Motivational Monday

Happy Monday...Enjoy!!!

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And the journey begins... Let's Go!!!

Be Blessed!

Simply Natural

Happy New Year!!!!

Exit 2013...Enter 2014

If you are anything like me, you are looking forward to 2014.  2013 has been filled with good times, bad times, high times, low times, happy times, sad times, and all in between.  I can't wait to see what God has in store for me in this coming year! I say that with nervous anticipation.  One thing I am sure of is that it is perfectly designed for an imperfect me. I am excited to see where things go with this blog, my life, my job, my family and my friends. My only job is to ready myself to receive and walk into what he has already prepared!  See you in 2014! :-)

 

 

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May Your New Year
be
Prosperous
and

Blessed!!

 

- Simply Natural 



Merry Christmas 2013

Merry Christmas! 

 

Last year, I spent the holidays sharing my favorite movies, and music.  This year I plan to keep it simple.  Mostly because I'm not feeling well and would rather be under the covers and sleep. :-(  Regardless of how I currently feel, I wanted to wish EVERYONE a very Merry Christmas!  

 

I thought I would share some of the Christmas songs I love from the soundtrack of one of the movies I  recently added to my all time favorites.

Enjoy!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What are your favorite Christmas songs?

 

 

 

Be Blessed!

 

Simply Natural

 

 



Hair: New Product trial

I tried a new product while visiting home a few weeks ago.  I walked into a store called Dollar General not really needing anything in particular. I decided to check out the hair products while waiting on a friend. Although I didn't need anything, I wanted to find something that had a little more hold than the products I brought with me.  All hair products are not created equal in all weather climates(if you know what I mean?). After looking at a few products, I settled on this one.

 

Here are the ingredients:

Aqua (Water), Glycerin, Glycine Soja Oil (Soybean Oil), Polysorbate 80, Triethanolamine, Oleth-2, Carbomer, Phenoxyethanol, Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2, Fragrance, VP, Dimethylaminoethylmethacrylate Copolymer, Polyquaternium-39, Limonene, SodiumBenzoate, Methylisothiazolinone, Hydroxycitronellal, Geraniol, Amyl Cinnamal, Linalool, CI 17200 (Red 33)

 

NO Alcohol

NO Mineral Oil

No Petrolatums

(That's what it says on the container.)

 

Initial Reaction:

I really liked the product.  It gave my hair hold while not feeling hard.  My hair was still very soft to touch.  This was perfect for the warm days. I'm not sure how it will work in the Pacific Northwest weather but for warm day/cool night weather, it was a jewel and did what I needed it to do.  These pictures were taken after I took down the twist and put my hair up. I personally liked the results.   I think I'll try it for a while...

 

 

Have you ever used this product?  What did you think?

 

 

Be Blessed!

 

Simply Natural

Happy Thanksgiving!

I know this post is a day late(by a few hours) but the sentiment is still the same. I am extremely thankful for life and every person, experience, and thing that has contributed in any way to the person I am or am not.  Life is not certain and I thank God that he has entrusted me with another day. From my heart to yours...HAPPY THANKSGIVING! 

 What are you thankful for?

Be Blessed!

Simply Natural

Upcoming Movie: Mandela, Long Walk To Freedom

Hi World!  I recently saw the trailer for this movie and I can't wait for it to hit theaters. I must admit, my initial reasoning for watching this movie was because I heard Idris Elba would be in it. :-)  I'm sure you guys would agree.   After watching this particular trailer, I was sold not by the actor but the story. 

What are your thoughts?  Do you plan to go see it?

 

 

Be Blessed!

 

SimplyNatural

Life: Lessons from a 5K Experience

I recently achieved a goal that I didn't think I would ever do.  What you ask????  I completed my very first 5K run/walk.  YAY!! <<insert happy dance>>  This might not be a big deal to some but anyone that "really"  knows me understands that this is a big deal.   This wasn't just an ordinary run...It was a color run.

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For those of you who are unfamiliar with a color run:  You come dressed in a white shirt and leave very colorful due to colored corn starch being thrown/sprayed when you get to color stations throughout the 5K. VERY MESSY but FUN!

 

 Here's my experience:

The week of the 5K was very stressful.  It was stressful for a number of reasons...

1.  I was exhausted from working 5 weeks of my summer vacation.
2. Friday's fieldtrip to the beach drained  my energy.
3. I was concerned about protecting my protective style(Senegalese twist).
4. By Friday evening, I was exhausted but realized I didn't have everything I needed for Saturday. So, to the store I had to go.
5. I hadn't worked out in the three weeks prior to the 5K. 

Needless to say, by Friday evening, I was excited about the idea of the 5K but there was a  percentage of my mind that said "Girl, you don't want to do this, so stay at home".   I made a conscious decision to dismiss those thoughts and continue preparing what I needed for Saturdays run/walk.  I woke up about 6:30 a.m. in order to have time to eat and be "on-time" meeting my friend.

In order to make this post shorter...FAST FORWARD(Although, the car ride was hilarious) :-) LOL

We got to the park around 9:30 and instantly, I started getting even more excited.  The energy of the people was magnetic.  If you weren't excited, you wanted to be excited because everyone around you was so amped.  Once our wave started, I paced myself and started walking. Once I did start jogging, I could totally feel that I hadn't been to a gym.  I thought it would be better if I walked for a while longer.  Which, I quickly learned that when you go through these color stations, you get way more thrown at you when you walk. Eventually, I started back jogging and am unsure where my burst of energy came from.  I jogged a longer time than I said I would.  Thank you God for muscle memory! :-)    My friend jogged longer times but would wait for me before color stations.  I didn't mind this because I knew what I thought I could do and didn't want to hold her back. Eventually, we were walking/jogging together. After more walking and jogging...we finally made it to the finished line. What a great moment!  I was actually feeling like I could go longer. I was slightly disappointment that it was over.  I had so much fun.  Not just before and after the race but DURING the race was equally as exciting.

Here are lessons I realized:

1. Don't give up before you start! 
    -I was so close to not going.  Not because I thought that it wouldn't be fun.  But because I knew I hadn't prepared as much as I should have and wouldn't  meet my other goal of jogging the entire time.

2. Don't be afraid of the unfamiliar!
    - Not doing something because you've never done it means you'll never do it.  If I hadn't had this 5K experience, I would've never done it.  And wouldn't be looking forward to the next one.

3. Preparation and Perspective are Paramount.
   - I realized taking those 3 weeks off was not beneficial to me achieving my goal.  Because I didn't properly prepare, it began to affect my perspective.  Having these two things in check are so important.  They can make and/or break a person.
 
4. Things that seem big in the moment are not so big when you look at the bigger picture.
  - I was sooo concerned about protecting my hair. They were not about to get that in my hair. In the words of Sweet Brown, "Ain't nobody got time fa dat". LOL :-)  I wasn't sure how or what would be the best method to protect but I committed to something and just went with it.  Looking back...this was not a big deal at all.

 Also, I almost didn't show up because I felt that I wouldn't reach what I deemed as a goal.  Sometimes, life has a way of twisting things.  I thought my achievement rested on running the whole time.  It didn't.  I was successful in my eyes just because I showed up, didn't stop and finished..  It's not whether you're the fastest or slowest.  Just stay in your lane, give it all you have, Keep your eyes on the end goal and God will do the rest.  Hallelujah!  ;-)

5. In life, it's always great to have a friend who will not leave you when you're behind.
  - In this day and age, good friends are hard to come by. As I've gotten older, I realize that not everyone is your friend and within friendships there are different types.  When you have friends that won't leave you when your down but will encourage and wait, you know you have a true friend who cares. 

6.  Have fun in the process!

I'm sure while reading this you will get other nuggets(at least I did) to take on your journey.   While coming to the end of this post, I thought about lyrics to a song.  These lyrics resonated with me from the moment I heard it in 2001 on the Oprah Winfrey Show. They have floated in and out of my life through the years. It's called "I hope you dance" by Lee Ann Womack. 

 

"I hope you never fear those mountains in the distance,
Never settle for the path of least resistance
Livin' might mean takin' chances but they're worth takin',...I hope you dance".

Be Blessed!

Simply Natural



   

Motivational Monday!!!

I hope you enjoy these quotes!  These definitely ring true for me.

 

Happy Monday!!!! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

Have a Wonderful Week!

 

 

 

Be Blessed!

 

Simply Natural

Life: 4/15/13

I was definitely stunned this afternoon when I turned on my television to find that there had been a explosion at the Boston Marathon.  It is in moments like this that you are reminded that life is fleeting and you never know what day will be your last.  This could have happened anywhere during any event. 

 



 

My heart and prayers go out to the families that lost loved ones and for the injured.  I'm not sure how you believe but I pray that God covers and keeps us all. May His grace and mercy continue to be given!

Be blessed,

Simply Natural

Happy Resurrection Day!



 

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Happy Resurrection Day!  I hope that your day is filled with celebration that "HE" lives. Have a wonderful day!  Enjoy an egg or two.  One of my personal favs around this time...50% off or better on candy in the days after. Hopefully, I'll be able to find some Ghirardelli milk & caramel or salted caramel on sale.  I can taste it now. :-)



Be Blessed!

SimplyNatural

Something Beautiful!

Here are a few random pieces of artwork that I found beautiful!   Happy Monday!

Artwork: 

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  Find something beautiful to brighten your day.

 

Be Blessed!

 

Simply Natural

 

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year!!!

 

 

 

From Simply Natural

Be Blessed!

 

 

 

 

Natural Hair: Winter Moisturizing

This has got to be the worse winter(cold weather) as related to my hair.   I feel so frustrated.  I'm in a  bit of a slump.  I don't remember my hair being as dry last year.  ughhh!!!  Because I don't remember it being this dry last year, I had to evaluate what I did differently. Hmmm?  Well, I now know why.  I have been horrible at caring for my hair since taking my microbraids out this summer.   :-/   This slump has caught up with me! 

When you know better you do better, right?  Well, I plan to start before the new year.  I have spent the last couple days researching natural hair regimens and products.  I've got to get my hair life together.  And that's what I plan to do. :-)  I will update you on that venture when I figure out what I want to do.  In the meantime, I found this video from one of my favorite YouTubers, BlakIzBeautyful,. I think I will be more consistent using these products this way.  Building a regimen is all about trial and error, right?



Subscribe to her channel.

What do you do when you get in a hair slump? What do you do during the cold months?

 

 

Be Blessed!

 

Simply Natural

 

 



Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas!!

 

 

 

 

I hope your day is filled with faith, friends, food and family!

 Remember Jesus is the Reason...

 

 

Be Blessed!

 

  Simply Natural

 

These are a Few of My Favorite Things: Christmas Movie Edition

Hello All!

Since I'm off work until January for Christmas and Winter Break, I thought I would follow up my Christmas song blog with one dedicated to Movies. *insert Smile & Happy Dance here*    So, consider this part 2 of that one. :-)  Enjoy!  This time of year makes me happy.

1.  A Charlie Brown Christmas

This movie does a really good job of telling the true meaning of Christmas. Linus is a perfect example of "don't judge a book by it's cover".  So, many lessons packed into 25 minutes.

2. This Christmas

This is a cute movie!  Not to mention Columbus Short, Mekhi Phifer and Idris Elba are in there. lol  Even though Chris Brown didn't make the list of songs, his "This Christmas" and "Try a little tenderness" are two of my favorites in this movie.   

 

 

 

3. Home Alone

Nothing more to say...It's just a classic! 

 

 

4.  The Preacher' Wife

I love the music in this movie.  I can remember pretending to be Whitney Houston and singing " I believe in you and me" and "Who would imagine a King".  I loved those song!   

 

 

 5. Most movies on these 2 channels.

Every Christmas season I find myself watching movies on these channels.  They start in November on one channel(can't remember which?).  Even if I've seen them before, I always watch. :-) 

 

 

 

What movie do you like to watch during the Christmas Season?

Remember Jesus is the Reason...

 

 

 

Be Blessed!

 

   Simply Natural

 

These are a Few of My Favorite Things: Christmas Song Edition

Merry Christmas Everybody!

 Aside from believing the true meaning of Christmas has nothing to do with a Santa, presents, and Christmas trees but everything about baby Jesus who was born in Bethlehem  There is something about this time of year that I absolutely love...Christmas music.   One of my most memorable Christmas moments include putting up the Christmas decorations while listening to the Temptations harmonize "Silent Night".  *Smile* 

Here are a few of my favs that get me in the Christmas spirit or simply just make me smile. :-)

 

 

1. Silent Night by the Tempations

Who doesn't love this song at Christmas?  It definitely gives you that warm feeling inside.  This has to be one of my favs.  :-)  When I hear this song being played, I know it's Christmas.



 

2. Silver Bells by A Few Good Men

  Shout out to the 90's. :-) This song definitely makes me smile. I love the part when they give us that "a merry merry merry merry Christmas..."  lol  I just LOVE this song!

 

 

3. Give Love  on Christmas Day by The Jackson 5

 I love the message in this song.  It's so simple yet packed with a powerful message of love that should be practiced year round.  Not just 1 day a year. Two if you want to include Valentine's Day.

:-)

 

 

4. Every Year, Every Christmas by Luther Vandross

As long as you're in a good head space, this is a great song.  Either way Luther has a way of  reeling you in with his soulful voice.  I can remember hearing this every Christmas on the local radio station.  Not at all since living here but there is always YouTube and Pandora.

:-)

 

 

5. Let it Snow by Boyz II Men

I love this song.  This song always makes me feel like I should be sitting in front of a warm fire with that special person(whoever that is) while looking at the snow fall and sipping hot chocolate. 

:-) 

 

 

 

I have so many songs that are my favorite but it would take forever to put them up.  These are only a few.  Enjoy whatever Christmas song you listen to in this Season or all year round!  Remember Jesus is the Reason...

 

 

What are your top 5 songs this Christmas?

 

Be Blessed!

 

       Simply Natural



Another Chance!

I know the last time you saw a post, I said that I would blog once a month...that didn't happen.  A number of things have transpired since I posted that. To only skim the surface...the end of the school year happened, I had to get ready for summer school, then back at it for the regular school year in September.  If you haven't figured it out yet, I'm a teacher. Anyone who knows anything about teaching, knows that the beginning and end of a school year is busy busy busy.  These are not excuses or complaints but merely facts of "my" life.  I love my job and wouldn't trade it!  I'm not perfect and don't know everything but I do know I love it!

So, where does that leave blogging you ask?  Well, I kind of lost my zeal for blogging after a few post.  :-( Sad but true! I put it down.  Thank you God for another chance!  I think I may have found my zeal again!

 It's a new school year and I feel that I am starting feel my zeal come back.  I find myself thinking about topics that I want to cover, things I want to say, and pictures I want to upload. Will it be perfect? No. Will I make mistakes? Yes Will this be a journey? Yes.  Hopefully you will get to share in some of these experiences with me. :-) 

Have you ever lost your zeal for something or someone you thought you loved and were excited about?(I know I'm not alone).


Be Blessed!(I plan to blog again in the near future) 

Simply Natural

I'm Back...

Hello Blog World!!!   I know it's been a long time since I've created a blog post...I have no reason other than...life has been happening and I put the blog down for a moment.  To my one consistent reader(that I know of-lol)...Thanks for not giving up on me.  :-)  

While on this slight break, I realized that having a Full-Time Career and Blogging take some juggling and time.  Therefore, I have decided that I am going to "try" and commit to creating "1" blog a month.  Any blog post that are posted after the "1" will be extra.  :-)  I really enjoyed writing my past blogs so I know it's something that I enjoy.  Just bare with me! 

Simply Natural

Happy Easter/Resurrection Day!!

staytondailyphoto.com

 Easter has to be one of my favorite holidays for many reasons.   The children with their Easter dresses and suits, candy half off(the day after), Sunrise church service, etc. The list goes on and on.  Most importantly it is because I understand the magnitude of what Jesus did for me.    I believe with all my heart and am thankful that He came, He died for my sins, and He rose on the 3rd day.  The best decision of my life. :-)

Well,  I just wanted to pop in to say HAPPY EASTER/ RESURRECTION DAY!!!  I hope your day was as wonderful as mine!  :-)

Be Blessed,

SimplyNatural

What did you do today to celebrate Easter/Resurrection Day?

Naturally Beautiful

I think every natural goes through a period of time where they get tired of the process of being natural. Let's face it!  If you are on a "Healthy Hair Journey", it takes work to keep it maintained. Don't get me wrong, it's worth it and I wouldn't change it for a perm. However, that doesn't take away from the fact that it takes work.

Sometimes, we just need to take a break from reality to evaluate, rejuvenate ourselves and  reflect on where we are and where we could possibly be.  Really, that can be related to life period.  From experiences, I know life can be a journey in itself.  But I digress...

Back to my point...We've all been in a place where we need some type of hair encouragement/Inspiration.   Here are a few beautiful pictures of natural women to INSPIRE and ENCOURAGE you on your journey!  I hope you enjoy!  I sure did!

source: 4.bp.blogspot.com

 source: blackgirllonghair.com



source: naturalchica.com

source:thirstyroots.com

source: naturalbeautifulhair.com

source: curlynikki.com

What do you do to ENCOURAGE and INSPIRE yourself on your natural journey?

Be Blessed!

Simply Natural