1Blessed Natural Mag

Thanksgiving  (photo courtesy of Flickr- Davie and Margie Hill/ Kleerup ( The Consortium ) Happy Thanksgiving my blessed naturals! I hope you all are enjoying your day. I just wanted to take a little bit of time and share some of things in which I am thankful. 1. I am thankful that God woke me up this morning. 2. I am thankful for food, shelter, and clothes on my back. 3. I am thankful for my family! 4. I am thankful for the Lord. 5. I am thankful for a chance to operate in the talents and gifts in which God has provided me. 6. I am thankful for employment. 7. I am thankful for the activity of my limbs. 8. I am thankful for quiet moments.  9. I am thankful for the chance to write to you all :-) What are the things in which you are thankful? Related Articles: I Am Thankful for..                           Let God, Be God in Your Lif...

Former Destiny's Child member, LaTavia Roberson rocking her natural hair (photo courtesy of the official LaTavia Roberson Instagram ( iamlatavia ) I have a surprise for all of you Destiny Child fans! Former member, LaTavia Roberson posted a photo of her natural curls on Instagram with the caption : Think I might start wearing my natural hair out & about a lil more :) What do u guys think? One of Roberson's fans attempted to challenge the singer, stating that she was a hair stylist and knew that her hair in the photo above was not her own hair. The singer replied  in a warm and classy way by saying, " @ipreferdiamonds aw pretty girl, I have Noo reason 2 lie. Lord knows I love a good weave,wig etc. but that's all me luv :)..." Well done, Ms. Roberson. Last week, TVOne announced that the hit show, "R&B Divas: Atlanta" will return for its 3rd season and Latavia Roberson and Kameelah Williams from the 1990s R&B group, 702 will be ...

mini two-strand twists  by 1BlessedNatural Hi everyone, I hope you all had a great weekend. I have been wearing my two strand twists in a beaded updo . I moisturize and seal my hair every morning and night. I put the products in my hands and pat them on the outside of my updo. I've been using the Kinky-Curly Knot Today leave-in conditioner and Olive Oil mixed with Lavender Oil. My hair is continuing to look and feel more like normal every day, thank God. My ends are starting to curl up instead of sticking straight out . The twists have been good because it helps me to keep my hands out of it. It also holds moisture longer because more of the strands are together. Today, I took my hair down and moisturized and sealed it. I will probably wear twists for the rest of the week. What protective style are you wearing?   Related Articles: My Experience Recovering from Protein Overload               ...

Toni Braxton (photo courtesy of the official Toni Braxton Instagram page) Toni Braxton is back with new music and a pixie haircut! Cropped hairstyles seem to be making a comeback these days. While celebrities like Jennifer Hudson have recently decided to rock cropped styles, Braxton has rocked her natural curls off and on, during her career. Her soft curls frame her face well. Her style is very classy and Dorthy-Dandridge like! Toni Braxton and Babyface have teamed up (once again) to deliver their new album called LOVE, MARRIAGE and DIVORCE . The new single, "Hurt You" is a hit!  I'm glad to see Ms. Braxton is back on the scene bringing the music that  many of us love. You can also check out the veteran singer and her family on the hit television show "Braxton Family Values" on We TV. On the show, Braxton's hair has brownish blonde highlights.Toni Braxton's style and music are fab! Welcome back to music, Ms. Braxton! What do you think ...

Two-strand twisted, beaded boby pin updo by 1 BlessedNatural Hi everyone, If you're looking for a quick and easy way to jazz up your natural hair style, try creating beaded bobby pins! Items Needed 1. hair beads 2. bobby or hair pins (black or brown)- I used brown pins, but black pins would work better. Directions 1.  Take your favorite color bead and loop it around onto the hair pin or bobby pin. I used the medium-sized hair beads, but you can use the small ones. Some of them can loop all the way around to the bend of the pin, making the pin easier to hide.  The beaded pins are great to accessorize your updos! This project is also easy and fun to create with your kids. Two-strand twisted, beaded boby pin updo by 1 BlessedNatural Will you be making your own beaded bobby pin ? Related Articles: Two-Strand Twists with Beads, Adult Hairstyle                       ...

Monica Calhoun (photo courtesy of the "Best Man" Official Facebook page This weekend, natural hair was represented big time on the big screen, in the movie "The Best Man Holiday." Actresses, Shai-Pierre Dixon, Isis Moore, Allison Augustin, and Riele Downs all rocked their beautiful natural hair in the movie. Riele Downs appeared to wear twist-out hairstyles. Isis Moore (pictured below) reminded me of the character "Katy" from the television show, "My Wife and Kids" who also rocked her natural hair. Also, the lovely Monica Calhoun who plays "Mia" rocked a head full of beautiful curls in a TWA. It is refreshing to see that natural hair is being represented on the big screen. It is a great thing especially for the children. This means they are being taught to love their hair instead of conforming to the idea that it needs to be straightened.  Job well done to their parents! Shai-Pierre Dixon, Isis Moore, Allison Agustin, Riele Dow...

"Afro Woman, Merry Christmas" handmade card by Ruthie's Greetings Happy Sunday, I've added the "Afro Woman, Merry Christmas" greeting card o my Etsy shop for purchase.  The "Afro Woman Merry Christmas" African-American greeting card features a hand drawn and cut-out woman with an afro. The woman is dressed in a shawl that decorated with black stripes and dots. Her hair is in an afro decorated with a red, flat plastic flower. The flower is almost fabric-like and textured. The design lays against a green cardstock background. The words "Merry Christmas" are written in black ink. The cardstock adheres to a polkda dot, light and pea green paper. The card is made of quality, deckle edged paper. The deckle edge is colored with red ink. Size: 5 x 6 7/8 in Inside: Blank Envelope: Included This card is great to give to anyone for Christmas. The inside is perfectly blank for you to write your own special message (smile)....

Cornrows with Two-Strand Twist, Pin Curl out style by 1BlessedNatural Happy Thursday everyone! If you've read my past few hair articles, then you know that my hair is recovering from protein overload . I was using the Roots of Nature, Shea Butter and Green Tea Moisturizer, Coconut Oil, and water mixed with Tea Tree Oil. However, my hair still seemed really dry and stiff. I slept with a plastic cap (a.k.a. baggying) 1 night last week. I also sat with the plastic cap on my head on and off for 2 days, but I didn't seem to be making much progress. This weekend, I washed my hair with my Castile soap mixture. Then I applied the Almond and Shea Butter Conditioner by Suave to my hair. The conditioner sat on my hair for 1 1/2 hours. This time included the 45 minutes in which I kept the heating cap on my head. Afterwards, I gently detangled my hair with the conditioner on it, and then washed it out. The front, right side of my hair felt like it was almost back to normal. ...

Yesterday, myself and several other people rushed to a catch a bus that appeared to be pulling closer to its stop. Others had already boarded the bus. When the light changed, the bus pulled off. One woman yelled, "That's alright!" I was a bit upset because it was extremely cold, and I just wanted to be indoors. But, before I could turn around, another bus pulled up. I could have guaranteed that someone else said, "Thank God!" I know I did! (smile) After boarding the bus, I began to think about the lesson that I'd just been retaught. The funny thing about the whole situation was the first bus actually would have taken me far away from my destination. The second bus dropped me off closer to my destination. God's lesson was clear to me. Often times, we make plans for ourselves based upon temporary emotions or feelings, but the Lord has better plans for us. They are better than our own. Things may even appear as though we've missed our chanc...

natural girls in new Best Buy commercial Happy Tuesday my blessed naturals! The new Best Buy commercial features mogul, LL. Cool J. and two natural haired young ladies. The commercial features a debonair LL Cool J. narrating a story about a father faced with the problem of finding a Christmas gift for his two natural haired daughters. One of the young ladies is wearing an afro; the other one is wearing a hair puff adorned with a white flower headband. Naturals in the media are becoming more frequent, and that is a great thing. Check out the commercial below: What do you think of the new commercial? Related Articles: Controversy Over Interracial Cherrios Commercial

Last night's "Talking Dead" episode proved to be a real treat for the natural hair community when actress, Sonequa Martin-Green appeared on camera rocking a beautiful new style. The front of the "Walking Dead" star's hair appeared to be parted on the side and flat twisted from the bang area into a bun. Martin-Green, who plays the character "Sasha" on "Walking Dead", wore a long sleeve, Army green top and red lipstick which contrasted well with the greenery in the background. During her interview, Martin-Green explained that she stays in character even after the cameras are rolling. Check out more of her interview on the "Talking Dead" website ! What do you think of Sonequa Martin-Green's hairstyle? Related Articles: (NEW) Sonequa Martin Green's Straight Hairstyle on "Talking Dead"                           Natural Hair on 'Walking Dead'   ...

  natural hair bun of 1BlessedNatural Happy Friday everyone! Love your hair even through trial and error (smile)- 1BlessedNatural What do you love most about YOUR natural hair? Related Articles: Love Your Hair 2                           Love Your Hair

Watermelon soda can This past weekend, I visited a popular supermarket chain and found cases of Watermelon soda cans stacked up by the register. The light green cans featured a gap tooth, freckle-face, cartoon boy clutching a gigantic slice of watermelon. I laughed because I thought the the cans were a joke. I was seriously waiting for someone to say that it was a joke. I knew April Fools Day had passed though (side-eye). I figured there was no way that the soda manufacturer could be serious about releasing a product that was blatantly racist. Not only are you going to give us a can with a stereotype on the front, but you're going to sell it in an African-American community? I really shouldn't be surprised.  In addition, I did some research and found that the Watermelon soda cans sold in Target in 2009, but it featured a little Black girl. After receiving backlash from the African-American community, the manufacturers removed the image of the Black girl and used the...

Jada Pinkett Smith with husband, Will and step-son, Trey (photo courtesy of Facebook- Jada Pinkett Smith 's Official Page) This week, actress and singer Jada Pinkett-Smith stepped out rocking a Mohawk style. The sides of the  42-year-old singer's head were shaved and bleached. The hair in the middle of the style icon's head was long and colored with brownish blond highlights. Smith's hairstyle is reminiscent of her daughter, Willow's hair a few years back when she rocked a similar style. After receiving backlash about letting Willow cut her hair, Smith released a statement saying that she felt like little girls should be allowed to be themselves, even if it went against their parents' wishes. I am still not sure how I feel about Jada Pinkett Smith's style. I do think it is consistent with the image of her Rock band, Wicked Wisdom. I know one thing for sure is that I could not rock the style! I'd probably side-eye myself for wearing it, lol. That...

Recovering from protein-overload - after my wash and deep condition Hey my blessed naturals! Yesterday, I washed my hair with the Come Clean shampoo by Kinky-Curly Knot Today to clarify  my hair.  I spent a little over $12.00 for a bottle at my local beauty supply store. I love this shampoo because you do not need to use a lot to lather up. A little goes a long way! My curls started to come back a little after using the shampooing.I deep conditioned my hair with the Almond and Shea Butter with conditioner by Suave. I chose the Suave conditioner because it doesn't have protein in it. After applying the conditioner, I put a conditioning cap on and sat under the heating cap for 20-30 mins. Then I left the conditioning cap on my hair for an additional 3 hours just to get the moisture back into my strands. Some people suggested doing an Apple Cider Vinegar rinse after rinsing the conditioner out. I'm going to do more research on it. It might try it next wash.  Af...

protein build-up hair in bun and linked cornrows style by 1BlessedNatural Happy Monday everyone! This week, I removed my mini twists, washed, and deep protein conditioned my hair. I noticed that my hair was very dull, dry, and breaking. In my last hair article, I talked about my hair breakage . I trimmed my ends thinking this would be the remedy to my problem, but it only helped a bit. Today my hair was very dry, despite me moisturizing it. Also, my hair was very stiff, and my ends would not curl. I've talked about product build-up before, but protein build-up is also very important in which to be aware. Too much protein on your strands can do just the opposite of what you intended to do. After a conversation with Certainly4C , I realized that I had done a lot of protein treatments within the last few months. I knew that protein build-up was possible, but I don't know what I was thinking, lol. Thank God for this blog! I was able to go back and see that I did protein tr...

Brandy in twists (photo courtesy of Instagram- Brandy Norwood ( 4everbrandy ) Singer, Brandy Norwood has always been able to wear extensions and wear them well. Norwood posted a double picture of her hair in two different twist extension styles. In the picture on the left, the singer is rocking Kinky Twists, and they appear to be done using her own hair. In the picture on the right, she is wear Silky Twist extensions which are straight and long. I couldn't decide which style I liked better ; they're both cute! The singer wrote the caption : I absolutely love your work @drkariwill !! Thank you @adelesupreme for the connection! #kinkytwist #silkytwist #naturalhair #glowwrrayy #okenoughwiththehashtags . Rock on, Brandy! Do you like Brandy's twist styles? If so, which hairstyle is your favorite one? Related Articles:    Jennifer Hudson Rocks New Pixie  Haircut!                ...