Naturally MzDezy Milestones & Goals!

I wanted to take the time to thank everyone that has been supportive of Naturally MzDezy! I also want to welcome all of the newcomers and long term supporters! Please continue to give feedback, ask questions, and share the site. There has been so many exciting things going on in the past couple of months! Many many milestones have been met and exceeded.

The Fan Page on Facebook has reached, and passed the previous goal of 100 likes!!

If you haven't had a chance to check out the Fan Page make sure that you do! There are inspirational quotes, messages, photos, hair info, and more! Don't be shy about sharing your own photos to be added to any of the albums.

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Follow me on Instagram @MzDezy!!

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This app was suggested to me by a friend, and guess what....I love it! If you're a picture taker, like to search pictures, or just into socialmedia I'd suggest this app to you. Make sure to search and follow me @MzDezy!

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Side Note:

Outside of socialmedia and blogging I've been meeting goals I've set for myself. One goal is to complete my college education. A milestone I've reached with this goal is getting enrolled, and back in class again! College has definitely been a rocky period of my life, but I'm SO excited and happy to be back in school!!!

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Yep, that is a marathon logo! I've registered to run the half marathom (13.1 miles) in this race. This will be my first time running a race of this length, but I'm determined. Wanting a challenge for myself, and wanting to do something for a good cause prompted me to join this marathon. There is about 2.5 months left to train before the Big Day is here. Wish me luck!

Did You Know:

4 out of 5 African American women are overweight or obese?!

The group Black Girls Run was created to change that! Check it out and see if there's a local group for you to join:



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These are just a few milestones and goals that are active in my life right now.

Do you have any goals or milestones you've reached recently?! How is that New Years Resolution looking....have you stuck with it?

Start thinking about your goals and milestones *hint hint* Thank you again for supporting Naturally MzDezy and feel free to share this post and  Tweet me @MzDezy!!

Step by Step: Hawk Variation

After wearing my hair in a twist out for a while I needed to wash and style it for Easter, but was short on time. Instead I thought of an easy style to get me through the day until I could wash my hair that night. The end result of this style looks like a mohawk made of puffs.

Tools I used: Shea butter mixture, 3 rubber bands, 7 standard sized protected bobby pins, 1 large protected bobby pin, and hair pins (number may vary)

I didn't want to manipulate my hair too much so I didn't use a comb. To begin I smoothed on my shea butter mixture to moisturize my hair and to give it a shine. Next I sectioned my hair into 4 sections making the biggest in the front of my head.

(Right) The red shows where a rubber band is used. The brown shows where rough parts were made.

Tip: If you part your hair using a comb you'll be able to see the parts easier in the finished product. If you use your hands/fingers to section your hair there won't be parts showing in the finished style.

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The very first hump in a basic pompadour secured with one large bobby pin. Once that's completed I moved on to the next pony tail in line. The hair is roughly divided into two parts, rolled, and then secured with a standard bobby pin.

 (Right) The red shows how the pony tail is roughly divided into two parts. The brown shows where the rubber band is securing the ponytail.

Tip: The rubber bands don't have to be very tight, or to pull your hair uncomfortably in any way. The sections that are pinned don't have to be exactly the same size either.

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After your first section is finished it should look similar to this:

 (Right) The brown shows the direction the hair was rolled. Yellow shows where a bobby pin was placed and red shows the rubber band that was used.



Tip: You can see that the pompadour was bobby pinned in two places since the section was so large. I made the next section's rolls large enough to touch and blend with the roll next to it. You won't notice the rubber bands once the rolls are done.

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Continue to roll and pin for the remaining pony tails.

Tip: When you section your hair, if you make the sections smaller as you go towards the back of your head the puffs will appear to cascade down your head ^_~" Also, when securing with the standard bobby pins, place one pin on each side of the roll. This will help minimize the amount of bobby pins needed.

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The last step when all of the rolls are pinned is to just clean up any stray hairs, curls, or make the puffs tighter with the hair pins. Since I started this with hair that had been previously twisted I had random strays all over the place.

After pinning everything how I liked here is the result:

 

Follow & Tweet me @MzDezy

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Night Care: Since this style is so simple to do I take it down completely and cover with a satin bonnet before bed. In the morning I sprits with my EO water mixture, smooth and restyle.

This hawk variation, puff hawk --- what would you call it?? --- has many pros:

• Can be worn by people with different hair lengths
• The number of puffs can be changed very easily to switch up the style
• People who are transitioning can wear this style
• Doesn't take a lot of time to style
• Easy style for people of all skill levels to achieve
• Can serve as a protective style since the ends of your hair are covered

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I encourage you to try this style!! If you do make sure you post it on the Facebook Fan Page, so that it may be added to the "Hair I Did" album for others to see! You're welcome to post any and all natural hair pictures of styles you've created or styles that inspire you in some way!

March Newsletter

NaturallyMzDezy

In case you haven’t noticed, my blog has been going through some changes as of lately. Slowly, but surely, the site will be getting a facelift. Good news---I own my own domain now! The url: http://mzdezy.blogspot.com will still work, but the new url is: www.naturallymzdezy.com. Thank you for your patience, continued support, and please continue to share.

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Other ways to connect:

Twitter: Follow me @MzDezy, or tweet using the hashtag #NaturalHair or  #TeamNatural. Every Tuesday, at 7pm join natural hair wearers in some  #CurlChat.

Facebook: Like the group A Natural Hair Affair and share with friends! Whether you have natural hair, are interested in it, or just want to show support---Welcome!! www.facebook.com/anaturalhairaffair

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Dandruff vs Dry Scalp

To date, I believe this is the most popular post out of the whole blog! I’m assuming many people have concerns about these issues, and/or want to tell the difference. Dandruff and dry scalp are often confused. In most cases the person is just suffering from dry scalp. How do you deal with dry scalp?

Have you ever had dandruff? Share your experiences via Twitter, Facebook, or the blog!

http://www.naturallymzdezy.com/2011/09/dandruff-vs-dry-scalp.html

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Wanted: Hair Inspiration

Need inspiration, ideas, or do you have either to share?? We’d love to know! Share your stories, pictures, advice, etc.

Also, if you have natural hair pictures of styles you’ve created add them to the group Wall, so that they may be added to the Hair I Did album!

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Most people know Billie Holiday for her singing and her trendsetting hair flowers. Did you know she started wearing these after a BIG hair mishap?

http://www.naturallymzdezy.com/2012/02/hair-oops.html

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Have you heard of CurlBOX? I first saw it in a holiday magazine article on what to buy your natural friend J So far CurlBOX has surpassed my expectations. Very pleased with the monthly goodies I’ve been getting.

CurlBOX is a monthly hair club for Curly Gurls

www.CurlBOX.com

Stay tuned for some reviews via Facebook

Questions? Email me!!

Hair Oops!

Have you ever had a hair disaster before?? How did you fix it, or cope with it? While reading about some past and present style icons I came across some info about the great late singer Billie Holiday. Besides a powerful voice, Lady Day was known for wearing gardenia flowers in her hair. This led to a trend that many still follow. I personally can't get enough of hair flowers! Did you know that this was an accidental trend? Yep, it's true! Mrs. Holiday had a section of hair burned off by a curling iron that was too hot!! To mask the area she pinned flowers all over it. This cover-up turned out to be a signature look for her.



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My hair oops

During my 1st attempt at transitioning I tried to straighten my hair with a straightening comb. Bad BAD idea! The comb was way too hot and literally burned through my hair. Just my luck it happened to be a section at the crown of my head. I was left with a cluster of about 1 inch hairs sticking straight up in the air. Imagine the little hairs on top of tweety birds head, SO embarrassing! There was really no way to cover this up. It took a few months of scalp massages with tea tree oil and heat avoidance to grow the spot out to a workable length. I definitely learned my lesson, and have not repeated it since! I wish I had pictures of it to serve as a warning of what heat damage can do.

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Post your hair mishaps, oops', trial/errors, etc over on Facebook! I'd love to hear them...if you also have pics, please share!

You can also Tweet me your pics @MzDezy ^_~"

CLOSED: Hair Challenge 2014!

In case you didn't know, there's a hair challenge going on right now, and it is Free.99! I've decided to commit and join in with it. Basically it's for you to grow your hair naturally for the next two years. The challenge is for you not to wear wigs, weaves, or braid extensions! This can be hard, especially with winter coming, and protective styles, such as these, being worn a lot during this season. There are women from all over who are joining the challenge. There will be future events, before and after pics, networking, you can talk to others who have joined it, and more.

Over these two years you are to maintain healthy hair, and grow it to a length of your choosing. Here's a quick fact from the Natural Hair Challenge 2014 site:

"Hair grows about ½ inch per month, so in one year you could easily grow 6” of hair.  In two and a half years you could grow 15 inches of natural hair and even more if your factor in the hair you started with.  If you started with 4" of hair, that could easily total 19 inches of hair …"

I always try to keep my hair growing and healthy. Sticking with this is part of my New Year Resolution! I think it will be fun to challenge myself to grow my hair longer in this time frame! The other part of my New Year Resolution is to stick to things on my to do list. I always make a list of things I want to do, need to do, places I want to go, places to see, etc., but never get to them. My resolution is that once a month I will do one thing on my to do list!

Examples of things on my list:

1. Try a specific restaurant in town
2. Try out for a specific group I'm interested in
3. Attend an annual festival I never make it to
4. Visit some small local shops I've never been to

What is your New Year Resolution and how do you plan on sticking to it??? It's def not too early to start thinking about it! Have you ever stuck to a resolution that you made? What's the longest you've went? That leads me to this........a New Year Resolution Giveaway!!!!

To Enter You Must:

1. Follow me on Twitter, and tweet "I'm entering @MzDezy New Year Resolution Giveaway #NaturalHair" (Bonus Entry)
2. Like A Natural Hair Affair fan page on Facebook, and on the wall say what your New Year Resolution is, AND how you plan to stick with it. (1 Entry)

Rules:

1. Must follow me on Twitter, and tweet the above message (Bonus Entry)
2. Must like the Facebook fan page, submit your resolution AND plan (1 Entry)
3. All submissions must be received before 11:59 PM December 31, 2011

Giveaway Prize:

The winner of this giveaway will receive a gift basket with things to help them with their New Year Resolution!! You'll be nice and refreshed in the new year, and able to keep track of your progress. 

Included: Note pads to keep you on track of your new year resolution, a jar of my hand whipped shea coconut body & hair butter, a jar of my sweet almond body sugar scrub, a sample of my lavender bath salts, a manicure/pedicure tool set, and a pair of my handmade earrings!!!

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Helpful links:

A Natural Hair Affair Facebook fan page H E R E!!
@MzDezy on Twitter H E R E!!
Hair Challenge 2014 official site H E R E!!
Hair Challenge 2014 Facebook page H E R E!!

CLOSED: Hakuna Matata Giveaway

A NATURAL HAIR AFFAIR: HAKUNA MATATA

Las Vegas!! This is the last year for the Vegas show, so go now before it's gone!

Hakuna Matata is Swahili for, "there are no worries". That's what I think of when it comes to my hair. I'm pretty laid back and carefree about it. My hair is important to me, but I refuse to let it be me if that makes sense. When I'm styling it, accessorizing it, or just wearing it day to day I don't really have any worries about it. Hakuna Matata fits my personality when it comes to my hair. It doesn't hurt that the Lion King is my all time favorite Disney movie,  ^_~"  and probably the best Broadway musical I've ever seen!

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Red is my favorite color, and I love wearing fros!

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I wanted to have a business card made to help spread the word about my blog. Most importantly I wanted it to portray me! I had no clue of how to make one, where to buy one, or anything. Dun dunna duuun, Liz to the rescue!! Liz is a great photographer, and artist that I had the pleasure of meeting. It was so much fun being able to work with her. It was at least 90 degrees, and we were working in a huge warehouse with no air conditioner.

Can you tell we were being tortured by the elements doing this???

Since Liz has been oh so great to me I wanted her to be a part of my blog. Now it's your turn to Naturally Meet Liz:


What's your name? Liz Pumphrey


How old are you? 27


Where are you from? I'm originally from a little town called Bandera, the self proclaimed "Cowboy Capital of the World." Yeah it's about an hour outside of San Antonio, Texas. I work hard to hide my southern accent.

What do you do..job, hobbies? My full time job is teaching, but my favorite job is being a professional photographer. Photography is my passion, and I'm fortunate enough to have my own business! I also like to play video games, knit, and spend time with my husband and our dog.

What was your first impression when we met? You can be honest...I won't cry, promise! You were infectiously upbeat and I LOVED it!


How would you describe your hair? I love my hair. It's naturally wavy, but easy to straighten which makes it very versatile. It can also be problematic, because there is so much of it. Sometimes it just wants to hang there instead of having movement, so a good cut is a MUST. Ultimately, I think I have sexy hair....when its not in a pony tail.  

What are your thoughts on natural/chemical free hair? Too many girls go for that "dead, frizzy, fried" look and to be honest...its not sexy. At all. I think natural hair is more manageable and attractive than hair that's been destroyed by chemicals. That said, I do dye my hair, but I've educated myself on the best ways to do it without causing damage, and if I have questions then I go see my stylist.


Any must have products? My blow dryer...not that it's a product per say, but it's a necessity. I also keep a bottle of Tony and Guy's Frizz Ease around for days when my hair is really unruly.


Where do you currently get hair tips and ideas from? I Google punky/emo/funky hair and go from there. lol Not that I can do any of the things I want to do with my full time job....Sigh. 


Where can you and/or your work be found at online?
Photography Website
Model Website  
Facebook

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No worries, red, and, my love for fros helped inspire the business card (above) Liz designed. So here comes my challenge. If you had to make, or find an image that fit your personality what would it look like? Show me and tell me how it reflects you!!

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In a little more than 2 weeks I'll choose a winner for my very first giveaway!! I'll be giving away a super cute, fancy business card holder. Below you can see the one that I use!

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*** R U L E S !! ***

1. Enter via email, Twitter, Myspace, or Facebook
2. Submit an image that is NOT you, but reflects your personality
3. Tell me how it represents you
4. In the Subject line, or available space put, "I'm entering @MzDezy Hakuna Matata giveaway"
5. Be Creative and have fun!!!
6. 18 yrs of age or older to enter please

Want More Entries??

You may enter up to 4 times 

1. Email me your submission
2. Follow me on Twitter, then Tweet @MzDezy by the above rules
3. Like "A Natural Hair Affair: Hakuna Matata" Facebook Fan Page, then post by the above rules
4. Friend me on Myspace, then submit by the above rules 

Giveaway Closes October 31, 2011 at 11:59 PM