Sunday, January 27, 2013

A Curly Girl's Best Friend: Conditioner

C/O http://www.facebook.com/naturalhairloveaffair

Story of our lives! Jaz and I were JUST stalking out some conditioner today on the quest to find the perfect product!

Conditioner is a curly girl's best friend (next to good old H2O) whether you use it for co-washing in place of shampoo, as a deep conditioner, as a regular quick conditioner, or your favorite leave-in conditioner...it's all essential to a layed 'do!

Monday, January 21, 2013

What's the Rush?!?


If there is one thing I have learned about my natural hair, it is that it takes much time and patience and love to get it lookin' right and tight. Well...learned may be an overstatement...which leads me to this post.

Jaz and I had a meeting planned for this evening at 7:00 PM. Now mind you, I am the absolute worst with time. I'm one of those "I'll be late to my own funeral" kind of girls. When I was a corps member in Teach for America I somehow managed to get it together and get everywhere on TFATime, but clock management post-corps has been a struggle. Anyway, I digress. At 5:30 I was just finishing my evening workout and realized my hair smelled...well like I'd been working out. That's a little gross to share, but I've gotta keep it real over here. So I decided to "quickly" shampoo and throw some deep conditioner on before heading to Jaz's place.

Now, mind you I ran out of deep condish last wash session, so I had to swing by Whole Foods to pick up some Aubrey Organics Honeysuckle Rose (my fave!) but they were out of it...ummm....booooooo! So I bought some Giovanni and rushed home to get on with the washing. This put me jumping in the shower at 6:20ish...nowhere near enough time to properly detangle, section, and "properly" wash. I almost gave up, but the smell emanating from my head was enough to make me press on. I had a I wish I had straight silky hair so this wouldn't be an issue moment.

But I post this not to bash my hair. I LOVE MY CURLS. This little episode was just a reminder that all good things are worth putting in a little extra effort. So under that hat you see there, I have a tangled mass of curls marinating in Giovanni Smooth as Silk Conditioner, and they will be okay just the way they are - perfect wash routine or not.

-Riss

Sunday, January 20, 2013

Riss: Bantu Knot Out On Short/Medium Length Natural Hair





That shrinkage was a BEAST!

Fishtail Braids Tutorial!




Tutorial on how to style fish tail braids!! Protective Styling!;-) #Kinkynfree
Happy New Year!!! Xoxo
- Jaz

“WE are not human beings having a spiritual experience. We are spiritual beings having a human experience.”
Real talk.

5-4-3-2-1- We Have Resolution Lift-Off!


Image courtesy of fitfabcities.com; check 'em out!
So I have a confession: around October of last month I COMPLETELY fell off the workout wagon. Like, over the edge, 100 feet behind the wagon, laid out on the ground, chillin’.
One of my New Year’s goals is to workout at least 4 times a week no matter what for the next 21 days. I read somewhere that most weight loss and fitness resolutions fall flat after the first 3 weeks of the year, so I’m going to set all of my goals in 3 week intervals in order to keep them fresh and to keep me motivated towards my resolutions. Maybe I’ll write more on that soon.
While searching for a quick, at-home, easy-to-follow workout to help me meet my first goal, I came across this kick-butt routine. I just finished and I totally feel the BURRRNNN! I added some reverse crunches and side planks to up the torso toning, but other than that I feel awesomely sore and ready to do it all over again tomorrow. 5-4-3-2-1 = KEEPER!
Happy sweating loves,
Riss

Reading is FUN-da-mental! :-)
Looking for a new book to add to read this year? 
I sometimes get in a reading rut where I read the same types of books over and over and have to make a conscious effort to switch it up. (It helps that I try to alternate fiction and nonfiction.)
I created the 2013 Reading Challenge as an easy and fun way for me (and you) to fit more varied books in this year. A lot of people create goals of reading a certain number of books in a year, but I think that can be stressful or worse—you may end up racing through shorter, mediocre books in order to reach your quota for a given month. I used to try and race through books in order to tick them off a numbered list, but I’ve found that it’s more challenging and enjoyable to try and read books that are outside my comfort zone, or in a genre I’m not familiar with or that I haven’t read in years. 
I created the below lists as a way to get started, but the books I’ve listed for each section are just my personal recommendations. The important thing is not to read any of them just because I’ve listed them here—you should only read them if they jump out at you as being interesting or worth your time. 
Above all, reading should be fun. I used to feel like I had to finish every book I started no matter how much I hated it or how bored I got. I don’t do that anymore. If I’m not enjoying myself, I don’t finish the book. You know yourself better than anyone! Only choose what you know what will bring you genuine pleasure and enjoyment. (And won’t be a waste of your time!) 
Have fun and let me know what books you pick in each category! I’ll keep you updated by posting reviews here when I’m finished.
Read a childhood favorite you haven’t picked up in years.
Read a nonfiction book about religion or religious culture (or the lack thereof).
Read a classic you haven’t touched since high school English.
Read a popular historical fiction novel.
Read a nonfiction book or memoir about an illness or disease.
Read an entire popular YA book series.
Read a book that was made into a movie or television show released within the past year. 
Read one of the books on New York Times reviewer Michiko Katutani’sMeanest Reviews list and decide for yourself whether the meanness was warranted.
Read one of Amazon’s Editors’ Picks for January 2013.
Read a nonfiction true crime book.
Read a book about a sport that usually doesn’t interest you in the slightest.
Read a collection of short stories.
I’d love to hear your thoughts! Do you have any books to add to these lists? What will you read in one of the categories?

Riss: Wiggin' Out

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Whew! Look at those lips! :-) This picture reminds me of those Glamour Shots from the 80’s and 90’s :-)))))

In one of my last posts I wrote about my attempts to get over the dreaded WINTER HAIR BLAHS. If you haven’t read that post, basically I wrote about being completely bored with my hair. I tend towards the hair chameleon side of styling in that I change my styles often. I also like to incorporate braids, weaves, and wigs on occasion as a protective style…okay…maybe more than on occasion. I switch it up on the regular!
Anyhow, I decided to go for a lace front and leave some of my hair line out to avoid that “Look Ma! I drew my hair line in with a straight edge and a black magic marker!” kind of look. 
My hair is (messily) cornrowed underneath and I’ve been spritzing it nightly with a mix of:
- H2O
- Giovanni Direct Leave-in (my absolute fave product)
- Jamaican Black Castor Oil
- Peppermint Oil
- Love :-)
My hair feels super-moisturized and the look is super-low maintenance. I plan on taking the style down in the next week or so. I haven’t decided if I’ll restyle the same way, or allow my mane to live free for a while. Jaz and I have talked about treating ourselves to professional blowouts and trims in a few months, so maybe I’ll leave it up until then…any who - just thought I’d share! Happy styling loves!
Riss

No Flatlines Here



When I first decided to follow Christ I was in a state of constant euphoria. I floated on this seemingly unending spiritual high. God was constantly revealing Himself to me. I was all, “Hmmm I wonder why ___________?” and lo and behold, there my answer would be in my Bible, in a message at church, or out of the mouth of my friends. And this is where I found the joy, the bliss that made me want to sing (blog) at the top of my digital lungs. A friend of mine warned me in the beginning that my relationship with Christ would wax and wane, just as any worthwhile relationship tends to do. I didn’t believe her. I was downright offended. Things are different now.

The picture above is the PERFECT representation of what I’ve been learning recently. Life has thrown me a few downs. We’ll call those curve balls. God has thrown me some ups. We’ll call those blessings.

At the end of October I began a used car search that would yield both curve balls and blessings. I had faith that I would be blessed with a car nicer than my beat up ‘03 Mitsubishi Lancer, and in the recesses of my heart I hoped that God would let my new car just fall from the sky - without any damage of course!

It doesn’t work that way though. Believing something will happen by faith is a huge part of being a Christian, but as the Scriptures say, faith without works is dead. That particular scripture refers to combining your faith with charitable action, but I believe it also refers to how we be quick to put our faith to work period. You cannot just sit on your faith. I’ve tried. Didn’t work. I knew it wouldn’t be easy, but I never knew buying a car would be so stressful. I almost just bought a bike and called it a day.

 I let my fear of overspending or picking the wrong car cripple the experience. I couldn’t find the car I wanted for the price I wanted, so I tried to compromise the make or the body style or the year, but no dice there either. I ran into car salesman after car salesman promising me a great deal, but when it came time to negotiate, none would budge to what I thought was a reasonable price.

To make a long story a little shorter, I did find my car. I had to stop blocking my blessing and just purchase what I wanted. It’s perfect for me, I got a decent deal, and I get a little (well a lot) giddy every time I see it in my parking space. In the midst of all that warm and fuzzy though, my apartment management notified us they will be tearing the complex down at the start of the year. We have to be out before then. This was a definite curve ball. This was nothing but a test. And friends: I pass tests every day. I decided then that I would come out of it with a new car and an awesome apartment - all to match my new, awesome outlook on life. It was pointed out to me, that as a believer, God wants “to do a new thing” in our lives. Apparently He’s got a reputation for elevating us to new levels faster than a Call of Duty addict (yes I went there).

I say all of that with this disclaimer: I still had a mini-meltdown even after I firmly decided that this battle was already won. For a minute there my situation was looking a little bleak. My car was on the verge of a breakdown and I was on the verge of homelessness. But then I had to remember that I am blessed in other areas - my job, my friends and family, my health. I’ve been given a new chance everyday to learn from my mistakes and to make a few more, and then to get it right. No matter how bleak life looks and no matter how horrible I feel, if I am still breathing then there is still the chance for my circumstance to turn around. No flatlines around here!

Riss

Don't Stumble Over Something Behind You

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I have seen this little tidbit of advice EVERYWHERE lately. Now, I must say, the girly girl in me initially went straight to romantic relationships when I saw this. The first time I was all, Yea girl leave that good for nothing man back there and stop trippin’.
But then I realized there wasn’t a “no good” man for me to get over this time. I’ve worked through that mess. But there is a part of me that occasionallychooses to replay my thoughts and feelings from past situations. Even when I didn’t have a thing to be bitter about, I’d grown so used to spouting the stuff and replaying those thoughts that they came automatically. It’s like when a movie image gets stuck on one scene, but the characters have moved into the next. I had moved on, but my emotions were enough to trick me into believing I hadn’t.
And that’s just it! Your past is right where it’s supposed to be. It’s right where you left it the day God woke you up to a new day. But we choose to rehash the images and the emotions attached to people and events and things. 
And those emotions will get you. Whether it’s the anxiety you feel when you take a standardized test because you’ve always done poorly on tests. Or the way your heart starts to ache when you see a cute couple even though you’ve been single longer than you were ever in your relationship to begin with. Or the anger you feel when someone in authority gives you a directive because you never had a trusted authority figure in your life as a child. It’s all the same. None of those things or people can reappear before you today; you will never literally stumble over those exact same people or exact events again. What you will stumble over are is the remnant effervescence of what your heart felt at the time, and that my friend, is simply thin air. Emotions are deceptive. You’ve got to go with what you know to be true - that you have a future ahead of you that doesn’t involve the ghosts of the past. Going with what you feel will have you stuck boo-hooing in a corner over some mess that’s already gotten its boo-hoo’s out of you!
Now, I think the saying should say, Don’t stumble over something behind you; it’s all in your head anyway!
If you have given your life to Christ, you have to know that He wants to give you a  renewed mind and a new heart. God totally wants to do a new thing in you to erase those hurts that try to trip you up on your way to the awesome future He’s promised. When those emotions and images reappear, no matter what the situation, tell yourself you’ve got something better up ahead. And if you stumble over those thoughts, know that you haven’t fallen over them and keep moving forward.
Riss

Melissa Harris-Perry on How Black Hair Matters



This is totally what it’s all about. And I love seeing women discuss this topic so eloquently. This is a must-view for naturals…better yet for all Black women and girls.
Melissa Harris Perry- How black hair matters (by stephanietannerluver)
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Winter Hair Blahs


    Photo: #protectivestyle #ilovescarves

Most naturals know that winter weather can be a nightmare for our hair. The air is drier (yes even in Humidity City aka Houston) and therefore sucks moisture out of our curls. The wind can wreck havoc on your style, and all that blowing in the wind can lead to tangles, which lead to strands rubbing on each other, which can lead to cuticle damage...ugh! And don't even mention the wool collar of that beautiful pea-coat you love to life! It's like 'tis the season for split ends this time of year! Deck the halls with boughs of hair on the bathroom floor!
Every winter I make some pretty serious promises to my 'do about how much I'm going to treat her right and care for her. I promise to keep her in the best condition...I promise to keep her lookin' clean and shiny...and most importantly, I promise to protect her. 
Usually I start off with a bang. And then I get into the swing of the holidays and just wrapping up the year in general and my hair suddenly hits the bottom of my to-do list...and I end up in the above trademark style with no TLC in sight for weeks on end.
But this winter season is not over! I WILL get this 'do back on track! Here's my plan:
1. Set a weekly schedule for when to wash, co-wash, and deep condition my strands. I realize I've got to really plan this out and take the time to treat myself right. The holidays are a lot more fun when you feel great about your look!
2. Find some new, fun protective hairstyles to experiment with. The options are pretty endless, and yet I end up with this same go-to style. That will change very, very soon...look out for pics to come. I might wig it up...not sure yet...
3. Pre-pack travel-size portions of my hair products in preparation for my holiday travels. There is nothing worse than ending up in your tiny hometown with not a bottle of your favorite product anywhere in a 50+ mile radius. So I'm getting stocked up and rationing stuff out now. I'll let you know how it goes :-)
Riss

Flexi-Rod Curl Set




This is how you use rod curlers on natural hair to get a cute baby doll look;-) Enjoy!! Xoxo
- Jaz

NOW COMING TO THE STAGE...






This video is to introduce myself (Jazmyn) to all subscribers on the Kinkynfree youtube channel! As you can see from the previous posts, my partner in crime, Karissa, also posts on this blog from time to time. You can find her intro post here: 
A little bit of an introduction should go a long way! Hope this helps you all get know me a bit more. Maybe we’ll feel even closer after this…..LOL! love u guys! XOXO
- Jaz

Matthew 5:14-16 NIV
 
You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
The bible;-)
Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world.” …..Nelson Mandela

A Farewell (for now) Letter to Our Girls


Hey lovelies!
Oh how we enjoyed you guys in the pilot program! You were each such a joy to be around!!! ;-) ;-);-) 
We sincerely believe that each of you received the beauty treatments we were able to give to you and the natural hair topics/advice that we taught you. Always remember that beauty is in the essence of who you are on the inside….. Not outwardly. 
Congratulations!! You are a kinky N Free girl who confidently knows who she is, keeps her faith in God, has a plan for her future after graduation, does whats necessary to create and reach financial goals, and cares for her mind and body. 
We dress ourselves up on the outside, make up our hair and our faces, but as women,  what matters most is the character that you uphold. Stand bold, be fierce, and continue to be beautiful. We love you………
Jaz & Riss 
Back On Pointe

Healthy Livin'


This week at KINKY N' FREE we learned about the biology of our hair, and the best ingredients to use on our hair to keep it strong and moisturized. We also have to remember that exercise and the foods we eat have a profound effect on the positive progression of our hair!             
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So, there are tons of studies out there about the childhood obesity "epidemic" and my first thought was Duh, the only people who hate vegetables more than teenagers are two year olds! Then I thought, Hmmm I have been seeing more overweight teens out there recently... I had to know more. And I had to share what I've learned along the way, so you KINKY N' FREE girls no the best way to take care of your bodies!
According to the Center for Disease Prevention and Control, most teens:
  • Do eat the recommended 2½ cups to 6½ cups* of fruits and vegetables each day
  • Do not eat the minimum recommended a whole grains (2–3 ounces* each day)
  • Eat more than the recommended maximum daily intake of sodium (1,500–2,300 mg* each day) .1,3,7
  • Empty calories from added sugars and solid fats contribute to 40% of daily calories for teens
  • Girls drink an average of 14 ounces of full-calorie soda and only 6 ounces of fluid milk.
Whoa!

Getting the right foods not only helps you keep that bangin' figure, it helps you stay energized and get this... all that soda some of ya'll are drinking has the potential to lead to cancer! On the other hand, eating a balance of fruits and vegetables can prevent cancer! Likewise, the CDC recommends teens get at least 60 minutes of exercise everyday!

Check out these quick, healthy snacks at Seventeen magazine:

Check out these quick, simple ways to sneak in exercise everyday:



For our KINKY N' FREE girls:

How do you feel physically and emotionally when you eat fast food vs. fruits and vegetables?
If these two feeling are different, why do you think that is?
How would you describe your eating habits?
Do you think you’re at a healthy weight for your age and height?

pH Balance and Your HAIR!





pH balance resource: this is a bonus vid to Kimmaytube “Structure of Hair Part 2- pH Balance Basics” ……Check out both vids! Happy learning girlies!  ;-)
Love,
Jaz & Riss

Hair Washing Repost - By Special Request!



Hair washing routine for you gorgeous KINKY N’ FREE girls to watch! Remember the downward motion when you wash and handle your hair?! Mmmmmhm, yup! Check it out here! Short or long, you can do it!! Muah! xoxo
Love,
Jaz & Riss

Dropout Nation: An HISD school making a difference

Watch Dropout Nation on PBS. See more from FRONTLINE.

Kinky 'N Free: In Action


Researching hair types #kinkynfree #TeamNatural (Taken with Instagram)

Styling a Bantu Knot Out





This is a video of how I style a Bantu Knot Out! Its a cute and easy style that only takes minutes to do. Well……if you’ve done it a few times and you know what you’re doing then it only takes a few minutes! LOL! I’m sure if you’ve never done it before just a little practice will make perfect!! Muah! Love u beauties! See you tomorrow!!! #Can’tWait #TeamExcited #NaturalHair #ItsNotaGame #Weinthatthang!!

- Jaz

Kinky N' Free: Inspiration at its Best


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This is a pic of my absolutely BEAUTIFUL goddaughter's hair. Her mom writes:
"Little twists. This was taken after cheer so not as defined as before. Her curls are usually very tight and unruly. Doing the twists added definition and length :)Thanks, y'all! It was very pretty and lasted pretty well through the day. As you both know, the humidity is not nice on curls! It was pretty quick to do. Considering how small the twists were. I think I'll experiment with different sizes and also try the Bantu knots. :-) You 2 have given me a lot of hair advice!..[w]ell a little story about that...We were outside one day and she was rocking a fro with a headband. Teka [an African-American neighbor] kept telling her that she had n***er hair and needed to get a relaxer. I was furious! So, I pulled up Jaz's page and started to show her how beautiful her hair was and I told her, "Your hair can look like this, we just need to do what's right for you." Since then, we've been playing with twists and hairstyles. You also posted a picture of a lady that was also rocking a fro that said something along the lines of "my hair is beautiful to me.". You guys have seriously helped me show her, her hair is gorgeous the way it is, that she doesn't need to impress anyone else and to love herself. I seriously owe you guys! She wants straight hair and I ALWAYS show her your hair pictures and videos. Thank you! Thank you! :-D"
She's only 9, and this is the perfect age for her to learn to love her kinks and curls. This is exactly why we do what we do; to help girls get free from negative hair stereotypes and learn to love themselves just the way God created them!
Love,
Riss

Next meeting tomorrow. Be there! Be Free!


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The second session of the KINKY N' FREE pilot meets tomorrow. We can't wait to welcome all of our new participants and our returning girls! We love you girls, and we have such good information and conversations planned for you for tomorrow! Don't forget: the girl who brings the most friends tomorrow evening will get a SUPER-SPECIAL prize! Also, a light dinner will be provided. 
What: Kinky N’ Free Pilot
When: Monday, September 24, 2012 
            5:30PM - 7:30PM
Where: roots the salon, 1407 Richmond Ave, Houston, TX 77006
Why: Because the girls of Houston deserve it 
Look out for more information about the program including fundraising, giving opportunities and more!
If you or your parents have any questions, contact us:
Jazmyn: jdavison@theaflfoundation.org; Karissa: KarissaL30@gmail.com
Love always,
Jaz & Riss