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Natural n Thick
Photographed by Tyler Mitchell, Vogue, 2018 

We all know how rare it is for Beyoncé, the Queen of everything (if you ask me), to give interviews or speak publicly on private matters.  We usually have to try to decipher her life through pictures, body language, and song lyrics... I'm looking at you, Lemonade.   That's why I am in total shock and glee that Beyoncé is gracing the September issue of VOGUE and she decided to give readers a glimpse into her life.  When Beyoncé covered Vogue Magazine in 2015, the magazine was unable to interview the powerhouse singer.  This time around, Beyoncé is sharing intimate details surrounding her pregnancy, body image, breaking down barriers, and much, much more in her own words.

BODY POSITIVITY

While I found the whole piece by Beyoncé moving and inspirational, I thought that  it was very important to highlight her thoughts and views regarding her body image.  Due to the nature of this blog and my own stance on body acceptance, I was especially pleased to see Queen Bey address this topic. 

 Beyoncé discusses how she tried to achieve the body that society deemed acceptable after giving birth to first-born, Blue Ivy.  She rushed to get back in top shape to fulfill the demands of society...  A society driven by social media, a society that is unforgiving to mothers that aren't able to "Snap Back". How many of us have felt that same pressure to lose baby weight as soon as humanly possible?

 Thankfully, Beyoncé has taken a different approach as it relates to the birth of twins, Rumi and Sir.  The chart-topping star, revealed that she had a difficult pregnancy, dealing with toxemia. Toxemia is a condition that affects around 5% of pregnant women, resulting in hypertension, swelling, leakage of large amounts of protein, and it could lead to dangerous complications for the woman and fetus. Because of her condition, Beyoncé weighed 218 pounds and had to have an emergency c-section. 

"I think it’s important for women and men to see and appreciate the beauty in their natural bodies."

-Beyoncé

Photographed by Tyler Mitchell, Vogue, 2018 

The effects of childbirth allowed Beyoncé to embrace her fuller figure. She recognizes the fullness in her arms and thighs; she has even accepted her "FUPA". Hopefully Beyoncé's statement on her body acceptance will hush the critics.  As recently as July 18, 2018, rumors have swirled that the singer was pregnant with her fourth child.  The rumors stemmed from those attending the European leg of the OTR II tour.  Pictures were plastered across the internet of Beyoncé with what appeared to be a small belly bump.  After attending the OTR II concert in Washington, DC; I can say that she did not look pregnant to me. She looked absolutely amazing and in great shape!  

 The media and even those that claim to love and adore us can sometimes have a negative impact on the way that we see ourselves.  I am glad that Beyoncé has made it clear that she knows what her body looks like and she is embracing every curve and every pound for the time being. 

FINAL THOUGHTS

This is the type of body positivity and body acceptance that I wish we all had.  It is easy for us to succumb to the pressures of society regarding our bodies and scrutinize every "flaw" that we have.  It takes a lot of strength and confidence to forgo the opinions of others and accept and embrace our curves (wherever they may be).  I think that if more female celebrities take a similar stance, we can shape the inner thoughts that women and young ladies have about themselves.  We would no longer feel obligated to subscribe to society's standard of beauty.  Hopefully Beyoncé's stance will inspire someone to feel free to love their natural body regardless of what others may say or think! 

To read the full VOGUE article, CLICK HERE


With the summer months in full effect, I know many people, including myself are looking for quick and easy ways to shed weight and get closer to that coveted hour glass figure.  On my quest to achieve a more a "snatched" waist, I decided that a body wrap was the way to go.

I had always heard about companies that sold ready made body wraps but I didn't feel comfortable with shelling out a lot of money for a product that may or MAY NOT work.  Because of this, I felt the urge to try to make my own body wrap... How hard could it be?

DIRECTIONS

I scoured the internet to find ingredients that promoted weight loss, that I could use for my body wrap.  After careful consideration, I decided on the ingredients listed below (links to the products mentioned will be included at the end of this post):



When I originally tried this recipe, I went a little overboard with the peppermint oil and it resulted in a strong tingling sensation.  I have tweaked the recipe to avoid that super strong sensation.  All of the ingredients listed are natural and aid in some way to our goal of snatching the waist. The peppermint oil helps to curb your appetite On another note, the Bentonite Clay is a key ingredient in this body wrap and let me tell you this is some awesome stuff.  The clay has so many different uses for your body, face, and hair. So even after you try this wrap, keep the clay to use for a nice facial, hair mask, or some other amazing pampering session.

RESULTS

I was very pleased with my results, as stated in the video below, I was able to drop 2 inches in ONE DAY! Check out the video below to see the process.  If you decide to try the body wrap out, let me know how it works out for you.


 Affiliate links to items used in my body wrap:

Bentonite Clay- http://amzn.to/2p5MH3x

Green Tea - http://amzn.to/2GdZwRM

Peppermint Oil - http://amzn.to/2DfATRz



"It's not about the size you wear, but the way you wear your size."




For many years, society has painted this picture that it is impossible to be fashion-forward if you are over a size 8.  Clothing designed for "plus-sized" women was usually shapeless, tasteless, and to be quite honest, frumpy.

After becoming a mom twice over, I have struggled with finding the right pieces that accentuate my figure.  Although I am a mom, I don't want to wear clothing that screams "Soccer Mom".  I want to wear modern, fashion-forward clothes that allows me to wear my size in the most attractive manner. I've been fortunate enough to find the best pieces that will step up any curvy girls' closet in an instant.

Here are 10 Essentials that EVERY Curvy Girl Should Have in Their Arsenal.

1. High Waisted Jeans





High Waist Jeans are perfect for the full-figured body. These jeans are perfect for showcasing your curves. High Waisted jeans can be worn with every type of shirt but look especially cute when paired with a crop top. Yes, big girls can wear crop tops, too!


2. Off the Shoulder Top

Flirty Curves


Off the Shoulder Tops draw attention to your shoulders and neckline, shifting the focus away from your abdomen.  These tops are also flirty and perfect for summer and fall wear.

3. Romper/ Jumpsuit


A post shared by Natural n Thick (@naturalnthick) on Jun 25, 2017 at 3:33pm PDT

I love wearing a romper in the summer heat.  Find one that cinches at the waist and you have an instant hourglass figure.  This romper from New York & Company gives a youthful vibe that hugged me in the right places.

4. Wrap Dress


A wrap dress can be a great fashion choice for the workplace or also for a night on the town.  Wrap dresses tend to pull in at the waist to reveal your true curves.  These also do an amazing job of concealing cellulite and "rolls".

5. Fit and Flare 

The form fit up top and the flare at the waist, gives the illusion of a "perfect" curvy silhouette.  This dress style is flattering to all body types, especially short and curvy girls because it gives the appearance of longer legs.


6. Little Black Dress



Whoever said that thick women couldn't rock the little black dress, LIED! The LBD should be a staple in every girl's closet regardless of their size.  You can look sexy and sophisticated at the same time.


7. Knee-High Boots


Knee high boots could add spunk to most outfits.  They look great on curvy girls and these style of boots help to elongate your legs. If you have thick legs, like me, just make sure you invest in a great pair of wide-calf knee high boots.  


8. Kimono Cardigan





I just bought my first Kimono Cardigan and I am in LOVE. These come in a variety of colors and patterns.  Kimonos pair well with your favorite shorts to give you some extra coverage while remaining chic.


9. Wide Belt 



A wide belt is essential for any thick girls' closet! This belt can be placed at the waist to accentuate your curves and conceal any problem areas in your midsection.  I am notorious for pulling out my wide belt when I feel the need to snatch my waist.


10. Shapewear





It's not always about what's visible to the naked eye...Sometimes the most essential item in your closet is your undergarment. Even though I am practicing body positivity, it doesn't mean that I should let it all hang out. Shapewear has the ability of not only holding "everything" in, but also smoothing everything out. The right shapewear could boost the right assets while also taking attention away from pesky cellulite.  

What items are staples in your closet?

Source: Huffington Post

If you look on any social media site, you will certainly encounter images of black women with  uber long natural hair... And you may be wondering why your hair hasn't inched past your collar bone. I've been there. My hair became stagnant once I reached just above shoulder length (SL) and I had no idea why my hair was stuck.  If you are having those thoughts and want to beat the hair growth rut that you may be experiencing, check to see if you are making any of these mistakes, and CORRECT immediately.

Mistake #1 - Not clipping your split ends


I am a harsh offender of this mistake.  Lock me up and throw away the key.  I hate when any stylist pulls out those treacherous scissors... BUT the truth is cutting split ends are necessary to save the healthy hair.  

If you refuse to clip your ends, that split will make its way up your hair shaft and do significant damage.  This will inevitably lead to you cutting off more of your hair.  Now you have shorter hair all because you didn't want to clip those jagged ends. 

Mistake #2 - Excessive Use of Heat Styling Tools

The continuous and excessive use of heat styling tools such as blow dryers, flat irons, and curling wands can damage the hair cuticle and stunt growth.  Prolonged heat styling can also weaken the hair and make it more susceptible to breakage.  

I love a good silk press, but I will not have this done on a weekly basis.  If you want to see your hair grow longer, put down that flat iron... for now.

Mistake #3 - Washing Hair with HOT Water


For those of us that wash our hair while showering, it may be tempting to use that hot water.  Who doesn't love a steaming hot shower.   Using hot water can be drying to your hair and scalp which may lead to breakage.

Mistake #4 - Not Drinking Enough Water


Drinking water not only hydrates your body, it also hydrates your hair.  Drinking the daily recommended amount of water will strengthen your roots and stimulate hair growth.  When your hair is missing the necessary amount of water, your hair will become dry, weak, and brittle. It may also lead to hair loss/breakage.

Mistake #5 - Eating the Wrong Foods


In the society we live in, it is very easy to eat foods that will hinder hair growth. The biggest culprits that will stifle growth include fast food, white starches (potatoes, rice, bread, pasta, etc.), sugar, and alcohol.  Yes, put down the double-cheeseburger and that glass of Ciroc. These foods can lead to brittle, thinning hair. Reducing your intake of these foods will help put you on the path to sustainable hair growth.

 If you are guilty of of any of these mistakes, it would be in your best interest to STOP.  You may start to notice your hair thanking you with growth.

Let's face it, the Summer heat and humidity can take any hairstyle from fab to drab in about 5 minutes.  I live in an area where July is filled with days that temps soar above 90°.  Because of this, it is imperative for me to have some different styles that I can rock without fear of my hair turning into a poufy mess. 

 Here are some styles that you can rock confidently in the Summer Heat!

  1. Wash & Go

Wash and go

The Wash & Go is a style that can be easily achieved with the right products.  For best results, start on freshly cleansed hair and use a great great gel that will hold your curls even when it's hot and muggy outside.

2.  Feedin Cornrows

Source: Pinterest
Feedin Cornrows are the perfect low maintenance style especially for those hitting the islands or just local beach town. 

3. Crochet Hairstyles

Pinterest
Pinterest



Crochets can be a cost-saving way to have a glamorous look. There are a variety of crochet hairs that you can choose from. Whether you want afro textured, curly, or locs; crochet hair has you covered. Just ensure that you don't place too much tension around your hairline in order to avoid breakage.

4. Flexi Rod Set

instagram
A flexi rod set done right can last for days.  My last flexi set went the distance; lasting a total of 12 days!!!  I was able to work out and still have flawless curls. 

5. High Puff

high puff on 4b hair

The high puff is my go-to style on most spring, summer, and fall days.  It's an easy style that can be achieved with just a few products. This high puff look was achieved with the use of Taliah Waajid's Curly Curl Gello.

Colorism: Bias within the Black Community

Even before rapper, Kodak Black admitted that he didn't like his own skin complexion or dating dark skinned women (more on this later), we have been facing the long-battled light skin vs dark skin nonsense.  It's sad that even in the age of Black Lives Matter and promoting racial justice, we still face the issue of Colorism within our own community.

What is Colorism?

Colorism is defined as a prejudice or discrimination against individuals with a dark skin tone, typically among people of the same ethnic or racial group.  Usually individuals with a lighter complexion will receive preferential treatment in contrast to their counterparts that are deeper shades of brown. 

A Long History

This notion of Colorism was ingrained in descendants of Africa many moons ago.  We can look at history to see how this discrimination evolved into what we see being perpetuated in today's society. 

This great nation built its early wealth through the use of a Slave Economy.  Free labor made it easy for colonists to grow and harvest crops such as Tobacco, in order to get supplies and money from it's parent country, Britain.  Soon, there would be a distinction made between slaves. These individuals were given various tasks based on the color of their skin: Lighter slaves would perform domestic work in the house, while darker slaves would often work outside in the fields.

A perfect example of how Colorism came to be can be found in the myth/legend of Willie Lynch and his alleged letter/speech. The speech supposedly tells white slave owners how to control slaves in the colonies.  Within the speech, Willie talks of "pitching" the young against the old and vice versa.  He also mentions "pitching" the light slaves against the dark slaves. Lynch goes on to state that the slaves must love and depend on only the white master.  Although this letter/speech was was deemed to be a fabrication, we know that some Slave Masters carried similar sentiments. If you would like to read the full text of Willie Lynch's purported letter click HERE.

The Rhodes Colossus

Striding from Cape Town to Cairo

Punch, 10 December 1892

During the Age of Imperialism, European nations dominated African countries and proceeded to change their entire way of life. The Belgians, for example, pitted the lighter Tutsis against the darker Hutus in Rwanda.  They favored the Tutsi because they viewed them as more aesthetically pleasing to the eye. 

Looking at the three examples above, one could see how this ideology of colorism has created a great divide in the African American Community.  We have been trained to classify someone's beauty, femininity/masculinity, and worth on the pure basis of skin complexion.  


Colorism Today

You don't have to venture very far to see colorism in action, today. Turn on the radio, and you will hear from the likes of A$AP Rocky, Lil Wayne, and even Childish Gambino rapping their praises of light skinned women. These rappers subliminally send messages to young ladies and men, that in order to be considered attractive, their skin needs to be light. 

Kodak Black went as far as to say that dark skinned women were to "gutta" and too tough.  He liked the fact that light skinned women were more sensitive.  

Go into any black barbershop or secondary classroom and you may hear the infamous phrase, "She's cute for a dark girl."  It's almost as if these men are putting an asterisk on the beauty of women with a darker shade. Why does the shade of brown determine how beautiful someone is? 

 I can recall a time in high school, when a male classmate was talking with my boyfriend (at the time) about a girl he was interested in.  He made comments about her being sexy and then exclaimed, "...AND SHE'S LIGHT SKINNED TOO!"  He said it as if she earned bonus points for being lighter.   

There is absolutely nothing wrong with having a preference. However, when society overwhelming jams that preference down the throats of every African American, it can easily influence our self image in a negative manner.  The negativity can brew into either a hatred for self or hatred for those that are receiving preferential treatment. 

How is it that in a society where African Americans face the harsh reality of police brutality, unfair hiring practices, and discrimination from those in power, we can still be hating our own.  We claim to be united but then we make comments, crack jokes, and dish insults based on how much melanin someone's skin possesses. We say Black Lives Matter, but only when some blatant transgression against a black person has occurred by the opposite race. If we are going to say that Black Lives Matter, then it needs to matter all the time.  We should be finding ways to uplift all shades of brown; letting our children know that your shade is beautiful no matter how light or dark it may be.  

The three celebrities posted above are black in varying shades. Alicia Keys, Gabrielle Union, and Danai Guiria serve as proof that beauty can be found in all shades. Someone's complexion does not determine their beauty, intelligence, attitude, or characteristics as some misinformed people would have you to believe. 
grow your natural hair
When I first decided to ditch the relaxers, it wasn't for some profound, self-reflecting reason. I was not thinking about connecting to my culture, promoting self-love, or building bonds with other fro wearing women. My decision to go natural was based purely on the fact that I wanted to grow my hair.  For years, I had struggled to get my hair to grow beyond my collar bone.  I had always encountered some type of breakage that prevented me from having the long hair that I once had as a child.

 Once I started researching and experimenting with various products, I have discovered the best products that work great for MY hair. These products have aided me in achieving longer, stronger hair.  I am so ecstatic about the growth and strength of my hair, that I definitely want to share the wealth with you so that you are not spending hundreds of dollars experimenting on the WRONG products.  Before we jump into the ULTIMATE list of Hair Products, I must state the obvious; Although these products have worked wonders for my hair, your results may vary. 

 ...Now on to the Ultimate List of Natural Hair Products:


Eden Bodyworks - Peppermint Tea Tree Shampoo 

I don't use shampoo that often, but when I do I love to find products that will make my scalp tingle.  This natural shampoo provides a soothing and refreshing tingling sensation that makes me feel like I'm at the spa.  

Eden Bodyworks - All Natural Cleansing CoWash

Eden Bodyworks makes a second appearance on this list because this cowash has become a staple in my wash regimen. This product provides enough slip that makes it a breeze detangling the kinkiest of kinks. Your hair will feel soft and smell amazing with regular use.

Maui Moisture - Curl Quench + Coconut Oil Conditioner

I recently started using this product but it has quickly become a new fave.  This conditioner has a yummy tropical scent that will leave your hair smelling edible. (Please do not eat!) Maui Moisture created a winner with this product and the rest of their curl quench line.  If you want to see me use this product, Click Here!

Mielle Organics - Babassu Oil & Mint Deep Conditioner

This is the product that changed the game for me.  This deep conditioner smells so refreshing and it gives that tingling sensation that I mentioned earlier.  The deep conditioner is a great product to use to ensure moisture retention and to restore damaged hair.


Mielle Organics - White Peony Leave in Conditioner

Because I fell deeply in love with the deep conditioner by Mielle Organics, I decided to try this leave-in.  This water based product was designed with many different hair types in mind.  I also love the fact that it is a spray bottle which makes for easy application.

Maui Moisture - Curl Quench + Coconut Oil Curl Smoothie

The Curl Smoothie is hydrating and is a great product to use for all of your styling needs.  I especially love using this cream for two strand twists and flat twists.  Your hair will feel soft to the touch and have a nice shine to it.


Oils (Grapeseed, Avocado, Almond, Jojoba)

Oils help to seal in the moisture and promote healthy hair growth. Sealing in the moisture will aid against hair breakage and will help to strengthen your hair follicles.  All three oils mentioned will also double as a skin moisturizer.


EcoStyler - Black Castor and Flaxseed Oil Gel

I have long been a fan of EcoStyler with my go-to being the olive oil gel.  However this new gel has slowly grown on me.  I only use this around the perimeter of my head... I need my edges to lay! One of the key advantages of this product is that the black castor oil is a known stimulator for hair growth.  You can snatch those edges and grow them at the same time.

Alikay Naturals - Knots be Gone

This detangling spray has made styling my daughter's hair so much easier. This product provides a great slip that also helps to loosen the knots that may encroach upon your curls and coils. Proper detangling is necessary in order to retain your length. The formula is also light enough to not cause much buildup.



The Mane Choice - Growth Oil

This is the first product that I have tried by The Mane Choice and it packs a powerful punch.  The Growth Oil is rich with ingredients that have been known to stimulate hair growth.  This is a great addition for those the have plateaued hair growth or for those with thinning hair. The great thing is that this can be used on all hair types.








This concludes my TOP 10 favorite products for natural hair.  Hopefully, these products will help you achieve the length and shine that you are looking for! What are some of your fave products? Be sure to comment, below.
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Natural Hair Blogger

Educator, curator, enthusiast, and small business owner. Promoter of self-confidence, self-love, and all things natural and thick ;)
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