Au Naturale by Mz. Sixx Headlines

Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Mini Me First Day of School -2011



Wow, where did the summer go? School finally re opened for mini me after Hurricane Irene. Every year since she entered kindergarten, I always took mini me to school on the first day. We would go to Starbucks, have our coffee beverage and a pastry and talk about the importance on staying true to yourself and not getting mixed in with the wrong crowd-aka- Mean Girls. I was super excited about our yearly tradition *squeals*, mini me had alternate plans {insert gas face}. She politely informed me that she was riding the bus on the 1st day { gasp}! The Bus!!!! what about our Starbucks date? What about tradition? Her response- we can do it tomorrow-followed by ' Moooooooom- I want to go with my friends on the bus" {insert face crack}.



She is a few months away from officially becoming a "teenager" she is ready to say "I'm 13". Is this what I had to look forward too- my mini me dissing me to hang with her friends {sad face}. I tried to act like my feeling wasn't hurt, and I managed to capture a few pic's.




She is coming into her own style and has discovered MAKEUP! {screech}. Now she is asking for her own make up and brushes, double ear piercings, and teenager earrings ( the larger style hoops- I told her only teenagers and adults wear them- well she is banking on a pair for her 13th b'day)



whew, she is JUST LIKE ME- and I'M NOT READY!!!!!!! I wish I could turn back the hands of time- when she was 5 or 6 years old and she pranced around in my heels, my jewelry, and tried her best at imitating me. NOW she wants to WEAR my heels, and jewelry to school!!!!!{ locks the drawer on everything!}. I think she is trying to give me a run for my money on her perfected model walk {she has a show coming up September 17th} she can rip that runway- Just Like Her Mama {lol...lol..}




Natural Hair Looks

Mini Me Hair- Mini Twist - sides pulled up, "hump" in the front

Mz. Sixx- 2 french braids in the front, 3 strand twist-out in the back ( 3rd day hair)

Tuesday, August 30, 2011

The Winner is: KANDY LAND KURLS!!!!!!!!!

Congratulations Kandy, I will contact you wo obtain the mailing address for the Twisted Sista Products. Please provide a review of the products and attach a few pictures :)

Thank you to all the participants, and Twisted Sista...
Stay tuned for the next giveaway!!!!!!!!!!

Monday, August 22, 2011

Twisted Sista Hair Product GIVEAWAY!!!!!!!!!! **CLOSED**


Twisted Sista from Urban Therapy is a new hair care line for girl’s on-the-go! If you want amazing locks, without the hassle of spending hours primping — these products are for you. De-Frizz shampoo, De-Frizz conditioner, and curl activator are just a few items from the line and the best part is that each product is under $5!


What are the products?



Different Strokes Serum – For tough tangles and overall smoothing, this serum eliminates frizz and adds shine to define curls and keep straight hair touchable and smooth with a boost of antioxidant support.


Relaxing Straightening Cr̬me РBlow dryers or straightening irons can fry hair! Protect and moisturize your strands from thermal damage with this pre-styling cream, which adds control and relaxes hair while it moisturizes and straightens.


Curl Activator – Add volume, bounce and curl definition with this rich cream moisturizer. An added bonus – it adds UV protection while it activates curls and eliminates frizz.


30 Second Curls Spray – Keep in your bag to refresh hair throughout the day – it’ll only take 30 seconds! Made with vitamin E and naturally derived emollients, this spray boosts curl definition in virtually no time.



De-Frizz Shampoo – For thirsty hair, this shampoo features ingredients derived from coconut oil and fruit sugar to gently cleanse, boost moisture, reduce breakage and frizz, and improve manageability and resilience.


De-Frizz Conditioner – Made with hair-strengthening panthenol to nourish and strengthen, this conditioner also features UV filters to protect hair from harmful rays. The formula helps give body to damaged hair while it moisturizes and improves shine.




The wonderful reps at Urban Therapy have partnered with me to offer



one (1) lucky follower an opportunity to try 3 of their products.






See below for giveaway entry rules...





Prize(s)







(1) Twisted Sista Curl Activator (3.38 fl.oz)






(1) Twisted Sista Blow Drying Creme (3.38fl.oz)






(1) Twisted Sista Different Strokes Serum (1.01)




**GIVEAWAY RULES**



(must follow all rules or entry will be void)



1. Resident of the U.S.




2. Only ONE comment per follower (comments will appear after I approve them)




3. “follow” this blog (on the sidebar to your right)*




4. leave a comment on this blog post stating why you’d like to win this contest




5. Include how you’d like to be contacted if you win (leave your e-mail, twitter ID, etc)




* You will get an extra 2 entries if you are a subscriber of my YouTube channel (leave your username; I will check subscriptions before putting in another entry)




For your convenience, here is a guide for an entry:If it’s easier, you may copy/paste this as your comment and fill in the blanks.




1) I'm a resident of the U.S.



2) I followed this blog; I used ____ name to follow



3) I’d like to win because ____ / The product I want the most from this giveaway is



4) If I win, please contact me via ____









Optional: please include 2 extra entries for me b/c I subscribe to your YT channel. My user name on YouTube is ______

The winner will be picked randomly on August 29, 2011. Good Luck!!!!!!!!!



Tuesday, August 16, 2011

Natural Hairlista: Meet Kristi




What's your name and where are you from? Kristi ( EnjoyingTheJourneys), I’m from Fayetteville, NC but live in Maryland

What is your hair type? 4a/4b

Have you always been natural? No, If not, what inspired you to go natural? In the summer of 2008,after years of wasting money on expensive relaxers and noticing how incredibly thin my hair was looking, I decided to go natural. I cut off all of my chemically treated hair and rocked a tiny afro. Around the same time, my youngest daughter who didn’t grow a head full of hair until around her 2nd birthday had really soft fine hair, I didn’t want to relax it, and so it was all the more reason for me to learn how to
take care of our natural hair.

Did you transition? If so, for how long? 4 months.

How do you detangle your hair? I detangle my hair using cheapie conditioners like Suave or V05, I completely saturate it and part it in sections ( 4), then split those in half. I use my fingers to grab any shed hairs and pull those gently out. I follow that with a wide tooth comb. After the wide tooth comb glides through my hair. I go over it again with my denman brush.

What styles do you love to wear the most and why? I love braid outs and twist outs.

How do you go about achieving this style? I usually braid my hair up after its been washed and conditioned. When I go out, I let them out and have nice fluffy hair.

List the products that you use and how you use them. What is your current hair regimen? Share what works for you! I use Giovanni triple treat shampoo, kinky curly knot today as a leave in, and other products like shea butter, or shea moisture line of products for styling.


What do you love most about being natural? I love that my hair is healthy. I love that it is versatile. I can rock so many styles and looks.

Do you have any advice for other naturals? Have Patience with the process!! And embrace YOUR hair. Not everyone will have the same texture but all natural hair is beautiful.

Where on the web can we find more about you and your styles?
Blog: EnjoyingTheJourneys.com

Youtube: Youtube.com/EnjoyingTheJourneys

Friday, August 12, 2011

My Name is Mz. Sixx and I have Lupus




Where do I start…

My Name is Mz. Sixx and I have Lupus

that was very hard for me to say :(


Face Fully Made Up w/ Dermablend

Some of you are familiar with my skin troubles that I’d been experiencing for over a year. I would try different things, some worked for a while, and some never worked at all. Growing more and more frustrated and embarrassed by my skin, I went to get my prescription re filled for a facial cream my dermatologist had prescribed to me. Hoping that would be my saving grace.



Partial Makeup




As I began any normal day, I went to CVS hoping to come out with a tube of some magical cream that would clear up my adult acne (the diagnose I’d previously been given). The pharmacist informed me that my prescription required authorization. When he called to get authorization- the dr. instructed him not to fill it and have me come in his office. I thought to my self- “great, he gonna give me the sho nuff good stuff to clear this up”. I made an appointment to see the doctor the next day- never mentioning it to my husband or friends- I wasn’t the least bit concerned. I went to work late so that I could see the doctor and drop my prescription off as soon as possible.


The doctor enter the room and starred straight at my nose [insert gas face right here].



Naked Face- No Makeup- Its hard to see in the pics, but I also have a red bumpy rash



As soon as I noticed the way he was looking at me, I got scared. He began to “drill” me about what been happening to my face. He then said that my face had gotten worse since my last visit and he was concerned. CONCERNED- did he just say he was CONCERNED??? - I obviously knew my face had gotten worse- what started out as one dark spot on my forehead was now covering my nose and had spread to my checks. He did a biopsy on my nose area and took blood. I’m really anxious and nervous at this point. I’d only known people to need a biopsy when they thought they had cancer. That “c” word scares me to no end. I silently cried many days and nights, anxiously awaiting the results. The nurse called me and asked that I come to the office as soon as possible. My first word was “WHY” what’s the problem?? She wouldn’t say. She only would say that we need to discuss treatment with you- TREATMENT??? TREATMENT FOR WHAT??? Now, I’m shouting and crying at the same time. She still wouldn’t reveal anything to me and advised that I come to the office as soon as possible. I'm sure anyone else would have ran to the office, I didn’t. I did not want to hear that I had cancer. Nope, I was convincing myself and saying Hail Mary as many times as I could over the course of two days. The doctor called me wanting to know why hadn’t I come to the office and when was I coming. (Sigh), I was being a real bitch- I just out right said. LOOK, I'M NOT PAYING YOU A CO PAYMENT FOR YOU TO TELL ME I HAVE CANCER- YOU CAN TELL ME THAT OVER THE PHONE! He said “who told you, you have cancer”? You don’t have cancer- but I need you to come in the office. I’m sure he said more, but I blanked out of the conversation when he said I didn’t have cancer. So I took my lunch break and went by the office. I was calm, cool, and collected- because I thought I had just dodged a death sentence. As soon as he walked in, I began to apologize for being such a baby and bitch at the same time. He accepted my apology, and sat down, and asked me if I was familiar with Lupus. Lupus?? Ummm……..Not really- why, I asked. He hands me a bunch of pamphlets and goes on to explain to me that I have Lupus. Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disorder that can affect virtually any organ of the body. In lupus, the body's immune system, which normally functions to protect against foreign invaders, becomes hyperactive, forming antibodies that attack normal tissues and organs, including the skin, joints, kidneys, brain, heart, lungs, and blood. Lupus is characterized by periods of illness, called flares, and periods of wellness, or remission. I have Discoid lupus erythematosus, which mainly affects the skin. The symptoms of this form of lupus include a rash on the face, scalp, or elsewhere. The rash may last for days or years, and can recur.



I said okkkkkkkkkk, so what I gotta do to get rid of it? He then said, he can treat the symptoms (from flare ups) but there is no cure. WAIT- STOP THE DAMN PRESS- DID YOU SAY NO CURE?? I rose up outta that chair and honestly I was MAD- the kind of mad, where you’re ready to fight. I’m not sure if I was mad at the doctor, myself, or the world, but I was furious, and I felt betrayed! (I know it doesn’t make sense-but that’s how I felt). After 20 minutes of asking multiple questions and answering questions, and FINALLY having a reason for the shortness of breath, the hot flashes, sweating, headaches, fatigue, anemia, gastrointestinal problems, weight gain/lose, insomnia, bouts with depression, and the skin rashes- it was making sense now.

I went home and instantly went to the internet so that I could educate myself on Lupus- 2 days later my brain was fried and I was full of questions. I slowly began to tell my family- starting with my husband, my kids, and my siblings. My niece who is a RN, said to me” I knew it, I was waiting on you to say something”. My sister said, she knew something was wrong because of my skin, but nonetheless I was going to be ok.

I’m a fighter and I don’t quit. I've been debating whether or not I should tell anyone. Honestly- I was embarrassed. I no longer feel embarrassed or ashamed. I HAVE LUPUS DAMNIT! It's not the scarlet letter, and I will not allow it to take over my life! I’m surrounding myself with other people who are living with Lupus, and educating myself as much as I can on the disease.

My blog will now included my battles and victories as Lupus is now a part of life. I’m not going anywhere ya’ll and I’m determined to whip Lupus A$$

Disclaimer: NONE OF YA’LL BETTER NOT START TREATING ME LIKE I'M SICK, OR WE WILL BE BEEFING!!!!!! Love ya much!!!!!

Thursday, August 11, 2011

Bun Lovin

I challenged myself with a 30 protective style. My protective style of choice was mini twist.


After a week or two I was getting "bored". I started watching checking You Tube vid's and came across an interesting tutorial on how to make a sock bun. This was my mother's go to style. She wore her hair in a bun everyday for as long as I could remember.












I made my sock bun, then was anxious to rock it! I'd lusting on this naturalista's bun I met at the reggae wine festival- I decided to try my hand at recreating her look







Another view of the bun








This was me bun lovin at the beach





Overall, I loved rocking the bun. It was quick, easy, and keep me on target with my challenge.






Some Naturals prefer "wet bunning"






Wet bunning is great for protecting the length of your hair and for obtaining your dream ends. However, if done incorrectly it can damage your hair.The most important thing to remember when wet bunning is to listen to your hair! If your hair hates wet bunning, then do not do it! If your hair is breaking, try a protein treatment and if it persist, stop wet bunning, etc.








Again, Just listen to your hair








Here are basic tips on Wet Bunning








1. Keep your hair clean!: You are wetting and putting product on your hair and inevitably your scalp every day. Shampoo or ACV rinse to attack product build up. Make sure your hair and scalp is moisturized with natural products before putting it in a bun.







2. Do not use a rubber band to hold your hair. The elastic can break your hair. Go for the Goody ouchless no metal elastic hair ties, Goody Simple Style Spiral Bun Pin , Goody Simple Styles Hair Pin, or Goody Spin Pins. For added protection, Soak hair bands in natural oil once a week: This prevents hair from coming out where the band holds your hair every day.







3. Reposition the bun frequently: This prevents thinning in the area where the bun is formed. If you frequently switch it up between high, medium, and low buns, then this should not be a problem. If you see breakage, just stop. Your hair has feelings, and may not like it.







4. Give your hair line a break: Too much of anything is not good. If you plan to wet bun for a long time. Try taking it down once in a while and just braid while at home or asleep at night.







5. Keep your hair detangled: I comb my hair daily while wet to smooth before bunning. This also keeps it from getting ratty, matted and drawn up. You can use your fingers to do this as well. DO NOT USE a shower detangling comb unless your hair is wet because they will more than likely rip your hair out when dry. If you are co-washing then finger detangle in the shower.







I may start a 30 day (wet)bunning challenge- whose in with me???


Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Product Review - Carols Daughter Tui Hair Smoothie





Manufacturer: Carols Daughter





Type: Tui Hair Smoothie






Size: 8fl.oz





Price: $18.00-$20.00





Rating: 1 out of 5





Attributes: ( from Carols Daughter.com)





Detangles, moisturizes and protects your hair
Tames and detangles
Is rich in fatty acids and creamy butters for intense conditioning
Has Nutrient-rich oils of Olive fruit and and Sunflower Seeds to boost shine.
Has Shea and Cocoa Butters to provide moisture and help protect hair from dryness and brittleness.
Has Rapa Seed Oil, which is rich in essential fatty acids, Omega-6 and Omega-3
Has a fragrance cocktail of Guava, Mango and Passion Fruit
PLUS, it has NO Parabens, Petroleum, Mineral Oil or artificial color

Ingredients:
Water (Aqua), Cetearyl Alcohol, Glycerin, Brassicamidopropyl Dimethylamine, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Amodimethicone, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter), Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter, Mauritia Flexuosa (Buriti) Fruit Oil, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Triticum Vulgare (Wheat) Germ Oil, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Panthenol (Pro-vitamin B5), Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E), Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Pelargonium Graveolens (Geranium Bourbon) Flower Oil, Citrus Medica Limonum (Lemon) Peel Oil, Caprylyl Glycol, Hexylene Glycol, Propylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate, Cyclopentasiloxane, Aspartic Acid, Tetrasodium EDTA, Polysorbate 20, Polyquaternium-37, PPG-1 Trideceth-6, PEG-40 Castor Oil, Potassium Sorbate, Phenoxyethanol, Fragrance (Parfum)

The Good: (scent) the scent was very "tropical" and lured me in to proceed. Outside of the scent and the fact that I received this product FREE at a product swap my "good" was limited.

The Bad: (consistency) the smoothie was very thin and runny. I could pour it out of the jar. I think the packaging could be better. A product that thin should be in a squeeze tub, not a jar (IMO). I didn't see any "results" but I didn't see any reverse behavior with my hair either ( dryness, brittle, or limp hair that other reviewers have complained about.)

The Ugly: (price) $20.00- TWENTY AMERICAN DOLLARS?? RI-DAM-DICLIOUS!!!- nuff said!!!!

Overall: The only CD product I'd ever tried was the Loc Butter and Marguerites Magic. I was happy with the loc butter ( click her for that review), the Maragruite Magic was so-so ( I purchased that for my daughter when she was relaxed). I was happy to be able try another CD product with out emptying my purse. Thank God for product swaps!!!!!! This product was a huge disappointment- so much so that I wanted to give it back to the person that gave it to me at the product swap ( I will be swapping this at the next meet up- T-R-U-S-T). Had I purchased this product- it would have been returned for a full refund. Maybe if CD market it differently, repackage the product, re price the product- it would do better ( well, I guess- that would make it a "new" product" :o). This one needs to go back into the test kitchen. **Note** I make me own hair smoothie with (1) jar of stage 2 banana baby food (.49), raw honey ($3.99) cream of coconut (milk)(1.99), avocado (.79) ( put it all in a blender, mix well, apply to hair, leave on .30 minutes with a heat cap for deep conditioning treatment)- Similar CONSISTENCY as the CD product, and my hair is left feeling soft, moisturized, and shiny for a fraction of the cost!




Have you tried Carol's Daughter's Tui Hair Smoothie? What did you think?


Tuesday, August 9, 2011

DMV Natural Hair Meetup- Recap

Last Saturday I co hosted and attended my 1st natural hair meetup with my sista Kee-Kee All Natural at Jaspers in Largo, MD. I had been wanting to attend a meetup for a while and when I saw her posting about the meetup she was working on- I contacted her and got on board! I wasn't sure what to expect, what was suppose to happen, or what we would "talk" about for 3 hours, but I did know that I was extremely excited.!








When we initially advertivtised the meetup- the RSVP's filled up in a few hours!!!! Alot of my Facebook and Twitter friends had their curls in a knot because all the RSVP's were taken. We established a waiting list advertising that as space became available we would open up additional RSVP's.


Days leading up to the event were stressful for me ( not really, but thats how I operate..lol..lol...). I really wanted all to have a GREAT time. Between working my full time job, family, and mixing products - THIS DIVA WAS TIRED.COM. The night before my daughter and I sorted the product samples from our sponsors and put together the gift bags.






Our sponsors





African Pride
www.african-pride.com

Au’Naturale by Mz. Sixx
http://www.etsy.com/shop/AuNaturalebymzsixx

Bo Beam
http://www.etsy.com/shop/Laquita33

Kee-Kee All Natural * certified natural stylist/braider *
Mobile: 202-315-8479
Email: ChiChiSophistication@comcast.net

Oyin Handmade
http://www.onyinhandmade.com/

Tailored For Naturals
www.tailoredfornaturals.com

Tropical Traditions
www.tropicaltraditions.com

Twisted Sista
www.twistedsista.com

Asaze Natural Hair Salon





Pooka Pure and Simple
www.pookapureandsimple.com

Madam Walker Braidery & School
Mobile: 301-505-5313

Imani Joy Naturals
www.IJNaturalHair.com

Defined Physique-Personal Training Studio
http://www.definedphysique.com/





I arrived at out venue 2 hours early!!!! lol..lol. I wanted to ensure that we had all the requested accommodations and set everything up. Beleive it or not I have a fear of public speaking, so I needed a cocktail of some sort just to introduce myself. Shortly after I arrived- the sky fell wide open and it rained cats and dogs!!!!!!










The control freak that I'am, I created little booklets that would serve as an agenda along as a "keepsake". We'll you know the ONLY thing(s) we did on the agenda was the welcome and introduction..lol..lol.. ( my "strutruced agenda quickly went out the window). lol..lol..












Once we all ordered food and had a couple of cocktails- we chatted about everything from natural hair, to grand children to cupcakes, and mishaps on the metro ( kee-kee- I will never forget that story :) Before I knew it, we were product swapping, drawing numbers for door prizes and give aways, and having some good "curl friends" conversations, sharing tips, and tricks, laughing up a storm!









I made some new friends, chatted up with some old friends, and over all had a GRAND TIME!!!!!! Much love to all that attended, and Kee-Kee thank you so much for allowing me to be part of such a magnificent event.

Friday, August 5, 2011

Product Review: Taliah Waajid Curly Curl Cream



Manufacturer: Taliah Waajid

Type: Curly Curl Cream

Size: 6 fl.oz

Price: $4.99-$5.99





Rating: 5 out of 5

Attributes: For Curly, Kinky, Wavy and Coily hair textures.

Curly Curl Cream: Non-greasy herbal hair cream that revitalizes curls and eliminates frizz. Conditions and nourishes hair while adding shine and moisturise. Holds hair and styles in place. Easily shampoos out with no build up.






Ingredients: Deionized water (agua), Peg-75 Shea Butter (Butyrospermum Parkii), Sage extract, DMDM Hydantoin, Vegetable Glycerin, Burdoc Protein, Sodium Polyacrylate, Ethylhexyl, Trideceth-6 Fragrance (parfum)










The Good: (1) Price- I paid $4.99 which was easy on the pockets, especially since my product junkism had kicked in and it was a spure of the moment purchase. (2)consistency- for my daughters hair (hair type 4b/4c), I prefer the "thicker" creamy/pudding consistency type of products, and this product fits the bill. (3) Scent- this product is lightly fragrant and mixes well with other products (leave-in, finishing product, etc).










The Bad: (1) Size I wish this product came in a larger quantity (8oz - 16oz).





Overall: (1) This product did exactly what it said it would do. I used the curly cream to do 2 strand twist on my daughter's hair. Immediately upon application her curls started to form and the ends of her hair was very curly. A little product goes a long way (don't use too much or you will have "white" spots, but don't worry-it was disappear as the hair dry). Her hair consistently felt moist and soft throughout the twisting process. I twisted the back of her hair at night and finished the front of her head the following morning. In the morning the twist that was already in place were very soft and moisturized.









This style lasted through 5 days of swimming at the beach, 4 x's at the pool, and 100+ degree weather. After rinsing the twist in the shower, I re applied a small amount of curl cream, for added moisture and curl maintenance, her twist immediately came back to life. This product is a HIT!!!

Whats your experience with Curly Curl Cream: Hit or Diss??

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