Check out Kyla give her tips for maintaining healthy glowing skin in the winter!
Thursday, January 30, 2014
Wednesday, January 29, 2014
Wellness Wednesday: The Power of the Mind
Hi Folks!
Corrine here. I wanted to check in with what I hope to be short reoccurring posts on wellness each Wednesday. Today I've been reflecting on the power of the mind and tongue. Ironically, my daily devotion from Iyanla Vanzant's book Acts of Faith was over speaking with a conscious tongue.
I try to be intentional about saying what I mean, and meaning what I say. But I often have to catch myself from negative self talk. Do you? Have you ever caught yourself negating a compliment that someone gave you? Or coming down on yourself, how you look? I was in a training session and made two separate statements about something I wish I didn't do. The trainer nicely pointed out my pattern and it got me thinking. Am I a Negative Nancy? Do my thoughts need a little love?
There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.
(Prov 12:18)
(Prov 12:18)
My challenge to you today is to take notice of what negative thoughts you have. Embrace a spirit of thankfulness and love. Especially when it comes to thoughts about your self.
Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body.(Prov 16:24)
I will also try to have a journaling assignment for those of you who like to write your thoughts down. Or maybe you have a friend or counselor that you can chat with about this weeks topic! Leave a comment with other Wellness Wednesday Topics you'd like us to reflect on.
Journal: What are three ways I can keep my thoughts positive this week
Until next time
~Stay Positive
Corrine
PS. Share this post with a friend!
Until next time
~Stay Positive
Corrine
PS. Share this post with a friend!
Wednesday, January 22, 2014
Escaping a Single Story: CJ's Hair Journey
Hi Folks!
CJ Here, just wanted to talk with you about my hair story.
Tender-Roni
At some point during high school I grew tired of waiting for my dad to do my hair so I took to doing it myself. In a matter of two school years My shoulder length hair was at my ears and the sides were even shorter. I started using a curling iron, and sizzled my hair off bit by bit honey! I was in high school during the 90's so I started putting my hair in high ponytails with multiple pony tail holders and the occasional french roll. (My best friend called me an old lady, for my long skirts and old fashioned hair) I was and still am an old soul, so those styles worked, plus I was hardly trying to impress anyone at my high school!
The MisEducation of Corrine's Hair: College Dayz
So in college, I had to step up my game. My roommates quickly told me my hairstyles, and some of my clothes were played out. Gone were my days of shopping at Wal-mart (I still did, and still do!) My memory is spotty, in that I don't remember having a hair ritual in college. I do remember getting braids a few times by the lovely Aziza. I mean who didn't get their hair done by her back then. (Mini-Commercial: She is still a bad mama-jamma! Check her out http://aiiznaturals.com/ ) I also traveled a few times to Muncie, In to get my hair laid in an up-do for the occasional college dance.
By my junior, senior, and senior senior year I was still relaxing my hair, but would go to the local hair salon and have the white stylist cut my hair into a bob, and occasionally add layers. I learned really quickly that the average White stylist knows how to cut some hair! Now I know they are wonderful colorist as well. I rocked a bob throughout college, it was my go to style, and to some extent still is.
What I didn't realize at the time, was that I created a single story about what my hair should look like. (For more context about what I mean when I say a "single story" check out the TED Talk video)
I was a natural bride, with braids. We went on a cruise and I did not want to have to deal with hair. It was the best decision I ever made! Took a month of Sundays to get those bad boys but they turned out great!
"My picture represents my transition back to my natural
hair. After reverting back to a relaxed hair style, i took a year to
grow my hair out, learn how to take care of it, including what products
to use, and how my overall health is important. Today I'm rocking a fro,
which is something i didn't feel comfortable with a few years ago. I've
grown to love me, which started with loving my hair! Going through
this.journey helped me realize i can accomplish even more. What I love
about what your doing , Ayanna, is your putting emphasis on women loving
and taking care of themselves. If my transition story of learning to
love everything about myself, even something as simple as my hair, helps
one woman, young girl think about how she can grow to love her self and
hair, then I'll tell people every day! Thank you for giving me the
opportunity to share!"
Today I'm rocking my natural curls. Trying new styles, doing protective styles and managing my locks and encouraging others to have healthy hair! I've learned a lot throughout my journey and its not over! I have a little girl, and I'm going to be teaching her to love her hair, and herself!
Until next time,
CJ Here, just wanted to talk with you about my hair story.
Tender-Roni
As a young girl I remember getting my hair pressed at my grandmothers kitchen. The sizzle and pop of the grease and straightening comb became a distant memory when I started getting relaxers. I don't remember when I got the first relaxer. There wasn't a ceremony, or pictures to reflect on. I do however remember that feeling we get when our hair is done. I've always had pretty thick hair. I remember my mother saying that she
would like to cut it off. That was when my grandmother took to picking
me up and taking me to my Great Aunt's house to get my hair styled. I used to swing my hair when I had a fresh perm. You couldn't tell me anything!
Hair to the back: High School Dayz
As a teenager I lived with my father. For a teenager looking my best was a priority. I would make it a ritual to do my hair, organize my homework, and pack lunch. My hair products consisted of Motions and Mane and Tail products. My father took up the task of giving me perms. He would do my friends perms too! We laugh and reminisce about that to this day!
As a teenager I lived with my father. For a teenager looking my best was a priority. I would make it a ritual to do my hair, organize my homework, and pack lunch. My hair products consisted of Motions and Mane and Tail products. My father took up the task of giving me perms. He would do my friends perms too! We laugh and reminisce about that to this day!
At some point during high school I grew tired of waiting for my dad to do my hair so I took to doing it myself. In a matter of two school years My shoulder length hair was at my ears and the sides were even shorter. I started using a curling iron, and sizzled my hair off bit by bit honey! I was in high school during the 90's so I started putting my hair in high ponytails with multiple pony tail holders and the occasional french roll. (My best friend called me an old lady, for my long skirts and old fashioned hair) I was and still am an old soul, so those styles worked, plus I was hardly trying to impress anyone at my high school!
The MisEducation of Corrine's Hair: College Dayz
So in college, I had to step up my game. My roommates quickly told me my hairstyles, and some of my clothes were played out. Gone were my days of shopping at Wal-mart (I still did, and still do!) My memory is spotty, in that I don't remember having a hair ritual in college. I do remember getting braids a few times by the lovely Aziza. I mean who didn't get their hair done by her back then. (Mini-Commercial: She is still a bad mama-jamma! Check her out http://aiiznaturals.com/ ) I also traveled a few times to Muncie, In to get my hair laid in an up-do for the occasional college dance.
College Friends and I at a College dance, I'm the 2nd to the right
What I didn't realize at the time, was that I created a single story about what my hair should look like. (For more context about what I mean when I say a "single story" check out the TED Talk video)
The danger of a single story: Chimamanda Adichie on TED.com
To me being pretty meant, straight, long hair, and clear skin, oh and skinny. I'll have to write posts about body image at a later date. But I was completely obsessed with looking pretty, on a budget of course!I deeply longed to be pretty, and skinny, both of which I didn't think I was. This is the same time I opened that Lazarus (now Macy's) charge card. #shakesfist I was trying to keep up with the Jones! #smh. I also had pressure from my sorority to look presentable. One soror told me I needed a Goldn Hot curling iron and #Stat! I went out and got one immediately. I discovered Sally's Beauty Supply for the first time and was amazed. I have to pause and mention that I went to high school in Oxford, oh. Town population of nobody, and I rode my bike everywhere to get around town. So discovering Sally was a big deal. No Seriously, it really was! When we got Wal-Mart, it was party central! My thoughts about myself were very negative. Head to toe, I wanted to improve. I did have my limits though. I've always been a frugal person. I wasn't going to go broke to be cute, but I wanted to be cute. HA!
This Hair Right Thurr: The Grad School Dayz
By the time I was in graduate school, I was so homesick my first year. I even thought about leaving and transferring to another school. But in the summer after my first year, I got involved with the Upward Bound program at Ohio University and my Hair-story was changed forever! In a conversation with other colleagues about hair, and health, I was challenged to go without eating meat and without my beloved relaxer for the summer. I was at a point were I only relaxed my hair ever 4-6 months and I wasn't a big beef or pork eater, so I accepted the challenge! I gradually stopped eating chicken and week my week by hair grew and I continued with life, amazed at how much better I began to feel about myself.
By the time I was in graduate school, I was so homesick my first year. I even thought about leaving and transferring to another school. But in the summer after my first year, I got involved with the Upward Bound program at Ohio University and my Hair-story was changed forever! In a conversation with other colleagues about hair, and health, I was challenged to go without eating meat and without my beloved relaxer for the summer. I was at a point were I only relaxed my hair ever 4-6 months and I wasn't a big beef or pork eater, so I accepted the challenge! I gradually stopped eating chicken and week my week by hair grew and I continued with life, amazed at how much better I began to feel about myself.
Picture of me right after my big chop in graduate school, and a picture of my mom and I.
I look like her right!
I look like her right!
I continued to let my hair grow until one day I said to my self, "Hey cut it off". And that is just what I did! I called my Big Sis and asked her if she would do the honors! I big chopped my hair in 2004! I was natural for about 5 years, wearing braids, pony tails, and a good ole press and curl, but rarely wearing my hair out, or ever really taking care of my own hair.I visited salons often to achieve my pressed hair look and when I wore my hair curly it was in twists or a pulled back ponytail.
Fast forward to 2009. I had just moved back to Ohio after living in Arizona for a year and tried to press my hair. Now there is a major difference in humidity levels in Phoenix, OH and Dayton, OH. I nearly had a breakdown while vacationing in Chicago with friends. I came with a hot press and curl, hair laid down perfectly. By nights end on a summer Chicago night, my edges were popping and my hair was not laid. I literally dipped my hair into the sink and wore it curly! After moving to a new city and having no stylist. I got a relaxer and began wearing my hair straight again.
I AM my Hair
It was more out of convenience, and of course I went back to my bob hairstyle that I love so much! I joke with my husband that he meet me long hair don't care, but married me natural! One day in 2011 I saw a picture of myself that day I dipped my hair into the sink in Chicago. My curly locks just as beautiful! I decided I was going to go through my natural journey again. But it would be different this time. I was actually going to take care of my hair, I was going to pay attention to my hair and embrace the journey. So after prepping my then fiance for months about my upcoming big chop! I did it!
My Big Sis, the woman who helped me with my big chop so many years prior asked me to do a feature for her Love Yourself First Feature. I was honored, but I also was able to reflect on my journey!
Check out the Collective: www.phoenixrisingcollective.org
My 2013 New Year/Holiday pictures with my In-laws (Notice my daughter is knocked out and not participating in the pictures! #priceless)
Until next time,
Stay on the journey!
~CJ
Friday, January 17, 2014
Welcome to The Natural Consumer!
Hi Folks!
Welcome to The Natural Consumer!
We are a group of Sister/Friends who met at the University of Dayton and one of our many connections is that we are all embracing our natural hair! Through the years we have sought each others counsel for hair, makeup, exercise and other tips. We have decided to come together and share our experiences with you!
We came up with the name The Natural Consumer at a Sister Circle meeting a couple of years ago. Sister Circle was a support group at UD that met monthly. We discovered that regardless of the topic, we ALWAYS came back to talking about hair. Many SC sessions would end in me pulling out my box-o-products and talking about what was working for me this month. We decided at one of these meetings that we would blog together as a group as a way to journal our passion for hair.
While each of us may bring you hair tips and tricks that are working for us, we also will focus on topics that are near and dear to our hearts. I will be sharing with you hair and organizing tips. Kyla will share hair and makeup tips, and finally Sarah will be sharing exercise and food tips. We will occasionally bring in a guest blogger from time to time! Check out my sister in-laws recent post on her Blog I Am Elise about finding the right makeup and embracing her natural beauty.
Our overall goal for this blog is to empower other women. Too often we are defining ourselves by mainstream society, comparing ourselves to images in the media that tell us our hair, body, etc isn't straight or skinny enough. The three of us are each coming into our own as women. Two of us are married, and I have a child. We hope to share stories that help women who are in need of advice as they are exploring their authentic selves! Check out the Phoenix Rising Collective! It is a non profit group focusing on self-esteem education that will inspires and empowers personal growth. Come Join the Collective!
Please share your questions and comments as we look forward to sharing with you!
Until Next Time!
~CJ
Welcome to The Natural Consumer!
From Left to Right: Kyla, Sarah & CJ
We are a group of Sister/Friends who met at the University of Dayton and one of our many connections is that we are all embracing our natural hair! Through the years we have sought each others counsel for hair, makeup, exercise and other tips. We have decided to come together and share our experiences with you!
We came up with the name The Natural Consumer at a Sister Circle meeting a couple of years ago. Sister Circle was a support group at UD that met monthly. We discovered that regardless of the topic, we ALWAYS came back to talking about hair. Many SC sessions would end in me pulling out my box-o-products and talking about what was working for me this month. We decided at one of these meetings that we would blog together as a group as a way to journal our passion for hair.
While each of us may bring you hair tips and tricks that are working for us, we also will focus on topics that are near and dear to our hearts. I will be sharing with you hair and organizing tips. Kyla will share hair and makeup tips, and finally Sarah will be sharing exercise and food tips. We will occasionally bring in a guest blogger from time to time! Check out my sister in-laws recent post on her Blog I Am Elise about finding the right makeup and embracing her natural beauty.
Our overall goal for this blog is to empower other women. Too often we are defining ourselves by mainstream society, comparing ourselves to images in the media that tell us our hair, body, etc isn't straight or skinny enough. The three of us are each coming into our own as women. Two of us are married, and I have a child. We hope to share stories that help women who are in need of advice as they are exploring their authentic selves! Check out the Phoenix Rising Collective! It is a non profit group focusing on self-esteem education that will inspires and empowers personal growth. Come Join the Collective!
Please share your questions and comments as we look forward to sharing with you!
Until Next Time!
~CJ
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