RE-FRESHING THE LITTLE ONE'S NATURAL HAIR

Greetings, Everyone!! I pray all is well with you. 

Ah, the daunting task of grooming our little ones!! Actually, I have found the task, not so daunting. What works for me is the 'keep it simple' rule. I keep products simple and grooming time simple..I just do not have the time on my hands to take loads of time doing hair. I do get the question, 'do I use different products on our little ones than I do for myself?' The answer..no..Not only do I use the exact same products, my husband and other 3 children use the same products..again, we live by the 'keep it simple rule'. So, here is my step by step on remoisturizing and refreshing my little one's hair in 3 Steps. As always, I hope this helps.

STEP 1: MOISTURIZE 

This is an extremely important step in ensuring the health of hair. I begin by placing her hair into 4 sections. Working one section at a time, I spray our Natty ACV Hair & Scalp Mist onto her hair until damp. Work the moisture in thoroughly making sure to cost each strand. Gently finger detangle. Using the mist is the quickest way for me to hydrate and detangle her hair. It also helps to keep her hair and scalp ph balanced as well as protect the scalp from dirt, debris, fungi and other contaminants due to the ingredients. 

Step 2: SEAL. 

Once her hair is hydrated, I apply our Natty Butter to lock in the moisture and give her hair a nice sheen. I rub the butter into my hands to melt instantly, then apply to her hair. I make sure to hydrate and seal her ends and edges. I apply a heavier amount of butter to her ends to keep them healthy. Always keep in mind..Butters, Oils and pomades are known as 'SEALANTS'. Due to the fact that they do not contain moisturizing properties of water, they do not act as moisturizers. Applying the items to un-moisturized hair will give you greasy, not moisturized hair, which leads to further dryness. Moisturize FIRST, then apply your butter, oil or pomade to SEAL in the moisture SECOND.

Step 3: STYLE. 

I normally place her hair in plaits then bun it up to keep her ends protected. I never make the plaits too tight or place extreme tension on her hair, which can lead to breakage and thinning. I usually don't have to remoisturize for 4-5 days sometimes longer... Of course, each child is different, so please take note of how often you may need to remoisturize your child's hair. 

Key Notes: In terms of dryness, just like with our own hair, there are many factors that can aid in dryness, such as: improper diet, lack of water intake, stress, harsh ingredients in products, harsh combing and brushing, product buildup, dead ends, not properly moisturizing (see Step 2 again). Be sure to see what products and techniques may be the cause of your little one's hair issues then take action. Hope this helps.

Naomi's Refreshed Hair

ONE STYLE..Many Ways To Rock It!

Greetings, Everyone!!! I hope all is well and you are doing Fantastic! So, here is the requested video on how one style of side flat twists can be worn different ways. As always, be creative, versatile and have absolute fun with your natural...A Bientot!

ARE YOU WASHING YOUR..RICE?

Greetings, Everyone! I hope all is well.
Ok, so let's talk..food..Oh, and pests. Yeah, not a charming combo we care to think of. Well, did you know that it's not uncommon to find pests such as 'rice weevils' or 'confused flour beetles' and their larvae in your dried goods such as corn meal, rice, flour and other dried goods. I also captured a pic of some freshly opened organic rice that I found a couple, well 2, of these little buggers floating around in. So, I thought it would be awesome to chat about what to do to prevent them from infesting your pantries and cabinets and further invading your other dried goods.

WELL..HOW ON EARTH DO THEY GET INTO THE FOOD?

It's not rare to bugs or 'rice weevils' inside of your rice packet(s). They can enter one of two ways: Sometimes they are already in the rice when you buy it, particularly their larvae. This happens when the insects lay their eggs in the crops, and when the crops are harvested, they end up in the packages. They usually go undetected because they are hard to detect with the naked eye. After some time, the eggs hatch and they end up in the dried goods. Another way they enter is by opened packages from your cabinet or pantry.

WELL..WHAT DO I DO ABOUT IT?

• ONE: Check ALL stored open packages in your pantry or cabinet for bugs. They LOVE grains such as rice, quinoa, buckewheat, flour, cornmeal, cereal, crackers, etc. Throw away any or all packages that contain the bugs. Once they have infested one package of dried goods, they can not be safely eliminated and may contaminate other dried goods. 
• TWO: As soon as you purchase any dried goods, such as rice, quinoa, etc, place them in airtight containers and place in the freezer for at least 1 week, or you can choose to keep them continuously stored in the freezer if you already have an infestation in your cabinet or pantry. Placing them in the freezer helps to kill any larvae. You can also place dried chillis (peppers) in the airtight containers as the bugs hate the chilli.  
• THREE: Thoroughly wash and cleanse your rice. Usually you can tell if your rice has been infested once you place the rice into water, as the pests will float to the top of the water. Discard if you do find infested rice.  Even if you do not see any, it is a good practice to thoroughly cleanse your rice that you are preparing to cook immediately. Repeat the cleansing two to three times, then proceed to cook. 
• FOUR: Store ALL dried goods into air tight containers. I have included some pics below of how we store our dried goods as well as herbs and spices in our cabinets and pantry. As always, I hope this helps.

OUR HAPPY PANTY

Here is a quick photo of a pot of rice I was preparing and cleansing from an un opened bag of organic brown rice. As you can see, the package was already infested with hatched weevils. This package was not freezer stored as we had just purchased this the same day :-(

 Our dry goods stored in the freezer before preparing.

We store our dry goods, once opened in air tight containers in our pantry.

As well as our herbs and loose leaf teas in glass mason jars once opened.

As well as our spices, we store them in smaller mason jars..those pesky rascals like spices as well.

This has nothing to do with dried goods, but for some reason, mentally, it makes me feel better to have everything completely clean, organized and neat. We reuse paper bags from Trader Joes to hold our potatoes and onions. I simply cut the bags in half and use them like storage bins. Everything has a place.

LEEK & GARLIC VEGETABLE SOUP..YUMMM!!

Greetings, Everyone!! Leek & Garlic Vegetable Soup

Hubby made this soup that was awwwwwwwesome!! It's excellent for inflammation, blood cleansing and great for the gut flora. 

Healthy gut=healthy body. 

I will share the ingredients, but hubby told me he didn't measure anything to quote as a recipe, but added enough ingredients for a large pot. So, here goes. 

INGREDIENTS:

*OLIVE OIL

*Fresh garlic (minced)

*2 Vadalia Onions (roughly cut)

*1 leek

*Cabbage

*Kale

*2 organic carrots

*Handful of baby Bella mushroom

*Organic non GMO wild rice

HERBS AND SPICES:

*sea salt (to taste)

*fresh black pepper (to taste)

*fresh white pepper (to taste)

*garlic powder

*Tikka Marsala Seasoning *braggs liquid aminos

*herb de Provence (tbsp)

HOW TO: 

Sautéed garlic, onion and leek until onion is translucent in olive oil. Add rice and sautee on low for about 5 min. Add water. Add herbs and spices. Add vegetables. Bring to boil, reduce heat down to lowest setting, then cover and allow to simmer for at least 2-3 hours. Enjoy! 

Note: be sure to enjoy the juice or 'pot liquor' which is where the benefits of the ingredients are.

MY NATTY TWIST OUT

TWIST OUT..My step by step. 

Greetings everyone!! Now I know everyone has their method of how they rock their twist out, but I wanted to share my step by step of how I achieve my twist out. As always, I hope this helps.

STEP 1: I use 2 products: a moisturizer (my Natty Moist) and a sealant to LOCK in the moisture (my Natty Butter).

STEP 2: On slightly damp hair..or on dry hair, place hair in sections to make the process easier. NOTE: if I am twisting on freshly washed hair, I place an old tshirt on my hair to absorb the excess water until my hair is about 75-80% dry. This ensures my twists will be thoroughly dry when I untwist. Using an old tshirt minimizes frizz and friction that comes when using bath towels. 

STEP 3: Take a small, medium or large section of hair (depending on the size you want your twists to be) and apply a generous amount of your moisturizer. Then apply your sealant of choice to lock in the moisture. I prefer natural butters or natural pomades to help the hair not only lock in moisture but also clump the hair together to create a smooth twist and twist out. 

STEP 4: I always make sure my hair is thoroughly moisturized so you may see some of the moisturizer on my twists as I'm twisting, which my hair will nicely absorb ensuring moisturized hair. I twist very tightly to create a sort of memory foam effect so when I untwist the curls are super defined and last for quite awhile.  I make sure to MOISTURIZE my ends and edges especially to ensure they are healthy. I use the same moisture and seal technique on my ends and edges, that I use for my twists. 

STEP 5: Once my twists are completely dry, I apply a little Natty Butter or my pomade to my hands then proceed to unravel my twists. Applying the butter or pomade helps to minimize frizz and give hair a nice sheen. 

STEP 6: Rock it out and Enjoy!

Key notes: I don't use a ton of products for any style. Understanding moisture is the key and making sure to seal/lock in the moisture with a butter, oil or pomade. 

At night, I simply pull my hair into a low bun and cover with a silk or satin scarf. This helps stretch the hair and keeps the hair less frizzy. 

FRESH FACE..MY SKIN CARE REGIMEN

Greetings and Blessings everyone!! I hope all is well..

Ok, so I get the question about my skin care regimen lots, lots, lots!! So, I decided to 'blog' about my skin care regimen. Keep in mind, this is what works for me, with my skin type being combination and acne prone..To answer the question, 'yes, I experience breakouts'. Especially a few months after I've given birth (hormones out of control) and if I haven't been eating right, especially mucous producing foods such as cheese, breads (especially if they contain wheat gluten), if I'm stressing over 'who knows what' or during that special time of the month..know what I'm sayin'. I totally believe that what we give our insides reflects what shows on our outsides, so healthy clean eating is a priority and plenty of water (we drink distilled water only..simple and pure H2O, no additives, no chemicals, just water). For more information on the differences between water, check out this awesome video here: Distilled Water vs. Filtered Water . 

So, I have no problem sharing my regimen, but please keep in mind, each person's skin is different and the results may vary as well as the notion of what works for me may not work for you and vice versa. Ok, now that I've gotten the familiarities out of the way..I present my O'Natural Skin Care Regimen.

My Skin Care Regimen:

CLEANSE

 I Can't rave enough about this all natural soap bar from Henna Sooq . The Berhempsu bar is O'Mazing!! It cleanses well and doesn't leave my skin feeling stripped. I love the ingredients and it lasts a very very long time. I simply cut a small piece of the soap, therefore preventing the entire soap from being wet. I take the small piece of cut soap and lather. I apply the lather to my face in upward circular motions (helps stimulate circulation). Rinse (The great thing is that you can use this soap for cleansing the hair and body..You know I like a multipurpose product)

TONE

I make my own toner using natural ingredients I keep in my pantry. The ingredients include:  1 TBSP of Neem leaves to make a tea. I steep using distilled water ( you will use 2oz of the tea for the mixture). 2oz of Bragg's Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV). 5 drops of Tea Tree Oil. 5 Drops of Lemongrass Essential Oil. Combine all the ingredients, add to a spray bottle and refrigerate. Once I have cleansed my face, I spray my toner onto my face and allow to slightly dry before moisturizing. Misting a toner onto the face prevents over stripping the face which will cause over oil production when using a cloth or wipe to apply the toner. Toning the face gives the skin a final cleansing, helps to close the pores (especially due to the coolness of the toner from being refrigerated) and protects the skin from environmental pollutants. Toning also helps restore the skin's natural pH levels as well as help remove impurities from your skin keeping infection at bay. 

MOISTURIZE

Again, I can't express enough how much I am a minimalist and love multi purpose products. After I tone my face, I apply a little less than a dime sized amount of my Natty Moist to moisturize my face. I love the ingredients and they work well and do an awesome job for me, especially with ridding my face of hyper-pigmentation, eek. I apply the desired amount to my hands, thoroughly rub the product into my hands then beginning with my forehead and eye area, rub it in, then rub upward from my neck to remaining part of my face (a tip I learned from a wonderful spa). My face feels so smooth, hydrated and soft. Just in case you're wondering, yes, this is the same product I use on my hair for moisturizing as well as my body. I discovered this after hearing testimonies from a few of our wonderful Natty customers and low and behold, it works..For me!

SPECIAL TREATMENTS

MASK

Special Treats that I give my skin are masks and exfoliants. I love, love love this French Rose Clay mask from Evan Healy . Oh my oh my, it leaves my skin baby soft. I combine a tsp of the mask with 1/2 TSP of Bragg's ACV and 1/2 TSP of distilled water and apply to my damp face and neck. I leave the mask on for about 10 minutes and rinse. I follow up with my Toner and Moisturizer. I do this treatment once sometimes twice per week. The mask lasts a very very very long time, so you definitely get your money's worth.

SCRUB

Ooo La La, talk about a treat for the skin. I do an exfoliating scrub on my face at least once per week. I combine simple natural ingredients such as Raw Honey, Organic Brown Sugar and a few drops of lemon juice. Combine all ingredients and ,after cleansing, apply to my dampened face and neck in an upward circular motion for about 1 minute. Rinse. Follow up with my Toner and Moisturizer. Talk about smooth baby bottom skin. It gives my face a healthy glow due to the exfoliant removing dead skin cells. Again, it's all about simplicity. Few products, healthy ingredients.

Make Up Free Face:

When rocking a fresh face, sometimes, I will only enhance my brows and add some clear lip gloss. 

MAKEUP CITY FACE:

When rocking full makeup, I will add a bit of concealer to my under eye area to enhance the look of the eye, apply some powder, enhance my brows, add liner, play around with eyeshadow, add a dab of blush and mascara with a nude gloss lip.

POPULAR PRODUCT OF THE WEEK..10% OFF

You guessed it..Our Yummy Natty Butter was our Popular Product of the week last week. Our very first product of our Natty Natural line. So, for the week, our Natty Butter will be 10% off. 

What It Does:

Our wonderful Natty Butter, Infused with Ayurvedic herbs, beneficial oils and healthy natural butters, help to lock/seal in moisture for hair and skin.
*All of our products are crafted by hand using artisanal methods, so product may vary from batch to batch.

Key Factors:

Key Ingredients: 

Unrefined Shea Butter, Avocao Butter, Tamanu Oil

Free From:

Mineral Oil, Petroleum, Silicones, Parabens, Phthalates, PABA

POPULAR PRODUCT OF THE WEEK..10% OFF

That's right, our Natty ACV Hair and Scalp Mist took the lead in popularity this week!! So, for this week our Natty ACV Mist will be 10% off, yay!!

What it Does: 

Infused with Ayurvedic herbs, beneficial essential oils and Raw Apple Cider Vinegar, our ACV Mist helps to cleanse and protect the hair and scalp from buildup and helps to soothe itching and inflamed scalp. Helps to balance the ph in highly porous hair.

*All of our products are crafted by hand using artisanal methods, so product may vary from batch to batch.

Key Factors:

99% Natural

Key Ingredients: 

Raw Apple Cider Vinegar, Tea Tree Oil, Lavender 

Free Of: 

Phthalates, Sulfates, Mineral Oil, Petroleum, Parabens, PABA, Silicones

Who Can Use It:

Everyone from babies to the mature. For all hair types

How To Use:

• PRE CLEANSE CLARIFIER: Spray ACV Mist towards scalp. Massage into scalp using balls of fingers to loosen dirt, product buildup and debris. Follow up with your shampoo.
• AFTER CLEANSE SPRAY: Spray ACV Mist onto freshly shampooed and conditioned hair to help protect scalp and close the hair's cuticle, therefore minimizing frizz and aiding in shine.
• AFTER WORKOUT SPRAY: After a workout, spray ACV Mist toward scalp and massage in. After 30 minutes, hop in shower and rinse to clean away dirt, debris and buildup.
• LEAVE IN MOISTURIZER and SOOTHING SCALP SPRAY: Spray desired amount to re-hydrate hair. Follow up with your Natty Moist for extra moisture and Natty Butter to lock in moisture. Spray desired amount to soothe itching and/or inflamed scalp.

INGREDIENTS:

DISTILLED WATER: One of the best known waters for use on the hair, as it is free of microscopic bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa which are present in tap water. It is known as one of the purest forms of water due to the distillation process of freeing it of many of the minerals found in tap water, such as chlorine and fluoride, therefore allowing the hair to achieve softness.

RAW APPLE CIDER VINEGAR: Raw Apple Cider Vinegar is vinegar that is unfilter, unprocessed and undisturbed. So you are therefore able to receive direct benefits from the vinegar that are therefore removed in vinegars that are processed. Apple Cider vinegar aids in ridding the hair of mineral buildup, product buildup and bacteria and fungi found in tap water. It also aids in closing the hair cuticle, which allows the hair to sheen and feel soft and less frizzy. Apple Cider Vinegar also aids in healing the scalp of dry itchiness, flakiness and dandruff.

AYURVEDIC HERB BLEND:

• Aids in reducing hair loss.
• Aids in strengthening the hair to promote healthy full hair growth.
• Aids in ridding the hair of dandruff and psoriasis of the scalp.
• Helps restore sheen to hair that is dry and brittle.

ESSENTIAL OIL BLEND:

• Soothes and heals damaged scalp
• High in antioxidants, which is extremely beneficial in healthy hair and scalp
• Promotes healthy hair growth

FRIZZ..FRIZZ..FRIZZ..LET'S TALK ABOUT IT!

Greetings, Ladies and Gents, I pray all is well with everyone. Ok, so let's chat about a topic that I get oober questions on and I'm quite sure many of us have dealt with..FRIZZ!!! As always, I hope this topic will help shed some light on a popular topic not only in the natural hair community, but, well, almost every hair community.

FRIZZ...WHAT EXACTLY IS IT?

• I define it, in simple terms, flyaway hair that has been lifted from the normal curl, wave, or coil. It's the hair that, so to speak, 'goes against the grain of the masses.' What it is not, is  hair that is naturally curly, wavy or coily  paired next to a picture of the same person with straightened hair. It's where hair that normally clumps, waves  or coils fail to do so. You may also experience frizz when shorter pieces of hair separate from the normal curls, waves or coils. See my examples below of my hair when experiencing low and high frizz:

FRIZZ...WHAT CAUSES IT?

• Harsh handling of the hair (harsh combing, brushing or styling techniques)
• Improper or Lack of Moisture
• Dry Styling (styling hair that lacks moisture or that is not damp or wet)
• Humidity (especially when using stylers, moistrizers or leave ins containing humectants: glycerin, honey)
• Certain product ingredients (because humectants attract moisture to the hair it can cause swelling which causes the hair to dry and frizz. It's best to use products that contain humectants as leave ins during cooler months)
• Over manipulation and constant touching of the hair (guilty me!)

FRIZZ..WHAT CAN HELP?

• Go easy when styling the hair. When undoing styles such as twists for twist outs or braids for braid outs, be sure to coat hands lightly with a butter or oil to minimize frizz. 
• Check your ingredients and be mindful of humectants during warmer and hot months. If you do use products containing humectants, you can follow up by using anti humectants such as products or raw ingredients such as; shea butter, mango butter, castor oil, coconut oil, olive oil, to name a few.
• Try to eliminate excessive 'HIH' (Hand In Hair) Syndrome..that's a hard one for me too
• Keep hair moisturized. Check out my step by step on a moisturizing tip that has helped me and many naturals keep our tresses properly moisturized.

Remoisturizing old hair in 5 simple steps

Step 1: grab your favorite moisturizer (leave in conditioner, moisturizing cream, spray mist, water). I alternate between my Natty Moist and Natty ACV Mist as my moisturizer of choice.

Step 2 - 3: Working in sections (if the hair is long enough) apply moisturizer to your hair making sure to coat each strand. Then apply an oil, butter or your Natty Butter to seal/lock in moisture.

Step 3: be sure to moisturize your edges and ends as well. They can become dry and brittle leading to breakage

Step 4: twist, braid or apply any protective style of your choice. Nice moisturized, sealed and protected hair. I wear my hair in this manner throughout the week allowing me to retain moisture, minimize breakage and retain length due to its low manipulation.

Step 5: cover and protect at night with a silk or satin scarf, bonnet or pillowcase.

Step 6: When unraveling for styling, be sure to apply some butter or oil to your hair to undo any style. This way, you minimize the amount of frizz and friction caused. AND, as a bonus, you may get a few days worthy of rocking your favorite style!

Natty products available at NattyNatural

My Tresses

For the most part, I experience low frizz by following my moisturizing routine, using products with great ingredients and practicing low manipulation styles. Keep in mind, though, even keeping hair in protective styles such as braids and twists for a long period of time can create not only frizz but the potential for the hair to 'loc'. As mentioned above, I make sure when unraveling my twists, I apply my Natty Butter onto my hands, rub in to melt, then unravel my twists or braids for a great twist out. I also keep my ends nice and moisturized and trimmed. So, again, I hope this helps..Have a Happy Natty Day!!