In case u were wondering how to care for natural hair:-) Enjoy:-)

5 ways to prevent getting that extra thickness/fatness over the holidays:)

5 ways to prevent holdiay buldge

Its that time of the year guys. Families are gathering together. Lights are shining. Kitchens are being filled with the sweet aromas of turkeys, dressings, and grandma's sweet potatoe pie. Another not so welcoming event of the holidays are those lovely pounds that creep up around this time and never seeem to really leave after all the festivities are over. Below are 10 ways that help prevent some of the holiday thickness. I hope you enjoy:)

Tip 5

Try eating a healthy breakfast in the morning to prevent holiday binging all together. Many of us try to "save room" only to over compensate over the holiday weekend and beyond.  If we start the day off right we can eat more reasonably throughout the day.

Tip 4

Try to limit house vists to about two. If at all possible try to host the holiday event at your place. That way you can avoid the temptation of over eating just beacuse you have five houses to visit and you don't want to be rude.

Tip 3

Try limiting your refills, or get a smaller plate to limit portions. I know that may seem impossible but try it. No one said you can't induldge in all your favorite holiday meals.... moderation is key:)

Tip 2

If you can't limit how much your eating...try to alter what your eating. If you start filling that plate with the fruit tray and grandma's collard greens first...you can tack on the good stuff too in moderation without feeling so bad:). I try to have a huge plate of green, a salad , friut and anything else healty first. Then I add my lean meats like trukey breast,  and then if there is any room left the dresing and the mac and cheese:)

Tip 1

No leftover rule. Ok we alll can have room to indulge at leat one day a month on whatever we want so lets make it FOR ONE DAY ONLY. Leave those take home plates. Enjoy the day and start fresh the next with healthy eating and excercise. :)


I hope my little tidbits can help you enjoy those holiday months a little healthier, slimmer and happier:) I'm M Kyles and I'm out!!!:)

OOh my ole school naturals tha Ojay's :) Climbing up the stairway to heaven naturally;)

HOME REMEDIES FOR A STUFFY NOSE

 Ok guys we've all had our battle with the sniffles. Here are some remedies that I have tried to easy that I CAN"T BREATHE DANG IT!! BLUES:)

1)Home made Saline nose solution

Materials
Clean empty water bottle with squirt nozzel.
salt
warm watter

Procedure
Pour two cups of warm water into water bottle. Mix in 2 to 3 tablespoons of salt . Close one nostril and squirt a small amount of mixture into nose. Repeat on other nostril. blow nose

2) Humidifier
  Get one:) Help moisturizer air and to help you breathe a little easier.

3) SPICY FOODS
Pungent foods work well too. They are said to be natural decongestants

4) STAY HYDRATED
This is said to help thin out mucus , possibly making it easier to sniff out that nose of yours.

I hope this article helps all you unhappy noses out there. This is M Kyles Signing out!!!

disclaimer: By no way is Kyles Natural A doctor. Please see your physician for serious illness. This information is meant for entertainment purposes only. PLEASE DO NOT TRY IF YOU ARE ALLERGIC TO ANYTHING MENTION IN THIS ARTICLE.

Ok lets add some more old school male energy in here with tha legends Earth Wind and Fire:) Gone head boogie natually ya'll:)

REAL PEOPLE REAL ANSWERS EDITION 17

A DAY IN THE LIFE

“Living Naturally You”

Real People Real Answers

  

What’s your name?

NaSchelle Simmons

 How old are you?

Twenty-fine!!! (29) LOL
 

   Where are you from?

Born and raised in Florida, lived in Indiana, now reside in Chicago!
 


  What is your occupation?

Brow Tech Extraordinaire! www.styleseat.com/Eyegasms
 


  How would you describe yourself?

I describe myself as "hood chic" I love the best of both worlds! I'm a classy yet educated orange soda fried chicken eating diva!

 





 When did you first decide to become natural?
I decided to become natural in March of 2010. I literally just woke up one day and thought, "why not?!"


 If there was one word to describe your style what would it be?


See above in "how would you describe yourself".


 Who are some people that inspire you the most?

People that inspire me are the Black elders around me. They fought long hard battles just to be able to freely do things we do & take for granted everyday in this country. How dare I not reap the benefits of their struggles.



What do you want to be when you grow up?

When I grow up I want to be an awesome woman of God first, wife and mother second, and successful woman on my own merit third.



What advice would you give to others who wanted to go natural or live a more natural based lifestyle?



Advice I'd give people thinking of going natural is "aint nothing to it but to do it!" If you don't like it whats the worse that can happen, you'll just slap a relaxer back in it. But... I guarantee you wont! You hear TONS of relaxed women saying "I'm thinking of going natural" but how many naturals have you heard say "I'm thinking of going back to a relaxer" Dont worry, I'll wait. LOL.

 What’s your favorite quote?


My favorite quote is "if you gonna pray don't worry, and if you're gonna worry, don't pray..."

I love her locs and her pipe cleaner curls:) You go girl!!!!

Great Natural Leave in Conditioner Anyone can make:)

 GREAT LEAVE IN CONDITIONER ANYONE CAN USE:)

 Ingredients/ Materials
Spray bottle ( must hold 2 cups of liquid min)

Purified water (2cups)
Aloe Vera Juice (1/2 cup)
Coconut oil (1 tbsp melted)
Drainage from one can of Coconut milk
Lime Juice ( 10 drops/squirts)
Vitamin E Capsules ( use 5)
Vegetable Glycerin (2 tablespoons)
Tea tree essential oil (20 drops)
Thyme essential oil (20 drops)

Mix all ingredients in spray bottle and ENJOY your very own natural leave in conditioner:)

Man we miss ya Mike... Don't blame it on the alcohol...Blame it on tha boogie:) Ole school naturals at their best:)

REAL PEOPLE REAL ANSWERS MEN'S EDITION 10

A DAY IN THE LIFE

“Living Naturally You”

Real People Real Answers

 

Photo by

Nicole Battle

 

 What’s your name?

Ajani Sekou.



 How old are you?
42.


 Where are you from?
Richmond Va.


What is your occupation?
Frontman for HBNS (Funk/Rock band) and Natural Hair Care Specialst at Delux Gallery Salon in BK, NY

Photo by

Nicole Battle

 How would you describe yourself?
I am A Passionate Creative Free Man!

 When did you first decide to grow locs?
My first attempt at startng locs was back in '96. I didn't have the patients at all. Couldn't take the fuzz, the itch none of that sh@%. Then shorty started me off wth bees wax (WTF). Couldn't take it. When I found out me and my then wife was pregnant, well I went in. That was over ten years ago. I have then chopped that set and started over 3 yrs ago. I'm having a ball with this set of locs.



If there was one word to describe your style what would it be?
ROCK STAR!!

 Who are some people that inspire you the most?
Some Of the people who inspire me: My Parents, Prince, Bruce Lee, Jimi Hendrix, Betty Davis, and Single Moms that do the damn thing!



 What do you want to be when you grow up?
I have always wanted to be a ROCSTAR!.

What advice would you give to others who wanted embrace their individuality ?
F%$K what you heard, Do what you Feel. And Believe In It!




What’s your favorite quote?

Stand strong Like Mountain, and flow like river

..

Im in hair envy paradise:)

LETS HEAR IT FOR MS KOKU GONZA !!! SHE'S DEFINATELY SOMEONE TO BE ON THE LOOKOUT FOR:)

SOULFULLY RISING

“Living Naturally You”

Artist Appreciation

New Natural Stars on the Rise 

Photo by Geraldine Rodriguez.

What is your name ?

Koku Gonza 

Why have you decided to promote the natural lifestyle? 
I love showing the true side of beauty without any additives. When I am in my natural state I feel more comfortable as opposed to a perm, pounds of make up or even extremely high heels. All of those things are considered to bring about a certain sex appeal, however, I like to thrive on my natural beauty.

How would you describe your style?
Elegant, Funky, Simple and Eclectic

Photo By Tony Smith

 Who are some people that inspire you most?
Ella Fitzgerald, Roy Ayres, Flora Purim, Van Hunt, Al Green, Wes Montgomery, Prince. 

 When did you start performing and in what city?
I started performing in Church in a small town south of Indianapolis called Terre Haute.

What is the general mission of your music?
I want to educate people and connect people through music. I have a track entitled "ONE" on my CD that displays this concept.


What are some of your accomplishments and describe in detail some of your most recent performances?
I have shared the stage with Roy Ayers, Yahzarah, Anthony David & Matthew Santos. I just released my first full length/self produced album entitled Radiozophrenic. My most recent performance was at the Silver Room Block Party in Chicago. World music and femaie artistry was in full affect! My band consisted of a drummer, keyboard player and percussionist. The drummer and keyboard player are twin sisters, Liza and Dina MIcelli. The phenomenal percussionist was Chris Paquette and of course I held down guitar and vocals. We performed my original songs of in the genre of world and pop music. We kept people dancing to our beat!


9. Where can we find your music?
www.kokugonza.com

10. What advice would you give to others who wanted to go natural or live a more natural based lifestyle?
Do what you naturally would do without any assistance. Create as much as you can from scratch! You are the builder of your own home, what you put in it is how you will live with it.


11. What's your favorite quote?
You only live once, act like it.

PLEASE SUPPORT THIS FANTASTIC NATURAL ARTIST BY CLICKING ON THE LINKS BELOW:)


  Website: www.kokugonza.com
  Twitter :gogokoku
  Fan Page :http://www.facebook.com/pages/Koku-Gonza

HOME REMEDIES FOR ANXIETY FOR ALL YOU WORRIERS OUT THERE;) Food and Herb Edition

Home Remedy Treatments for Anxiety

 

While a certain amount of anxiety will creep into everyone's life, there are some easy home remedies you can use to help your body relax.

Home Remedies From the Cupboard

 

Almonds. Soak 10 raw almonds overnight in water to soften, then peel off the skins. Put almonds in blender with 1 cup warm milk, a pinch of ginger, and a pinch of nutmeg. Drink at night to help you relax before going to bed.

Baking soda. Add 1/3 cup baking soda and 1/3 cup ginger to a nice warm bath. Soak in the tub for 15 minutes to relieve tension and anxiety.

Oil. Sesame oil is great, but sunflower, coconut, or corn oil will work, too. For a wonderful, anxiety-busting massage, heat 6 ounces oil until warm, not hot. Rub over entire body, including your scalp and the bottoms of your feet. Use the oil as a massage before the morning bath to calm you down for the day's activities. If anxiety is keeping you awake, try using it before you go to bed, too.

Home Remedies From the Refrigerator

Celery. Eat 2 cups celery, onions, or a mixture of the two, raw or cooked, with your meals for a week or two. Both vegetables contain large amounts of potassium and folic acid, deficiencies of which can cause nervousness.

Onion. See celery, above.

Orange. The aroma of an orange is known to reduce anxiety. All you have to do to get the benefits is peel an orange and inhale. You can also drop the peel into a small pan or potpourri burner. Cover with water and simmer. When heated, the orange peel will release its fragrant and calming oil.

Orange juice. For a racing heart rate associated with anxiety, stir 1 teaspoon honey and a pinch of nutmeg into 1 cup orange juice and drink.

Home Remedies From the Spice Rack

Rosemary. Used in the Middle Ages to ward off "evil spirits," rosemary has a calming effect on the nerves. Make a tea by adding 1 to 2 teaspoons of the dried herb to 1 cup boiling water; steep for 10 minutes, then drink. Inhaling rosemary can be relaxing, too. Burning rosemary incents can also ease anxiety.

Not every remedy works for everyone but all are worth a try to beat the worry blues NATURALLY;)


M Kyles Signing Out:)

REAL PEOPLE REAL ANSWERS EDITION 16

A DAY IN THE LIFE

“Living Naturally You”

Real People Real Answers

What’s your name?
Ashton Janae Terry

How old are you?
17

Where are you from?

Originally from Detroit but I reside in Miami, Fl

 What is your occupation?
Student/Artist/Entrepreneur

How would you describe yourself?
Intelligent, trustworthy, but silly at times

 When did you first decide to become natural?
I was natural most of my life, but I had a perm for a few years. I did my big chop in May 2009.

 If there was one word to describe your style what would it be?

Bohemian

Who are some people that inspire you the most?
Thierry Baptiste, Lena Horne, My Mother, and My Grandmother.

What do you want to be when you grow up?
I want to wear many hats. I want to educate young children in the arts, I want to run my own business selling my artwork and etc., and I want to educate women and men of color on their natural hair.

What advice would you give to others who wanted to go natural or live a more natural based lifestyle?
Patience. Patience is key.



 What’s your favorite quote?

Ars longa vita brevis (Latin for "Art is long, life is brief")

CHECK OUT THE FOUNDER OF "GIRLS WITH DREADS ARE HOT " HERE !!!
http://www.facebook.com/groups/girlydreads/

This Is a reall cute Profesional Updo for ALL YOU CURLY AFRO PUFFS OUT THERE:)

Sorry guys had to repost HAIR ENVY!!!!

REAL PEOPLE REAL ANSWERS MEN'S EDITION 9

A DAY IN THE LIFE

“Living Naturally You”

Real People Real Answers

 

 

 

 What’s your name?

 

Jamarriss Lamont Shorty

 

 How old are you?

 

  24

 

Where are you from?

 

New Orleans, La.

 

 What is your occupation?

 

Yayyyy!! I am now a receptionist at Salon, even though it may knot be the ideal salon it's some form of exposure to art, hair, make-up and FASHION!!!

 

How would you describe yourself?

 

 Hmm, very forgiving, sincere, and quite loving and humble..But I try to love and live each day as if it were my last..

 

 

 When did you first start growing your locs?

 

.Hmm well I always had long hair ( a kinky fro would be the most i would go ) But I would honestly say the September 2004

 

If there was one word to describe your style what would it be?

 

I would definitely say ''Majestic"

 

 

 Who are some people that inspire you the most?

 

God is my up most inspiration.. I do look to him for alot of things because I would knot be here to share this story if it wasn't him.. But in my life I would say my mom, and fiance' and my new lil baby on the way!! *YAYYYYY* so excited by the way.:)

 

What do you want to be when you grow up?

 

I wanna be someone's dream.. I want my life to be their muse..their inspiration.. But a stay at home dad would be nice... Lol, hehehehehe

 

 What advice would you give to others who wanted embrace their individuality ?

 

 

 

Love and be yourself first..Then the rest of life will fall into place.

What’s your favorite quote?

Friendship with ones self is all important, because without it one cannot be friends with anyone else in the world. -Eleanor Roosevelt


Bonus question: Because most black men's hair is in its natural state do you think when it comes to self expression it is easier for them to stay true to their "roots" What do you think about women and natural hair?

I think women and natural hair is the greatest things since the formation of woman herself.. Point blank

NATURAL LIP STAIN RECIPES!!!! YAY TIMES TWO!!!:)

 HOME MADE LIP STAINS

Not all people are huge fans of lipstick..but a cool middle ground may be a  inexpensive home made lip stain. All the color none of the mess right from your kitchen:)

1. Kool-Aid 

   

    

   Though not the most natural lip stain choice, Kool-Aid is simple and inexpensive, offering several color choices, including violet, berry, and various reds. To use, simply mix a packet of Kool-Aid with enough water to form a paste. Apply using a cotton swab or lip brush, taking care not to stain outside the lip line. Leave the paste on the lips for three to five minutes to allow it to absorb, then remove the excess with a wet tissue, or lick the residue away. (A word of warning: licking unsweetened Kool-Aid from your lips is not as tasty as you might imagine.) To add a bit of glossiness to the look, top with petroleum jelly, beeswax or your favorite lip balm.

   Beets 

   

    

   For a more natural option free of artificial dyes, Janice Cox, author of "The Herb Companion," suggests this recipe using dried beet root. Melt two tablespoons of sunflower oil and one tablespoon of grated beeswax in a microwave or saucepan. Though the mixture may separate at first, it will congeal as it cools. Gradually add beet powder and mix until you've attained your desired shade, which may take anywhere from 1/8 to a full teaspoon. With this recipe, you should be able to create shades ranging from pale pink to deep red. It makes approximately an ounce of lip stain.

   
   Variations on this recipe include applying juice from canned or mashed beets directly to your lips with a lip brush or cotton swab. Let the juice absorb for three to five minutes before blotting away the excess. As with Kool-Aid, take great care not to apply outside the lip line, as beet juice can stain quickly and be difficult to remove. For a natural, glossy look, top with beeswax or aloe vera gel mixed with a bit of vitamin E oil.
   

   Berries 

   

    

   Other natural lip stain options include fresh berry juice collected from cherries, strawberries or raspberries. Either apply these juices directly to your lips or mix with beeswax or petroleum jelly for a glossier look and feel.

I LOVE ALL THE OLE SCHOOL NATURALS ON THIS VID AND I LOVE SETIVE WONDER AND THIS SONG EVEN MORE!!!:)

WE GOT FEATURED IN VOICE MAGAZINE YAY!!!!

 WE GOT FEATURED IN VOICE MAGAZINE :)

CHECK US OUT IN AN EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW ON PAGE 135 and 144 :)

Open publication - Free publishing - More black news

REAL PEOPLE REAL ANSWERS EDITION 15

• 
  

  A DAY IN THE LIFE

  “Living Naturally You”

  Real People Real Answers

  

  
  
   What’s your name?
  
  Sherita King
  How old are you?
  
  I am 30yrs Old
  Where are you from?
  
  I was born in Rome, GA but currently reside in Greenville, SC
   What is your occupation?
  I am the Owner of Sherita's Hair Temple that is currently home based so I can take care of my 4yr old daughter.
   How would you describe yourself? 
  I would describe myself as down to earth, quiet, treat others with respect, love my family and number one love the Lord with all my heart soul and mind and don't mind sharing His Word with anyone!
  When did you first decide to become natural?
  I actually wanted to be natural a long time ago! But I felt like alot of relaxed girls feel, that I just couldn't do it! I would try then give up! But the main reason I wanted to be natural because I lost my mom almost 8yrs ago due to cancer and it caused me to do alot of research on products out here that were filled with toxins but I never acted upon it until 1 year ago June 1 2010. Which is my Natural-Toxin-free-Versary!
  
  If there was one word to describe your style what would it be?
  I would say glam-chic
  
   Who are some people that inspire you the most? 
  Who inspire me the most is ofcourse Jesus Christ! The things He did for us and is still doing for us makes me want to live a better life for Him, give to others and show love and compassion towards others. The other person who inspire me was my mom because she was a great example of a Christian and I have learned so much from her.
   What do you want to be when you grow up?
  When I grow up I want to be a successful business owner. I want to have my own organization catering to woman of all age, size and race providing them with naturally treated wigs and hairpieces to help them deal with the different types of ailments such as cancer.
   What advice would you give to others who wanted to go natural or live a more natural based lifestyle?
  The advice I would tell them is to find out why it's best to go natural and live a more natural lifestyle. Research your ingredients. Alot of the products sitting on our selves are filled with toxins! Especially the relaxer. Alot of these products are cancerous, toxin and mutagenic. So mixing these products with other products are causing a toxin soup on your hair, scalp and skin. So they would know going natural and living a more natural lifestyle will save your life! I would also let them know they also need to embrace who they are as a child of God so the process can be easier!
   What’s your favorite quote?
  Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek His will in all you do, and He shall direct your path.
  
  and Matthew 7:7 Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:
  

5 ways to fight Depression Naturally (Vitamin and Herb edition)

 5 Ways to Fight Depression Naturally

Everyone gets a little down sometimes. Below are some herbs and actions we can all take to help us stay out the sadness slump. Each item can be found at your local health food / vitamin store.





1. Exercise

Aerobic activity boosts the body’s natural pain-relief system, which can relieve depression as effectively as anti-depressant pills. Regular exercise works to fight depression by stimulating the release of norepinephrine, a neurotransmitter that affects mood. Exercise also works to boost levels of endorphins, the chemicals that are responsible for what’s known as the “runner’s high.” To make this work, you need to do a minimum of 20 minutes of aerobic exercise three times a week.

2. Vitamins

More than 35% of people who suffer from depression are nutritionally deficient in folic acid and B-vitamins. Ward off the blues by eating food rich in vitamin B-6, such as chicken and potatoes. B-vitamins, particularly B-1, B-2, and B-3 work by converting the carbohydrates into energy, while B-6 helps release mood-enhancing brain chemicals. Vitamin B-12 keeps the body’s whole nervous system in shape. Take B-complex vitamins and 400mcg of folic acid daily.

3. Essential fatty acids

Studies reveal that omega-3 oils, essential fatty acids found in flax seed and deep-se fish, fight depression. Omega-3 oils keep nerve cell membranes healthy, so they can absorb the mood-boosting neurotransmitters dopamine and serotonin. Unhealthy nerve cell membranes keep the brain from processing these neurotransmitters. Take 1 tablespoon of flax-seed oil or 5 oz. of deep-sea fish daily.

4. 5-HTP

Extracted from the seed of an African plant, 5-HTP is an essential building block of serotonin. A Swiss study compared 5-HTP with fluvoxamine, an antidepressant similar to Prozac, and found 5-HTP to be more effective. 5-HTP works by being converted directly into the serotonin in the brain, and helps boost endorphins and other neurotransmitters that reduce depression. To fight depression, the suggested intake is 50mg and 100mg three times daily.

5. St. John’s Wort

Nature has its own Prozac in the form of hypericum perforatum, also known as St. John’s wort. Clinical studies have proven that it has fewer side effects than Prozac. Hypericum slows the breakdown of serotonin in the brain, which helps maintain the proper chemical balance that is needed in order to combat depression. The suggested intake is 300mg (0.3% hypericin content) three times daily.

REAL PEOPLE REAL ANSWERS : MEN'S EDITION 8

A DAY IN THE LIFE

“Living Naturally You”

Real People Real Answers

 

 

 What’s your name? 

 Justin Ifill-Forbes, long I know lol

How old are you? 

27.. sounds scary when you realize why you have gray hairs coming in

 Where are you from?

  Brooklyn, NY .. my family is Bajan and Jamaican

 What is your occupation? 

 These days in this economy, you need more than one stream of income, professional photographer/AT&T rep/Licensed bartender

 How would you describe yourself? 

 Laid back, funny, spontaneous kinda guy who's always looking for the next photo
* (there was no number 6 lol)

If there was one word to describe your style what would it be? 
My clothing style.. Comfortable.. oxford shirts, fitted shorts, boat shoes/Toms … my photo shooting style.. changes daily.. I refuse to be stuck in one direction with my art.

Who are some people that inspire you the most? 

Sebastiao Salgado and Annie Leibovitz… truly inspiring work…

What do you want to be when you grow up?

  A photographer, whether as a bum on the street or a successful world known photographer.. I'll always have a camera in my hand lol

 What advice would you give to others who wanted embrace their individuality? 

The hardest step is actually becoming an "individual", rather than being a follower.. society, family, and friends play a huge part on decisions we make.. whether it be life choices, the religion you choose to follow, what your love interest "should" be… its all influenced and in some situations chosen for you! But… when you can say I'm going to do this particular thing, at this particular moment.. regardless of fear of the unknown result, regardless of judgement from others... to have that courage... you've won the battle and you can go forward knowing that this result happened because of "MY" choice.. good or bad.  Thats a victory in my opinion.

What’s your favorite quote? 

 Something I've been saying for years when I embraced my own individuality that has become my mantra… WAKE UP AND EVOLVE! … people become stagnant and comfortable with their daily routine that they forget to embrace life for what it offers

 

HERE IS SOME OF JUSTIN'S WORK!!!

Photo 1

 

 Photo 2

 Photo 3