NatMuLab#14

Don't you love a strong Black woman or man bringing to the world a VERY powerful, inspiring message?



                                                
I do. I do. I love the message in this video sooo much. There are so many positive images that I just couldn't count them all! From beginning to end...I LOVE THIS VIDEO. So, Yes, Tonight's NATMULAB is dedicated to Black Kings and Queens everywhere. The Queens like Esperanza rocking a natural hair do', or a Positive Father figure involved in his child's life.....etc.Whatever the case, if you fit the mold...You are " Black Gold." Remember the influential quote that says: You can't know where you're going until you know where you've come from.This video puts focus on that.I Love you all. Hope you enjoy Esperanza, with her dope lyrics, sensational voice and the teachable moments in this video.

Book Review #1

  I work in the school District, and we work hard all year just awaiting the words S-U-M-M-E-R! I say this because the summer leaves me with more time to enjoy things I love.
I can spend more time with my son JJ,  family, vacation properly, EVEN read!
One of the books that I enjoyed reading this summer was: The Curly Girl Handbook by Lorraine Massey. I had many a YouTube friend raving about the Curly Girl, or CG method and I had to try it~I bought the book in April as a Birthday gift to myself, and I love it!

 Lorraine is a beautiful, self-professed curly girl and Salon Owner. She has many years in the haircare business, and has compiled all of her knowledge on hair and expertise into this nifty little Handbook! She has this curly hair stuff down to a science!! But I found that most of her info, Naturals in today's society already know!Here is my Book Review:
 Things I Learned
There are 7 different types of curl patterns:
1. Botticelli- Curls that vary in size and shape! 
2.Corkicelli-Curls w/varying curl patterns!
3.Cherub-Curls that are soft to the touch, and baby-fine. Resembling hair of a young toddler!
4.Wavy -Curls that loose curl pattern; Can appear straight!
5.S-wavy -Curls that are defined + wavy with a slight bend on the end; Curls resemble an "S"
6. Fractal or Zigzag -Curls that most women of color have; Very dry and resembles micro-spirals or corkscrews!

7. The Curly Girl Method-A daily routine which involves cleansing with sulfate-free  or Botanical shampoo- Conditioning, and leaving most in hair for moisture- Scrunching, with a microfiber towel to absorb excess moisture and lastly-Styling with a handful of gel being added to hair to define curls and hold your hair's natural shape!

8. How-To make some homemade products targeted to Curly Girls!
9. There are tons of natural hair classification systems;Lorraine's classification system of curl patterns is one of the BEST I've seen!
Things I Knew
 10 Hair doesn't need Shampoo to thrive and grow. Most naturals already do conditioner washes! >I JUST NEVER TRIED THEM MORE THAN A HANDFUL OF TIMES:(

11. Water is essential to hair growth 
12. Most naturals already know about shrinkage; Lorraine calls it " Spring Factor"- LOL.




In the end, the book was an awesome read, and at a price of  $9.99, I say grab it. It can always be used as a refresher course. It has the Actual DVD that assists you in learning how-to do the CG Method step by step! I would buy the book again for myself OR someone I love just so they can learn the CG Method. ***Once I have these twist taken out I am trying her method.

Reasons to Celebrate!

So, today is February 4th, 2012: Black History Month. First off, let me say, We should be celebrating our Heritage daily! Don't celebrate 1 month, and leave the other 11 standing by the way side.
So, today, I wanted to share 10 reasons you should be celebrating Black History Month:

Reasons to Celebrate Black History Month

• 10. This month is Nationally recognized amongst the States!
• 9.It's a great way to show homage to our Ancestors
• 8.It's a great way to show love for your favorite inventions!
• 7. Blacks fought, bled, and died to get recognition, privilege.
• 6.Black contributions to the States were tremendous!
• 5.Africa is the Motherland, and place of Origin for all races.
• 4.Blacks fought for this Country.
• 3.Black contributions to mankind were tremendous!
• 2. Black laborers helped shape this land
• 1.Black History is Yours, mine, and (HIS)TORY!

Defining a natural

{nat·u·ral adj \ˈna-chə-rəl, ˈnach-rəl\ Definition of NATURAL} I am embarking on my 1 year Bloggerversary in a few months, and I do not EVER remember posting about the Definition of a natural and what it means. I figured, I would address this subject in this post. This posting tonight comes with the hope that it may help someone, who may be intrigued by naturals, and natural hair! So, Merriam-Webster has about 15 definitons for the word Natural. I looked each one over and the ONLY one I felt truly stood out and could apply without question to what a Natural is....was Definition # 4.

4 : having an essential relation with someone or something : following from the nature of the one in question

I love this quote because it fits like a glove. Yes, natural hair is a relation to something(that thing being kinky hair) and someone(being my Natural bros and sistahs). Clean, precise and straight to the point. Naturals love to wear their hair in the state which it grows out of their head. Naturals embrace the hair God gave them, and they manage it without any manipulation. The manipulation I mean comes to play when you use chemical relaxers, and or straighteners, heat sources, and anything found outside of nature. We then too,intend to use organic, all natural, safe products to maintain and help manage our kinky , curly, coily tresses. ------------------------------------- As always....What does being natural mean to you? Are you considered natural if you use things found outside of nature like heat, chemicals? Let a sistah know below......................

Guest Blogger Spot

So,I did my first Guest Blogger spot on the highly acclaimed Chi Chi Sophistication Blog .Yay me!!!. Here is the link below. Hope you all enjoy! Have a Blessed Day! http://chichisophistication.blogspot.com/2011/12/importance-of-winterizing-natural-hair.html ----------------------------- As always What were your thoughts? Any tips you'd like to add? Let a sistah know below.................

FOR A GIRL

FOR A GIRL Exclusively for BSBLOGS @ http://www.blacksistah.blogspot.com Girl, Hey! you rocking a natural ‘do? What happened to the old days- When we rocked perms, and weaves with glue? Girl, I simply grew up And my hair did too!! I retired the old And I found my roots. Now my hair is kickin Like a fresh pair of boots See, my roots were buried, but Not quite dead They were relaxing next to some old “HOTHEAD” I picked my roots up, embraced them and said, “Hello Roots and how are you? I’ve neglected you far too long, How’s about a truce?” The Roots softly whispered, “Why thank you. You’re so kind, Will you promise to love all of me? I’m black, kinky, and fine. My roots and I obliged each other, and fell in love this day Our love affair is one of a kind and so DIVINE. They keep me grounded, and I keep them on track. We are so happy, we have not looked back! I told that “Hothead” get off that creamy crack. The crack is WHACK!!! Anyhow, GIRL: This is why I rock my new ‘do You wouldn’t understand my praise And I don’t expect you to! So do me a favor and continue to do what you ‘do!!! Original work by: Miss Chastity Williams 12/15/2011

Camera Fun

So, today I have been finding opportunities to snap shots of the fro I am Rocking with my phone. The first pic is of my box braids/plaits that resulted in the following Afro style. The app I used is called Camera Fun, and it's free in the Android Market. The prods used: Coconut oil, water/leave-in-conditioner spray mix, and an Afro pick. I finalized the style by pushing it back with a silk scarf. Enjoy!

Natural Hair Confessions

Can you keep a secret?? Shh, Don't tell nobody! here it is....This is the blog post I am dreading most. LOL. I am writing today about my natural hair confessions. Yes, I have flaws! We all do!! I stand before my peers today, and confess!

1.In the beginning........I knew nothing about hair, but I was styling daily...! 2.I still have products from when I was a permie(Mainly....Pink Oil Moisturizer). LOL. Need to donate or trash it, but I secretly use them from time to time...cause I want to use em up!!! I know it's bad,.....HELP! 3. Sometimes I do comb and brush my hair, but I make sure I am cautious. 4. I have NOT had my ends trimmed in over 2 years! Disclaimer: Me and my hair ARE NOT PERFECT. So don't judge. Whew........Now that's over...I feel better. You can scold me NOW.....In 3,2,1:( -------------------------------- What are your thoughts on my confessions? What are some of your hair confessions? Let a sistah know below............

Video Response

Have you EVER wanted to know a man's opinion of natural hair? EVER wanted to know his true, honest to God thoughts on the subject? Just a few nights ago, I stumbled upon an amazing video on FB. It seemed to be shared via Youtube. The video response you are about to see was prompted by an online question that asked: What to do when my Boyfriend like your natural hair?Hmmmmmm. Good Question This video response is amongst the best I have seen on YT to date.It has sparked lots of views, remarks, ETC on all social networking sites. I had to share. Hope you enjoy!!! ----------------------------------------------- Was that awesome or what? What part did you enjoy most? Let a sistah know below..........................

NatMuLab#2

Today's music genius mixing things up in the NatMuLab, is another one of my absolute favorite neo-soul singers, artist from my generation. I absolutely LOVE her. It is Miss India Arie. This song is the epitamy of me. Very powerful message. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE IT!!!! I dedicate this to EVERY natural, self-loving, self-seeking female, male, and child. Hope you enjoy!

BSBlog Love?

Are you a fan of BSBlogs? Did you say, the Biggest fan around? Well, with tonight's Blog post...It's Official. We are now selling BSBlog apparel, and tees in our online teeshop. And, just in time for Christmas!!! So, stop, shop, and order yours today!!!!!! The newest item is displayed below.

Direct link to our teeshop: ------------------------------------- Leave a comment about our new items. What did you think? Yea or nay.

Top 10

Here it is folks! The Top 10 Slogans that would fit a natural hair lifestyle........ (David Letterman Style)

10.The Home Depot-" You can Do it....We can Help" 9. Nike-"Just Do It" 8.L'Oreal-" Because I'm worth it" 7.Campbell's- "M'm! M'm! Good!! 6.Capri Sun-" I can Respect that" 5.Sally Hansen-"Beauty that Works" 4.LG- "Life's Good" 3.Oscar Mayer-" It doesn't get better than this!" 2.Olay- "Love the Skin You're in" 1. McDonald's-" I'm lovin it" Then here's a bit of trivia. Q:If you had to pick a state to grow natural state in, which would you pick? A: Arkansas, the Natural State. --------------------------------------------------- Did you like the slogans?Any you'd recommend? Which is your fave? Let a sistah know below............

Discussion#2

Who would you say is your FAVORITE natural living or dead? And why? I would have to say mine is: Erykah Badu. I love this woman. Her persona, her music, EVERYTHING. She hasn't actually worn her natural hair out too many times, but I do believe she has a video, where she is actually bald. She breaks the mold in the Industry, flys off the handle sometimes, but always does her. I love that about her. She's an advocate,Bold,edgy, green-eyed, beautiful, woman, and a Dallas native like myself. This is my FAVORITE natural. As always, who is your fave natural? Why? Let a sistah know below..................

Skin

So, last night my family and I watched a darn good film! I had to wake up and share this review with my readers ASAP. No, we didn't head to the theater(too cold). We stayed home in bed, and enjoyed the next best thing-Netflix. The movie was called, "Skin". Have you heard of this or perhaps seen this? If not, you need to!You are sleeping on a great movie. It is the story of a young white couple in the 60s, who happen to live in S. Africa, and they have a daughter, who some believe is Black. She has the appearance of a black child. Her hair is kinky, and her "skin"(HINTS THE NAME) is dark. Scientist, teachers, and obviously her parents are baffled by this phenom. Thus making this a great film to sit and watch. The main focus of the film was race relations, but it is powerful. Packs a punch, and gives an opposing view of Discrimination. I mean I thoroughly enjoyed myself.I found that there were many teaching moments in this film, that explores the life of a white child who appears black.

The movie was filmed in 2009, and stars Sophie Okonendo, as Sandra Laing. You may remember Okonendo from "The Secret Lives of Bees. She portrays "Mae" in that film. I loved Sophie Okonendo in TSLOB, and now in Skin. She is a great actress, and a beautiful natural. Her hair is out of sight, and looks healthy. I hope you find time to watch this soon. Watch and Enjoy. I sure did!And yes, this is based on a true and amazing story!!!!!! What are your thoughts on this review? Will you support, and check this film out? Wanna see more movie reviews? Let a sistah know below..............

Weave ...Me..... alone(Again)

Hey all, If you loyally follow this blog, you know that I work in the school District. Today, I had the privilege(total sarcasm) of seeing a 6th grader , all of maybe 11 -12 years old with a full head of weave.She must have gotten it done over the Thanksgiving break, because it looked fresh. It was curly, really cute, but black and blonde mixed. My heart went out to this poor child. I saw her talking to guys her age, and some girlfriends too! Here was my thought process: WOW! When did she get a perm? And why is she wearing weaves in elementary. Man, are they getting younger? Is that in dress code? LOL. SMH. Then I said to myself her mother and father had to give their ok, so what can I say. I do believe my mother relaxed my hair at a young age, but she did it to help manage it. I was still wearing cute kiddie styles in elementary. But who am I to judge?To each it's own. We are in the land of the free. Free to be and say who and what you want. Right? God Bless America!

As always, what are your thoughts on this post? Let a sistah know below..............................

H.O.T.D-11/25/11

Here is a link to my HOTD-Hair of the Day for November 25, 2011. This was a simple wash n' go. Completed in under 5 mnutes, and the results turned out nice. Hope this tutorial helped someone. Oh, my son, JJ makes a small appearance. LOL. As always, What were your thoughts? What did you like? Have a link you'd like to share? Let a sistah know below................................

Spotlight: Kimberly "Kimmie" P.(my friend, Hair Idol)

BlackSistah:So, to bring our story to the readers of this blog...How exactly are we acquainted?

KP:We've grew up together and have been long time friends for years. Since 7th grade I believe :-)

BlackSistah:How long have you been natural?

KP:To be honest I have lost count of the years. If I had to guesstimate I would stay close to 10 years now. (Maybe 8)

BlackSistah:What made you want to go natural?

KP:At the time I went natural it really wasn't what I consider to now be a "trend". So there really wasn't a specific person or hairstyle that made me want to do it. I just knew I was tired all the perms and wanted to do something different. So one day I vowed never to perm my hair again and haven't looked back since.

BlackSistah:How would you describe your hair journey thus far? What things do you love? What things do you hate?

KP:It has been an amazing journey of self discovery and freedom. One of the things I love most is the versatility that comes from being natural. I guess one of the biggest dislikes is the maintenance that can sometimes be a burden when going natural. It does require a little more TLC towards your curly hair VS. permed hair. The pay off is well worth it though.

BlackSistah:Do you have a regimen? If so, what is it? If not, how come?


KP:I don't have a regimen. Although there is definitely nothing wrong with having one. My schedule is very busy so even if I did have one I doubt I would stick to it lol. Just lots of co-washing and moisturizer for my hair type seems to do the trick.



BlackSistah:Did you BC or transition?

KP:I wasn't bold enough to do the chop. I admire everyone that does though. Its very beautiful on African American women. I transitioned, hiding my hair with twist, micro braids, wigs, etc.

BlackSistah:Who inspires the natural you?


KP:I don't know if I have a "natural" inspiration. If I had to pick one Erykah Badu is an amazing person. I love everything she stands for. Lauryn Hill is another.

BlackSistah:What advice do you have for new naturals?


KP:Have patience. Give your hair time to restore itself back to its natural form without all the chemicals. Also give yourself time to rediscover and become comfortable with the "real" you. It didn't happen for me overnight but as the years have gone by I have grown to love my hair (and myself) more everyday.



BlackSistah:What other things should we know about you?

KP:I'm an entrepreneur. I own a clothing store in Dallas,TX. called "La Diva Fashions". I support all black own beauty supply stores (or any black owned businesses) and others should too if they are in your area. If you have ever wondered why there are not more Black owned Beauty Supply Stores please read the following article and start supporting our people !!! http://www.the-savvy-sista.com/2011/05/think-on-this-why-koreans-dominate.html
It is long time we take back this Billion Dollar industry that is funded by us 99.99%

BlackSistah:What ways can we stay in contact?

KP: Feel free to reach out to me on Facebook under "Kimberly Person" or shoot me an email anytime to kimberlyperson112@yahoo.com Now, can you see why I had to do this post? She inspires me with her Gorgeous crown of hair! She HONESTLY was the one I saw on Dallas streets rocking her natural hair @ a very young age. Her confidence consumed me, and gave me the boost of confidence to go natural. Thanks again Kimmie for agreeing to do this post. I love you, my Beautiful, natural friend. NOTE: All photos are owned by Kimmie P.*DO NOT USE UNLESS PERMITTED.

Reasons why

So, why do BlackSistah write this blog? What is it's purpose? And... What's this whole natural hair craze about?

Well, the answers are simple. I, BlackSistah, of BSBlogs write this blog in hopes to inspire, educate, and encourage other naturals. I hope to inspire natural kids, women, and men to take a lot at the beauty within before they indulge into Society's standard of beauty. I hope to educate others by simply reviewing products, demonstrating hair how-tos, and teaching hair knowledge. I do it for my people, I do it for myself, I do it just because its a expressive outlet for me. I not only get to talk about hair that I love with Black people, whom I love, but I get to write. Writing happens to be my BIGGEST passion! This whole natural hair craze is not a fad, nor a way of thinking-It is a WAY OF LIFE, AND A LIFESTYLE. We, as naturals are not here to look down on anyone. We do not promote hate or negativity. We overcome Black hair stereotypes and emerge VICTORIOUS to stand and say: We think Creamy Crack is WHACK!!!( That's all. But in that same breath we also say that as a freed people one has the right to express themselves any way they feel! This applies to life, sexual creed, etc.Do what you wanna do and be who you want to be!!!! I love being natural. I love the natural community for embracing me, my blog, for coming together to unite and educate blacks as a whole. This is something positive that uplifts communities and brings a sense of pride to one's own self! Natural hair to me promotes inner beauty, self-pride, self-esteem, and plain ole strength. It takes a strong person to go natural. You have good hair days, bad hair days, nasty comments, and nasty stares!You have to be tough as nails to deal with hair dramas, woes, and hateful people >This is on top of just living life.But in the end knowing you are a self-educated, beautiful, natural women, man or child makes it all worth it. So I say:"Do you and Do it naturally!!!!" And as always: What are your thoughts on tonight's post? Did you agree? Did you disagree? Let a sistah know below...................................

Prod. Review: IC Fantasia Hair Gel

IC Fantasia has a nice hair gel that I just tried for the first time a couple of days ago!
so....If you are in the market for new hair gel...Check this new YT product review of mine. Enjoy!










And as always......What were your thoughts on this prod. review?Let a Sistah know below..............

Cosby kids

What decade were you born? The 60s? 70s?80s?Every decade has a pivotal moment,or role in society. The 60s were about racial equality and the Civil Rights Movements. The 70s were about peace, love, and no more wars. The 80s? Hmm,I was born into the 80s.Right after the turn of that decade I made my grand entrance. LOL.
I sure miss the 80s.
The 80s symbolized so much in my little life.I just sit back and wish I could go back sometimes. Aww, the wonderful memories and innocence of childhood.
I mean from Michael Jackson and Thriller, to Reading Rainbow, and Miami Vice to the Cosby Show and Big Hair!

Yes, I said the Cosby Show and Big hair

The Show The Cosby Show was and still is an influential, groundbreaking TV series that dominated 80s TV! It broke racial and color barriers and dealt with issues that we still deal with today!
With me being an 80s baby, I can say that the Cosby Show, for me was the epitamy of all Black families. I wanted to be like them.I admired them. I never knew these black,middle class, successful, highly-functional families existed until I watched an episode. LOL. Sad, but true.The show, If you have been living under a rock for the last 25 years, features, and All-black cast, and everyone can relate to someone on the show. The father is played by William "Bill" Cosby. The Mother is played by Phylicia Rashad. The kids : Malcolm Jamal-Werner, Keshia Knight-Pulliam, Tempestt Bledsoe, Lisa Bonet,and Sabrina LeBeauf.


The Hair
Did you ever stop for a moment to notice something different about these images of Blacks on Television? What's was different?
Could it be that EVERY, and I do repeat every cast member on the Cosby Show had natural hair. Yes, I said EVERYONE! Even Mr. Cosby himself!They were rocking braids, twists, & puffs way before us.
This was Mr. Cosby's show, and he cared about the image he was putting out there on our behalf that many years ago. Not only did he care about our image he took the time to encourage each cast member to stay natural.I learned this from watching a now ancient interview of Tempestt Bledsoe paying tribute to Mr. Cosby. Natural hair was the in thing on this show..... From Tempestt rocking her many different styles, to Lisa rocking her dreads, Keshia rocking her afro puffs or twisted pigtails, to even Malcolm, who as a young cast member represented the natural fellows with short taper fades and a box, to him transitioning and reappearing in the early to late 90s in countless other shows rocking his dreadlocks! This show was awesome. *Even guest stars of the show like Ms. Erika Alexander, who went on to play Maxine Shaw, on Living Single was natural. Just awesomeness!





Like I said I miss the 80s. So grateful for the positive images that were being spoon fed to me even then.Miss the Cosby Show! Thank you Mr. Cosby for being an influential part of TV history, and for upholding our image amongst the media masses. Stay encouraged Naturalistas. Note: picture source: aoltv.com

And as always: What didn't you like? What did you like about the article? Do you remember the Cosby show?Who was your favorite natural looking back? Let a sistah know below................................................