What do I do with this hair???

Ok, as you all know, it is hot as Hades this summer in Charleston.  I've started my natural hair journey about 2 years ago this month.  I'm not claiming to be an expert, but I will tell you that I have learned a lot about my hair since my big chop in July 2011. One thing I learned (and did pretty quickly) was that the weather directly effects the condition of your hair.  When the heat, humidity, summer time elements are at its best, it is guaranteed to do a number on your hair. To be honest, it totally zaps it! Well, you are not alone.  My 4c hair was a TOTAL mess last week.  Talk about dryness, breaking, and brittle.  I needed some help ASAP.  So I turned to my Old Faithful Deep Conditioner ( I'll share what I did in a second).

So, one big question may come to mind.


1. Well Sha-Sha, a how do I know what my  hair needs?
2. What's my hair type? 

To answer your first question, Audrey Sivasothy, author of the Science of Black Hair, has a great demonstration on how to be able to tell exactly what your hair needs. To tackle that second question, here's a quick hair type reference I've found helpful. 

Well, right away, I knew that my hair needed some serious protein.  So I turned to my Old Faithful Deep Conditioner.  Believe this or not, I have always been interested in how things work, why they work, what happens they are combined, putting things together, and analyzing at the outcome.  I guess that explains my science background. But anyway, when I was relaxed, as a teenager I remember going into the kitchen on Saturday mornings to create different mixes and "experiment" with things we already had. This is where I learned to develop skin and hair care regimens for myself. As a result of trial and error, I came up with my Old Faithful Deep Conditioner mix. It's pretty simple. 

• 2 heaping tablespoons of Dukes Mayonaise 
• 1 farm fresh egg for every 2 tablespoons of mayo
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• Optional 1 teaspoon Avacado Oil

That's it.  Mix until thick, but easy to spread.  If you need more mayo add a bit more, if too thick, add a bit more oil.   It doesn't have to be perfect! If you run out, just repeat the recipe for more.  

My hair literally curled up and became "bouncy" like it had a "wake up call". As I applied the mixture.  I will tell you, the smell of the mixture is, for lack of a better description, not very pleasing (to say the least).  It's quite funky to be honest, but really if you can get over the smell, your hair will get exactly what it needs.  

 The smell literally is the catalist to speed up your application process. Trust me, you'll be fine.  In about 15-20 minutes it will all be over.  This is how I did it

• I sectioned off my hair in 4 parts
• Apply the mixture from root to tip with an applicator brush (I had an old one from Sally Beauty Supply I used)
• Make your way around your entire head.
• Once complete, rinse out with luke warm water section by section
• Shampoo with a conditioning shampoo, and finish up your normal wash routine. Apply your moisturizer, leave-in conditioner, and oils that you typically use.  

 

Voila! My Sha-Sha fro came right back to her old bounce and moisture. 

The best moisturizer I've found for styling my hair is Shea Moisture's Curl Enhancing Smoothie.  This is a must have in my bathroom.  It's an all natural product, filled with hair goodness! I absolutely love it.   I will tell you, this 4c hair, can often be a challenge to manage. But honestly, I wouldn't have it any other way.  

What are your staple products that work best for your hair? 

I would love to hear about them in the comments section below.   

xoxo, 

Sha-Sha

Thoughts of a Fashionista: What's all the fuss about?

I was thinking...

Ok, so I’ve been thinking, and to be quite honest, we need to be more conscious about what we say.   Yes, I said we… that means, you and I both.  But before I get into all of that, I want to ask you to go on this journey with me.  I want to ask you to think about a few things today. It won’t take very long, I promise.  Think about the times when you have been ridiculed and judged to be something that you know you are not.  I want you to think about what you felt like during the times when people just would talk and talk and talk more about you, making assumptions from second hand information, appearances, or other’s opinions before even asking you what you thought.  Lastly, I want you to think about when those people literally threw you under the bus-- left you there to fend for yourself – floating like a ship without a sail…just waiting to see how you would handle things just before you cracked.   

I know that you’ve experienced all of these situations before.  In your past or present, so I’m sure it won’t take long for you to remember when that happened to you.  Didn’t you just want it all to stop? Weren’t you simply just over it already? Could you imagine that happening to you on a national platform?

The crazy thing is, believe it or not, it happens on a national platform every day! Yes, even to you. Whether you like it or not, or whether you know it or not, social media has now become the place where people get their “news”.  So friend, you literally can’t avoid being subjected to it.  When that person “tags” you on Facebook in a picture, or you post a photo on Instagram or where ever, you can trust an believe there is someone is going to have something to say about how you look, what you have on, or whatever.  If you are totally honest with yourself, we are all guilty of the doing that same thing.

So, you may ask, where is all of this coming from? Well, I’ll tell you.  I’m sure you couldn’t help but see it yourself. This actually got me to thinking.  There has been a huge storm of conversation surrounding Megan Good’s royal blue dress at the BET Awards this past Sunday. To be honest, I actually liked the dress (even without seeing the BET Awards, you couldn’t help but see it as soon as I got online the other day).  I have to also admit, if I had a reason or an event to go to where I was on a red carpet, I wouldn’t have any issues with rocking a dress just like that.  But I digress.  People weren’t feverishly talking about the Firemen that selflessly died in the Ariziona wild fire or the staggering statistics recently released regarding the numbers of children who are sold into slavery each year (which are absolutely infuriating) ..Nope! The hot topic that was all in the media after the BET Awards aired was this dress!

Megan Good at 2013 BET Awards

Why is that? There was nothing else to talk about? To be honest, I rarely heard anything about the award show in general.  Were people so chatty only because Megan Good is married to Devon Franklin (who is a successful Hollywood studio Executive and Preacher) or did they have another motive in conversation?  How was her dress misrepresenting her husband? Shouldn’t every wife represent her husband well regardless if he’s a preacher or not?  Quite frankly, he really didn’t seem to mind her dress at all.  What’s the line that is drawn or should there even be one? Is there a box that women who say they believe in God be put in?  Should we only look a “certain way” at events? Are we not supposed to dress in a way that makes us feel confident and strong just because we believe in God?

twitter feed example

To be honest, I couldn’t imagine being the topic of a conversation where people all over the nation are throwing stones at me just because they can, just because.  I would be over that real quick! I would be over people making Facebook and Twitter posts that flood the internet about me just because it’s something to do….yeah, you could keep that. 

Like I’ve said many times before, God has a way of speaking directly to a situation if you seek him.  I started thinking about this when something similar happened to me and I was reflecting on mistakes I’ve made in the past. I started thinking about how people have made opinions about me when they don’t even know me or have let alone had a conversation with me for one second.  But I was reassured that we can actually find comfort in knowing “blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.  Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me.  Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets.” (Matthew 5 10-12).  So when I read that, I said…Ok, God, I’ll let ‘em talk.  I’ll let them go right ahead. 

I say this to you my friend, the facts remain… what you wear doesn’t validate, confirm, or deny your relationship with your God.  Period.  YOUR relationship with God is yours…not what people think it should be or what they think you should look like, or even what they think you should become.  Secondly, your style is also YOUR own.  Again, it is not what people think it should be, what they think you should look like, or what you should become.  If nothing else, be confident, strong, and sure in who you are and what you represent. They are going to have something to say about it regardless right? So, what do you have to lose by being who you authentically are? Be true to yourself and give them something to talk about. But when they do talk, insult you, or falsely say all kinds of evil, let them.  At the end of the day, you’ll get your reward and be blessed by it in the end. 

xoxo, 
Shana

Haute Style: What Should I Do With My Hair???

Above is a question that you have probably asked yourself many times...better yet, dare to ask someone else. Trying to figure out what the best style is for you on your wedding day, coupled with the opinions of others can be very nerve racking! No need to sweat! How to sort all of that out? Ask yourself these questions: What’s the shape of my face? Would this hairstyle complement my face shape? Does this style complement the look that I'm going for? Well today LaJule is going to help you figure all that out!  

Remember, love the skin you are in! Let's start with the top, your face. 

Question one was...What’s the shape of your face?

Being able to correctly identify your face shape will definitely help you to define the type of hairstyle you will need for your big day. Here are the three most common and basic face shapes. Here's what to avoid, and what to shoot for.

Round faces: 

Think about a fuller face with soft contours towards the outer edges of your face. The widest point in this type of face is at the cheeks. Most faces that are round have more of a youthful look! I guess having "chubby cheeks" as a child is not too much of a bad thing huh :) Still Puzzled? Think of Cameren Diaz, Fergie, Oprah, Kelly Clarkson, and Catherine Zeta Jones. These ladies all have a round faces.  As you may notice these ladies love their long bobs, shoulder length hair styles, asymmetrical long or side swept bangs. These styles fit your face best. Avoid bob cuts that stop right at the chin.  This will make you look like an apple with a wig on. Cuts with layers will help elongate the face.  Target those styles.

Cameron Diaz

Kelly Clarkson

Square:

If you have a square-shaped face, you have a strong, angular jaw line. If your face has equal proportions vertically as well as horizontally then you’re square shape. There is also a distinct square line at the forehead.  Your beauty is strong and pronounced...let's put that smile right out there.  Some of the most recognized beauties are Demi Moore, Jada Pinkett Smith, Keira Knightley, Sandra Bullock.  They all have square faces. Long loose waves, layered bobs, and side swept bangs, best will compliment your face. Think:  lovely, and loose. Long straight hair will have a tendency to show the pronounced features of the face more.  If you want to soften it up a bit, these ladies can frame and soften the face with a short bob stopping at the chin.  It rounds the face a bit creating that soft supple look that highlights those amazing cheek bones of yours.

Demi Moore

Jada Pinkett Smith 

Keira Knightly

Oval:

This face shape can be very versatile! These people have a slightly narrower jaw line with only a slight roundness at the hairline.  You ladies can wear almost any hairstyle. Just be careful, with a bad haircut, your face can start to look too long. High cheekbones allow the versatility with your hair.  These gorgeous ladies have your same face shape! If your face tends to look too long, a bang or some side swept bangs help to break of the face a bit and combat it from looking too long.  You can even play with a edgy short cut.  Rihanna, Camilla Belle, Tyra Banks are true oval shapes. Long, short, waves...your face loves them all. I would avoid high ponytails that at at the crown of the head...that creates even more length to the face.....you don't want too much of a good thing.

Tyra Banks

                                                                         Taylor Swift

Ok, ok, since you asked...I'll throw in a bonus. You Heart shape faces:

I honestly think of you ladies like I do an oval shape lady.  Having long layers where the waves start right below the chin really works great with this gals.  It helps to fill out the "point" of the heart and soften the features a bit.  I would avoid any dramatics starting at the top of the head...unless it's kept to a minimum..

 

Kerry Washington

Selena Gomez

Hope this helps...muah! 

Haute Style: Wedding Day Eye Do's and Eye Don'ts

Ok ladies, I know it is the season for everything bridal. As the spring flower bloom, love is in the air and there are going to be lots of weddings to attend...maybe even your own.  Because I'm thinking about you, I'm going to share some quick Do's and Don'ts regarding your eye makeup that you can use to help make your wedding day even more special ( and I'm going to throw in a couple extra bonuses).

 Let's get into the EYE DO's EYE DON'Ts!!
Where's my veil?
Where's my shoes?
What time is it?
How is my make up?
Is my hair flat? I'm a girl, I get it...these are the questions that are going to be running through your head on your wedding day. But RELAX! We have your back.
Theses are some of the common questions that you may, well, you will find yourself asking anyone and everyone that can give you an answer these questions.  But it is imperative that you STOP and BREATHE. Remember: It's one of the most special days of your life. No matter what happens it will be okay. Trust me. So let's start at the beginning and we'll give you the guide to everything bridal over the next few weeks.  Since your eyes are the keys to your soul, we are going to make sure they look their best right along with everything else.  I'm going to give you my top 4 DO's and the top 3 DON'Ts especially when it comes to eye makeup on your wedding day.

EYE DOs!

Test different make-up artists
*Not everyone can or will understand your taste or your style. Be willing to try different looks and styles of make up before your big day. Do the test run.

The Dark Knight
You want to get plenty of REST the night before! You want to avoid tired eyes and dark circles.  Let your planner plan, let the florist be a florist...essentially, let others help you.  You should be relaxed, calm, and well rested.  But, if you just have too many things going on in your head the night before, make sure you have your concealer on hand and ready to make an appearance over those dark circles. Just make sure you have the correct colors and the proper blend to your makeup...

Lights, Camera, shine! NOT!
 Use matte eye shadow they don't reflect or look too shiny. You want to look put together, not painted.


Polished and Perfect
Blend well paying close attention to the corner of the eye because cameras pick-up visible make up lines. You want to look as natural as possible.

EYE DON'Ts!

Last Minute Lashes
Don't wear false lashes unless you are 100% comfortable and 200% sure they are not going to move.  The last thing you want is to be the girl with the lashes that look more tired than you are at the end of the night!

Picture Perfect
Try to tone it down! Too much glitz,glow,and glitter can turn your makeup into a very bad drag-ish mess in 2.5 seconds flat!

Smokey Oaks
Wearing dark shadows like charcoal, black, and dark browns that are not blended properly may cause you to look tired or even punched in the face (NOT CUTE)!! If you want to go for a more sultry smoky eye, make sure you have someone who does this technique well.  Pairing a smokey eye with a nude lip helps to give balance to the face...But, don't get caught in the shuffle or looking confused on how to make that happen...

 

Remember its your day, If you are saying "I do" make sure you follow the "Eye Do's" as well.. especially if your groom are going to be staring at you while you are giving those vows....

Do have fun and Don't worry and enjoy one of the most memorable days of your life.  xoxo

Haute Style: Flash Backs

It’s the 70’s RETRO (PER)SPECTIVE

By Deittra Wilder

Food, Film and Fashion have always held hands as intertwined creative forces. Today, we’re leaving food behind for the day, and talking Film and Fashion! The two entities are often a merged product of time, space, and inspiration.  So, color-block me verklempt to feel that the hottest designers are as excited as I am to gain fashion inspiration from the era that keeps on keepin’ on!

2013, as was 2010, 2011, and 2012 is back to the future to 1970’s fashion.  The 70’s are timeless.  Designers such as Marc Jacobs, Carolina Herrera, Versace, Gucci, Rachel Roy, Tommy Hilfiger, Tory Burch, and one of my all-time favs, the incomparable DVF, Diane von Furstenberg have upgraded the Bohemian Oeuvre to premier levels of sophistication; the Disco Queen personifies Luxe; and the Lady Fox is timelessly Über Chic.  Sub-, Un-, or more often Consciously, designers have drawn inspiration from such fashion character icons of 1970’s cinema as Diane Keaton as Annie Hall, Diana Ross as Mahogany, Faye Dunnaway as Laura Mars, Pam Grier as Foxy Brown, and Jody Foster in Taxi Driver. 

Who knew forty+ years ago that the 70’s were here to stay!  I did!

When you think of Annie Hall.  Wait, you HAVE seen Annie Hall, haven’t you?!  If you haven’t, immediately add it to your Netflix queue.  Know you will be blown away by the confidence of Diane Keaton’s ease in the “boyfriend look”.  Do as Annie does this upcoming season: think layering of blazers, vests, loose trousers, long skirts, brogue wedges, and boots.  Don’t forget Annie’s signature tie, and you’re well on your way. 

Pam Grier?  Exceptional.  What more can I say?!  Forever THE quintessential 70’s IT Girl!  THAT wardrobe with so much talent, body-ody-ody, attitude, and STYLE!  Never a wardrobe malfunction; Sista wore that Fro!  Grier’s versatility of style was uncompromising, confident, and secure.  Casually, Grier’s flared pants, midriff tops, billowy hair, and platform shoes aren’t at all dated.  Not today.

It may be that most women don’t think, “I wanna dress like a 14-year-old prostitute from the ‘70s” – HA!  However, it must be said that Jodie Foster’s look as Iris Steensma in “Taxi Driver” is a true inspiration.  Marc Jacobs has been bringing sexy back through the casual fire of crop tops, high-waist short shorts, platform sandals, and big floppy hat. 

Who doesn’t love a BIG floppy hat?!   Effortless glamour on a hot sultry day is what’s happening TODAY!

Diana Ross will forE-V-A and always be Mahogany! You are not allowed to call yourself a fashionista, or a diva if you have not seen this movie … at least twice.  As a part of the creative costume design team for this movie, Ms. Ross does the Damned thing.  The wardrobe in this movie is electric!  The ‘wider-the-better brimmed hats’, sleek hair, draping for days, juxtaposed color blocking, and fur accents! In the 70’s Ms. Ross was a revelation! In 2013 … You better WERK!!!!!VERSACE!

The Eyes of Laura Mars stars Faye Dunnaway as a New York fashion photographer.  There is intrigue, super natural phenomena, and one hell of a closet.  Faye embodied suspense, a darker side to allure.  In an on camera wardrobe of predominantly camel shades, Faye Dunaway is CHIC CHIC CHIC. Tory Burch brings it home this year with movement!

Right on!

Can you dig it?

We certainly dig it!

It’s all Groovy!

In the know: Accidental Racist?? Papa's Words

There is an old proverb that says “There is no shame in not knowing, the shame lies in not finding out”. I happened to hear the “Accidental Racist” song by Brad Paisley and LL Cool J and after hearing LL’s lyrics I must say that they obviously don’t really know and SERIOUSLY need to find out. Not only is the song misguided, it’s really BAD (not like LL Cool J “Bad” but diarrhea on a ferris wheel bad). 

In a horrid attempt at showing a conversation between a southern white man and a Black “yankee” on race relations through song, LL drops the damn ball with lyrics like "You don't judge my gold chains/I'll forget the iron chains," and “RIP Robert E. Lee”. SAY WHAT??? Brad Paisley wants to be able to rock his Confederate flag without being labeled as a racist. Good luck buddy, considering the sordid history of the Confederacy/American Slavery  and the KKK which all have the same “DNA”.  Go listen to it for yourself, but be warned that you’ll never get those 6 minutes back. 

Beauty From The Inside Out: Ava-Avacados!

     If you haven’t incorporated avocados into your meal plans, except for the guacamole at Mexican restaurants or Super bowl parties, now is the time to take notice!  Avocados are fruits. They grow on trees; though ripen best in a brown paper bag on your counter.  A ripe avocado has just a little give when given the gentlest of test pressure with your thumb.

To assist in your consideration are some facts, and one of my favorites, Avocado Toasts!

Avocados have it all when it comes to being healthy, even fat.  Avocados are of the healthiest fruits that can be incorporated in to your meal plan. They are a good source of vitamins A, B-complex, C, E and K, phosphorous, potassium, magnesium, copper, zinc, iron and manganese. The fruit is also a good source of protein and dietary fiber.   Additionally, Avocados are unique in that as a fruit, they do have a high amount of fat.  Good fat that is! A serving of 170 grams contains 285 calories. Fats account for about 25 grams. Most of these are monounsaturated fats, which are considered as healthy fats. 

A True Beauty from the Inside Out warrior, avocados can easily replace butter or mayonnaise on sandwiches.   Versatile, avocados can be eaten fresh or used to make a dips, smoothies, juices or purees.  I've even tried it with pasta sauce mimicking a rich creamy sauce.  It worked! 

Avocado Keeping It Real Disclosure:   As a Beauty Treatment for Skin and Hair try 1 avocado mashed with a tablespoon or so of honey, applied to clean skin and left on for 10 minutes promotes moisture and has anti-aging properties against wrinkles.  On hair, the same recipe works as a pre-poo conditioning mask, avocados bring the radiance!

Delicious and gives you the all-around glow, Avocados Rule!

 Avocado Toasts

Yield: Serves 2

The Method: The Ingredients

4 slices of rustic pumpernickel and sunflower seed bread (or any bread of your choice)

1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil

1 avocado (the one happen to be Haas)

zest and juice of ½ lemon

1 - 1 ½ teaspoons of red pepper flakes (depending on your preference for spice)

pinch of kosher salt (to taste)

1 - 2 radishes, sliced

The Madness: The Assembly

Slice and toast a thick, good-quality piece of bread.  This recipe also works well on regular sliced white or wheat bread.  If you’re using thinly sliced bread, toast it plain.  For thicker more rustic pieces of bread, drizzle bread with the olive oil, and toast it either in a heavy skillet, preheated grill pan or preheated 400 degree oven for 4 – 5 minutes.   

While your bread toasts, slice your avocado in half, remove the pit, and scoop out all of avocado flesh into a small bowl.  Add half of the lemon zest, and one good squeeze of lemon juice.  Start with a 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes, and adjust the spiciness to your preference.  Sprinkle with salt, and mash mash mash until all ingredients are well incorporated, but your avocado still has some texture.  Taste and adjust seasonings to your flavor.   

Spread the mixture over your toasts, garnish with sliced radishes for crunch, and the remaining lemon zest.  Rejoice in devouring this!