COLOR OF THE YEAR 2011

So the votes are in by all of the RELIABLE source for 2011's color of the year: HONEYSUCKLE

A Color for All Seasons
Courageous. Confident. Vital. A brave new color, for a brave new world. Let the bold spirit of Honeysuckle infuse you, lift you and carry you through the year. It’s a color for every day – with nothing “everyday” about it.

While the 2010 color of the year, PANTONE 15-5519 Turquoise, served as an escape for many, Honeysuckle emboldens us to face everyday troubles with verve and vigor. A dynamic reddish pink, Honeysuckle is encouraging and uplifting. It elevates our psyche beyond escape, instilling the confidence, courage and spirit to meet the exhaustive challenges that have become part of everyday life.

“In times of stress, we need something to lift our spirits. Honeysuckle is a captivating, stimulating color that gets the adrenaline going – perfect to ward off the blues,” explains Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute®. “Honeysuckle derives its positive qualities from a powerful bond to its mother color red, the most physical, viscerally alive hue in the spectrum.”

Eiseman continues, “The intensity of this festive reddish pink allures and engages. In fact, this color, not the sweet fragrance of the flower blossoms for which it was named, is what attracts hummingbirds to nectar. Honeysuckle may also bring a wave of nostalgia for its associated delicious scent reminiscent of the carefree days of spring and summer.”

Honeysuckle is guaranteed to produce a healthy glow when worn by both men and women. It’s a striking, eye-catching hue that works well for day and night in women’s apparel, accessories and cosmetics, and in men’s ties, shirts and sportswear. Add a lively flair to interior spaces with Honeysuckle patterned pillows, bedspreads, small appliances and tabletop accessories. Looking for an inexpensive way to perk up your home? Paint a wall in Honeysuckle for a dynamic burst of energy in the family room, kitchen or hallway

- www.pantone.com

Honey suckle lipstick by Bobbi Brown

LATA, CHAN, PJ1

MY FIRST HENNA EXPERIENCE

Happy New Years,
 So I finally tried henna! I'm definitely not a big fan of the process but I did like the results. My goal was to treat my hair as well as to darken all one color to match my natural hair color which is probably a 1B (natural black). So let me give you a run down of what I did:
- Sunday around 12pm I mix a half pack of henna with green tea to the consistency of yogurt.
- I let it sit for 11 hours...(direction said to let sit for 12 hours or over night but I was getting sleep :-))
- Around 10:30 I washed my hair and I mixed up the indigo powder (2 packs) with 2 teaspoons of salt and water...
- Once that was thoroughly mixed, I mixed the henna and indigo together...and mixed some more....and a little more... (The purpose of this was to lighten up the indigo just a little...enough to eliminate the 'blueish/greenish' tent from the indigo)
- I then sectioned my hair in four and started applying the henna and indigo mixed from the back to the front . (If you ever try this be sure to lay down some newspaper and wear an old top that you don't mind messing up)...Man, by the end of applying the 'green mash potatoes' I had a mess on the floor.
- I gathered all of my hair up to the center of my head and began wrapping it with plastic wrap. I put a scarf on, covered my pillow with a towel and went to sleep.
- When I woke up this morning I uncovered my hair and began rinsing this stuff out....I then shampooed my hair and then conditioned to detangle.
- I then applied a deep treatment conditioner and sat under the dryer for 20 mins with a plastic cap.
- After that I rinsed the conditioner out, blow dried my hair, and flat ironed it.

Now I know I totally went against what I said I was trying to do for the new year but I have to take the 'after' picture for the result of the Hairfinity pills (which I totally screwed up b/c my hair was trimmed in the process).

So my result weren't what I expected but I'm not complaining. It's still not one color but its darker than what I started out with. I think in order to get black hair period, I'd have to do the indigo by itself. Over all, I like the results of the henna. My hair was soft and somewhat of a natural shine...I'm not sure if it loosened my natural curl but I guess time will tell if I keep doing it.

So here are the results! The only product in my hair is Profectiv moisturizer (which was applied right before I flat ironed my hair)

 LATA, CHAN, PJ1





MY HENNA HAS ARRIVED!

Hello all,
 It's been a minute since I've made a post but just wanted to check in real quick....So the results are in from the poll question and it seems like people are more concerned with hair care these days....Everyone that voted chose henna over chemical color. Although I chose chemical color in the past, I'm looking to make some changes in the new year. (not just with my hair :-))
Speaking of henna, I just received my henna kit in the mail today! YaaaaY! I am going to try to sit down over the weekend and apply it and post pictures of the results. I've read the directions about 3 times already and I think I have any 3 or 4 times more to go. lol For some reason, it seems like there are so many steps and so many different substitutes to use. I just want to make sure I get it right. From reading the reviews from the people who used it already, I am going to get hooked.
If you would like more information on henna, visit http://www.mehandi.com/

TTYL,

PJ1- CHAN

UPDATE ON MY HAIR

So I am off to get my hair done for the first time since Labor Day weekend. I  am in dying need of a trim. I don't want to get it done right now b/c it's gonna mess up the results of my 30 day Hairfinity test BUT the trim is more important.

My next two obstacles that I look forward to trying are the henna and no heat styling. One of my new years resolutions is to try to maintain hair styles that requires no heat. I don't know how long I can go without my hair being straight but I am about to put myself to the test. My hair probably would have seen more growth but due to frequent coloring and heat, I may have stumped it's growth (although it is growing).

Oh, also my next product that I'm going to pick up and try my twist out with is Deva Care One Conditioner. I am hearing nothing but great reviews about this stuff....so I have to try it for myself. They have a whole line of products.

So I will post pics of my hair when I leave the salon.....CHOW,

 FRONT VIEW (IDK WHAT IS WRONG WITH THESE PICTURES)

 SIDE VIEW

BACK VIEW

PJ1, Chan

GROWING UP TRYING TO KEEP MY GOOD HAIR..

For my whole life I have always measured my beauty on my hair. When I was a child I wanted long, straight, beautiful "white" hair- which is a tall order considering I have curly kinky hair by nature. So the better part of my childhood was spent in a salon chair, with a straightening comb burning my hair and ears...lol. When I was 15, my grandmother sent me to the hair dresser with what she thought was my mothers blessing to get me a perm...LOL...My mother had no idea and when I came home she was so mad at both of us but I did not care GIRLS...MY HAIR WAS SOOOOO STRAIGHT AND I WAS HOOKED EVER SINCE then TO THE CREAMY CRACK. As the boys LOVED IT TOO And the compliments never stopped coming about how pretty I WAS AND HOW BEAUTIFUL MY LOCKS WERE.... It was a falsehood as it was not my hair  it was  limp and fine no life in it at all. I killed my hair when I was 14. Im a murderer...LMBO
And then there was my braid phase, and although braids are easy for day to day living- literally wash and wear- having to sit in a salon chair for 8 hours while synthetic hair is fastened to my head and the resulting migraine, is not for the faint of heart; neither is the $350 price tag.
After years of braids and hair loss, I had the loveliest WEAVES ever; they were beautiful. But because the hair gods love to tease me, it did not last long. Somewhere along the line, my hair started to break, and my once beautiful hair became a broken, tangles mess; and when the hair was gone, so was my confidence. I realize how foolish it is to allow something as simple as hair to dictate how I feel about myself, but since I was young I have always craved "good hair"; and taken drastic measures to achieve it- why else would I put relaxer ie. lye in my hair.?
One day I just decided to do it and cut it all off; the thought running through my mind being " what would I be without my hair?" And that thought stayed with me for weeks. Why do I feel the need to be defined by hair? I am a mother,  friend, and daughter; I am creative, witty, stylish and happy. None of which are measured by the strands of waste sprouting from my head.
I am TAHIRA-PJ-4; I am not my hair.
I know this because I cut it all off!!

I AM NOT MY HAIR VIDEO WITH INDIA ARIE AND AKON

I LOVE THIS VIDEO AS IT IS HOW I THINK ALOT OF US THAT ARE GOING THRU THIS TRANSITION FEEL.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E_5jIt0f5Z4

ARTICLE FROM ESSENCE MAGAZINE

"You have natural hair, so you're naturally about Black empowerment."

This was a statement made to me by a random person. Someone who knew absolutely nothing about me other than my name and what he could see with his eyes. Yes, I proudly sport a TWA (teeny weeny afro) and yes I'm about Black empowerment, but the two things are mutually exclusive.
Making an assumption like this isn't only troublesome for natural women but to non-naturals as well. If a sister who embraces her kinky curls is assumed to be pro-empowerment, does that mean women with relaxers or weaves are anti-Black? Of course not.Though afros may be associated with the I'm Black and I'm Proud era, for some women it's simply about aesthetics. Some were tired of using harsh chemicals. Some wanted to see what their hair would look and feel like without being manipulated. And some just like the look. Every woman has a different reason behind her hair-story.
Women with relaxers rarely, if ever, have to deal with presumptions about their character based on how they wear their hair. However, it seems many people create a mental outline of a woman who choose to go natural. She's a kente cloth wearing, incense burning, India Arie listening, tofu eating, hater of any woman who uses the "creamy crack. Not necessarily so. There's no singular set of beliefs we all share.
Though some (close-minded) napturals look down on women who choose to get relaxers, for most this isn't the case. The natural versus relaxed divide is one that shouldn't exist and for most women it doesn't. Choosing to rock our hair exactly as it sprouts from our scalp doesn't make us any more intelligent or liberated. I've seen natural sisters (and especially brothers) get baffling looks from onlookers who see a non-Black male or female on their arm. Does a 'fro or locs mean this person can't be an equal opportunity dater? Or is it just assumed this person is so pro their own, that they'd never date outside the race? In the same way that hair doesn't determine someone's political stance, it certainly doesn't dictate a code to dating.
Hair is just a style, not a predetermined lifestyle.This may be hard for some people to understand, especially with the intense online community that includes hundreds of forums, blogs and YouTube channels devoted to naturals. There's a certain solidarity among us because we understand common struggles (how to maintain moisturized tresses, where to find a salon that doesn't charge insane prices, etc.). But just like any group, it's comprised of individuals who are varied in thoughts and beliefs. No two coils are alike.

So what does natural hair say about a woman?

Absolutely nothing other than she likes the style she's currently sporting. Maybe she'll switch it up one day or maybe she'll forever be natural, but either way, it doesn't dictate who or what she is.

WHAT DO YOU THINK FELLOW BLOGGERS????????

PEACE OUT PJ4-TAHIRA

PIC OF THE DAY

PEACE IM OUT...PJ-4 TAHIRA

I AM IN LOVE.........

With KISS MY FACE Shampoo and Conditioner. It is sulfate and paraben free and totally organic description for both follows below. I got this at SHOPRITE in the organic aisle but i also see you can order it from there website as well. It was on sale for 4.50 for each. But the original price was 9.00 for each. BUT I AM STICKING WITH IT AS THIS IS THE BEST ONE I have found so far.Also they have a gel, I will try it and let all you product junkies know what that is like.

Whenever shampoo gently and thoroughly cleanses your hair without stripping or drying and soothes your scalp with pure essential oils and organic herbs. Especially great for the very sensitive shampooer. It's as effective as it is good for your hair, leaving your locks luminous. The unique, natural aromas will leave you exhilarated.
- for everyday use
- moisture balancing
- appropriate for all hair types

GOOD FOR YOU BECAUSE...Wheat Protein: helps lock in moisture for the hair
Nettle: stimulates hair growth and improves the condition of the scalp
Sage: promotes hair growth

INGREDIENTS:Certified Organic Floral Water of Rosemary, Chamomile, Lemon Balm, Water, Infusion of Organic Herbs of Nettle, Olive Leaf, Calendula, Sage, Lavender, Certified Organic Aloe Vera, Olefin Sulfonate, Cocomidopropyl Betaine, Glycerin, Sea Salt, Caprylic Acid, Glycine, Lavender Oil, Green Tea Extract, Wheat Protein, Tocopherol, Lime Oil, Potassium Sorbate, Citric Acid

Conditioner leaves my hair soooooo soft and tangle free and it curls without me putting any gel on it at allllllllll I LOVE THIS PRODUCT LINE

Formulated for daily use, Whenever conditioner restores the hair's vitality and replenishes lost nutrients. The organic botanicals and pure essential oils nourish and strengthen hair while improving manageability, diminishing tangles and split ends, leaving your locks flexible, full and healthier than ever. The scent-uous aromatherapeutic® essential oil blend will leave you uplifted and exhilarated.
- for everyday use
- enhanced nourishment
- appropriate for all hair types

GOOD FOR YOU BECAUSE...Wheat Protein: helps lock in moisture and smooths the hair shaft
Horsetail: adds shine and elasticity
Thyme: promotes a healthy scalp

INGREDIENTS:Certified Organic Floral Waters of Lavender, Hibiscus, Lemongrass, Water, Infusion of Certified Organic Herbs of Horsetail, Rose Hips, Lemon, Red Raspberry, Thyme, Certified Organic Aloe Vera, Behentrimonium Methosulfate, Glycerin, Stearalkonium Chloride, Certified Organic Jojoba Oil, Cetearyl Alcohol, Ceteareth 20, Lavender Oil, Green Tea Extract, Certified Organic Sunflower Oil, Wheat Protein, Wheat Amino Acids, Tocopherol, Lecithin, Panthenol, Lime Oil, Caprylic Acid, Glycine, Guar, Potassium Sorbate, Citric Acid
PEACE IM OUT...PJ-4 TAHIRA

VIDEO TRANSITIONING STYLES

Hey,
 I just wanted to post this video I came across on youtube from LoveIslandBeauty...She is in the middle of transitioning. I love this video because she gives you lots of different hair styles you can do while transitioning AND being completely natural. (not to mention they all look quick and easy).....Sometimes we run out of ideas and we get frustrated with our hair...I would recommend on your down time to watch a few of theses tutorials.....Enjoy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AkGs7ErLb5Q