Inspirational quote of the day

(Art work - "Canyon" by Alex Kozik)

"Don't just count your years, make your years count!"
- Ernest Meyers

Happy Thanksgiving!

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving everyone!!

Inspirational photo of the day

Beautiful photo from Twist & Curves - hair model shown in a previous post.

Zulu Rose

Check out some cool clothing and jewelry by Zulu Rose.

Twist and Curves Gallery

An amazing and creative portfolio of client styles from the Connecticut salon Twist & Curves (on Facebook). To see more from this salon, visit: TwistandCurves Website. The salon also creates styles like Afro Kinky Twist, Bump-less Cornrows, Curly Twist, Flat twist, Goddess braids, natural hair styles, silky dreads and Seneglese twists.

Shoe Art

Wearable shoe art from the Loewe.

"Based in Spain, the House of Loewe has been around since 1846, but has not really been been part of the “it” accessory culture that seems to propel brands into the spotlight. However , with beautifully crafted footwear featuring a healthy dose of detail like these sandals, made under the creative direction of newly appointed Stuart Vevers they could be the next hottest …" - HighSnobette

Artwork by Creative Truth

Sketches by CreativeTruth

Shingai Shoniwa

"Shoniwa grew up to a single mother from Zimbabwe in a South London public-housing estate. The experience, Shoniwa says, absolutely informs her music. “Wanting to escape from reality can inspire the greatest and most trivial creative natures in people,” and “I think escapism is something that connects all of us. Everybody has their own little soundtrack, and I guess I’m trying to make my own soundtrack to my escape plan. I want people to realize that there’s so much more.”

She first wanted to be an actress, and for a while joined the Lost Vagueness crew as a burlesque performer. She studied circus skills at a London youth club as a teenager. When she graduated, she attended art school and dabble in local theatre. Her classmate and friend, Dan Smith, would hold what she called "ridiculous jam sessions — too many people strumming broken guitars thinking they're Syd Barrett." One day she joined him singing, and the two quickly formed a group." - Source

To see more about Shingai , check her out on Facebook & Myspace.

Pangea's Garden - New Website

Nudity has always been a bit of a Taboo subject. But I have always appreciated it when shown in an artistic light. Pangaeas Garden Project blog, now has a new website called Pangaeas Garden. Check them out. The majority of the photos are beautiful and tastefully done.

Also let us know what you think, when it comes to this form or art? For me, coming from a artist background, where sketching live nude models is normal - it's not a big deal. But weigh in and give your opinion...

*Please note that the Pangaea's Garden blog and website contains artistic photographs of woman in slight nudity.

Inspiration Photos - Nerissa Irving

Click on the link to see Nerissa Irving on Myspace. To see a previous post on Nerissa, click here.

Fabulous at 35!

I turn 35 years old today. Happy Birthday to me... ;-). Yes I am getting old(er)... lol. But age is just a number.

High on my wish list?? Shoes and flowers of course!

But really - I am just grateful to have my family. That we are all healthy and strong. Here's to another year celebrating being a wife, mom, artist & strong woman. Cheers!

Mr. & Mrs. Obama

I love our President and his lovely wife, Mrs. Obama. I don't think I ever remember a President & wife that has been so athletic; and a inspiration to others to be healthy and to stay active. It is very refreshing to see this new energy. I also loved their family pictures and recent pictures from Halloween. They seem very intelligent, cultured, friendly, down to earth and about the community. That's a great combination!

Handmade Copper Ring & Earrings

Looking for Christmas Gifts? Check out these matching handmade copper earrings and ring, currently sale on the Naturally Beautiful Hair website. If you want buy both items, you will qualify for a limited-time, holiday discount of $10 off.

Artwork by Aissata Pinto Da Costa

Beautiful and creative art work by Aissata Pinto Da Costa.

"Hailing from the beautiful African nation of São Tomé and Principe, Aissata is the epitome of the self-taught artist. Her work, born out of her for love of Africa and her multicultural influences, her respect for life and her pride in being a woman , is a true reflection of the fiery passions that lie within her soul. Her artistic journey is one of dedication and hard work, with a deep yearning to express herself and spread love." - Saatchi Online

Natural Beauty Spotlight - Samille

Today's Natural Beauty spotlight is Samille. To learn more about Samille, check out her blog at The little Artist That Could.

20% and 80% ?!?

Last week on on the Tyra Banks show, Tyra talked about her new healthy choice lifestyle: Get your shape in shape.
Most of the information she gave is stuff we already know. But in my case, I just don't apply it! Which is why I continue to struggle with my weight till this day. But Tyra's nutritionist, Heather Bauer, talked about how weight loss is 20% exercise and 80% diet! I have never heard of that before or thought of it that way. But it makes perfect sense.

I work out at the gym 4 to 5 times a week. Although I have not gained any weight over the last couple of years, I am not losing any weight (which is my goal). So basically the reality is setting in that no matter how much you work out, if your diet sucks - it will not make a difference.

So I really want to make an effort to pay attention to what I put in my mouth and follow some of these tips from Tyra and Heather:

#5 Portion Control: Do you eat more than you should? To be sure you are eating a healthy, well-proportioned meal, follow this guide to build your plate… Protein: Picture 2 iPhones stacked together…that’s how much meat you should have on your plate. No more, no less. Carbs: Make your hand into a fist…that’s the maximum amount of carbs you should be eating. If you've been eating more than that amount on a regular basis, well, that could explain the extra pounds. Veggies: When it comes to vegetables, you can never have too much, says Heather. Try to fill half of your plate with veggies (come on, there's got to be one green veg you like!) and you're on your way to a healthier life.

#4 "Phase Eating": A "phase eater" is someone who picks one or two things to eat (while dieting for weight loss) and sticks with it. It's actually not a bad idea, Heather says--if it's a healthy choice of food (like a tuna/no mayo sandwich). Many dieters actually prefer this way of dieting; it’s an easier way to keep up with their plan. If you feel this is a route you’d want to take, go for it!

#3 Breakfast: In today’s busy world, who has time for breakfast? You should! You've heard it before and now you're hearing it again. It's the most important meal of the day. Sometimes when we wake up without an appetite it could mean you ate BIG the night before. However, waking up hungry is a very good sign of being healthy…it means that your body is working. Also, when it comes to weight loss (and brain food) you miss b-fast and you're working against yourself. Need some ideas for a healthy (low fat) breakfast? Pick something from the menu below.

BREAKFAST MENU: Yogurt w/fruit, High fiber cereal, Eggs (scrambled), Tomato and mozzarella, Oatmeal(You can pick one of these things and "phase eat" it too!)

#2 Exercise: A good work out is always a great idea. Even if your diet is fierce and you’ve been on it without any cheating, you could still use a good workout at least 3 times a week. Take a walk or run on a treadmill, you'll immediately see and feel the difference.

#1 NO Smoking: You may be a smoker (we hope not), but if you’re trying to get fit and lose weight, you've got to stay off the smokes! It’ll do nothing but hinder your plan, kill your workout and leave you literally, breathless. It's not easy gving up the habit, but if you are really ready to Get Your Shape in Shape, it's the only way to go.

Goapele's Photoshoot - Diablo Magazine

I finally got my copy of October 2009 Diablo Magazine, with Goapele on the cover. Goapele is a bay area singer and one of my biggest inspirations. To learn more about Goapele, check her out on her website; Or you can look below for the links to some of my previous post and the video from her photo shoot.

Goapele Mohlabane
Milk & Honey
Inspiration
Cornrows

I Love the "Rasta Mermaid"

I love this painting. If you would like to own this painting or a printed copy of the Rasta Mermaid, go to Pamelina.com. Prices range from $20 to $2500.00.

200 Subcribers!!!

Naturally Beautiful Hair blog has reached 200 Subscribers!! How exciting. I look forward to reading more of your comments, seeing your feedback and learning more from you all everyday. I have received so much support and inspiration from others because of this blog. For that I am very grateful.
~ Karen @ NBH Blog

Artikal Hats & Veils

Artikal.com has tons of great looking hats and veils. Although on the pricey side, this site is great for inspiration, if you are looking to switch up your style with a cool looking hat. They also feature bridal pieces.

Jewelery by Ann Maa

These beautiful rings are by Anne Maa Designs.
Source: Aquarianthoughts

Need A Voice? Co-Write!

Want to share advice, information, your journey, pictures, art, poems or more?!? I am looking to expand the knowledge that is shared on this blog. If you have a story to share, but are to busy to create your own blog, you can have your story published here with full credit to you. You can also submit information as an anonymous writer if privacy is important to you. If you would like to have a piece written by you, published on this blog, email me at naturalhairbeauty@gmail.com with your submission and include any related photos and or links.

Wedding Hair

My wedding anniversary just past, and I am totally having flash backs to my beautiful wedding day. I wish I could re-live it all over again. A few days before my wedding, I did a test run with what hair style I wanted (in the picture above). And this is what I came up with. Very simple and very me. Needless to say, that when the big day actually came - I was so busy, excite and nervous at the same time, that I totally forgot to do my hair!! But thank goodness my make-up artist, Shonna Hall, hooked me up. It was a great day, and I have lots of great memories. Here are more pictures below, from my wedding. Our colors for the wedding were orange, peach, yellow, fuchsia and pink. Yes that's a lot of colors...lol. But it came out great.

Check out the following links for wedding looks, accessories and hair styles:

• Renaissance Hairtopia
• Beauloni
• Zayunu
  

What will you be??

Halloween is tomorrow... Woo hoo! For those of you that are going out and celebrating this day, tell us what you plan to dress up as? I will be a Devilish Angel. Have a great weekend everyone.

Inspiration photo of the day

Eye Candy - Lance Gross

Good morning everyone. Here is some eye candy to start your day. Pictures are of Lance Gross. The lady model and actress is Eva Marcelle Pigford. - Source theybf & Necole B.

Artwork by Natalie Shaw

This paining by Natalie Shaw, was created for Jewelry designer Lydia Courteille's website.

Natural Beauty Spotlight - Jeanille Bonterre

This weeks natural beauty spotlight is Jeanille Bonterre, also known as empress jeanille on Myspace.

Here is more info on Jeanille:

"Born and raised in the twin island republic of Trinidad and Tobago, Jeanille Bonterre has been a popular face and voice of Trinidad and Tobago's broadcasting industry for years. Often described as the quintessential "Caribbean Queen," Jeanille began her media career in Trinidad as a teenager hosting the youth TV show, "Nettwork." She later hosted a daily radio program on FM 100 before moving to Los Angeles, California to pursue a degree in communications studies at Santa Monica College. After her stint in Los Angeles she continued her education by enrolling in the distinguished Radio and Television Arts Program at Ryerson University in Canada, where she became the entertainment news writer and host for the campus radio station ‘SPIRIT Live”. That paved the way for her return to Trinidad and Tobago for a position as the entertainment correspondent"... click here to read more.

Purple python latticed platforms

These shoes by H Williams are Hot!

Not exactly P.E.T.A friendly material, but cute...

- Source Mane & Chic

Style Inspiration

Diary, Earrings, Top, Shorts, Christian Louboutin Pumps, Bracelets, Skirt