Thanks to my mentor Louise Reid Ritchie for introducing me to this e-book by Linda Jones called, “Snap Backs! Verbal ammunition for those who ‘dis your do!”

Total worth the 99 cents!

Description:

“Those who have naturally kinky hair textures and wear African-inspired styles, will enjoy this arsenal of witty little retorts to be used when anyone makes ignorant comments about their hairstyle choice. Neutralize verbal attacks with a clever snap back!”

Here are some clever come backs:

Insult: What happened to your ‘good’ hair?

Snap back: It got better.

Insult: You are not going out with me with your hair looking like that?!

Snap back: Does beauty bother you?

Click here to purchase “Snap Backs! Verbal Ammunition for those who ‘dis your do.”

Headline photo courtesy: Nastassia Davis

Meet our newest sponsor NYR Organic!

NewNaturalista: Tell us how NYR Organic began?

Pauline NYR Organic: Long before green was fashionable, Neal’s Yard Remedies opened its  first shop in 1981 in the heart of London’s Convent Garden. It’s still there today, as is the company’s original mission: To encourage a more natural, holistic way of health, beauty and well being. NYR Organic is the exclusive distributor of Neal’s Yard Remedies products in America and it began in 2009.

NN: What can customers expect from your company/products?

NYR: If you’re interested in learning more about luxurious and effective health and beauty products that are good for you and for the planet, then you’ve come to the right place! Neal’s Yard Remedies has a delightful array of organic products – the perfect fusion of nature and state-of-the-art green science.

Neal’s Yard Remedies was the first Soil Association-certified organic health and beauty company in the UK. We also use ingredients certified organic by the USDA. All NYR Organic products are 100% vegetarian, many are vegan and none are tested on animals. NYR Organic offers fabulous, certified organic beauty products at a time when more consumers are becoming aware of the benefits of going organic. NYR offers you pure beauty that is good for you and for the planet! Choosing NYR Organic means you’ll have the best nature has to offer.

We believe in safe cosmetics.

Check out more of NYR Organic here

From The Natural Haven:

Let me start by introducing a new concept about hair. The cortex (the inner layer responsible for the strength of hair) is usually shown as one unit but actually consists of several fibres (known as fibrils) which are neatly and tightly packed together. (See diagram below).

Relaxers (i.e chemical hair straighteners) are grouped into two main groups

1. Lye relaxers (contain high concentration of sodium hydroxide)

2. No-lye relaxers (contain high concentration of guanidine hydroxide)

Both of these relaxers work in the same way, lye relaxers tend to be harder to handle but are thought to be more effective than no-lye relaxers. These relaxers do have a high pH but pH is not the reason why hair gets relaxed. In fact if you reduced the concentration of the relaxer to about 1/10, it would still have a pH of 13 but it would not relax hair.

The two main factors (J Soc Cosmet Chem, pg 347-352, 1994) that cause hair to be relaxed are:

1. Swelling of the cortex which happens when the relaxer separates the bonds within the proteins of the fibrils (see the diagram below)

2. A process known as supercontraction where the broken bonds essentially realign themselves into a configuration that allows the hair to be straight instead of curly.

The effect of the relaxer is permanent but variable.

Hair is very individual (are you tired of hearing that? lol). Different people will have different degrees of straightness. Yes, straight hair can be relaxed too.

The effect of the relaxer is permanent. Reverting of the relaxer which is often reported is related to the true effect of the relaxer. Often after relaxing additional heat treatments are needed to produce the final ‘poker’ straight result. This will mask the true effect of the relaxer which can produce a range of results from nearly no discernible difference to the originial, to curly hair to super straight hair.

Relaxers damage hair in two main ways

1. The cortex of the hair is significantly weakened due to expansion and bond breaking. The strength of relaxed hair is around 30-50% less than untreated hair. Meaning relaxed hair if pulled will break with half the force required to break untreated hair. (Cosmetic and Toileteries Magazine, Vol. 117, No. 11, 2002)

2. The cuticle is damaged by lifting (which can also break/chip or tear the cuticle). This has two effects. First and increase in porosity – meaning the hair can take up more water and hence expand even more(Cosmetic and Toileteries Magazine, Vol. 117, No. 11, 2002). Second the oil layers of the cuticle are disrupted. This is thought to contribute to the weakness of the hair cuticle in relaxed hair. (Int. J of Cosmetic Science, pg 1-12, 2002).

Mitigating Hair Damage due to relaxing

1. Thorough washing off of the relaxer after application (15 minutes with shampoo at least 3 times, more if possible)

2. Hair conditioning to help smooth the cuticle

3. Ceramides are the new in thing. Ceramides are a component of the cuticle oil (See the previous diagram). When used as a leave in product they are thought to help strengthen hair. Replacing the oil on hair with any type of oil not just ceramides may be just as effective.

4. Minimize tension on hair, relaxed hair is weak.

5. Relaxed hair should not have another chemical process applied. This means no permanent hair color.

General notes about relaxing

1. Relaxing is potentially dangerous. The chemicals involved and their concentrations are at a level where there is chance of causing permanent injury. Respect the chemicals involved.

2. Hair in the scalp is not known to be affected by relaxing. This is the reason why retouching the hair is necessary. Retouching is the process of applying relaxer to new growth usually done after 2 months or more. It is not recommended to apply relaxer to already relaxed hair.

3. As a precautionary measure many people apply oil on areas where they do not wish to relax hair or do not wish to get burned (like ears, forehead, neck etc). While this is a good measure, it is no substitute for being extremely cautious. The reason why many oven cleaners contain high concentrations of sodium hydroxide is because it is excellent for dissolving oils and proteins. Therefore if a relaxer lands on an exposed part of the body (we are made up of proteins and oils), do wipe it up quickly.

As a scientist, I tried very hard to be objective and just present information. My real advice is don’t do it – seriously, did you think I wouldn’t say it at some point? lol!!! All joking aside, I do think the decision to relax hair is important. It is important to consider that curly hair as it is needs gentle handling. Relaxing will damage hair and consequently keeping the hair in good condition requires a lot of investment in learning.

IF you are having a difficult time with relaxed hair and want to know more on how to maintain it, then I will refer you to one of the relaxed hair gurus Sunshyne over at Hairlicious. Trust me, you don’t want to ask me any questions, my relaxed hair way back when, was simply atrocious!

A new natural hair e-book is on the horizon -

What’s It About? Here’s a description by author Myla Sweet:

“Thinking about going natural? Already did the big chop? Need to see be inspired to see hair and beauty in a new light? Simply put, the day I decided to grow my perm out was the day I realized the opposition facing a “natural girl” in a superficial world. In this book I’ll not only share my experiences regarding “natural hair” perceptions but leave you ready to embark on the “new you”. You’ll be encouraged in no time to discover how gorgeous you and your hair are!”

Release Date: October 1st. Click here for more info.

A piping hot bowl of tomato soup with a toasty grilled cheese sandwich is one of my all time favorite food combinations! So when my husband sent me this recipe by the Smitten Kitchen I immediately put it on our dinner list.

Courtesy: Smitten Kitchen

The Smitten Kitchen made soup from scratch with roasted tomatoes, onion and garlic. I bought ready made soup for our recipe. (Don’t judge!)

Courtesy: Smitten Kitchen

Ingredients:

• Tomato soup (roasted made from scratch or store bought)
• Grated Cheddar Cheese
• French Bread

Courtesy: Smitten Kitchen

Directions

• Preheat oven to 350.
• Arrange four ovenproof soup bowls, crocks or large mugs on a large, foil-lined baking sheet.
• Pour in warm soup
• Divide grated cheese generously over top. (If you’re using a wide bowl, you might find that you want more cheese to create a thick, broiled lid.)
• Bake soups on tray for 15 to 20 minutes, until cheese on top is bubbling and brown at the edges. If you’d like it even more bronzed on top, preheat your broiler and finish soups for a minute or two under it.
• Serve immediately.

We added a bit of french bread on the side. Yum, yum!

Courtesy: Smitten Kitchen

Regis Philbin said it best.

For me, Sweet ‘N Low just has that certain zip, that zing! that no other sweetener (not even sugar) can give me. I have it so bad I carry packets in my purse!

I’ve read all the headlines, I understand the risks associated with saccharin. The problem is I just haven’t been able to find an alternative that gives me that zip!

I’m willing to try a few natural alternatives  - here are a few on my list:

Natural Sweetener Alternatives

Agave Nectar

Agave is natural sweetener similar to honey and commercially produced in Mexico. It has gained a lot of traction lately because of its health benefits – some say agave aids in weight loss and can even heal wounds! There’s some bittersweet news however – there’s been debate recently on whether this sweetener’s high fructose content is good for us.

Date Sugar

Date sugar is not actually a sugar, but finely ground dates. It’s often used to replace sugar. It’s said to be really sweet but it’s doesn’t dissolve well in drinks – it’s best used for baking.

Honey

Maple Syrup

Molasses

We did it again!

NewNaturalista and The Organic Beauty Vixen teamed up for the second Kinks, Curls & Cocktails meetup last night at Island Soul in Seattle. All I can say is WOW! The women were so beautiful, inside and out. We had a wonderful time over drinks, laughing and connecting. The whole experience showcased the true definition of sisterhood!

Organic Beauty Vixen Sherrell Dorsey & NewNaturalista Tonya Mosley

Brianne, Safiyyah, Zabrina

Jeani & Andrea

Shawn!

Shantau!

Sherrell & Stacy

Jeani doesn't use ANY product in her hair! It's beautiful!

Zabrina rockin' the sisterlocs!

Andrea doesn't use product either - she really does wash and go!

Lloryn! (I heart her hair!)

Join Us Next Month!

What does it mean to be a “locavore?” It’s pretty simple really – the idea is to eat what is locally grown. I’m a sucker for bananas any time of the year – but let’s be real I know they likely come from South America. I’m opting instead for locally sourced fruits and veggies – take this neat list compiled by CravenMaven on your next visit to the grocery store.

August/September

East Coast

Northern States: Apples / Beets / Blueberries / Broccoli / Cabbage / Cantaloupes / Carrots / Cauliflower / Celery / Cucumbers / Eggplant / Mushrooms / Nectarines / Onions / Peaches / Peas / Potatoes / Radishes / Rhubarb / Snap Peas / Squash / Strawberries / Tomatoes / Turnips / Watermelon

Southern States: Advocado / Asian Pear / Beets / Blackberries / Cabbage / Cucumber / Eggplant / Grapes / Mushrooms / Nectarines / Okra / Onions / Peas / Snap Peas / Squash / Sweet Potatoes / Tomatoes / Watermelon / Zucchini

West Coast

Northern States: Apples / Apricots / Asian Pear / Beets / Blackberries / Blueberries / Broccoli / Cabbage / Carrots / Cantaloupes / Cauliflower / Celery / Cherries / Corn / Cucumbers / Eggplant / Mushrooms / Nectarines / Onions / Peaches / Pears / Peas / Potatoes / Radishes / Raspberries / Rutabaga / Snap Peas / Spinach / Squash / Strawberries / Tomatoes / Turnips

Southern States: Apples / Apricots / Asian Pears / Asparagus / Advocados / Beets / Broccoli / Brussel Sprouts / Cabbage / Carrots / Cauliflower / Celery / Cherries / Cucumber / Eggplant / Fennel / Grapefruit / Grape / Mushrooms / Nectarines / Okra / Onions / Oranges / Peaches / Pears / Peas / Pistachios / Radishes / Potatoes / Radishes / Raspberries / Rhubarb / Scallions / Snap Peas / Squash / Strawberries / Tomatoes / Turnips

Midwest

Check out photos of our first ever NewNaturalista meetup in Seattle! We had a wonderful time over some pretty strong cocktails and appetizers.

Re-Public Restaurant in Westlake probably never had such beauty grace the restaurant! We poured over our love of natural hair – some of the challenges we face – and the fabulous ways we care for our hair. We also learned some very important things about each other like:

1. Yes, you can touch our hair – if you ask first

2. The natural hair community is growing here in the Northwest

3. We need to do this more often!

Stay tuned for our next event!

The Beautiful Duo - Jeani & Patsy

OrganicBeautyVixen Founder Sharrell & Quin (she won the Huetiful Hair Steamer at our last event - check out her curls!)

Andrea, Shawn, Sherrell

The Hair!

Shawn, OrganicBeautyVixen - Sherrell, Quin, NewNaturalista - Tonya

Re-Public Restaurant August 10, 2011

Re-Public Restaurant, Seattle, August 10, 2011

I love soap…I love choosing it, smelling it and ultimately using it. Here’s one I’m looking forward to getting my hands on.

Source

SOAP WITH A MISSION

Sustain makes soap bars from 100% RSPO certified sustainable palm oil.

In Indonesia and Malaysia, over thirty square miles of wildlife-rich forest are being felled daily to make way for palm oil plantations. With such a devastating impact on animal habitats, many endangered species such as tigers, orangutans and even lizards are now on the verge of extinction.

Sustain offer three bars, the packaging showcases animals that are in danger of becoming extinct from unsustainable palm oil production.

The company says, “It may only be a little bar of soap, but using products that contain unsustainable palm oil has serious consequences for our planet. As the strapline says ‘Wash your hands of unsustainable palm oil’, you’ll not only have clean hands, but also a cleaner conscience.”

Check Sustain’s website here for more information on where you can purchase.