Dolle House Healthy Hair Source

Straight...No Chaser

2013-03-01T05:30:00.000-08:00

"Determination, Motivation, Dedication"

Determination. Motivation. Dedication. You already have all three. So...What are you doing with them?

A long time ago, you decided that working all the hours God sends every week while being away from your family just HAS to be wrong. Guess what----You're right. But what have you done about it? There is a way to change this wrong into right, and it has to do with owning your own business. But you knew that already. So, what's the next step?

You've been checking out the search engines, on forums, and maybe in one of the news groups. You've seen plenty of opportunities. Most of the hype you read sounds “too good to be true”, and most of it is. However, there
are some real opportunities out there. You just have to know where to look. Don’t follow the other sheep, work it out for yourself. It's called "practicing due diligence".

Where do you look? Within.

Who holds the keys to this bountiful, virtual treasure chest? YOU.

Do you have a chance at success? Yes!

Let's start with getting rid of the lies you'll find all over the Internet, and even off-line:

Lie 1: I can earn amazing sums of money online really quick. I can quit the 9-5 within weeks!

Truth: Pure hype reigns supreme on the Internet. The claims of huge down-lines, 6-figure incomes overnight and massive mailing lists with no effort are complete BS. Nothing worth having is easy to come by---whether on or offline. It may even be HARDER to make your fortune online since the rules are always changing. But staying on top of, and implementing these changes is where your success will come from.

Lie 2: Working your online business is easier than working the 9-5.

Truth: Making a true success of your business is, more often than not, a whole lot harder. You are directly responsible for the amount of money you put in the bank at the end of the month. You'll need to already have $300 to $1500 set aside to invest in YOU (dependent upon which business venture you select to go into). And, at a minimum, you need to write down and commit to a one-year plan for your business growth. And, most of all---you will need motivation. To get up every day and motivate yourself to switch the computer on, knowing you have to get down to some hard work can be very tough some days.

Lie 3: My time is my own. I can work whenever.

Truth: Your time is your most precious commodity. There are daily demands on your time from your family and the business of everyday living. Real life carries on regardless of whether you have a spreadsheet to prepare or not. Managing your time actually becomes a delicate balancing act. You cannot ignore your family if you’re working at home – and anyway, one of the reasons you wanted to work at home was to spend more time with the family, right?

Lie 4: My children will enjoy the extra time I can spend with them.

Truth: Here we go with this TIME thing again. Yes, your kids will be happier to see you more around the place but they will also become confused as to why you can’t play with them more and may even come to resent this. The delicate balancing act is indeed a thin tight-rope walk and you’ve got to be a masterful acrobat to pull it off. However, it CAN be done, and this shouldn’t put you off

Lie 5: Build it and they will come.

Truth:While this may have been true in the very early days of the Internet with the most basic of search engines driving traffic, these days nothing could be further from the truth. Building your website and getting it online puts you on the first rung of the ladder. Getting enough traffic to make your website profitable is your next goal. There are many places online which claim to be able to do this for you, but only 2-3% of these places will be worth your time.

Lie 6: The Internet is just one big playground for scammers.

Truth: The Internet, with it’s anonymity, is indeed a fertile breeding ground for the more unscrupulous among us. While scammers get all the press, there are plenty of real people like you making some nice piles of "paper" (cash!) from the Internet perfectly legally. The information revolution is upon us and it’s time to get up to speed.

Lie 7: All my friends and family will want to join me.

Truth: Your friends and family will think you’re completely nuts. While you may find one or two people who’re open to your dreams and visions, most will simply ridicule you, so be ready for that. They may not talk about you openly but they will think you’re wasting your time. Ignore them and prove them wrong. You can do it. Success is sweet.

The bottom line is this: If you want to work at building your own home-based business, become truly financially and spiritually free, then the odds are not stacked in your favor.

However, if you have the fire of determination burning inside you (Determination), matched by a strong desire to enjoy a life of no money worries and more quality time with your family (Motivation), then you will succeed. It takes time, effort and hard choices (Dedication), but you CAN do it.

There’s really no “secret” to becoming a successful entrepreneur...it's like anything else in life that you really want----you gotta do at least ONE thing every day to improve your position, and then build on that accomplishment each and every day until you get to where you want to be.

Established to show the possibilities of healthy living while building better businesses, the Healthy Hair Source provides current news that promote healthy solutions for hair, skin and health care issues. This original post is on Dolle House Healthy Hair Source © copyright, 2013. Share it freely, but you must link back to this source. If you would like more information on any of our topics, please indicate that in your comments. Thanks for reading! Best Regards, Admin

First Lady of Style: Anne Cole Lowe

2013-02-07T06:04:00.000-08:00


Anne Lowe (seated) and model.

Long forgotten and unknown to many, Ann Cole Lowe was a pioneer fashionista who paved the way for African-Americans to not only design, but to own, manufacture and produce in the fashion industry----long before it was fashionable to do so.

A trailblazer in fashion whose name has fallen through the cracks of history, Ms. Lowe was born in 1898 ----the daughter and granddaughter of celebrated seamstresses who were known for sewing for the first ladies of Alabama.

Ann and her mother moved to New York, where her mother operated a small dressmaking shop. In 1912, Anne married at the age of 14. After her mother's sudden death, Anne took over the business when she was 16. By 1917, Anne was enrolled in a fashion school in New York City. After graduating, she moved to Tampa, Florida and opened a small studio.

Ms. Lowe later returned to New York, where she worked as a commissioned designer for some of the major houses in the Fashion District. During that time she was never mentioned or given credit for her designs.

She pressed on, and soon she was designer to such families as the duPonts, Roosevelts, Vanderbilts, Rockefellers, and notably, she designed and made the gown actress Olivia de Haviland wore when she received an Oscar for the movie, "To Each His Own."

Of course, they all loved her work. She was known as "society's best kept secret," because no one would admit their clothing was being designed by a Black woman. I can't help but wonder how different her life and career would have been today. Maybe she would have been as well known and as wealthy as Vera Wang.

Anne Lowe's quiet claim to fame, however, was the wedding gown she designed for Jacqueline Bouvier in 1953, when she married John F.Kennedy. The dress consisted of 50 yards of ivory silk taffeta, with a full bouffant skirt had interwoven tucking bands and tiny wax flowers. It took Ms. Lowe two months to make that dress, along with 10 pink bridesmaid's gowns and hats.

Her skill as an ultimate professional was put to the test when, less than two weeks before the wedding a water line broke, flooding the store and ruining the gown. She worked around the clock to recreate the gown and complete all 10 bridesmaid dresses. Although the wedding received much attention in all the newspaper of that time, Ann didn't. Nina Hyde, the social/fashion editor of the Washington Post at the time, wrote: "… the dress was designed by a Negro, Ann Lowe."

In 1962, while undergoing surgery to remove one of her eyes due to glaucoma, Anne's shop was seized by the IRS because of back taxes. Upon her release from the hospital, she learned that her debt had been paid by an anonymous benefactor. It is suspected that first lady Jackie Kennedy may have have paid the back taxes.

In her 70's, Ms. Lowe opened a store inside of Saks Fifth Avenue, and then her own studio, ("Anne Lowe Originals"), making over 2,000 dresses for New York's society. She was awarded the Couturier of The Year Plaque, appeared in the National Social Directory, and the "Who's Who of American Women". Ms. Lowe retired in the 1970's.

In 1981, Anne Cole Lowe died at the age of 83. She is well known in the fashion industry for her detailed needle technique. Her fashions can be seen in a permanent collection at the New York Metropolitan Museum of Art, Washington, D.C.'s Black Fashion Museum, and the Smithsonian.

In 1997, the John F. Kennedy Library Museum had Jackie Kennedy's wedding gown restored---exactly as Ms. Lowe had originally created it.

Love and Empowerment for Life!

2013-01-01T00:30:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!

Straight out the door of 2012 and into 2013--- no more "resolutions". We need to make commitments. To ourselves and to those who love us!

Let me start with myself. I will do my best to love and empower myself to be the best I can be every day of my life.

By making this commitment to yourself, it becomes easier to love and empower those around you. But do you really want to give this gift to all other people? What if you really don't like someone? If that's the case,
you can remind yourself that it is usually a person's personality that you don't like—the mask or dark clouds blocking their deeper essence. Remember that beneath the mask is a shining divine essence. While acknowledging those parts you don't like, do your best to empower the shining being hidden beneath the mask or personality that you don't like. You can choose to love and empower the divine spark within all.

Negative Judgment. Judging someone to be bad as a person does not empower or inspire anyone to be a better person. When you find yourself feeling negative judgment, first acknowledge the part of you that wants to judge—the part that wants to be right or better than others. Then do your best to learn from your judgment and let it go. Open to finding first acceptance, and then understanding and love both for you and for the person you judged. Choose to let your last thought always be that of love.

Stop The Hate. What if someone does something that is clearly wrong or causes harm? In this case, be firm and take whatever action you feel is best to stop harm. Enforcing a serious consequence with someone who has acted out of extreme self-interest may be the most loving, empowering action you can take. Yet even as you take action, open to seeing the inner turmoil that causes people to do harm. You can act from a place of love and support, even while firmly stopping someone from doing wrong or causing harm. Through choosing to see beneath all of the pain, suffering, and hatred, and to recognize and connect with the divine essence within even those who would do us harm, not only do we heal the world, we heal ourselves.

Imagine… Imagine for a moment a world where all people truly did their best to love and empower each other. Imagine if a significant number of the people on this planet truly did their best to live by these simple keys. You can choose to become one of those people right now. You can choose to make your life and our world a better place. It is fully possible. There are people of all races, religions, and beliefs around the globe already committed to living by these or similar ideals. Let us then choose with an open mind and heart to add to their numbers.

Make The Commitment. Let's commit to choose every day of our lives to do what's best for all. To be open to divine guidance. To accept and understand. To love and empower ourselves and our circles. To be the best that we can be.

Established to share the possibilities of healthy living while building better businesses, the Healthy Hair Source provides current news that promote healthy solutions for hair, skin, health and life. This original post is on DolleHouse Healthy Hair Source © copyright, 2013. Share it freely, but please link back to this source. If you would like more information on any of our topics, please indicate that in your comments. Thanks for reading! Best Regards, Admin

Acceptance and Understanding

2012-12-12T13:42:00.000-08:00

Happy Holidays!

A few days ago, I read an article in which the male Author came down hard on women of color who do not choose to wear their hair "naturally" (without chemicals). My initial reaction was: "This is something he should discuss privately with the woman/women in his life, not the rest of us." It took me a minute to realize that I was reacting to something that really is not important in my life---the author's opinion. Had to check myself, as I wasn't about to allow this guy to steal my joy! I already know that no matter how many styles and ways I wear my hair----I am not my hair. I've gone from childhood braids to a beautiful Afro, perms, back to braids and twists.... from long to shoulder length to short-short! My styles were dependent upon
where I was in my life at any given point. Even though my husband helped, there were times when our work schedules were such that if I had to get my sons ready for school each morning, along with different extracurricular after school activities, there was a minimum amount of time to spend on my hair, so I chose to wear braids, twists and buns very often during their childhood. At this point in my life, with all sons now independent adults, I have plenty of time to spend on my hair......and I choose to wear it loose and natural most days. When I get a mind to, I might blow dry it or roller set it. But that only lasts a day or two before I get tired of it. I have never been one to sleep in hair rollers, and I am really feeling this Angela Davis/Chaka Khan look I have going on these days! Talk about easy-breezy! The bottom line is that I am so much more than my hair. And yet, I still think that the Author mentioned above needs to check his "mask". This posting is dedicated to him---wherever he is.

Our Core Essence. Deep down we are all beautiful beings worthy of love and support---regardless of our hairstyle. The sweet innocence of babies and young children is a clear example of this. Yet for most of us, the shining essence with which we came into this life became obscured over the years as our family and others were unable to give us the kind of unconditional love and support we so craved. As children, when we were repeatedly told that we were not good enough or were punished just for being who we are, thick layers of confusion and doubt developed, clouding our divine essence. Layers of fear and insecurity were woven into our personalities.

The Mask. By the time we are grown, most of us have developed a protective mask or persona to hide these layers of fear and insecurity from others, and at times even from ourselves. Outwardly we might appear happy or content, yet on the inside most of us to varying degrees feel unhappy with who we are. Yet beneath it all, that shining essence is still there. No matter how much we may have forgotten, no matter how thick those overshadowing layers may be, our beautiful core essence is and has always been there.

Accepting and Understanding Myself. By choosing to accept and understand all of who you are—both your deep shining essence and the layers of dark clouds within—you can invite that beautiful inner essence to shine through the clouds and to shine again in your life. When fears, dark thoughts, or difficult emotions arise, first choose to accept that they are there. Then work towards understanding these dark clouds and where they came from. Ask for divine guidance as you explore and transform these dark places.

Courage. It takes courage to accept and work to understand our fears and weaknesses. Yet by doing our best to be fully ourselves in all our strengths and weaknesses, our relationships can grow richer, deeper, and more meaningful. This may be challenging, as some people are unable or unwilling to accept certain parts of us. Yet as those around us see us becoming more real and honest with them, many will also be inspired to be more real and honest with us. Thus, instead of continually avoiding or denying those clouds or dark layers in both ourselves and others, we open to a deeper, more authentic way of living and of relating to others.

Accepting and Understanding Others. As you develop greater acceptance and understanding of yourself, you will notice that others, too, have lost touch with their shining core essence. As you work to accept and understand yourself, it is most important that you choose also to give this gift to those around you. Acceptance of what is, coupled with understanding of what we can change and what we cannot, allows us to find the courage to be all that we can be, and to empower others in doing the same.

Those qualities listed above are what truly defines us. Not our many natural or relaxed hair styles. We're beautiful. Period.

This is our last posting of 2012. We'll be back in January 2013. Happy Holidays!

Established to show the possibilities of healthy living while building better businesses, the Healthy Hair Source provides current news that promote healthy solutions for hair, skin and health care issues. This original post is on Dolle House Healthy Hair Source © copyright, 2012. Share it freely, but you must link back to this source. If you would like more information on any of our topics, please indicate that in your comments. Thanks for reading! Best Regards, Admin

Pretty Dangerous

2012-05-18T13:01:00.000-07:00

A manicure may look beautiful, but some chemicals involved in the process of getting one, especially the application of artificial nails, can affect the health of your nails, the surrounding skin, and other parts of the body. Many common nail polishes contain what’s referred to as the “toxic trio” of chemicals: toluene, formaldehyde and dibutyl phthalate (DBP). These three toxic chemicals have been linked to serious health concerns including: birth defects, asthma, developmental problems, headaches and other illnesses. While nail polish brand leaders OPI, Orly and Sally Hansen make polishes sans the toxic trio, polishes with these dangerous ingredients still can be found in nail salons.

Recently, the California Department of Toxic Substance Control released their official report stating that some nail polishes claiming to be free of the toxic trio instead contain large amounts of
the poisonous chemicals.

Allergic Reactions. The development of an allergy to chemicals in nail products is the same mechanism that occurs with an allergen like poison ivy. These reactions may include, inflammation, redness, itching, and burning, which are symptoms of what's called a "contact allergy". Although they may be limited to the area around and underneath the nail, they can also occur around the face and neck. This type of reaction might be difficult to diagnose because you may not immediately connect a recent manicure with a reaction elsewhere on the body, and you may not think to mention it to your doctor when seeking treatment.

If you develop an allergic reaction, you need to avoid using that product again, because once the allergy develops, you will always be allergic to that substance and your skin will react with the same itching and burning when it is re-exposed. Not only that, symptoms may occur with subsequent exposure to different chemicals; for instance, one chemical can make you allergic to others in a reaction called "cross-reactivity".

Remember that allergic reactions may occur with, artificial nails, a base coat, top coat, nail hardener or nail polish. The reactions can be harmful the the customer and the technician. The solvents in nail polish can even cause asthma to flare up!

To avoid problems with allergies, ask your manicurist or dermatologist to do a patch test (normally on the underside of the forearm) or to attach just one artificial nail to see if you have a reaction. Also, try using TSFR-free polishes, which are less allergenic. However, polishes without this ingredient don’t last as long and still contain chemicals such as methyl acrylate, which can cause irritation.

Safety Measures. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates only some chemicals used in cosmetic nail products. For instance, FDA regulates the concentration of formaldehyde ---it can be up to 3 percent-----allowed in nail cosmetics. The FDA also recommends that ANY product containing formaldehyde should not touch the skin to to minimize the problem with allergic sensitization on the skin.

If a product stings or itches, stop using it. If that doesn’t fix the problem, see your doctor. In mild cases, a hydro-cortisone cream is usually recommended. With a severe case, oral prednisone or a cortisone shot may be prescribed.

If you develop an allergy, a visit to a dermatologist may be a good idea. A dermatologist can test you for your reactions to a variety of known allergens to see what specifically you are allergic to.

Above all, don't put the children in your life at risk by polishing their nails. Cute nails are not worth the risk to the health of any child.

Established to show the possibilities of healthy living while building better businesses, the Healthy Hair Source provides current news that promote healthy solutions for hair, skin and health care issues. This original post is on Dolle House Healthy Hair Source © copyright, 2012. Share it freely, but you must link back to this source. If you would like more information on any of our topics, please indicate that in your comments. Thanks for reading! Best Regards, Admin

Skin Care Series - Ingredients to Look For

2012-05-10T15:30:00.000-07:00

Before we have a discussion of specific ingredients, it's important to educate ourselves a little bit more on skin itself and what makes a product good or poor.

The biggest reason our skin, whether on the face or the rest of the body, develops lines and/or starts to sag, is that the collagen and elastin in our skin begins to break down. This article is the most technical of all the "Skin Care Series", so bear with me as we discuss "good" ingredients to look for in your skin care products.

1. Collagen is a protein that is fibrous in nature. What makes collagen different from other kinds

of protein is that it possesses great tensile strength, which means, among other things, that it provides firmness to the skin.

You don't need to be a scientist, therefore, to understand that as collagen breaks down due to aging, the firmness of our skin becomes...well, less firm. Wrinkles appear and skin starts to sag.

2. Elastin is another protein that helps skin stay "flexible" and firm. If your skin is stretched, elastin is the protein that helps it return to its original position.

What all of this means is that you do not want to purchase a skin care product that is nothing more than a cream that fills in fine lines and wrinkles, giving the appearance of temporarily nicer skin when it's on, ...but the illusion shattered when you wash it off. You want a product that contains ingredients that actually stimulates new collagen and elastin production in your skin. If you achieve this, your skin will truly look and feel as though you have managed to "turn back the clock"!

Here's the bad (but extremely important) part----some of the manufacturers of more pricy products will try to dupe the public by including some really good active ingredients. Initially, I asked myself, "What's wrong with that?" Until I found out what IS so wrong about it.

Here's the tactic some manufacturers use---because these active ingredients are beneficial for the skin, they include some just so that they can legally list them on the product label. This way,the typical consumer thinks they are getting a great product. But, because these ingredients are expensive, and because, as discussed before, a lot of well known companies are already spending much of their budget on marketing, they don't put in enough of these "active ingredients" to have any real benefit for your skin.

So, when choosing a skin care product, it's not just about selecting one with good ingredients; it's also about choosing one with a high concentration of these good ingredients.

Collagen (again!): After my brief discussion above about the importance of collagen, you would think that buying a product with collagen in it would be a great thing. And the marketers who sell products that contain collagen know this. But it's a bogus ingredient because collagen molecules are much too large to penetrate into the skin when applied topically. To be of any benefit, you must purchase a product with ingredients that have been shown to stimulate your body's own collagen production.

3. Sea Kelp: Sea Kelp works It works by blocking a harmful enzyme in your body called hyaluronidase. Hyaluronidase breaks down the hyaluronic acid found naturally in our skin. This is important because without hyaluronic acid, the elastin and collagen fibers lose their "glue," which leads to a loss of youthful appearance and dark eye circles.

But don't just take my word for any information in this series. Wikipedia and Google are your friends, along with any chemist, or dermatologist you may know; research it from sources available to you, and find out for yourself. If you research this on Wikipedia, you will read, for example, "Hyaluronan is also a major component of skin, where it is involved in tissue repair."

4. Keratin: Keratin is a protein found throughout everyone's body, and it plays an important structural role in the skin. Keratin actually stimulates your own collagen to grow again. In fact, it is proven in clinical trials to stimulate not only the regrowth of collagen but also elastin, thereby promoting firmness and elasticity. In short, fewer wrinkles, and more youthful, healthier looking skin. And of course, that helps improve the skins' ability to retain it's natural moisture. Good old keratin....it's not just for hair!

5. CoQ10: If you look at the ingredient list for some of the better skin care products, you'll often see CoQ10 listed. CoQ10 is short for Co-enzyme Q10, so you may also see it listed this way. CoQ10 is a vitamin like substance that is found in all of our body's cells and is very important for healthy skin. Its a powerful antioxidant, too. A lot of skin damage and aging comes from free radicals wreaking havoc in our body's cells. CoQ10's antioxidant ability can counter these free radicals before damage occurs.

Like many other vital substances, the amount of CoQ10 in our bodies becomes depleted as we age. And although CoQ10 is a great ingredient, not all forms are equal. Do your research, and be sure to get the nano- emulsion form of version of CoQ10; it penetrates far down into the skin, and provides much greater benefits for skin health. Because this version can penetrate so deeply, it is extremely effective at gobbling up free radicals in your skin. It also promotes collagen and elastin production as well. The result is a powerful anti wrinkle effect.

Together, these five main active ingredients are some of the most powerful anti-aging skin care compounds available, and can significantly improve the look and feel of your skin. Remember to read the labels, and do the research before spending your money on skin care products.

Have you tried skin products that contain any of these 5 ingredients?

Established to show the possibilities of healthy living while building better businesses, the Healthy Hair Source provides current news that promote healthy solutions for hair, skin and health care issues. This original post is on Dolle House Healthy Hair Source © copyright, 2012. Share it freely, but you must link back to this source. If you would like more information on any of our topics, please indicate that in your comments. Thanks for reading! Best Regards, Admin

Skin Care - Ingredients To Avoid

2012-04-29T15:30:00.000-07:00

It seems incredible, but many skin care products are loaded with ingredients that actually harm your skin over time. In this post, we'll identify them and tell you how they are harmful. Let's get started.

Mineral Oil. I have seen this oil used in literally hundreds of products I've looked at. Mineral oil may also go by the names liquid paraffin, paraffin wax, and petrolatum on the product label. Mineral oil is used so pervasively in skin care products for one reason: it's cheap! The danger is that

once mineral oil is applied, it prevents the skin from "breathing." It clogs the pores, interferes with your skin's natural ability to eliminate toxins, and can lead to those hated acne flare ups. Also, it is irritating to the skin and if used for any length of time, your skin can become dependent on it, causing chapping and dryness. And all of those elements can lead to premature aging of the skin. It's amazing this substance is even allowed in so-called "skin care" products at all. Now you know why your skin doesn't like mineral oil, right? Right.

Dioxane: (a synthetic derivative of coconut). This substance is widely used in skincare products. It often contains high concentrations of 1,4-dioxane, which is readily absorbed through the skin. I know this sounds crazy, but 1,4-dioxane is considered a chemical "known to the State of California to cause cancer". To think people pay money to put this stuff on their skin unknowingly is just plain scary.

Fragrances: Who doesn't like to smell nice? Well, I'm here to tell you that if you want to smell nice, use a little bit of perfume or cologne....or some body spray. Your skin care products should not contain fragrances. Many fragrances are produced from ingredients that are known to be toxic or carcinogenic.

Keep in mind that skin is the largest organ of the body, and is designed to "protect" all of our other organs. Anything you put on it can be easily absorbed through the pores. I know you're wondering why I recommend that you use perfume/cologne as a fragrance, but to choose your skin care products that do not contain fragrance.

The reason is simple. When you use skin care products, they are applied all over the face, neck, and body. This covers a lot of surface area and, therefore, a great deal of chemical absorption occurs.

Now, I'm sure that many colognes and perfumes contain less than desirable substances too, but I'm enough of a realist to know that people aren't going to stop using these products to smell nice. However, with perfumes and colognes, you can achieve what you want by a small dab here and there.

So, in my opinion, this is a much better route to go than to use skin care products that also contain potentially dangerous fragrance chemicals that are directly applied and massaged into the skin all

over your body.

Parabens include: methyl, propyl, butyl, and ethyl paraben. Many skin care products (and moisturizing products) will use parabens as a preservative so their products have a long shelf life. The reason is purely economical --- parabens are good for preserving products that may be on a store shelf for up to a year, and they are cheap. They are also really....really bad for your skin. Studies suggest that these same parabens that preserve skincare products may also cause cancer and interfere with the body's endocrine system, as well as causing allergic reactions and skin rashes.

Alcohols: Not all alcohols have the same properties, but these (ethanol, ethyl alcohol, methanol, benzyl alcohol, isopropyl and SD alcohol), which are commonly found in skin care products, are very drying and irritating for the skin. Alcohols such as these strip away the skin's natural acid mantle, making you more vulnerable to bacteria, molds and viruses.

Now that we've checked out some of the bad ingredients, in the next posting of this Skin Care Series we'll examine some of the good ingredients, AND....some ingredients that sound good but in fact....aren't.

Established to show the possibilities of healthy living while building better businesses, the Healthy Hair Source provides current news that promote healthy solutions for hair, skin and health care issues. This original post is on Dolle House Healthy Hair Source © copyright, 2012. Share it freely, but you must link back to this source. If you would like more information on any of our topics, please indicate that in your comments. Thanks for reading! Best Regards, Admin

Skincare Intro

2012-04-15T15:30:00.000-07:00

By the time you finish reading the postings found on this website, I guarantee you will be a more educated consumer on how to choose quality skin care (and hair care) products that give you the results that you seriously desire. At the very least, you'll learn more about what to look for and what to avoid when it comes to taking care of your precious skin.

For the next few weeks, we'll be focusing on skin care. Maybe we've never even met, but I'll bet that if you're like me, you're sick and tired of skin care products that don't do what they claim to. The worst part is that most times, the most expensive products are the ones that are the most ineffective.

Now, of course, there are some good products on the market that genuinely help make your skin look smoother, more radiant, youthful. Not only should a quality skin product help reduce bags under, and fine lines around, the eyes, but it should even out coloration inconsistencies caused by age spots and other unwanted pigment concentrations.

The problem is that
there are literally thousands of products to choose from and unless you become a well-informed consumer, it's hard to find one of the few that actually produces real results and eliminates years of aging from your face and body. And....let's face it, people will understandably spend any amount of money to make themselves look better or younger. Cosmetic surgery is a multi-billion dollar industry and so is the topical skin care industry.

It's simply a law of economics that the more the demand for such products skyrockets, the more product that manufacturers will flood onto the marketplace to capitalize on this demand. A lot of these products are rushed to market to meet this demand without any real consideration to research and development. All of the money goes into the marketing of the product.

On the surface---everything looks great. The bottles and jars that the creams come in look appealing. The magazine advertisements are glossy, complete with a youthful looking model or a well known celebrity who probably doesn't even really use the products.

On one hand, you can't really blame these companies. When you are spending a fortune paying for marketing, whether it be on the product containers, magazine, radio, and TV ads, royalties paid to celebrities and models, you have to charge a lot of money for your products or you're going to lose money. And nobody stays in business long when they're losing money.

On the other hand, this doesn't mean you and I have to fall for these types of marketing schemes. After all, these companies aren't going to encounter any shortage of people who will open their wallets and purses to purchase their products anytime soon.

The reality is that most people simply won't take any time to research products and understand what ingredients work and what ingredients are actually bad for your skin! That's why I decided to concentrate specifically on "Skin Care". I'm not trying to sell you any specific product for your skin; this is all about sharing information that will help you to make the best choices for YOUR skin. Stay tuned for upcoming posts; it's gonna get down and dirty, but at least you'll know more about it that you do now, right?

Established to show the possibilities of healthy living while building better businesses, the Healthy Hair Source provides current news that promote healthy solutions for hair, skin and health care issues. This original post is on Dolle House Healthy Hair Source © copyright, 2012. Share it freely, but you must link back to this source. If you would like more information on any of our topics, please indicate that in your comments. Thanks for reading! Best Regards, Admin

The Trayvon Martin Tragedy

2012-03-22T15:40:00.000-07:00

This post is not about hair. It IS about skin. Skin color in particular.

Unless you live under a rock, you've heard the recent news about the Trayvon Martin case in Florida.

The whole thing somehow reminds me of the Troy Davis execution in September 2011.

To keep us updated about what's going on, The Huffington Post has set up a news page ("The Trayvon Martin Tragedy") dedicated to coverage of this case at "Black Voices". Check it out and stay informed.

Special thanks to Pulitzer Prize winning journalist Trymaine Lee, for sharing Trayvon's story from the very beginning until other influential columnists and the media picked up on it. With Florida and 23 other states determined to keep this law on their books, all of us should be communicating with our loved ones near and far about what happened to Trayvon. We also need to talk about this so called "stand your ground" law that effectively allows "alleged" killers to view the men in our lives (who are fathers, brothers, husbands, and sons) as a threat---simply because of skin color.

In the meantime, Jasiri-X, the Pittsburgh-area activist and rapper who spends a great deal of his time traveling the US in support of various causes and solutions, has made a name for himself by weighing in on current events and issues of race. Jasiri-X has just released a video about the Trayvon Martin case set to the beat of Kanye West and Jay-Z's "No Church In The Wild." Check it out.....and share your thoughts:

Established to show the possibilities of healthy living while building better businesses, the Healthy Hair Source provides current news that promote healthy solutions for hair, skin and health care issues. This original post is on Dolle House Healthy Hair Source © copyright, 2012. Share it freely, but you must link back to this source. If you would like more information on any of our topics, please indicate that in your comments. Thanks for reading! Best Regards, Admin

Is Your Shampoo Cancerous?

2012-03-19T18:18:00.001-07:00

Could your shampoo be increasing your risk of developing cancer? Or your moisturizer?

Many personal care products you use daily pose a danger to your health. Ingredients that are banned in Europe for use in personal care products such as shampoos, deodorants, and body lotions, are sold to unsuspecting Americans every day. Several of these products are probably in your home right now.

Some contain a cocktail of harmful ingredients, including DHA (diethanolamine), phthalates, formaldehyde, benxene, para-dioxane, propylene glycol, sodium lauryl sulfate, and petroleum. ALL of them have all been linked to many diseases, including cancers.

Personal care products are NOT regulated by the FDA for safety. According to the Environmental Working Group, only about 11 percent of the over 10,500 ingredients used in personal products have been tested for safety.

The following are some of the most frequent offenders:

Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS). SLS is an ingredient used in commercial shampoos, but it's also used in engine degreasers. It can be stored throughout the body including in the eyes, brain, heart, and liver, and can even change genetic information in cells. It can react with other ingredients in shampoos and body cleansers to form carcinogenic nitrates and dioxins. With just one shampooing, large numbers of nitrates can be absorbed by the skin and enter the blood supply.

Propylene glycol. Propylene is a major ingredient in industrial antifreeze as well as brake and hydraulic fluid. In personal care products, it helps retain moisture. It’s used in toothpastes, deodorants, lotions and shampoos, and it can cause kidney and liver damage.

Para-dioxane. Para-dioxane, also known as 1,4-dioxane, is a probable carcinogen that is found in some children’s shampoos at levels above those deemed safe by the FDA. In 2007, the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics commissioned a study of baby-care products that found 1,4-dioxane in 67 percent of products tested. The Environmental Working Group estimates that more than 25 percent of all personal-care products contain the chemical. Personal care products containing para-dioxane have been banned in Europe.

Diethanolamine (DEA). DEA is found in hundreds of personal care products and is probably in your soap and shampoo. It causes cancer in rats when applied to the skin as well as damage to the liver, kidneys, and other organs.

Rules for avoiding harmful products:

• Don’t buy products that contain ingredients with long names. They are usually synthetic and haven’t been tested for safety.

• Don’t buy highly scented products. They contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which easily enter the bloodstream, killing brain cells and causing cancer. Avoid products listing “perfume,” “fragrance,” or “scent,” as ingredients.Instead, choose products labeled “organic” or “all-natural” and products made with plant-based oils such as almond or jojoba.

While it's true that most organic/all natural products are more expensive....aren't you and your loved ones are worth every cent?

Established to show the possibilities of healthy living while building better businesses, the Healthy Hair Source provides current news that promote healthy solutions for hair, skin and health care issues. This original post is on Dolle House Healthy Hair Source © copyright, 2012. Share it freely, but you must link back to this source. If you would like more information on any of our topics, please indicate that in your comments. Thanks for reading! Best Regards, Admin

The Connection of Friendship

2012-03-06T18:16:00.000-08:00

“The truth is, everyone is going to hurt you. You just got to find the ones worth suffering for.”
-Bob Marley

Friendships and connections are a necessity in life. We need them for our health and even our survival. It’s important to recognize that whatever we put out into the world, we will also receive. Furthermore, I’ve learned that if you know how to be a good friend, and practice that in your everyday life, you will be able to create friendships with not only other women, but other people in general.. If you want to have healthy friendships with other people, you’re going to have to learn to expect flaws and disappointment from time to time. I am not advocating that you be a pushover and accept disrespect under any circumstance. What I am saying is to recognize that no friendship is “perfect.” So if --or when--conflict occurs, you should take the time to logically weigh the good against the bad. If there’s more good, do your part to address any issues and maintain the friendship. If there’s more bad, cut the relationship loose and keep it moving. In the end, the goal is to have great and life long friendships. And the best way to do this is by making decisions in who you choose as friends.

Do you have any great friendships?

What is the key to forming, and maintaining healthy relationships?

Established to show the possibilities of healthy living while building better businesses, the Healthy Hair Source provides current news that promote healthy solutions for hair, skin, health and life issues. This original post is on Dolle House Healthy Hair Source © copyright, 2012. Share it freely, but you must link back to this source. If you would like more information on any of our topics, please indicate that in your comments. Thanks for reading! Best Regards, Admin

Whitney Houston....You Were Loved

2012-02-12T08:27:00.000-08:00

I was checking emails, and suddenly another popped up; I smiled as I recognized the senders' name.....a long time friend who always sends great jokes and inspirational words of encouragement. Never did I imagine that this time, the email contained a simple message: "Whitney died".

And now, we mourn her, even tho we know that to be absent from the body is to be in the presence of the Lord. Most of us will always remember what we were doing when we heard the news. And some will wonder WHY Whitney Houston's death is so hard for so many of us. Yet all of us will feel some connection with the songs included in the video below. She touched us all in different ways.

Maybe because she was mom, and now there is a child (Whitney's daughter) without her mother.

Maybe because she used drugs and it seemed like no one could help her.

Maybe because she was in a domestic abuse situation at one time and nothing was done to say "YOU CANNOT TREAT HER THIS WAY."

Maybe because we looked at her as a "celebrity" instead of a human being that needed help.

Maybe she entertained us, and that was all that mattered.

Or, maybe it's because she really did represent "Every Woman"----and there are millions of us who can identify with the demons she fought against.

We all saw a beautiful woman needing help, but it was different because she was WHITNEY HOUSTON.

Maybe...... in a way....... we all let her down.

Whitney Elizabeth Houston (August 9, 1963 – February 11, 2012) was an American singer, actress, producer, and model. In 2009, the Guinness World Records cited her as the most-awarded female act of all time. With a total of 415 career awards as of 2010, she was one of the world's best-selling music artists, having sold over 170 million albums, singles and videos worldwide.

Inspired by prominent soul singers in her family, including her mother Cissy Houston, cousins Dionne Warwick and Dee Dee Warwick, and her godmother Aretha Franklin, Houston began singing in the junior gospel choir of her church at age 11. After she began performing alongside her mother in night clubs in the New York City area, she was discovered by Arista Records label head Clive Davis. Houston released seven studio albums and three movie soundtrack albums, all of which have diamond, multi-platinum, platinum or gold certification.

Enjoy the gifts she shared with us in this video:

Established to show the possibilities of healthy living while building better businesses, the Healthy Hair Source provides current news that promote healthy solutions for hair, skin and health care issues. This original post is on Dolle House Healthy Hair Source © copyright, 2012. Share it freely, but you must link back to this source. If you would like more information on any of our topics, please indicate that in your comments. Thanks for reading! Best Regards, Admin

Vegan Eating Tips

2012-02-10T08:00:00.000-08:00

The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) reports “on average, vegetarians consume a lower proportion of calories from fat (particularly saturated fatty acids), and more fiber, potassium, and vitamin C than do non-vegetarians". However, deciding to become vegetarian, or vegan, doesn’t automatically equal "healthy" eating. I can assure you that if you don't do "The Veg Life" the right way, you WILL suffer the health consequences.

Here’s what you need to know:

Protein Sources: Soy foods, Soymilk, legumes, nuts, seeds, dairy products, quinoa

As a vegetarian, you have to make a conscious effort to get enough quality protein in your diet. What makes a good protein? Two things. The first is the digestibility of the protein: Can your body break it down and absorb it well. And the second is the Amino Acid composition (does the protein contain all the right Amino Acids and are they in the right proportions?). The Protein Digestibility Corrected Score (PDCAAS) measures proteins from 1 to 100, 100 being the highest quality protein. Guess which protein tops the list? (Drum roll, please.)

Eggs!

They contain the ideal mix of Amino Acids that your body needs for growth, giving them a PDCAAS score of 100. In second place are animal meats, like fish, beef and chicken; their numbers are in 90s. Soy protein is in the same bracket. (thank God!) Next come legumes, which score in the 50s and 60s, followed by grains, which only get 25-40.

If you are not giving your body the right Amino Acid ratio, it will end up using the random amino acids; instead, for muscle, hair, skin, nails growth, immune function, etc. For non-meat eaters who want more options than tofu every night (it’s good and all, but they don't call "variety" king for nothing!), there is light at the end of the tunnel. Proteins are like clothes; you can mix and match to get the job done. For example, when you eat legumes you get two Amino Acids and when you eat grains you get their complementary pairs. Beans and rice don’t just taste good together, they work well in your body as well. Multi Grain/ Whole Wheat crackers and peanut butter are also a good combo.

Fats Sources: Fish/Fish oils (EPA/DHA), ground flaxseed, walnuts, soy products, nuts/seeds, avocado

There are good fats, bad fats and horrible fats. Good fats (unsaturated) are found in plants, bad fats (saturated) come from animals and horrible fats (trans-fats) are man-made. The American Dietetic Association recommends that our fat intake should be between 20 to 35 percent of our total calories each day. Fats are important because they aid with growth and development, provide energy, help with absorbing certain vitamins, provide cushioning for our organs and help maintain cell membranes. Vegetarians and meat eaters alike should aim to consume mostly unsaturated fats because they have additional health benefits (such as lowering cholesterol).

Calcium Sources: Almond butter, Tahini, figs, textured soy protein, soy nuts, kale, broccoli, collards, mustard greens, corn tortillas (processed with lime), vegetarian baked beans, black beans, fortified soy milk, fortified rice milk, dairy products

Vegans who don’t eat calcium-fortified foods probably aren’t meeting the daily requirement for this mineral. This is dangerous because calcium is necessary for muscle contraction. Plus, if we don’t consume enough calcium early in life (before age 30), we face greater risk for developing osteoporosis at a later age.

One thing to keep in mind is that calcium in plant foods is not absorbed as well as it is in animal products (dairy). Specifically, calcium is poorly absorbed from some beans and high-oxalate veggies like spinach and beet greens. However, calcium is well absorbed from soy products, kale, collards, mustard greens and broccoli. So make sure to get plenty of those foods in your diet!

Vitamin D Sources: Fortified soymilk, fortified cow’s milk, fortified breakfast cereals

Recent studies link vitamin D to lower risks of diabetes, hypertension, multiple sclerosis, osteoporosis, memory loss and several types of cancer. The problem is, most of American’s don’t get enough vitamin D. To make matters worse, vitamin D deficiency has been called a “hidden epidemic” amongst African Americans. Vitamin D is synthesized via sun exposure, so the darker your skin is, the greater chance you have of melanin interfering with synthesis. Since fish and egg yolks are among the only sources of vitamin D in foods, we must make sure to consume foods fortified with Vitamin D, like fortified breakfast cereals. If not, supplementation is a must.

Vitamin B12 Sources: Fortified meat analogues, fortified breakfast cereals, dairy, fortified soymilk, nutritional yeast

Vitamin B12 is the only vitamin that occurs naturally only in animal foods. Sea veggies and cultured soy products (miso and tempeh) were once thought to be good sources of B12 but have now been shown to be less ideal sources of the important vitamin. The main goal for vegetarians is to consume products that have been fortified with B12 like breakfast cereals or soymilk.

Iron Sources: Bran Flakes, instant oatmeal, whole wheat bread, nuts, nut butters, potato with skin, dried fruits, legumes, fortified cereals, whole grain cereals

There are two types or iron: heme and non-heme. Heme iron, found in animal products, is better absorbed by our bodies than non-heme iron, which is found in plants. Additionally, vegetarians are more likely to consume whole grains and legumes, which contain phytate, a property in some plant-based foods that inhibits the absorption of iron. The solution: try eating iron rich meals with vitamin C, which enhances the absorption of non-heme iron.

Zinc Sources: Whole grains, nuts, seeds, legumes, fortified breakfast cereals, dairy

Vegetarians can require up to 50% more zinc than meat eaters. Similar to iron, the phytate in vegetarian diets interferes with the absorption of zinc. Try combining foods rich in zinc with protein, as protein enhances zinc absorption. Also, soaking dried beans and tossing out the water before cooking can lower phytate content.

Established to show the possibilities of healthy living while building better businesses, the Healthy Hair Source provides current news that promote healthy solutions for hair, skin and health care issues. This original post is on Dolle House Healthy Hair Source © copyright, 2012. Share it freely, but you must link back to this source. If you would like more information on any of our topics, please indicate that in your comments. Thanks for reading! Best Regards, Admin

Beverly Kearney, BET Honoree

2012-01-23T07:00:00.000-08:00

The BET Honors, a star-studded even which celebrates African American achievement, was recently held at the Warner Theater in Washington, DC.   Honorees included Stevie Wonder, Mariah Carey, Maya Angelou, Spike Lee, Beverly Kearney and the Tuskegee Airmen. You can read Rahiel's reflections on what made the weekend unforgettable HERE.   But I want to introduce you to Beverly Kearney, or "Bev", as she is affectionally called.

Everyone knows that I'm not a big fan of the BET television network.   On the other hand, everyone also knows that I firmly believe in giving credit where credit is due.   And credit IS due to Debra Lee since she has gotten "The Honors" right for the past 5 years. Ms. Lee held the 5th annual BET Honors Ceremony at the Warner Theater in DC on Saturday, January 14, 2012. First Lady Obama was there, along with entertainment celebrities and industry leaders who came into DC and did their very best to fill up all the high-end hotels. This year, amongst all the celebrities who were being honored, it was Bev who left the most vivid memory.

Why?

Because her-story is inspirational. Or maybe, because the foundation she set up holds a Minority Mentorship Symposium every year. It might be because for 18 years, she's been the legendary head coach of the University of Texas women’s track and field team, and has coached more than a few "Olympians". Or, because she's in the International Women’s Sports Hall of Fame. Could it be that she reminds me of myself---a fighter driven to overcome all the beat-downs that occur in life?

The fact of the matter is, Bev reminds me of what my GMama used to say: "It's alright to fall down, long as you don't stay down."

Beverly Kearney's accomplishments offer further proof that GMama's words are just as true today as they were long ago: That there is no excuse for mediocrity. We all face adversity at many points in our lives, but what matters most is how we respond to those challenges. Life will continuously knock us down, but how fast we get back up is the true measure of who we are.

Beverly Kearney's story is one of tragedy and triumph. Read the short version HERE . It is a story of a woman's resilience. If you are ever blessed to hear her testimony, I'm sure you'd agree that there is absolutely NO excuse for mediocrity. Period.

Oh....and don't forget to watch The BET Honors on Monday, February 13, 2012 @ 9:00pm (EST) and 8:00pm (CST)!

Established to show the possibilities of healthy living while building better businesses, the Healthy Hair Source provides current news that promote healthy solutions for hair, skin and health care issues. This original post is on Dolle House Healthy Hair Source © copyright, 2012. Share it freely, but you must link back to this source. If you would like more information on any of our topics, please indicate that in your comments. Thanks for reading!     Best Regards, Admin

Half A Biscuit is Better Than One: Healthy Weight Goals

2012-01-08T09:15:00.000-08:00

The healthiest way to lose weight has nothing to do with crash diets nor bursts of exercise. Our bodies don't like fast changes in terms of food and exercise. For example, someone who hasn't exercised for years shouldn't rush into running miles a day or pounding the treadmill. Doing so will leave you feeling disheartened and demotivated, especially if you injure yourself while doing it. The same goes for people who suddenly
start starving themselves. Diets that severely restrict the types of food "allowed", can lead you to be deficient in the nutrients and vitamins that your body needs.

Small changes can make a big difference. One extra biscuit a week can lead you to gain 5lb a year – cut that biscuit out of your diet and you'll lose the same amount. It's much easier to eat HALF a biscuit, instead of a whole one in the beginning (of your weight loss strategy), than to deal with a crash diet that sets rules (for example: NO BISCUITS EVER AGAIN!) for all foods.

You should think of weight loss in terms of permanently changing your eating habits. While weight-loss goals are usually set in term of weeks, the end game is to sustain these changes over months and years, turning those goals into a lifestyle change.... for life.

Here are a few more eating guidelines for healthy weight loss:

* Eat early and often. A healthy breakfast and 5 or 6 small meals throughout the day will jump start your metabolism, stabilize your blood sugar and ward off hunger pangs.

* Focus on vegetables. The low calories and high fiber, water and nutritional content of most vegetables make them more fulfilling and nutritious at a lower calorie cost.

* Upgrade your carbs. Switch from refined carbohydrates to whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, beans, nuts and seeds. They provide sustained natural energy and have much more fiber, so you feel fuller longer.

* Pad with protein. Protein helps keep you feeling full, so include some with every meal. Choose omega 3 fish, lean poultry, beans, whole grains and nuts. I still eat beef, also. But these days, I don't eat it every other day like I used to. I was surprised at how easy it was to make that small change in my eating habits!

* Drink more water. By replacing soda, coffee and alcohol with water, you can easily reduce your calorie intake. Whoever thought I would give up drinking ice-cold soda? After 4 days of NO SODA, I was amazed that when I DID have a few sips, I poured the rest down the drain because it made me feel bloated instantly. That was an easy "favorite" to cross off my list! I've also cut w-a-y back on coffee; from 4 cups a day to just ONE! You do the math. All I know is that I saved hundreds of dollars last year by doing this!

* Take a multivitamin. Good quality supplements (not weight loss products) can fill the nutritional gaps in your diet and contribute to better natural energy and health.

Healthy Hair Source will keep you covered, inside and out, on safe solutions for healthy hair, skin and health care. If you want more information on any of our topics, please leave a comment. Thanks for reading!

Healthy Weight Loss Strategies That Work

2012-01-01T07:22:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!

Did you add "healthier lifestyle" to your New Year resolutions list? Or have you scratched that one off the list already? Yeah...I know, because........I did the same thing for years! Until last year, when I committed to do better with my up and down weight loss goals. Healthy and permanent weight loss is possible when you know what it takes. The only difficult part is your honest answer to this question: Are you
willing to make the necessary lifestyle changes?

In our super-size, eat-on-the-run, death-by-sugar society, healthy permanent weight loss can be a real battle. And winning the battle of the bulge takes weight loss strategies that work, combined with your own die-hard commitment. I've christened 2012 to be the year we love ourselves enough to commit to better health!

By now, most of us know that fad diets and quick fixes are not the healthy way to go when it comes to permanent weight loss. So, what are healthy permanent weight loss strategies that work? Here's the strategic battle plan you need to stick with it through thick and thin:

7 Healthy permanent weight loss strategies:

These healthy weight loss strategies that work are based on studies of people who lost weight and kept it off for at least seven years. End result: healthy and permanent weight loss!

1. Start keeping good records. To face the challenge, you need to know what's going on. Mindlessness will get you nowhere. Write down everything you eat and drink and exercise times. At first you won't like what you see, but clarity and awareness can gradually move you forward.

2. Make a long-term commitment. "Permanent" means you won’t be done in twelve weeks or even twelve years. Healthy permanent weight loss is about making a commitment to lifestyle changes for the long haul.

3. Plan your strategy and do it. What are you going to eat tomorrow? How can you handle family meals, work lunches and travel? What about emotional cravings? List your challenges and create solutions.

4. Pay attention to your calories. To lose a pound a week requires cutting about 500 calories a day. Almost everyone who achieves permanent weight loss counts calories – usually by writing them down.

5. Increase your physical activity. Exercise burns calories. Most people who lose weight and keep it off exercise between 30 minutes and an hour a day. If you're squirming over those figures, realize you can start out slowly. Any amount of exercise is better than none at all. In January of this year, I started my "exercise" regimen by merely stretching for 10 minutes a day. By September, I was in a Zumba (cardio dance fitness) class....and keeping up with the Zumba pros!

6. Keep yourself motivated. Maintaining motivation is the biggest challenge. Be your own best cheerleader! Don't let your moods, failures or the numbers on the scale define you. Take time to nurture yourself, get enough rest and find healthy entertainment that doesn't involve food indulgence. Most of all....don't give up all the foods you like at the same time. There's nothing wrong with rewarding yourself with your favorite sweets every once in a while. I eat all my favorites during my birthday MONTH! But I also make sure that I double up on these 7 strategies during the month. Balance is the key to everything, including permanent and healthy weight loss.

7. Eat a healthy high fiber diet. People who lose weight and keep it off tend to eat a healthy, moderately low-fat (25-30% of calories) high fiber diet.

Success in using these healthy permanent weight loss strategies will make you look and feel better and reduce your risk of heart disease, stroke, arthritis, some cancers, diabetes and many other health problems.

Healthy Hair Source will keep you covered, inside and out, on safe solutions for healthy hair, skin and health care. If you want more information on any of our topics, please leave a comment. Thanks for reading!

Holiday Hairstyle Renewal

2011-12-18T11:38:00.000-08:00

Let's be honest. Society expects us women to look like supermodels while doing the work of longshoremen. Between the responsibilities of home and work, sometimes we forget about our own well-being. In today's busy world there is very little time to do everything that most of us have on our "to-do" lists. For this reason, most women can

hardly find time to go to the hairdresser every six weeks, or even take care of their own hair like it should be taken care of.

Add to that "to-do" list the feeling that each season of the year, some small change to our style is a must to keep us in harmony with the world and ourselves. Of course, most hairstyles are simply renewals of older styles, just styled in different ways depending on need. These renewals allow those of us who are a little fearful of change to create a new look for each occasion. There are many ways to renew our hairstyles with a few simple steps, allowing us to find an appropriate solution to any holiday season (or special occasion!) with confidence.

And YES! We still want to look good, no matter how long our to-do list is! Whether we're single or married, working inside or outside of the home....are we ever REALLY "ready" for that impromptu call from that special person for a surprise dinner date?

Although it may seem difficult, we don't need a magic wand to do this. Here are some simple solutions based on trends of old standards that will help you go from "frumpy & relaxed" to "fabulous and ready" on short notice:

The Bun:

The word bun is inevitably think of an old teacher or a librarian. But a simple bun, if done correctly, can also be a stylish and chic hairstyle. Here's the trick: instead of rolling your hair UP in a bun behind her head, bring the hair back down toward the neck. Use a simple product and a styling brush to smooth hair and bring them back down to collect them in one spot at the base of the head. Twist hair in a bun, and secure with a bobby pin. A little of your favorite holding spray, along with a few taps to check for those "difficult" strands of hair (we all have them!), and you will look chic enough to turn heads.

You do not have enough hair to create a bun at the base of the neck? It's simple, smoothed your hair and pick up tips at the base of the head with an elastic strap. Then, using a hair band to reunite, make a bow to cover the small tail. Do not make the bow too big, but enough to balance the look and create the effect.

The Ponytail

Usually, the first idea of style that comes to mind when we think of chic hairstyle is not that of a woman with long hair in a ponytail. However, if done perfectly and that look elegant and sophisticated, the ponytail is the best choice. You can style it to look like a short up-do, using hair pins, or just let it hang.

Change The Part

One of the easiest ways to change your hairstyle is to change the part line. A middle part is a good way to style your hair in styles worn casual, while a lateral line is useful for creating an aura of elegance and style to get more sophisticated. In any case, it is very important to consider face shape before choosing how to vary the line. A long face is not really enhanced with a middle part line because it lengthens the nose and face even more. On the other hand, women with a full round face should avoid the side part, which brings the focus to the roundness of the face. Changing where you part the hair is a simple solution that allows you to change your usual hairstyle.

Try the Fringe

For those who only want a slight change in hairstyle, the fringe is a very interesting option that can renew your look with different results (depending on the shape of your face). Pulling out small pieces of hair all around your front hairline is ideal for a quick and easy hairstyle to do, and can be quickly blended back into the rest of your hair. If, however, you're feeling ready for a more daring style, opt for a fringe of long cut just above your eyelashes.

Use Accessories

Due to the large number of hair accessories available, women can easily change their hair in a simple and fast and adapt quickly to many different occasions. There are some really interesting styles of hair accessories available in a wide variety that are great for renewing your hair style and experimenting. Small bands in classic colors can be a good way to start, just be careful not to wear them too tight on your hair. I just love the large hair clips that come in jewel-colors, they give me the quick elegance needed for special occasions. Accessories like these are available in a myriad of patterns and colors vary from simple objects to real jewels for the hair.

Hair fashion is constantly changing, but a classic hairstyle is always good, and can be easily adapted to the new season and occasions . This way you can keep your own style and at the same time, feel in tune with the changes. Whatever change you decide to make to your hair, you always win by simply remembering to evaluate the characteristics of YOUR way of life.

What's your favorite holiday or special occasion hairstyle?

Check out some celebrity hairstyles here!

Healthy Hair Source will keep you covered, inside and out, on safe solutions for healthy hair, skin and health care. If you want more information on any of our topics, please leave a comment. Thanks for reading!

Natural Hairstyle Decisions

2011-11-11T18:24:00.000-08:00

African American hair is versatile for wearing natural hair, and I see more and more natural hairstylists who are setting up their hair salons to meet the demand for natural hair care.

The following guide will give you some options on what you can do for hair care and hairstyling tips.

Lifestyle: When deciding on a natural hairstyle the first thing you will need to consider is what type of lifestyle do you lead. If it is an active one, time will be an issue so you must pick a natural hairstyle that will be easy to maintain. Quick and easy low maintenance natural hairstyles that will not require lots of your time is going to be your most important priority.

Short or Long: Next you will have to ask yourself if you want to wear a curly short hairstyle or a long wavy hairstyle. Longer hairstyles will take less care and up keep compared to a shorter hairstyle, short hair requires constant trims to make it look neat and stylish. Also, some short hairstyles go out of fashion and may give you an out of date look.

Changes: If you do not want such a permanent commitment you could go for cornrows, micro braids or individual braided hairstyles that can come in various lengths from chin length, shoulder length or longer.

Hair Health: Does your hair feel dry, brittle and crunchy? If you have answered "yes", it could be because you are using the wrong type of hair styling products.

One thing you will want to do is to research black hair product descriptions and make sure there are no harsh chemicals or alcohol. GNatural offers a line of products that keeps healthy hair a priority, no matter what style you choose. Buy your own GNatural products to use at home, and to take with you next time you visit your local salon. Your Stylist will thank you!

Healthy Hair Source will keep you covered, inside and out, on safe solutions for healthy hair, skin and health care. If you want more information on any of our topics, please leave a comment. Thanks for reading!

Hair Extensions

2011-10-23T06:29:00.000-07:00

If they say "beauty is pain," then the beauty of achieving long,luscious locks is becoming more and more painful for many women....and men. Hair extensions have become the must-have accessory of celebrities on the red carpet and in magazines.
Now more and more women, and men, are following suit and using the extensions at home and work. Some as young as 19 are experiencing the dangerous side effects that come with trying to transform one's natural hair with hair pieces that make their hair longer and fuller.

"We have patients who are in their early 20s come in after wearing hair extensions for six months or one year, and they actually have bald spots," Dr. Eric Schweiger, a New York City dermatologist, told "Good Morning America."

Doctors say people particularly at risk for damage from hair extensions are those with already thin or weak hair, or with a pre-existing medical condition, like anemia.

Hair extensions, in which hair is attached onto a person's existing hair or scalp by either weaving, gluing or clipping it on, may cause little damage to some women but, for others, the hairpieces can cause nightmarish results.

Twenty-two-year-old Maya Ramos of Delray Beach, Fla., experienced the dark side of hair extensions firsthand after she began using clip-on extensions to make her shoulder-length hair longer and fuller. Just three months after her extension adventure began, Ramos saw signs of trouble.

"My hair was really falling and falling," she told "GMA." "I was shedding a lot of hair in the back toward the extensions." The damage caused by the extensions, which she described as "heavy" and "uncomfortable," was so severe that Ramos feared the worst. "I was freaking out," she said. "I thought I was going to lose my hair
by the time I was 30."

Concerned, Ramos sought the help of a hair loss expert.

The specialist diagnosed Ramos with traction alopecia, a form of gradual hair loss caused primarily by a pulling force being applied to the hair. Within a year of quitting the extensions, Ramos' hair, much to her relief, had grown back.

Not so lucky is Chioma Odimegwu of New York City. Odimegwu is considering a hair transplant at the age of 25 after six years of using hair extensions resulted in permanent hair loss. Odimegwu began using 14-inch glue-in extensions at the age of 19. When the extensions caused her hair to thin, she had a professional stylist
apply tie-on extensions to cover the hair loss.

The new extensions worsened the problem, and Odimegwu's hair loss spiraled out of control. "When I took (the new extensions) out, my whole head of hair was very,
very thin," she told "GMA" of her post-extensions appearance. Odimegwu tried a host of doctor-recommended products, including female Rogaine, in an effort to re-grow her hair,and worked to cover her hair loss in other ways.

"I wear lots of hats," she said. "And really fat headbands."

Ramos and Odimegwu are not alone. Even celebrities are experiencing difficulties related to hair extensions.

"Nothing destroys your hair faster than hair extensions," Jennifer Aniston, whose own shag-style cut in the '90s sparked a worldwide hair craze, told Harper's Bazaar magazine in a 2006 interview. "I decided to have a couple of extensions, never knowing you end up with 400 things in your hair that cause your hair to break off."

As Hair Extensions' Popularity Grows, So Too Does the Debate

Advocates of hair extensions, like New York stylist Angelo David, argue that extensions are still a great asset, and option, for any woman - provided they are installed and worn correctly. "Everybody can wear hair extensions," he told "GMA." "You just need to wear extensions that fit your head." His eponymous New York City salon does a brisk business, outfitting women with long locks and custom-made extensions.

Mr. David takes pains to make certain his extensions are appropriate for a woman's individual hair type so that extensions are neither too heavy or too tight. The couture hair extensions offered at David's salon cost anywhere from a few hundred dollars to upwards of several thousand dollars. David's clients are thrilled with the results.

"I think that extensions add so much attractiveness to people," salon client Reilly Chaffin said. "I look at them and I think that I look so much better."

Something everyone (from stylists like David, who favor hair extensions, to doctors like Dr. Schweiger who remain skeptical of their safety), agree on is that women who choose to use extensions should do so with care and attention to detail.

"You need to create the right fit," said David. "The important thing is getting into the right extension."

"It's very important that people out there know the risks of hair extensions before they get them done," said Dr. Schweiger. "If you're going to do any extensions, just use them for a few hours and take them out. That's the safest way." (source)

How do you feel about hair extensions? Have you tried them? If so, what's your opinion/experience?

Healthy Hair Source will keep you covered, inside and out, on safe solutions for healthy hair, skin and health care. If you want more information on any of our topics, please leave a comment. Thanks for reading!

Strength and Length

2011-10-18T17:44:00.000-07:00

The main thing I have found in my natural hair journey is that there was only ONE thing I needed to do to move from the "stuck" position (where my hair grew to a certain length, then started to break off). That one thing was for ME to recognize that I was doing all the harm to my hair! My hair began to grow and STAY healthy once I got to "know" MY hair! Once I understood that EVERY new product was not necessarily good for MY hair...once I understood that my hair growth rates were not the same as my Mother's or my aunts....once I figured out that all of us have small ---but extremely important--- differences in our hair growth cycles.....then I was able to get out of the "stuck" position! Here are the top 5 reasons why hair does not gain strength and length:

1. YOU IGNORE BREAKAGE. This is the top reason and if you read no further, at least read the next two paragraphs.

If you have been stuck at a particular length for a long time, the most likely reason is that you have split ends which are breaking off your hair at the same rate as it is growing. The only reasonable thing to do is to trim your hair and by "trim", I mean cut 2-3 inches off. I could tell you to just look for splits/knots, then trim them off. But the reality is that it is very had to do a "search and destroy" on short hair which you cannot see properly. If you have a trusted hair stylist who'll do this for you.....consider yourself blessed and get it done.

The second form of breakage that is largely ignored are those short, little, quarter-inch end segment breaks that happen with very kinky hair (like mine). While it is not possible to fully eliminate breakage entirely, it is possible to reduce it to a minimal level by being very gentle, choosing gentle de-tangling methods and being patient when handling your hair.

2. YOU OVER-MANIPULATE THE HAIR. Let me tell you....puffs and Afros are addictive. I used to love 'em....love 'em.....love THEM! Not anymore. Why? Because although they are a simple, cute and protective styles, most of us leave them in too long...........causing the hair to tangle, knot and break! Truth be told, ANY "protective" styles will cause damage if left in "too" long. When we do decide to change the style, the time and effort required to unravel the strands and remove lint can (and will!) cause a lot of damage.

For those with looser curls, styles like twists which are normally regarded as protective may be terrible for you, if they unravel easily and you may be tempted to constantly use a drying gel, which definitely does not help your hair. Curly hair likes to be free! When you "bind" it (with hair clips, gel, barrettes, bands, etc.), it will complain bitterly when it's time to remove the bind (another example of over manipulation). The top signs are breakage, tangling and knotting. Find a happy medium with your hair.

3.YOU ARE STILL HUNTING FOR THAT "MAGIC" PRODUCT. There are no magic products. There are people who have seemingly terrible product choices but great hair and similarly people with great product choices and terrible hair.

The thing to understand about hair length retention is that it is largely mechanical damage that really does you in. Mechanical damage meaning how you physically break your hair. Hair products mainly mask damage, what you can do is prevent damage in the first place. You and your hair handling methods are the most important tools, over and above products.

4.YOU ARE FOLLOWING SOMEONE ELSE'S REGIMEN. Never ever make the mistake of not listening to YOUR hair. If someone swears by heat training, that does not mean it will for you. If someone swears by coconut oil, that does not mean it will work for you.

There is nothing wrong with experimenting with any method, product or routine. There IS something wrong with failing to see that it is not working for your hair. Always pay attention to if your hair breaks, or feels less than ideal.

5. YOU ARE STILL USING TOO MUCH HEAT. I've said this before, and it's important to repeat this: Length retention has a huge mechanical component to it. That component is HEAT. Heat ultimately degrades hair. For some people, regular heat use is not a big problem, as their hair is able to cope with it; for others, even slight heat is an issue.

Learn how YOUR hair behaves. Do not choose "style" or "ease" over and above hair health. It may be easier to handle your hair when its curls are not as tight but consider doing a heat free method such as curl formers, braids/twists or banding. The finer and kinkier your hair, the less likely it is to be able to take a lot of heat.

Ladies, have you been guilty of any of these mistakes I've made?

Healthy Hair Source will keep you covered, inside and out, on safe solutions for healthy hair, skin and health care. If you want more information on any of our topics, please leave a comment. Thanks for reading!

A Whole Lotta Hair!

2011-10-15T06:11:00.000-07:00

OK.....the picture is intense. The Lady is a singer who lives in France. And...I have to admit that I was stunned at the sheer magnitude of this 'Fro.....even for an Entertainer.

I wonder what DH Readers think about the "size" of our hair.

What...if anything...is considered TOO long or TOO big?

When does the magnificence of a huge Fro/Twistout cross-over into "that's a bit much" territory?

Healthy Hair Source will keep you covered, inside and out, on safe solutions for healthy hair, skin and health care. If you want more information on any of our topics, please leave a comment. Thanks for reading!

Howard University Students TANGLE

2011-10-06T17:26:00.000-07:00

Howard University has been all over the blogosphere lately after the Huffington Post voted it the 2nd Best Dressed College in the Nation in 2010.

And it seems natural hair has found a permanent home at the stylish institution. On November 20, 2011, students Alexis Guy and Jessica Williams will celebrate the first anniversary of the natural hair group they formed last year called "TANGLES".

The Details: Co-Founder Alexis Guy provides these details about TANGLES:

T.A.N.G.L.E.S. stands for "Transitioners and Naturals Growing, Learning and Educating Students".

The mission of the group is to “detangle the myths from facts when it comes to natural hair” seeing that there are many misconceptions regarding black natural hair. We realized that many Howard students desire to go natural but are uncertain as to how to begin their natural journey. Therefore, TANGLES was created in order
to educate students while also celebrating natural hair. We also have a second chapter at the University of Virginia called TANGLES AT UVA.

TANGLES Activities:
TANGLES often invites lecturers and panelists to speak to our members and share their knowledge regarding health and hair care. TANGLES is a supportive environment where members share their own experiences, fears and concerns as they take on their natural journey. We meet twice a month for regular general body meetings but we’re also planning a major hair show on campus in the Spring.

On how the TANGLES group has been received by the general student population:
The student population has really taken an interest in what TANGLES offers. We consistently have 35 members at our meetings but we have over 100 people who have attended at least one meeting. We also have over 320 fans on Facebook which consists of a lot of incoming freshman as well. Last year was our first semester so we expect significant growth this semester.

On male students' participation in TANGLES
They want information on locs and stylists on campus or in the area. TANGLES goal is not just for women so we’ve been making adjustments along the way and expect more male participation this upcoming academic year.

You can find more TANGLES on Facebook and Twitter. Check them out!

OK.....Healthy Hair Readers, what are your thoughts? And college readers; do you have a natural hair group at your school? If so, please share the details!

Healthy Hair Source will keep you covered, inside and out, on safe solutions for healthy hair, skin and health care. If you want more information on any of our topics, please leave a comment. Thanks for reading!

What Have You Done For YOU Lately?

2011-09-15T10:45:00.000-07:00

"What have you done for me lately? OOOOO, Yeah!"

We all remember the "hook line" to Miss Jacksons #1 song back in the day. What I'm wondering is What Have YOU Done for you lately?

How have you spoiled yourself lately? Spa treatment? Shopping spree? Vacation?

Regardless of
which side of center your personal philosophy may fall, (including the middle), the phrase “God helps them who help themselves” comes to mind. Those of us who believe in a creative force, be it natural or supernatural, should slow down a minute and carefully examine our position.

I think it is safe to say that most religions believe that God is the creator of *ALL* things, including mankind. Is it therefore reasonable to expect that we can sit back and wait for God or Nature to fix what is wrong with our lives? Our families? Our nation?

Many headlines today are shouting that the global economy is headed for an apocalyptic event; Can we expect to be rescued because we have a lock on God’s blessings?

What should we pray for? U.S. dominance at all costs? A stable economic environment for yourself and your family? Should you don a tiara and pray for world peace? Do not think that I am mocking prayer. I am not.

Personally, I believe in the power of prayer, and I know without doubt that the help I receive comes from God. When I meditate on the things that matter in my life, it helps me to focus my energy toward reaching those goals. Yet, I can also tell you that prayer alone does not accomplish any goal we are seeking.

God expects more from us.

As human beings, we all have what I call a "nature". That nature dictates that humans flourish under the conditions of freedom and liberty, and wither under the conditions of any form of slavery. It doesn’t matter whether that slavery is initiated by a group, an individual in your life or a government. The result is the same.

We flourish when we are free to give and receive what each one of us perceives as "value" in our relationships. It is only when the use of force, fear or fraud is introduced into the relationship equation that this system breaks down. One of the our natural, God-given powers is the power to choose.

To make choices about our perceived values. To decide what we want to do with our values. No other animal on Earth has this power.

While it's true that God helps them who help themselves, we also know that the answers to our prayers aren't always what we were expecting. It isn’t that God is harsh; I look at it as being neutral because the needed resources have already been provided. Knowledge and ability can be gained. We can learn to make better choices. After all that, it is simply up to us.

My translation of the song lyrics comes to this: What are you as an individual going to DO to improve YOUR life?

True freedom comes with a price tag. Whether you see freedom from an abusive relationship; freedom from poverty; or freedom from anything that make you unhappy----it requires vigilance and personal responsibility.

It is often said that we get the kind of life we deserve. When we find ourselves in a place where we deserve a whole lot better than what we're getting, that's the FIRST signal that it's time to do something different.

Spoiling yourself is more than a shopping spree, vacations, spa treatments and the like. Try spoiling yourself with the freedom from whatever fears are holding you back. The sooner you make that commitment to yourself, the sooner you'll experience the life you deserve. It's never too late!

Healthy Hair Source will keep you covered, inside and out, on safe solutions for healthy hair, skin and health care. If you want more information on any of our topics, please leave a comment. Thanks for reading!

Who's In Heaven?

2011-09-12T18:07:00.000-07:00

Well, Dear Readers, the Summer of 2011 is over. Out of all the great moments of my Summer of 2011, one really sticks in my mind.

I was leaving a semi-formal social gathering last month, had given my compliments to the hosts, and was headed to the front door, when I heard someone say: "You're so heaven-minded that you're no good here on earth."

I stopped, turned around and saw that this statement came from the mouth of a 20-something young man. He was speaking to a young lady, and I could tell by her facial expression that she was deeply hurt. Before stalking off, she told the young man, "I never want to see you again, you A-hole!". The young man looked at me, shook his head and walked off in the opposite direction. I quietly slipped out the door as I saw the hosts of the gathering approach the young man.

Riding home, I thought about that scene over and over. Since then, it's popped up in my mind unannounced on more than one occasion. I've thought about what I could have said that would have calmed the spirits of both of those young people. It was obvious that they had an emotional/romantic attachment, and that they were having some type of disagreement. Yet, they were allowing their anger to seep out to the point where they were judging each other. Whether in a public or private setting, that's never a good thing.

Two days later, I came up with the right words that might have made them both stop and think: "Most people are so earthly minded to the point that they are no heavenly good."

The reality of heaven and hell have been diminished in our culture to the point of irrelevance. This is tragic because we've been "bamboozled" into thinking that we are physical beings that have occasional spiritual experiences. We're not.

We are spirit beings who are having a TEMPORARY physical experience. So many of us don't recognize this truth, and therefore we respond more to fear than freedom. The evil one has implanted such distortion in our perception of reality. We spend a lot of time pointing fingers at each other, and trying to "one up" each other. We really need to step back and refocus, rethink, and---in many of our lives---redirect our energy.

So.... to that unknown young couple, and Loyal Readers: I hope that you value those in your circle enough to put your pride and pointing fingers aside. If you resonate with the brief introduction, I think you will find the following poem helpful, funny, and exciting. Most important, I hope it moves you. Moves you to examine yourself, and remember that when you point a finger at someone else, THREE are pointing back at you.

Who's In Heaven

(Unknown Author)

I was shocked, confused, bewildered as I entered Heaven’s door; not by the beauty of it all, by the lights or its decor.

But it was the folks in Heaven who made me sputter and gasp–the thieves, the liars, the sinners, the alcoholics, the trash.

There stood the kid from seventh grade who swiped my lunch money twice. Next to him was my old neighbor---- who never said anything nice.

Herb, who I always thought was rotting away in hell, was sitting pretty on Cloud Nine, looking incredibly well.

I nudged Jesus, “What’s the deal? I would love to hear Your take. How’d all these sinners get up here? God must’ve made a mistake.

And why is everyone so quiet, so somber? Give me a clue.”

“My child,” said He, “They’re all in shock. No one ever thought they would see you.”

Healthy Hair Source will keep you covered, inside and out, on safe solutions for healthy hair, skin and health care. If you want more information on any of our topics, please leave a comment. Thanks for reading!

Ending To The Blame Game

2011-08-01T09:00:00.000-07:00

How often have you heard a group of women each bashing their significant other (co-signing each others' complaints) in some way, sounding as if they’re already one foot out the door of the relationship? “He’s a liar! He’s a cheater!” Well, what about you? It can’t always be the man’s fault. Ladies....let’s stop playing The Blame Game and take a little responsibility for our own actions. Why is it that we don’t like to look within to pinpoint some of our own faults? Maybe we all have this princess complex that we’ve carried around since childhood, feeling entitled to the world, and are left feeling disappointed when a man offers us anything less than. I can name off at least five common faults (aka "the enemy" at work) off the top of my head that most women---including myself--- have possessed at some point in time:

* Whining/Freak Outs: This never works. We make ourselves a non-factor when we zero in on ONE thing that bothers us and explain (read: "complain") to our man over and over about whatever IT is. You may think you’re "communicating" by bringing IT up repeatedly, but at some point....he stops listening. And he may never tell you that he wishes you would just stop whining.

* Pressure–We forget to have fun and relax in relationships sometimes and end up putting pressure on the dude to commit. He may have been fully ready to do so, but our pushing left a sour taste in his mouth.

* The Accuser–These are the ones that are typically the Robocops–stalking their man’s Twitter, Facebook, Emails or Blackberry, ready to pounce on him for any glimpse of an interaction with another woman. This always drives a man away.

* Mistrust–You tell him you can trust him, but you don’t. You almost fall in line with the Accuser. You start coming up with conspiracy theories as to why whatever he says can’t be trusted.

* Control Freak–From his clothes, to his friends, to the relationship as a whole, you will not allow yourself to compromise with him. It’s your way or no way. There's no way a man can take that for too long. We have to allow ourselves some type of vulnerability on both sides.

Saying all of this is not to say that men get off a free-ride (see disclaimer below). Sometimes, they do things that cause us to walk away, but at times, it can be our fault. Typically women choose to play the victim when it comes to love and failed relationships, then (because it's so easy to do?) we blame men for everything.....even our own feelings.

When you really look at it, no one ---men included---wants to feel at fault, so they avoid the guilt by blaming the other. Fault means failure and these days, with everyone so focused on winning, The Blame Game may become a perpetual problem in relationships. Seeing our own faults is often difficult, but it’s not impossible. We should all try a little harder to hold ourselves to the same standard that we do with our significant other. If you’re judging them, judge yourself. Game over.

Dolle's Disclaimer: While this article focus' on what the ladies can do to eliminate some relationship problems, for the most part THE MAN in a relationship controls the direction of the relationship. If he wants to keep the relationship together----that is what he does, thru thick and thin. If he wants it to end----he ends it. Of course, the relationship works out different when the woman is a alpha female, or the male is a pushover.

Most women tend to blame ourselves for relationship mishaps when the writing is already on the wall. He cheats, beats, verbally abuses or all of the above and we make up numerous excuses for it. After awhile maybe (it may take years!), we start to become bitter. That’s when the blame game comes in. In most cases, before a woman blames her man.....she blames herself.

Written Under: (pseudonym) @Rhapso_DY

Healthy Hair Source will keep you covered, inside and out, on safe solutions for healthy hair, skin and health care. If you want more information on any of our topics, please leave a comment, or submit the contact form found on this page. Thanks for reading!