep treatments, co-washes will be. This will help you stay on track and consistent with maintaining the health of your hair. Don’t go overboard though! One thing, that I did when I BC-ed was that I was trying to do EVERYTHING, ie, wash day, protein treatment, deep condition, henna, co wash every day, blah blah blah. Typically, you should deep condition whenever your shampoo your hair and you can go for a protein treatment once a month. Co-washes, as mentioned in the above section, I’d recommend for a new natural who’s building the moisture to the hair 1-2 a week, BUT, this is something you will have to see play with and see if your hair NEEDS this. Whatever you decide to add to your regimen, make a plan and schedule it. The more you follow it, the more second nature it will be for you.

3. Research! Don’t just take my post and make it your end all; research through blogs, Youtube videos, and other naturals or natural hair stylist on all things natural hair. When I first went natural, I was natural-obsessed (still am a little) and that’s OK! This is a new journey for you and learn all that you can about your beautiful natural state. Some great blogs that I still go to faithfully are Curly Nikki , Black Girl Long Hair , and Naturally Curly . And of course, YouTube is one of my old faithful for tutorials and product reviews.

4. What goes IN the body is just as important! As I did my researched and learned more about my hair, I found that what nutrients you are putting into your body plays a major role in not only the health of your body but also your hair. Being sure that we try to keep a balanced diet (yes, I know this is hard with McDonalds, Burger King, Chic-fila, but we can work to cut down on that just a little) and as much of a stress free life will help keep EVERYTHING in order and the hair growing. Also, WATER, WATER, WATER. Most of us do not drink enough water. We should try to drink 64 oz or 1/2 of our body weight daily. This is good for the digestive system and hydration of body, but also essential when talking about keeping the hair moisturized. Our hair gets the very last of the nutrients that our body receives, so it’s important to get the water in and healthy foods. We see how our bodies react when we are not of exceptional health; imagine what will happen to your hair if you kept down that track.

These are only a few tips, but I feel are very essential in the beginning stages. There’s so much more, but i’m sure you will come across that as your continue to research. If there are any questions or topics you would like me to address, shoot me a message and I’ll definitely bring forth some information. Good luck to all the newly naturals!