New Year, New Me! Really?

With a New Year coming upon us, OMG, time out, it's kinda scary to know that 12 months have flew by....BUT back to what I was saying...This is the last week of 2011. I could sit here go on ranting and raving about everything that went wrong in my life, BUT Im not….Through all the losses I had, I gained double for my trouble. I learned SO many things about myself this year that has helped shape and mold me into the individual that I am today. My confidence grew stronger and my smile got wider. Its nothing like smiling so hard on the outside, that you feel it on the inside. Those that have experienced this should be able to relate.
 

Often time things can be so bad for us that we want to just wither away and cry our souls out….Now will that really help our situation? No, it will help lessen the tension for that moment, but the reality is the problem still exists. Sometimes we are the sole cause of the stressors in our life. Many believe “God won’t put more on me than I can bear” , So my question to you is “Why do you put more on you than you can bear” When things go wrong in our lives, we are quick to tell others “Im not perfect, Im expected to make mistakes”  However, we try living a life of perfection. The more we know about ourselves, the more we are helping ourselves. Im speaking from experience.

New Years Resolution? Are they obtainable? Only you can make that judgment. However, I will not go into a new year with material and physical goals…Instead I want to work on my inner self.  If we feel good on the inside, it will show on the outside. I intend to continue working on patience, relaxing and enjoying life for the many ventures I will encounter!

So am I going into the New Year saying “New Year, New Me?” No, Instead Im saying New Year, Stronger Me. I don’t need a New Me, to be stronger…I just need to work on building the strength within who I am now!! My hopes are that in 2012, we go in with realistic expectations of life, obstacles and a better understanding of our selves.   

~Nappibutterfli~

Did you say SHIRTS? And FREE gifts!!

Sorry for inconvenience, site is temp down... Please email me nappyquaila@gmail.com for questions and concerns!!


~Nappibutterfli~

Hair Product Confession using MJ

Thanks to a friend, I finally tried a few Miss Jessie's products!! Since the beginning, I vowed to not purchase this particular line....mainly due to the cost. I personally do not feel comfy paying $15-30 for products, especially an 8 oz container. When I can pay less and receive comparable result.

I completed a braid out using the "stretch silkening cream". OMG, I loved the results...I was able to retain moisture and hold a soft curl definition. Im still unsure about purchasing the product, due to expense....So Ill just use what I have sparely!!

~Nappibutterfli~

Am I THAT Girl?

Lately Ive been asking my self "How Do Naturals REALLY feel about their hair." Many on the outside think "OMG, they are head over heels/crazy about their hair" But the reality is not every one feels the same. I decided to do a feature on the blog showing varying opinions!! I figured Trina would be an ideal candidate for the opening story. Not just because she "hates" her hair more than "loves" it, but because she is consistent and honest about emotions felt throughout her natural hair journey!

~Nappibutterfli~

Am I THAT Girl?

“Trina, I know you hate your hair and I want to get your perspective on it, since most of us natural chicks LOVE our kinky, curly, wavy hair.”

Ouch! When my friend first asked me to write something brief about my real feelings about my hair, I kinda laughed. When I hang out with my local natural meet-up group, it’s almost a running joke. Yes, I am the girl who has a love/hate/hate/and more hate relationship with her hair! But after she revealed to me that I was one of the first people she had in mind, I realized,with a sinking heart and maybe a bit of shame tossed in – I really am that girl.

My natural journey started for me as a point of vanity and not really because of health or a mindset of ridding my body of chemicals –you’re talking to a girl with a minimum three-a-day Diet Dr. Pepper habit.Blessed (cursed?) with fine, soft and thin hair, I’d grown up seeing pictures of women in my family with hair in beautiful classic waves and curls past their shoulders and in one case, my great great-grandmother who could actually sit on her locks. Alas, most women in my family, after they had passed on, were buried in a multitude of wigs, scalps devoid of all but a few wisps of hair. In my mind, going natural was the logical thing to do – I’d sprout a huge, ginormous set of little kinky curls and beat my genetics to the punch.

Yeah.

So, more than four years after my big chop – I’m still not in love with my hair. To me, it’s something I really do try to take pride in –the ease of detangling, the tiny ringlet curls that form at the slightest touch of water and how cottony-soft it really is. But, since I seem to be at a standstill of growth (and looking like my big chop was done just recently) I’m sorry – it’s just not something I’m happy with.

But – to my credit – I’m trying in my own little bursts.I’ve hooked up with a natural hair stylist who practice ayurvedic techniques and have gotten on the biotin/vitamin/scalp massage/drinking more water(between my Diet Dr. Pepper) train. And no, I’m not gonna revert back to the creamy crack - the thought of relaxer in my hair literally makes me shake my head and sends shudders through me. Though I haven’t come as far as I would have liked – I’ve come TOO far for that!

So, I stand today a frustrated natural whose dreams of natural hair glory, though slightly deferred – are still fully alive.  I’m happy that you, you, you and you back there are available for inspiration and intervention. In the end, I’m still that girl, looking for my own acceptance of self and learning to be happy with what I have .

Protective Style: Twist, Tuck & Roll

This is a easy, fun protective style. Its called "Twist, Roll & Tuck".

1). Twist a few strands of hair together
2). Roll the ends of twist
3). Tuck the roll
4). Secure with a bobby pin

Accessories can also be added for more of a style!!


~Nappibutterfli~

Nappibutterfli's 2nd Year Update

I finally completed my video on the second year of my journey. I learned so much more this year about my hair. Also, I gained more length and volume.The important thing is that I'm growing and becoming stronger throughout the process.

~Nappibutterfli~

Various Twist outs styles

I finally made my first how to video! Its showing the various ways to wear a twist out. Even though there are more styles to do with it, these are just some of my fav!!Oh, sorry for the sniffling, Im just getting over some sickness!!

~Nappibutterfli~

Happy Holidays!!!

Making it work, at least for now!!

After being in bed sick for the last few days, I gained a new appreciation for mini twist and hair scarves. I haven't had energy to touch a strand on my head. Everyone knows how I am about protective styling, inpatient! Since being natural, Ive found a love for big hair. With the majority of options available for protective styling, the hair is in a more calm manner!

Last week I decided to give mini twist another swing... It took about 3.5 hrs total to do the whole head (thats with a few breaks here and there). I must admit, these twist are super convenient. Im growing to like them more and more each day. Even looking forward to trying various styles with them. Since I'm still not feeling well, I'm rocking a scarf for now. Ill post more pics when I style the twist up!!

Also, due to doctors orders, I wont be working out this week! Hopefully next week, Ill be back at it!

Should I use Castor Oil?!?

Castor Oil is something we are all familiar with. Many know it as a laxative supplement. Ive learned that Castor Oil can be useful for many other things. I found this really good article that explains the use of it in detail for hair purposes. About a year ago, I tried using the regular castor oil. I noticed that my edges were strong and it was a good sealant as well. I purchased my first bottle of Jamaican Black Castor Oil (JBCO) yesterday, I plan to keep everyone posted on my thoughts.


The Article below was complied by Dr Phoenyx

A few benefits of castor oil:

• Is an excellent emollient and humectant for skin and hair

• Is a treatment for hair thinning and hair loss
• Prevents the dry and itchy scalp

• Has anti-fungal, antiviral and antibacterial properties- so it can be effective for treating skin/scalp infections like ringworm.

A Word On Jamaican Black Castor Oil…
Many women want to know why there’ so much buzz about Jamaican Black Castor Oil (JBCO). So let me give you a brief rundown of what JBCO is and why it’s different from other types of castor oil.
Manufacturers will use different types of processing methods when extracting oils from plants. And an oil will be either unrefined or refined based on how it was extracted from a plant. Unrefined oils retain most if not all of their nutritive properties, while refined oils will lose some (or possibly all) of their nutritive properties.
Jamaican Black Castor Oil is simply a raw, unrefined form of castor oil. So it is a form of castor oil that has retained most, if not all of its nutritive properties. It is simply a high quality form of castor oil. And this is why JBCO is so highly sought after and wildly popular among women.
Castor Oil and Healthy Hair Growth
Castor oil is a great hair oil, but it can be very thick and viscous. So some women may end up having a bad hair experience with the oil. In fact, it’s not uncommon for a woman to get immediately turned off from using this oil because it left her hair all sticky and icky. Still this oil is simply amazing for the health of your hair and scalp. So check out these few tips on how to best use castor oil. Then try out this oil for a few weeks- who knows, you may just fall in love too!
Tips for Using Castor Oil:
1. Moisturize Hair First
Before using any emollient (i.e. hair oil or butter), you always want to make sure that your hair has been wet first (i.e. your hair that has been moisturized first). Emollients don’t “moisturize,” they simply “seal” moisture in. So the best way to use castor oil is on wet hair.
2. Use Less Oil
Castor oil is very thick and viscous so you don’t need to be “heavy-handed” with use. Using a lot of castor oil won’t increase its benefits- it will just make your hair sticky and limp. And with castor oil, as well as many other emollients, you will find oftentimes that when using “less is more.” Also, because it is a “heavier oil,” some women do prefer to only use castor oil on certain parts of their. For example, some may only use castor oil the edges of hair as opposed to using it all over their hair.
3. Mix With Other Oils
Since castor oil is so thick and heavy, it may be best to “lighten” it up with other oils. There’s no law that says you can’t mix your emollients. In fact, I’ve been using a great mixture that includes equal parts castor oil, olive oil and fresh rosemary. This is a wonderful hair oil- and it smells great too!

Is castor oil a part of your hair regimen? How do you use your castor oil? What type of castor oil do you use?

Wanna try WEN

Thanks to a friend, I was able to make my first purchase of the WEN products for $9.95. Ive wanted to try them out for awhile, so I'm excited!! If you're interested in purchasing your first order let me know and I'll email you the info. Just an FYI, its only $9.95 with free shipping for your first purchase then its $29.95 a month. So make sure to cancel before the 30 days are up if you're not interested in being automatically charged. And its best to call vs making a online payment, because online its still 29.95. I figured paying $10 for a set is not a bad deal!!

I have been hearing about WEN for about 2 years now, however, wasn't sure about trying it on my hair. Initially I didn't see anyone that had hair like myself using it. Over the last year, I noticed more African American women with hair in its natural state using it. Many natural swear by this product, claiming it to be the best (All in one deal). According to the makers of WEN, their products are made to cleanse the hair without stripping it of natural oils, also its suppose to retain more moisture. I plan to write a detailed review on my experience with WEN after my 30 days of using it. 

If you want to read more about it prior to making a purchase check out the link below: 

http://www.wenhaircare.com/

“The Saved Scraps shows that Im living proof”

 

Listen to video

OMG, I don’t even know where to start. The church service yesterday was an on time kinda word. You know the ones that you feel the pastor is talking directly to you. Well I for sure knew I was in the right place at the right time!! Im a visual learner, so I figured Id paint a picture of my experience at The Potter’s House. Bishop T.D Jakes oversees The Potter’s House. It is one of, if not the largest church in South West Dallas with a membership of over 30,000 members.  I have visited The Potter’s House (TPH) on many occasions; however, I am not a member. That is the good thing about church, you are not obligated to only one, but you can freely worship at other locations.

 Earlier in the week, I heard via radio that Tamala Mann would be performing at TPH.  I grab the iphone and added “Attend TPH on Sunday” to my planner because I was not about to miss her singing live, for FREE. On my way to church on Sunday, I saw on twitter that Oprah and Tyler Perry(TP) were on their way to TPH. I just knew that could not be true….then I looked on both their twitter feeds and show nuff, it was true. Oprah and TP both sent out a tweet stating, they were on the way to TPH. While sitting in the car, I darn near had a panic attack at the thought of being in the same building with two phenomenal icons. Now it was pouring down raining, honey let me tell you, I was driving as if it was 80-degree weather, clear skies. I just knew that the parking lot and church would be over crowded, and I was not prepared to sit in the overflow room.

My friend and I arrive at church a few minutes prior to the service beginning. Of course, we had to walk what felt like a mile in the rain to the building, however, I was not letting anything stop me from seeing Oprah, Tamala and TP. If you’ve ever been the TPH, you’d know they have this one greeter at the entrance door that just puts a smile on your face. She is so welcoming and energetic.  The praise and worship team was rendering joyful songs as we entered into the sanctuary. We ended up with good seats in the balcony. Soon as I sat down, I started to gaze the sanctuary for Tamala, Oprah and TP. I noticed Tamala and David Mann sitting on the stage with other PH staff members. However, no Oprah and TP. After the church news was shared, The Bishop and First lady appeared on stage to greet the congregation. He then announced, “We have some special guest joining us today”. Of course, he started out with greeting Mrs. Mann, and then low in the whole, he stated “And for the very first time at TPH, we have Ms. Oprah Winfrey. Everyone is looking around for her, and there she stood in the front row. Lord have mercy, my heart literally fell in my lap, I couldn’t even get up to clap. I just sat there in disbelief, with tears streaming that she was in the same place as me. OMG, such a beautiful woman. Bishop Jakes then announced Mr. Tyler Perry. Please forgive me, but this man is FINE. So at this point everyone is looking at the front row of the church, people are screaming, shouting, and crying, you name it. On the oversized screen, we then notice Terrance Howard, Gayle King, and few other guests. Such a magical moment came about!! Bishop Jakes announced that they were in town for the viewing of “Red Tails” a new movie coming out in January 2012. I’ll post more about that later. Of course security was TIGHT as ever, therefore getting close to them, was not happening!!

Overall, the service was conducted like a traditional church service. Choir singing, dancers dancing, people shouting, others running around the church rejoicing, I must admit the spirit was sure in that place. With the spirits already lifted Tamala Mann joined in with the choir. She song “How Great is our God” and “Step Aside”, two of my favorite songs. And boy can she sing!! BTW, she looks fabulous! The Bishop then took the stage; we should have been warned to strap down to our seats, because he sure kept us up. It was hard to sit in a service like that and not attest to the teaching. The title of his sermon was “Save the Scraps”. The scripture he focused on was Mark 6: 42-52. (A summary of the chapter focused on how Jesus feed 5,000 men with five loaves of bread a two fish. After the feast, there were scraps remaining. The disciples picked up the remains and placed them in the boat. A sense of power came about. The power was in what they had left, not in what they ate. Jesus chose them to have an overflow. ) Some might think that is impossible, but that’s were faith and belief come in.

I titled this article “The Saved Scraps shows that I’m living proof” for two reasons.  After hearing the sermon yesterday and listening to one of Mary J Blige new track “The living proof”, I felt a sense of new belief. Our greatest blessing coming through the hardest breaks. Now that break can be numerous of things or people, but its up to us individually to make it through. When we are not thankful for the things we have, its hard for our wants to multiply into more. When we let go, and let our circumstances break, we are preparing room for more blessing because there is a blessing in the breaking.  God does not want to just give us enough, but more than enough. When we are going through life challenges, we often times feel that we are alone and forgot about. However, God never intends for us to go through to get nothing out of it. Each time you feel you’re faced with a struggle, remember to save the scraps, because the next time you go through, you will remember how he brought you out of one situation, so he’ll bring you out of the next. We all have lonely nights, tough fights and even days when we feel like we cant go on. Once you overcome those huge hurdles and see progress, you’ll proudly say Im living proof because you’ll know that the best day are in front of you. Recognize that life must carry on!

The reason this serviced touched me, was because seeing people like Tyler Perry, Oprah Winfrey, Terrance Howard worship God like everyday people, showed that they are living proof. They are individuals in life that I associate with strong abundance….Oprah, Tyler, Martin Luther King, Barak Obama, Michelle Obama, Rosa Parks, and many more, all due to the trails in tribulations they faced in life.  Even though some have passed away, when they were alive, someone life was impacted greatly. Nothing about their lives seemed easy, however they fought the good fight, saved the scraps and now living proof that the impossible is possible!!

My life hasn't been prefect, but I know I was born to bring about greatness, so Im willing to fight the good fight!!Im more motivated towards making my dreams a reality. Knowing that success doesn’t come overnight, and the trails I face are meant to make me not break me. Each time I’m feeling broken, I know that’s just the Lord preparing me for a blessing. Im claiming that Im living proof, because I know I will make a difference my community and the world!! I look forward to telling my future about my past!!

Free Stuff!!

Everyone loves free products, t-shirts, gift cards, etc. I will be doing random giveaways. To be eligible for giveaways you have to be a follower of the blog!!! There will be things such as top selling products for natural hair care, general hair maintenance, gift card to restaurants, spa services, fitness gear, accessories, favorite t-shirts, etc. So click the FOLLOW button to the right and join!!! I look forward to keeping everyone entertained ;)

Nighttime Curly Hair Care

Many women ponder on methods of wearing hair while sleeping. It took me at least a year to figure out a proper sleeping method. Even when I was relaxed, I struggled with sleeping and maintaining a style. I would wake up with headaches due to the tension from hair wraps or I would wake up with my hair wrap on the floor if it were applied loosely. Either way, going to sleep was a hassle. Since wearing my hair in its natural state, I have learned about other options to maintain a low maintenance style while sleeping comfortably. I currently sleep on a Satin pillowcase, which works wonders for me. When waking I just fluff and go, literally!! The article below offers good sleeping tips for those with all hair types!!! 

 Written by naturallychelsea from naturallycurly.com

Oh, to be newbie again! I can only imagine the things that I would have done differently. I can remember only too well the many, many hairstyles that were spoiled from not having a good curly hair care routine at night.
This post is for all the curlies out there who just want to sleep in and not spend an hour in front of the mirror on a morning redoing a style. It is possible, there is a way and now you can master it!

*To Preserve a Wash and Go
The first popular method involves keeping the curls moist so that they do not dry in an awkward position while you sleep. Remember those days waking up to flat hair on one side and smooshed curls? Well, no longer!
All you will need for this method of preservation is a spray bottle and a shower cap.

1. Lightly spritz your hair with water then cover it with a shower cap. Once you’re finished, put on your satin bonnet or scarf and hop into bed.
2. The slight moisture and your body heat create a green house effect, helping to keep your curls moist so you can simply fluff and go come morning.

Another way to preserve a wash and go is to plait the hair. I know it sounds weird to plait your hair when trying to maintain the curl, but loosely plaiting the hair helps to not only get rid of first day crunchy hair, but it also helps to stretch it to get rid of the Jherri curl look. And because it’s done loosely, the curl pattern will be left undisturbed.

1. Grab large random sections of hair and braid it loosely remembering to leave the ends (an inch or two) undone to preserve the curl at the end. Use ouchless headbands to secure the braid if it begins to become undone.
2. Put on your satin scarf or bonnet and tuck yourself in for the night

*To Preserve a Twist or Braid-Out
Second day hair for a twist or braid out seems to be somewhat of a myth or only enjoyed by a select lucky few.
Keeping in mind that the style may never look as defined, frizz free and gorgeous as day one, it is indeed possible to preserve it and get at least two days from a set with the right curly hair care methods!

1. Begin by applying pomade or gel to your hairline and tie a scarf around it. This will help to keep your edges down so come the next morning, there will be no battle to get them to behave and no need to pull out your hairline’s arch nemesis, the bristle brush.
2. You can then either loosely twist the hair in large sections or pineapple it. In order to pineapple the hair, bend at the waist and gather your hair at the very top of your head.
3. Secure it loosely with a satin scrunchy. Ensure that you do not tie your hair too tightly as it will leave a dent in it that will be difficult to remove in the morning. Put on your satin bonnet and hit the sack.

And, voila! Your twist or braid out is ready for day two!

*To Preserve Straight Styles

For our straight haired naturals, or women who just love to change it up, it’s imperative that you maintain a strict curly hair care routine at night in order to get days and even weeks out of your flat iron job.

Press and Curl Maintenance

1. Grab each curl, and going in the same direction that it was formed, loosely begin to wrap it around your finger. When you have reached your scalp, grab a bobby pin and pin the wrapped curl to your scalp. Continue to do this until all your hair is done.
2. The following morning remove the pins and style your curls as desired.

Straight Hair Maintenance

1. Grab a wide-toothed comb and boar bristle brush (the boar bristles are less damaging to your hair). Part your hair from the centre of your forehead going back till the centre of your head.
2. Using your wide-toothed comb, begin to wrap your hair starting from the part going in either direction. Use the brush to smooth your hair down as you go along and continue to brush and or comb until your hair lies smoothly against your head.
3. Once done with wrapping, put on your satin scarf. Do not forget to wrap even the small hairs at the hairline to prevent them from reverting.

Tips: To really prevent reversion while you shower, opt for a shopping bag instead. Small shower caps simply don’t do a good enough job of keeping the humidity of the shower out and aren’t big enough to cover your entire hairline in the front and back. So grab a plastic shopping bag and tie it on your head. Then pull the front and back down to ensure that every last hair is tucked away.
Above all else, remember to cover your hair at night. The cotton fibers can leach the moisture out and create friction causing frizz. Also, wrapping your hair can help to keep it in position, especially for updos. For those of you who want to reserve the right to maintain your sexiest even while you get your REM, then opt for a satin pillowcase instead.

Its crunch time!!!

Holiday time equals crunch time. I'm sure some would disagree! Having a regular fitness regimen is important. However, during the months of Nov & Dec.... Its really vital. There are tons of holiday parties, work festivities, family gathering, etc. that offer glorious amounts of food. Also those that typically workout, easily become lazy, possibly due to weather changing, vacations and a host of other reasons. Cold weather tends to send us in habitat mode. I've noticed my best days in the gym are the days I prefer to stay home.
Individually we have to come up with a plan that's going to help us maintain a healthy body. I plan to increase my workout to 5-6 days. Eat in moderation at events by limiting my portion sizes. Continue drinking plenty of water verses sweet tea, sodas, & alcoholic beverages. Remember things are only hard as YOU make it. Choose YOUR hard. What are your holiday/winter plans for staying fit?!?

Giving Back this Holiday Season

Usually during the holiday season, helping others becomes a popular topic. Even though we are currently in an economic crisis, we can still find simple and inexpensive ways to give back. The first time I heard about community service was in 4th grade through an organization called 4-H. Something about this club really tagged me. I was an active member for 8 years that proudly recited the pledge/ motto week after week. Our Pledge: I pledge my head to clearer thinking, my heart to greater loyalty, my hands to larger service, and my health to better living for my club, my community, my country and my world. As an adolescent, I thought I knew exactly what that pledge meant, but now as an adult, UMMM I really understand it. Being a receptive person, with an open heart and helping hands is very valuable. In addition, the motto was "To make the best better." The word "best" can vary to all. It can mean making the best of your worst situation, or making the best of a better situation. It is within the beholder to determine.  We as people can help make the best out of others situations. We are not in the position to judge why people live certain ways; however, if we know better we can help educate and empower them.

Ideas on giving back:

 ·         Visit a nursing home. Take some of your free time and visit a nursing home. Read a book with an elderly person, talk about topics in the news, play cards and bring a little joy into both of your lives. You will probably come out with a new friend! 

·         Help a school in your community. Offer to help distribute school lunches, check or grade papers for teachers, help during recess, or manage school activity functions.

·         Clean up your community. Participate in a local environmental clean-up day or start your own with family and friends. Go to your local parks, beaches, or hiking trails and pick up litter.

·         Send Holiday mail for Heroes. During the holiday season you can send a card to a U.S. soldier through the partnership between American Red Cross and Pitney Bowes.

·         Volunteer at a church. Offer to help with the day care, cleaning the church, bringing fresh flowers for the services, or offer to do office work at the church administration office.

·         Donate clothing. Are your clothes too tight, too loose, tags still on something you never wore? Give it away. You can stop by your local Salvation Army or Goodwill store, and many communities have drop-off boxes where you can leave your donated goods.

·         Give to Toys for Tots.. Donate a brand new toy to your local Toys for Tots to help bring joy to a child in need. Contact your local Toys for Tots to learn how you can donate.

·         Give to a local food bank.. You can donate a few of the canned goods you currently have in your pantry. With the recent economic crisis, food banks aren't being given as much from donors and more people are needing to be served. Contact your local food bank today to find out how you can donate.

·         Donate books. If you have books that have not been read in over a year, chances are you are not going to ever read them again. Give them away! Donate your used books to libraries, schools, or shelters so someone else can enjoy them like you once did.

·         Volunteer: Giving your time is something you can easily give for free. Find something you want to give some of your time to and give back to your community. Homeless shelters are always in need of more volunteers yearly, not just seasonally.

Ideas complied from: http://www.whatisproject100.com/give.php

We all have something to give this season. Just offering something simple as a smile can really touch someone. We sometimes are occupied within our own situations, problems and/or challenges that we forget about others. Therefore, I challenge everyone to help others within your community, school, job or even family.

Protective Style: Twist, Tuck & Pin

I couldnt sleep last night thinking about protective styles. So of course, that was the first thing on my mind this morning. Many naturalista say that protective styles are good during the winter months, especially due to harsh winds. I cant say that I agree or disagree. Since going natural (September 2009), I’ve struggled with protective styles. I wear my hair out 90% of the time. Usually a braid out or twist out. Luckily I haven’t noticed much breakage, but I wonder if Id have more growth.

My reason for not liking protective styles may vary from others. Most of the styles used to protect the hair are pulled back, so that the ends are put away. Since I have a big head (Yes I know it), I feel like my hair should blend with it...LOL, I know silly. So when my hair is big, I feel extra FABULOUS!! I’ve had many trail and errors with protective styles....I dont wear my two strand twist no longer than 3 days. I once tried a sew-in, which lasted all of 23 hours, had individual braids (3 weeks, but could of lasted 6).....with that being said, I felt the need to challenge myself this winter by experimenting with other methods of protecting my ends.

I decided to blow my hair out (using a protective serum), then I twisted the ends using pumpkin pomade by Amazing Botanical, tuck the ends after rolling the twist up, secured with a body pin. I left two strands (curly swirls) out on the sides to give it more of a style. Im loving the results. Let’s see how long I can leave it up!!  Chime in with feedback!!!

What do kids really think about natural hair?

Yesterday two 10-year-old patients of mine were arguing over my hair...one made a comment, "You have big, puffy hair." The other patient that's also natural said "our hair isn't puffy, it's beautiful". I later explained to them that I had "Big, Puffy Beautiful" natural hair. She thought using the term "puffy hair" was a bad thing. I came into work today and she handed me this!! Totally made me smile!!!

We are all familiar with the positive/ negative comments and looks given to those that wear their hair in its natural state. Lately I've noticed more children wearing kinks & curls vs. chemically altered styles. I constantly find myself talking with my 3-year-old soon to be 4-year-old niece about how beautiful her hair is. Some would say "They are too young to understand whats going on with their hair". I could agree and disagree. But if a 4-year-old is wondering "Why can't I wear my hair straight like hers(while pointing to other little girls)?" All she see is a style not the "just" behind the style. I remember when I was growing up, I didn't care to understand why my grandmother was hot combing my hair up until the age of 8 and then my mom started relaxing my hair around age 9. I just knew I was always excited about the process because I could listen to the "Just for Me tape". How do you respond to children not liking or understanding their hair in its natural state?!?

Newspaper Nails

Lately there has been many new nail painting styles and art work available. While surfing the web earlier, I ran across this neat idea called Newspaper nails! Not sure how complicated it may be, but Im totally going to try this out. Below are the steps.....Share pictures and/or your experience with us if you decide to try it out!!

1. Put on nail polish and let dry.
2. Dip fingernail in alcohol-basically any will do, vodka is suggested.
3. Press a strip of newspaper big enough to cover the whole nail on to your alcohol soaked nail.
4. Pull off slowly and be really impressed with yourself.
5. Paint top coat if desired.

Christmas Idea: African American Dolls

Christmas time is almost here. I'm sure many are wondering "What am I going to get my niece, daughter, sister, etc.?" Since growing up, Barbie dolls were always a great idea for most little girls. Back in the day, there were not many dolls that looked like me. But I still enjoyed playing with Barbie, Ken and their friends. I complied a list of places to shop for African-American Barbie Dolls. Especially for those that have children struggling with identity of accepting their kinky, coily or curly hair. I know my niece will be getting one!!! Below are two sites that sell REALLY cute dolls! Happy Doll Shopping!!
http://www.stylishbella.com/natural-hair-dolls.html
/naturaldollsbybeadsbraidsbeyond

Love, Peace and Nappiness

The Ugh of Protective Styles

Im not sure about others, but I personally struggle with protective styles. Since the beginning of my journey Ive had "Hands in Head" syndrome. I know sad, but true!! I decided to set small goals vs. big ones. For example instead of saying Im going to leave my twist in for 2-3 weeks, I going to try 1 week. Tomorrow Im planning to corn row(in some creative style) my hair.....Wish me luck!! I will be sure to post pics!!

Love, Peace and Nappiness

Why Nappibutterfli??!!??

Throughout my life Ive experienced many things (I'll share more later), in the process I found that I identified myself with butterflies.  Im sure some are wondering, "Why does she call herself a Nappibutterfli?" Well I’m glad you asked, because I have an answer!!!

When I think butterfly, in the beginning I see a creature (Caterpillar) that’s undefined, purposeless, boring and maybe even unattractive to others. Once it starts to develop, the attraction, stance, and meaning begins to change. Curiosity and maybe confusion then takes place from the surroundings. People began to wonder, "OMG, Where did that pretty, colorful butterfly come from". The butterfly chooses to sit around and be adored by others, or fly away to another location. However, eventually it will fly away. As butterflies fly away, people notice the grace, strength and beauty within them. But the key is "It flew away, looking the same as it did upon arrival". The same butterfly that was once looked as boring, dull or unattractive is now being adored and praised. Butterflies remain strong throughout their "journey" because they know the ultimate result and intent of the initial strife.
When choosing to go natural, I was all around confused. I felt the need to wither away, within myself. I told myself, "If you act like you like it, others will like it too". UMM, not the case. I encountered all type of reactions, those that liked, loved or even hated my hair. Throughout my journey, I had to learn how to grow a strong base. I learned that if I’m weak on the inside, those around me would see the shame and doubt that I carried. Learning to accept myself for who I am, truly strengthen my all around notion. Only I knew my intent for the decision that was made. So today no matter the reaction I receive from others, I know that when I walk away, its with confidence and strength because I appreciate what and who I am on the inside. Also thinking about the butterfly effect, which is when a small change can lead to a different outcome.  Because of the small change I made within myself, I now have a HUGE outcome. Which is totally CONFIDENCE of who I am regardless of my surroundings!!!!

What you think?!?

Okay, so the wait is over. The blog is up and ready. I still have a few adjustments to make BUT, this is what you get for now. People have asked me for months to start a blog. After much thought, I finally decided to stop running from the task. Gosh, I didnt realize it would be such a hassle trying to create a logo and come up with a name. Everyone that knows me is well aware that I cant stop something once Ive started. I was up all night playing on the computer trying to design a butterfly with an afro....Ummm, Lawd have mercy on my soul, it was not EASY at all. But I completed it to my likings, and now Im SATISFIED with the final look(for now)!!!