~ BE YOU...~

HAVE AN AMAZING WEEKEND EVERYONE!.

KEEP A LOOK OUT FOR FOR MY THOUGHTS ON THE "SWEET NATURE BY EDDIE " PRODUCT REVIEW COMING MONDAY. REALLY  GREAT PRODUCTS...YOU DON'T WANT TO MISS IT. STAY TUNED.

THANKS FOR READING . TAKE CARE,

ZAINAB1

~ EVOLVING ~

Hello Everyone!

I hope this finds each and everyone one of you well.  Some of you may or may not have noticed . The content of AuNaturale is ever changing. I've realized that my blog is a direct reflection of me. As I change, and evolve. The same goes for things around me.

With that being said you will began to see many different things here at AuNaturale, Natural hair is and will remain a passion of mine.  However I do have other passions, finding inspiration in many ways, fashion, entrepreneurship, positivity, designing, fellow entrepreneurs, strong positive women, etc, etc, etc.

Due to this I will no longer only post about  natural hair but a number of things. I have been blessed to come across some amazing women , many I've known since embracing my natural hair Journey, and some I have just meant. I hope to bring  a few of those amazing women here to AuNaturale.

I hope you all continue to enjoy AuNaturale , and your welcome to come along for this amazing journey I am on. It's one that has allowed me to know who I am , love and accept me for me. Not based off of the thoughts or approval of others. Finding my voice, my confidence, all while remaining humble and teachable.

Thank you all so very much for supporting AuNaturale, Do stay for a while. You are  appreciated.

Thanks for stopping by, take care and stay fabulous!

Zainab1

~ GO, DO, PUSH !~

HAVE A FABULOUS DAY EVERYONE :))

~ SHEA MOISTURE HAIR COLOR SYSTEM ~

Hello Fellow Naturals!

Not long ago I colored my hair with the Shea Moisture hair color system. This will be a quick, simple and to the point review.  Why , well because I love it! . It's that simple.

Once it came time for me to purchase the hair color system . I knew I would have to order it one line because the target where I live did not carry it.  I ordered it from target it arrived in a fair amount of time. The color I went for was Jet Black. My original plan was to do Dark Brown, but one day they had it in stock and the next day it was gone. That says something about this line right there, in fact quite a few of there colors was sold out.

When I was relaxed I always wore my hair darker, normally jet black or maybe dark brown. I'm not much of one to light my hair I normally only deposit. The Jet Black box is the one pictured above with the Chinese bob cut ( bangs , long sides) as you can see the art on these boxes are beautiful.

Inside the box you receive :

Radiant Color Creme
Radiant Color Developer
Professional Latex-Gloves
Salon Application Brush
Raw Shea Moisture Retention Shampoo
Raw Shea Restorative Conditioner
Raw Shea Reconstructive Finishing Elixir

All for the price of $14.99 + shipping

The scent:

Pleasant. Not chemically , or so strong it will give you a headache or anything.

The application:

Very easy. They give to options as to ways to apply ( this is where the application brush comes in) you can either:
1. Mix the Creme and the developer together in the bottle and apply.
2. Mix together add apply to your hair using the hair brush.

I used it directly from the bottle. The mixture went on smoothly, with minimal mess. Only thing as with using black hair color be mindful of skin staining. If it gets on your skin hear line, ears, etc wipe it as fast as possible. Also base your skin in those areas with Vaseline, Shea butter or something this will help in the color not staining as much.

After I kept the color on for its recommended time. It was time to rinse I used all of the products included in the box. Feeling it was best to stick to the entire product line in this case. When companies do this its normally reasons following .

Shea Moisture Retention Shampoo:

Let me first mention as I had not done so previously this is my first time using any of the Shea moisture line. The shampoo did just as I felt it was suppose to do..clean my hair, thus doing a proper job with removing any of the traces from the color mixture.

After rinsing,  my hair definitely felt clean. It did feel a bit stripped but not  much. I have used shampoos that left my hair feeling worse. This carried a nice clean scent. Nothing to overpowering. Also the consistency was of a thick texture. Which is one thing I like with my shampoos . I've always felt the thicker shampoos was more moisturizing.

Shea Moisture Restorative Conditioner:

When I applied the SMRC it had great slip , leaving it a breeze to get through my tresses. I did just as directed leaving it on for up to 15 min. After rinsing my hair was quite soft, and manageable. The scent was  again very nice, and clean smells a lot like the SMRS. The texture is thick, and went on well. Just as with my shampoos I like my conditioners to be thick as well. or at least it has to have a medium to thick like texture.

Shea Moisture reconstructive Finishing Elixir:

This is an oil with sea kelp & Argon Oil. I really like this oil . It has a yummy scent and provides great shine.

The sample sizes that come with the SMHCS are very generous sizes to me. That was very nice to see.


Overall:

I...love ...this...system. I am  very pleased with my results. My hair is very dark. So yes it colors well. It left my hair very shiny . I am very impressed . This color system is a definite keeper for me.  After washing a week after applying my color there has not been not one ounce of difference in my color or my hair. My color is still very rich. And my hair is quite soft, and stays moisturized. I have not noticed any dryness what so ever.

TIP:

I shared this both on my facebook and twitter. When applying darker colors very often as spoken about above the color has a tendency to stain the skin. Should you not have any stain remover around. and if you happen to be  in the presence of ashes..yep that's right ashes.

Dampen a wrag and dip that rag into some ashes. Rub that dampen wrap onto the areas of your skin that has been stained and rub, rub, rub. then obviously wash your face afterwards. A little old school  trick we use to do in the hair salon.

P.S I am in no way promoting smoking anything of any kind. I myself am not a smoker. So I did not use this method when I applied my color  . But basing my skin prior to application helped a lot.

Thanks for stopping by Ladies, and remember to stay Fly, Positive, and  naturally fabulous!

Zainab1 

***Disclaimer, please note I am in no way affiliated with this company, nor was I paid to do this review.  I brought this product with my very on money as well as other products I review here at AuNaturale. Unless otherwise stated***

Thank you

~ SUCCESS ~

Have a fabulous weekend , ladies! and remember to bounce back. and have a good time while doing so. Thanks for stopping by. Take care!

~THE VERY TALENTED TONI DALEY~

Hello lovelies!

Today is yet another exciting feature for AuNaturale on the fabulous and talented Ms Toni Daley. In case this is the first time hearing of her. I can guarantee , this will not be your last. Toni, is an artist located in Toronto Canada. She offers beautiful paintings, as well as lovely jewelry. She is also a fellow Natural. I was granted the honor of interviewing her. So lets get right in to it.

How long have you been natural?
I've been natural since sometime in 2006 so about 7 years. It's not really something I consciously documented at the time

What are your go to products?
Being a vlogger and also because I just love trying new things I tend to not have staples and go through many different products. However I love coconut oil and products by Africa's Best so I'd say those are my favourite go to products.

What advice would you give those who would like to start on a natural hair journey?
The best advice I can give would probably be to remember that your journey is your own. My goal as a vlogger is really to just provide inspiration and helpful tips along the way but what I say is definitely not set in stone and what works for me may not work for you. Take the time to learn your hair.

Have long have you been an artist?
I believe artists are born, not made so I'd have to say I've been an artist all my life :)

How or where do you find inspirations for your paintings? also, I noticed you sell beautiful , creative, and different pieces of jewerly where do you find inspirsation for the pieces you sell ? and do you make them yourself?

My inspiration for my brand , my jewerly and my art work is natural hair. It's a bit of an obbesion of mine! I love natural hair and because I find so much beauty in it , it's often reflected in my art work as well as certain images within my jewerly. Although anyone can wear my jewerly I do tend to design with the naturalista in mind. I offer large bold  pieces that will stand out against big dark hair. And sleek rounded designs that wont snag in loose hair. I design and make my jewerly.

What advice would you give to an up and coming artist ? and what would you give to anyone wanting to start a business?
I didn't decide one day that I wanted to start making art,I've ALWAYS made art. I didn't decide one day that I wanted to make jewelry, I've ALWAYS made jewelry. I'm an artist, I love to create so this has always been my hobby. I would make earrings for my family and friends and people would see them wearing my creations and then try to find out how they could get some. So my advice would be do what you love because when you love something and have a passion for it, people can see that and will seek you out.

Where can you and your items be found?
You can find my art and my jewerly http://tonidaley.com/
You can view my natural hair videos http://www.youtube.com/user/tonidaley80

I would like thank Toni for her time in allowing me to interview her. I can give testimony as to how fabulous and talented Ms Toni Daley is as she has done work for me, personally.  I can say I am a return customer of hers for sure. You inspire Toni. I wish you the very best.

Thanks for stopping by ladies and reading. Take care and remember to stay naturally fabulous!

Zainab1

~THE LOVELY SWEET NATURE BY EDDIE ~

Hey Ladies!

Today I am very excited to bring my very first feature to AuNaturale. I was contacted by Eddie the owner of Sweet Nature by Eddie. When I was contacted I was thrilled to feature her and her line of products. Lets learn a bit about the lady behind the sweet nature by Eddie line. And the line it's self.

When was your company created?
It was officially created  in Nov.2007 . But the products were actually concocted in 2005.

What was the Inspiration behind your line?
I had no interest in having a business and I never set out to have a line. I actually dropped business as my major because I knew I would never use that degree. But, then I suffered from severe hair loss, due to bonding weave glue. The experience was so traumatic and embarrassing; I decided to war against it. After purchasing every product on the market , getting steroid injections, and using an infrared rake weekly, that yielded minimal results, I decided to to make my own products formulated with all the ingredients known to assist with healthy growth. After using the products ( in conjunction with tips and techniques I learned), my growth was prominent and everyone around me started to notice it and asked what I was using. I would then give them samples along with my regimen and they too started to notice drastic  changes in their hair. Then finally they encouraged me to market them; that's when Sweet Nature by Eddie was born and my hair care guide was written.

How long has Sweet Nature by Eddie been established? 51/2 years ( if you go here http://public.fotki.com/AngelNapps/ ) you can see my hair journey.

What advice would you give to anyone wanting  starting a business ?
I would say believe in, with ALL of your heart in your business. KNOW that what you are offering is absolutely needed by someone ;otherwise you will find it very difficult to weather storms ( which there are A LOT of ), you will give up very easily, you will let naysayers discourage you if  you don't believe. Then get a plan together and go for it !

What was the inspiration behind the names of your products?
All of my products have a sweet smell ( I know a couple of kids that have eaten my moisturizers and adults that want to because they smell so good ); they are natural and of course my name is Eddie ; hence Sweet Nature by Eddie.

What advice would you give to other fellow naturals about their hair care journey and product searching ?
READ LABELS! when I first went natural (9 years ago); there wasn't as much information readily available as there is today. I learned from trail and error that name brand doesn't matter, it's what's in the jar that will make the difference in your hair , so learn to read labels. Get to know YOUR hair, what it likes, when it's stressed, when it is thirsty, etc. This will cut down on so much frustration when trying to care for it; and lastly understand sometimes you have to just let your hair do what it do; natural hair doesn't work the same as relaxed hair; and short natural hair doesn't work the same as long natural hair ; you have to be flexible and be able to adjust to ever changing hair!

Where can Sweet Nature By Eddie's products be found?
Currently at ( http://www.sweetnaturebyeddie.info/ ) and readers can get a 15% off discount if they use the  code"Tryme" . My store is located in Grand Rapids, MI.

Is there anything else you would like readers to know about your brand ?
Sweet Nature by Eddie was started on a $50 budget; it was birthed during the most difficult time in my life. I was going through a divorce, I had lost my job, I was losing my house, and I was an absolute wreck!  but I turned this time into something positive. I decided I wanted this to be  movement, not just about selling products, but about empowering and educationing my clients through newsletters, workshops, teleconferences, seminars, and speaking engagements. In only one year, I was nominated and received the female Entrepreneur of the decade award from my community. I was promoted to platinum author for the quality of  my hair care articles on ezine articles and was awarded for superior customer service through Merchant Circle. I opened my local store in June of 2010 and there's currently over 2000 testimonials on my website from very happy customers ( http://www.sweetnaturebyeddie.info/ )as well as very compelling  before & after pictures

To all of the readers here at AuNaturale remember to go over to Sweet Nature by Eddie. You can use coupon code "Tryme" and get 15% off of your order.

I would like to thank Eddie of Sweet Nature by Eddie for thinking of AuNaturale and allowing me to do my very first feature on her and her products. Your story is very inspirational!.  Wishing  you and your business the very best.

Thanks for stopping by ladies. Remember to stay Fly, Positive, naturally healthy and fabulous!

Zainab1

~ GREAT OILS FOR OUR NATURAL~

Hi Guys!

As some of you may know I am a serious cream and butter lover. However oils are great for our hair as well. In fact many naturals retire their creams and butters during the warmer months and reach for Oils.

 Listed below are a few that are found to be quite beneficial. Lets talk about a few:

Olive Oil- My all time fave. I've been using Extra Virgin Olive oil since becoming natural. Its super easy to find and easy on the pockets. But there are additional greatness to using Olive Oil as well. Olive oil helps to restore elasticity in our hair and provides great shine.

Coconut Oil- This one is quite popular in the natural hair community. This  is one that actually penetrates the hair shaft to strengthen  the weakest parts. I currently have a love hate relationship with the lovely Coconut Oil. I believe it may be a culprit in causing extra frizz to my hair.;)

Almond Oil- This oil helps in improving the health of our hair. Its filled with  vitamin A, B, and E. Also helps in adding shine.

Avocado Oil- This oil helps in fighting breakage. Filled with amino acids vitamins and fatty acids. Helping improving on the health of our hair , Thus adding great shine.

Argan oil- This is one I am curious about. Thinking of trying this oil  for a while. This oils is said to be great for smoothing the hair and adding great shine. Additionally making the hair softer and providing less frizz.

What is your favorite oil for your tresses?

Thanks for stopping by , take care. And remember to stay Fly, positive, and naturally beautiful!

Zainab1

~ WHICH IS YOUR FAVORITE ~

Hello Ladies!

I hope everyone has been well. And Enjoying the weather as it comes.  As we know the warmer weather is here for a few and quickly approaching for others.

What are your go to hairstyles during the warmer months? Or does seasons play a part?

As for my self I am a wash n go girl year round ;)

Thanks for stopping by, Take care! and remember to stay fly, positive, and naturally healthy and fabulous!

Zainab1

~ THE COMPANY WE KEEP ~

"We become a combined average of the 5 people we hang around the most."

And don't forget to enter 2 amazing giveaways hosted by the fabulous Natural Review and the fabulous Kinky Kinteik.  Sponsored by yours truly. There are only a few days left so hurry over. To enter is simple "Like" AuNaturale Zainab1 on facebook and or "follow" AuNaturale Zaainab1 on twitter.

Additionally , by entering both giveaways you will also have the chance to benefit from the great tips, ideas, reviews, giveaways, and even a subscription box.   That these ladies offer on their sites.  Awesome , right!

Thanks for stopping by Ladies, Have a Great weekend! :)))

~ STYLING TOOLS FOR OUR NATURALS~

Hello Fellow fabulous naturals!

The topic of whether to use or not to use styling tools come up quite often, in the natural hair community. There are some that may prefer one tool over another. Then there are those who do not use styling tools at all, or rarely. That is the category I'm in.

I prefer to use my fingers and maybe my seamless  comb. Although to be fair I wear my hair more on the shorter side so therefore it doesn't really call for much of a styling tool.

Here are a few of the most popular styling tools used by many naturals:

A wide tooth comb- Perhaps all naturals should have on of these on hand. The worse thing to hear while combing or styling your tresses is to hear the 'pop" sound. Normally when you hear that sound chances are you may have just snap a hair strand. This is where wide tooth combs come into play, I prefer seamless ones. Which can also help in preventing your hair  from getting  snagged while combing.  Its also best to never comb or use any styling tool on dry hair.

Denman Brush- This one is really popular. I must admit I've never used one on my hair while being natural. But there are those who swear but it. I've read reviews from others who state you can get great clumping from use a denman brush. Should you choose to use a denman brush, again please be sure your is wet before doing so.

Satin caps and or pillow cases-  These are must haves. It is imperative that we keep our hair as healthy as possible. Satin materials are the best. not causing dryness like cotton pillow case's or cotton scarves do. Satin helps to keep our hair moisturize by not drying our hair and robbing it of its moisture. I use both a satin cap and a satin pillow case For extra protection. If you do not own a satin cap. Try a satin scarf , it's all the same.

The satin cap and pillow case, my handy dandy seamless comb, and last but not least my fingers are my must have styling tools. What are your must have styling tools?

Thanks for stopping by, take care. And remember to stay positive, fly, naturally healthy, and fabulous!

Zainab1

~ GIVEAWAY !~

Hello Ladies!


There is a  Fabulous giveaway Being hosted by the Fabulous L at Natural Review. Sponsored by yours Truly. There you can enter to win :

1.   A Red sequence Clutch handbag
2. 1 Red and white scarf to match
3. 1 pair of red earrings

To enter is simple. All you need to do is the following to enter:

1. Like my Facebook page  AuNaturale Zainab1

2. To follow me on twitter AuNaturale @Zaainab1

Along with any other  requirements  given by  the Fabulous  L over at Natural Review. Now go on over ladies and enter. This Giveaway will last for 7 days. Tell your family and friends!

And for a additional give away visit the Fabulous Kinky Kinetik who is hosting  another giveaway sponsored by yours truly.  Visit her blog and you can win 12 ! pairs of Earrings.

To enter you must do the following:

1. Like my Facebook Page AuNaturale Zainab1

2. Follow me on Twitter AuNaturale@Zaainab1

Again, along with any other requirements Given by the fabulous Kinky Kinetik.  This giveaway will last until May 17th.

I want to thank both ladies who were kind enough to host my giveaways You ladies ROCK!. And Thank you to all who entered. I'm so excited and can not wait to send the goodies to the lucky winners!

P. S- . Be sure to follow both of these ladies blogs there you are sure to receive a wealth of Natural hair tips, ideas, reviews, giveaways, natural ways of living and even a natural subscription service. You will not be sorry *trust*

Thanks for reading , Now go on over and enter! *smiles*

Zainab1

~ MAY BLOGGING CHALLENGE ~

Hello Beautiful Naturals!

I hope you all had a fabulous weekend, one stress free and filled with benefit.  I wanted to share with those who may not know of a really fantastic May  blog challenge hosted by Creative Girl Media.

 I found out about the blogging challenge from another fabulous Natural Random Jamaican.  Should you need further details check out the The Blog Designer Network. Here as well as Creative Girl Media you will be sure to find a wealth of tips , ideas and workshops to help those of us who may be in need of those extra blogging tips. In hopes of attracting more visitor's to our blogs, etc.

Also at Creative Girl Media you will find a blog hop. You  sign up for "Blog hop" and get your blogs name on the long list with other great blogs. This is another great way to have your blog exposed to those who may not know how fantastic your blog is.   

I personally think the concept is great! This will be my very first blogging challenge . This will be different for me, but I am up for the challenge, and looking forward to it all!

Thanks for stopping by , take care. And remember to stay Positive, Fly, Naturally healthy and Fabulous!

Zainab1

" POSITIVE CHARACTER"

"Positive character expands into every area of your life, giving you confidence and positive feelings about everything you do."

~ WHAT WOULD IT BE ~

If you could pick any ONE  word to describe yourself what would it be ?