Not Another Natural Hair Tale

I am trying not to make this blog about my natural hair journey because there are so many bazillions blogs out there about it. However, these past two months have inspired me to write this post. I decided to go natural sometime mid August last year (2012) but I didn't big chop my hair until November. While I was glad that I had B'Ced, I felt very vulnerable and open with a tiny little afro. 

Source

I was so worried about what my family members (especially my mum and dad) will think when they see me. My mum was in no way happy with my new look but because my dad loved it, she didn't give me much hassle. Her greatest concern was that all my ''potential boyfriends/partners'' and/or men will not find me attractive with natural hair. Four months in and my thin, scanty and lifeless hair gained so much volume, life and kinks.

Contrary to my mum's concerns, men have been my greatest supporters. For every lady (a few though) that has asked 'why I cut my hair?' I have had a man come in my defense, even before I could utter a word. I try not to mention to people that I am on short hair because I am going natural, I don't want to start explaining my reasons to closed minded people. 

To my awe, many ladies have approached me to ask how I do it and what they should do when they go natural? I get inspired each day by the number of questions I get from strangers about my hair and the friends around me that have started considering going natural. Another huge inspiration for me these past two months, are two newly acquitted younger teenagers (10 and 12 years old) I have come to know. The 10 years old has been disturbing her mother about cutting off her relaxed hair from the first day she met me. She tells her mother that she want a big chop like mine. Her mother had to eventually do it earlier this week after a month of persistent asking.

The other 12 years old asked her mother about it but she got a big NO. So she decided to do it on her own with a scissors. (What have I done? Don't want to start an army of lil rebels). Her mother is fine with it now though. When I heard the story of these two precious ones, I felt humbled and overwhelmed with joy. Not because I have an issue with relaxed hair but because my actions have inspired people that I didn't make an effort to inspire. I have been considering adding some colours to my hair but with the amount of little eyes around me, I don't think I will do anything too crazy. We don't want mothers holding meetings over my hair and their kids rebellious behaviours. 

So far my hair journey has been a very worth well one. The biggest news of all and the main reason why I decided to do this post - My mother said to me today ''K----! I think I want to go natural like you''. *My mouth drops*

What about Sunscreens?

Source: http://moblog.net

My previous blog talked about the 7 Must Haves in Every Naija Chic's Bag and the number one on the list was a sunscreen. The 'talk' about sunscreen has been on my mind for a while now. I am gradually trying to minimize the amount of toxins/chemicals going into my body, I believe the environment has just enough for me without the need to add more. If our forefathers didn't need these chemicals, why do we? Many of the sunscreens in the market contain very toxic chemicals that in the long run are harmful to us. 

The Environmental Working Group says 56% of active sunscreens contain the chemical oxybenzone, it is known to penetrate into the skin and acts as a photo-sensitize. Experts believe that oxybenzone is linked to hormone disruption and potentially to cell damage that may lead to skin cancer. The Environmental Working Group has compiled a list of 700 name-brand sunscreens along with the toxic chemicals they contain. Check their website for more details www.ewg.org/sunscreen/. Oxybenzone is not the only ingredient to be on the lookout for, as Retinyl Palmitate is another one to check. When exposed to UV light, its' compounds break down and produce toxic free radicals that can damage DNA and cause gene mutations, which is a precursor to cancer. A recent study also found that retinyl palmitate applied to the skin in the presence of sunlight, may accelerate the development of skin tumors and lesions. 

To be honest, I still occasionally use creams and make-ups that contain oxybenzone but I have also been testing out other natural alternatives. I did a bit of research that I have started incorporating alternatives and wanted to sure a bit of it on this blog. As we all know, we are what we eat and our appearance, in most cases, is a by-product of what we have ingested. I am going to started with the internal factors that help prevent sun damage then move on to the external factors. Please note these factors do not work independently as we are more complex than that.

Antioxidant Rich Diet

By definition, Antioxidants such as glutathione, vitamin C, vitamin A, catechins, alpha lipoic acid and vitamin E are substances that can help prevent the effects of free radical damage in the body. Antioxidants neutralize the process of oxidation and cellular damage; hence sun damage, aging and disease. The consistent need to replenish antioxidants in the body is very important because the amount of antioxidants in your blood decreases when your skin is exposed to sunlight. Anti-oxidant rich foods include dark green leafy vegetables, green and black tea, organic dark cocoa (chocolate), tomatoes, water melons, pawpaw (papaya), carrots, small red beans, garlic, apples and oranges are among the countless. Sounds like a broken record but a diet rich in antioxidants is the body's best shield and armor. 

Source: http://www.denverpost.com

Healthy Fatty Foods

If all fats were bad then fats wouldn't still exist. Omega-3 Fatty Acid, an essential fatty acid that good for your heart. It is not only good for your heart; it is helpful at fighting off free radicals, which can occur as a result of overexposure to UV rays. Fish such as salmon, tuna, sardines, mackerel and trout are full of omega-3 fatty acids. Fish oil or Omega 3 supplements are great options when you cant easily access these rich fishes. Other foods with healthy fats that are great for your skin are avocado, flaxseeds, nuts (almond, peanut, cashew, walnuts and pistachios), extra virgin olive oil and extra virgin coconut oil.

Water

The sun rays dry out your skin, leaving it deprived of vital nutrients needed for cell repair. Giving your skin back what the sun took keeps it fully functional. Water is an essential ingredient for cell repair and it allows the body to better fix damages associated with sun exposure.

Clothing

Covering up the skin with light clothing when out in the sun is a great way to minimize sun damage. Sun hats, sunglasses, parasols, light scarves/shawls are among the options available.

Ingredients Consciousness / Natural Sunscreens

I recommended Aubrey Organics Natural Sunscreen in my previous posts because I kind of trust the Brand's products. They provide all-natural, safe and effective personal care and lifestyle products with no paraben preservatives, no petrochemicals, no artificial colors or fragrances of any kind. Zinc oxide has been stated to be very safe sunscreen ingredient. However, a few people have reported allergic reactions to it. What I have to say about this is that not every good thing is for everyone. For example, some people are allergic to nuts but yet nuts are healthy foods. So do your research, check the www.ewg.org website for harmful ingredients in whatever sunscreen you intend to purchase. Just be ingredients-conscious.

Natural & Organic Oils/Butters

So many oils and butters such as Shea butter, coconut oil, palm oil and olive oil contain sun blocking properties. Although, a few users have reported that it made them darker. Whether true or not, I cannot confirm that but I am going to do a post about this later. Shea butter provides natural ultraviolet sun protection up to about SPF 6 and yes that might appear a bit low but it is not bad when coupled with right clothings' and diet. Coconut oil is another oil, especially for those that find butters too heavy. It is a moisturizer and sealant. Any oil/butter you decide to go for make sure it is unrefined, organic and extra virgin.

7 Must Haves' in Every Naija's Chic Bag

Sunscreen Cream

This is something almost every girl I know skips from her daily regime. Not only is it important to apply sunscreen before you go out in the sun, it is also equally as important to re-apply it on every exposed part of your body when you have been out in the sun for a long time (this is also dependent on the strength of the sunscreen and your skin. To read more). Sun damage is responsible for up to 70 percent of the visible signs of ageing, skin cancer – caused by overexposure to the sun. A portable sunscreen in your handbag will do your skin justice. At your prime, you will look at your skin and know that you did the right thing when you were a chic.

Aubrey Organics Natural Sunscreen - Green Tea

Anthelios 50 Mineral Ultra Light Sunscreen Fluid

Sunglasses

Hate the attention it attracts from people, Love the protection it provides. The sunlight here gets really bright and your delicate eyes need the cover. I have noticed (myself included) that many Nigerian women suffer from hyper-pigmentation and sun burns around the eye area. To reduce or hinder this from happening,  sunglasses will go a long way.

L - R: Roxy Raf 1 Sunglasses and Spy Clarice Sunglasses

Hand fans

According to my convenient buddy, Wiki, ‘it is a hand-held device used to induce airflow for the purpose of cooling or refreshing oneself’. The very privileged chic have a fully functional air cooling system in her car, office and home but she cannot escape those times in the church, bank, some restaurants (and yes even posh ones sometimes get hot), shopping malls/market and the list could go on. What I am trying to highlight is that being in a country with a hot climate; one always requires this lightweight, easy and multipurpose device. I say multi-purpose because I use it sometimes to shade my face from the inevitable enduring sunshine.

Hand Sanitizer

Must I say why you need this? From the handling of dirty currencies to the general hygiene of our dusty environment, the hand sanitizer comes very handy in avoiding the spread of germs and bacteria.

Handkerchief / Mini Serviette Tissue / Wipes

For all the reasons above and so much more, any of these options you choose to have is a must for every chic’s handbag. Since Nigeria is also a very dusty environment, you will need to wipe loads of dirt off chairs, handle of doors/cars, your sleek shoes, etc.

Travel-size Perfumes or Body Mist/Spritz/Refresher

Oh my, oh my, who can actually miss this? They come in different sizes from 5ml to 50ml to fit perfectly into your bag. You need them because High sunshine = Very sweaty = Very Sticky = Very smelly (lol). No one likes the last stop on those very busy days.

Water

Hydration! Hydration!! Hydration!!! I don’t know how people survive without a bottle of water in their bags. This helps me keep hunger and over-snacking at bay. I also read somewhere that drinking water is also one of the cheapest beauty treatments around, it helps to promote a clearer, more radiant complexion. Whether true or not, one thing I am sure of is that water replenishes skin tissues, moisturizes the skin and increases its skin elasticity.

Place of Serenity

Everyone has a place or more that gives them serenity. It might not necessarily be a place; it might just be a large working space or a tiny bedside table top. Until I can get a proper working space, I have found my bookshelf top to be my micro place of serenity.

My own place

I have my jewelery boxes, flower vase with faux flowers, some travel souvenirs, candles and a collectors box on it. I am not a strictly neatly/tidy person. I will rate myself an average (or a 5/10) on tidiness but when every part of my life and bedroom is in muddles, this bookshelf is always neat and in order. My family members know better than to mess my BS* top.

Also, my sister finds my Dad's room to be her place of serenity. My Dad is usually busy and hardly uses his room except at night to rest. Whenever she says ''I will be at Dad’s room if anyone is looking for me'' we all know better than going there to disturb her. I think she feels very safe and relaxed in his room. It initially started with her hiding there in order to avoid being sent on errands (as the youngest child) but gradually, she found it to be her place.

I believe everyone should have a place where they find calm or just feel relaxed. Some friends find their homes to be that place. When I was an intern and living with a family friend a few years ago in a different city, I found my office cubical to be a place I looked forward to being.

Where do you find to be your place of calm?

*Book shelf

HUGO BOSS Arrives the Shores of Nigeria

I have always looked forward to the day when leading fashion brands will see Nigeria as a place of business interest. I even look much further to the day when Nigeria will be one of the world's leading fashion capitals like Paris, London, Milan, New York etc. With Hugo Boss opening a flagship store in The Palm Mall at Lekki, Lagos, I know my dreams are no longer far-fetched. The front runner designer store opened its doors for business on the 1st February, 2013, with opening party packed with so many celebrities. Top models and top business executives in the country. Nigerian supermodel, Oluchi Onweagba, Fidelity Bank MD, Mr. Reginald Ihejiahi and Gideon Okeke, Star of Tinsel TV show, who hosted the event, are a few mentioned at the event.

L - R: 1st Customer (winner) to spend over N100,000 with the Store Manager; Mohammed Ayyoub

Another amazing brand coming soon to our shores, Lagos (Ikeja City Mall) to be precise is the leading cosmetics brand MAC.

For more images click here.

Image Source: hautefashionafrica

Photography by Cruise Events

UPDATE: MAC Cosmetics launched its first store prior to this post. it was launched on the 2nd February, 2013. Although, I am not a Mac fan, I cannot wait to explore the store. 

Hair style moment – Up-do side plait

When I saw this hair style picture on the BGLH blog, I was inspired to post it. I fell in love with this up-do side plait and can't wait for my TWA to get to this length to do it.

This is a picture of Natassia and to read more about her hair click here.

Cheerio United Kingdom, Homeland Here I Come

Enough with it!!! After about a year and half of being back and forth with this decision, I am finally moving back to homeland (Nigeria).

I have spent about three years and four months in the UK and I must say that there are a lot of things I will miss about the UK as there are also a lot of things I will not miss about it. I have resolved to make a list of these things. Let's get started;

THINGS I WILL MISS

v  Easy access to everything shopping

v  More shopping options

v  Free health care

v  My personal space and my new/old friends

v  Endless world restaurant/cuisine to choose from

v  Fast Internet

v  Constant electricity

v  Great transport system

v  Late night outings

v  Diversity in culture and people

THINGS I WILL NOT MISS

v  The synthetic taste of the food and fruits… erghhh

v  The cold/chilly weather and lack of enough summer/sunshine

v  Wearing too much layers because of the cold

v  The lack of community spirit among neighbours/people

v  The awkward weirdness among people in all the public transport system

v  Friday/Saturday morning piss-y odour on the streets

v  Hit and miss friendship

v  Miniature roads, houses, rooms, cars and offices

v  Unruly teenagers

v  Right hand car steer – I never got use to this, still always got in at the wrong side

This is just a list 'off my head' I bet there are more to add in each category that I can't remember. However, at this moment, these are the ones that I can think of. All things good, I will miss London but change is necessary for any kind of growth in life.

 Image Source: Picture88.com 

A walk down the toilet roll aisle

I was walking down the supermarket aisle of ____ and came across these toilet rolls. I was tempted to buy one of them because I just recently re-visited using shea butter on my body/hair. However, I took a long pause to think about how in God’s name does a shea butter infused toilet make any difference in anyone’s life?

I read through the content on the roll packaging and found nothing to support or highlight the use of shea butter on this toiletry. For sure, no one wants their asses smelling like shea butter. Makes me wonder if things like these are just advertising gimmick or maybe it has a real purpose? I decided not to buy it since I couldn't come up with an explanation for the use of shea butter.

How much thought do you put into the things buying?

First Image stunner of the week for 2013

Image by Oscar Ramos

 Image by Oscar Ramos

 Image by Oscar Ramos

These artworks were created by a Chilean artist, Oscar Ramos. He created these vibrant and captivating images to inspire through art the importance of will power when the issue of healthy eating and active lifestyle is concern. For more of this images click here.

Source: twistedsifter.com

Happy New Year

The NYE has arrived and there is always this expectation for people to always be somewhere or have something spectacular planned. Well f*** that, I don't have anywhere to go and don't want to be anywhere else but in my pajamas watching Homeland. For years now, I have always felt the pressure NYE. I feel I have to be having fun at a party, kissing at midnight, fireworks shooting, at the watch night service and so on. This year I decided to revive myself from that pressure and just do what comes naturally. 

For everyone that have something doing, those that are just like me and those that are in between, I want to wish you all a happy new year. 

XOXO

Clueless Fadekemi

Roka Restaurant - Evening Out with the Babes

The babes of the content team decided to try this amazing restaurant called Roka and I must say we had a lovely time. I always know I have had a great dish whenever I feel so sleepy and mellowed out during/after eating. This feeling was experienced at Roka that evening. It was recommended to us by Cat (Check out her blog here). She is great at discovering great Japanese places and things.

Starter - Yakitori - Negima Yaki (Chicken skewers spring onions)

Main dish 1 - Kobuta No Ribs Yawaraka Nikomi (Baby back ribs glazed with spiced master stock and cashew nuts)

Main dish 2 - Kani No Kamameshi (Rice hot pot with king crab and wasabi tobiko)

Drinks: Ginger beer and Water

The Chefs in action. We sat just in front of them.

Babes devouring

I will highly recommend this place. The background music was perfect as it wasn't playing above my low-pitched voice. We were able to chat away and still enjoy the soothing music. I really hate shouting and speaking loud when eating/drinking in restaurants (not an attractive sight). The service was excellent, very friendly staff and environment hygiene was tip top. I can't wait for my next visit, only the thought of it makes me salivate... hmm mm

Which Japanese restaurant have you been to and would you recommend it?

The Emeli Sande

Voice so filtered, piercing through the heart

Reminder of the purpose of music, the food for the soul

In a time when every other focuses on sexuality, vanity and money

She cuts through and reaches out for depth

Inspiration, acceptance and insight is what her words of music offer

Distinction is what she exudes

May not be a worldly accepted talent but for those that search for more meaning in life

She speaks the language you desire.

Stunner Image of the week - 07/12/2012

Source : Psychedelic Experience

I love love this, the colour, skin tone and all. 

The Petite Woman

Christina Milian, Salma Hayek and Reese Witherspoon

There is nothing as irritating and feeble-minded as the underestimation of the petite woman's physique. Petite women are usually expected to have little strength to match their size and regarded as incapable of doing as much as the average woman. The uncomfortable truth is close to one third of the world's population of women are petite but they don’t realize it.

So, who is a petite woman? In the US, women that are approximately 5 ft 4’ and under are referred to as petite. Sometimes, I find that so many petite women criticize one another. Meek, fragile, delicate, vulnerable... is usually the characteristics associated with women of this physique. For those that come off with a bold and strong character, people often assume her stature to be the reason, stating things like “She is bold... because she is small and don’t want people to take her for granted.”...sigh.  

Grace Kelly

Some series of secret interviews was conducted by Barbara Walters for the ABC 20/20 Show that entailed a company seeking people to fill their executive positions. The results showed that the interviewers before the interviews perceived petite woman to be lacking intelligence, competence and leadership abilities due to her height. However, on the contrary, the petite female executives interviewed possessed top notch education and management experience, which many of the tall women considerably lacked in comparison.

While I have nothing against the tall or average sized women (plus my mum is average and sister is tall), I find that the generalization of petite women into a fixed stereotype is bizarre and ridiculous.

Stunner Image of the week - 25/10/2012

This Image is coming a bit later than it's suppose to hence the date above

The wall of Coffin On Cake press day is my stunner of the week.. I also love the look added by the bicycle parked in front of this wall... Call me vain as I decided to take pictures of myself in front of it too.

Thrifting... and a Scarf or Two

I stumbled on this great blog and while reading it, I came across the word 'thrifting'. Alright, call me an illiterate, a dummy or stupid (despite my master degrees) for not knowing this word but I must say that no one I know has ever used it before. So I hopped on goggle to find out the meaning immediately. I was surprised that even though I enjoy a bit of shopping, I didn't know what this word meant...sigh.

Anyway after a good read up on thrifting, I felt ready to do it. Fortunately for me that evening, I was at  Uxbridge shopping mall and just outside the mall, there were tents/kiosks that are never normally there. I am guessing they were there because the festive season (Christmas) is approaching. They sold lots of Christmas candles, wines, scents, nuts and other festive things. I knew this was the time to 'do some' thrifting...yeahoooooo!!!!!

(Source: garryknight

I had a silk scarf a while back but my sister obtained it from me. I wasn't bothered then because I didn't really use it and I wasn't natural yet (hair-wise). However, over the past months getting a silk scarf has been on my mind. DING... As I was going through the various tents, I found one that sold so many hair accessories.  I jumped for joy and dashed to the nearest cash machine to get me some money (in a non-existent Texan accent).

Each scarf was going for 6 pounds or two for 10 pounds. Hell yeah!! I got myself the two above and I intend to have these scarves for many years to come, that is if no one acquires it from me.

Stunner Image Begins

Source : Psychedelic Experience

There are some images we come across and can’t help but be stunned by them. Well this just happens to be one of those I find stunning today. I enjoy viewing images that draw me in. I am going to be posting images I find fascinating each week and call it ‘Stunner Image of the week’.

Do you have images, pictures, drawings, graffiti, sculptures, crafts... you are always drawn to? Tell me, I want to know.

To be Pondered Upon

This is just me being lazy and posting something I have been struggling with for a while now. Happy Friday everyone!!!

An Attempt to Detox

During the week, I went out on Wednesday evening for a drink with a friend and my system can't handle just a bottle of beer. It got me thinking about how I have slightly diverted from my healthy eating lifestyle this past couple of weeks. I also had a hangover two weeks before and it took me about one week to get over it. I decided to get a cleanse this weekend.

I came across this nice cleanse recipe on the Chef Ahki Facebook page and felt inspired to use it too. So on Friday after work, I headed to Sainsburys to get the following;

•  Kale - 200g (used 100g)

• Spinach - 200g (used 100g)

• Lime -  4 medium but used only 1

• Cayenne pepper - used about half a tablespoon

• Green tea - 2 bags (Had this at home already)

• Water - 2 cups (Had this at home already)

• A food blender (Had this at home already)

I am not a 'greens' freak and don't make too much effort towards ensuring I always have 'the greens'. I prefer fruits and vegetables with other bright colours. However, this weekend I am giving 'the greens' a go and see if I succeed at it.

I came up with my own twist by using cooled down green tea to blend all the above and below ingredients.  

Why I used the above ingredients for my detox

Kale for detoxing - Kale contains isothiocyanates (TIC) from glucosinolates and it enables the body to detoxify in both phase I and II. Also the high sulfur in Kale is known to be essential for Phase II of detoxification. Phase I and II detox­i­fi­ca­tion is the process by which toxic com­pounds (usu­ally stored in fat) are made water-soluble, and released by the body. Water-soluble com­pounds are able to be released as urine by the kid­neys, by sweat in the skin, or by the bile from the gall bladder. In summary, Phase I neu­tral­ise the tox­ins and Phase II prepares them for elimination. For more information click here

According to WebMD, a cup of kale contains 36 calories, 5 grams of fiber, and 15% of the daily requirement of calcium and vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), 40% of magnesium, 180% of vitamin A, 200% of vitamin C, and 1,020% of vitamin K. It is also a good source of minerals copper, potassium, iron, manganese, and phosphorus.

Spinach for detoxing - A huge benefit of eating spinach for detoxification purposes is that it contains chlorophyll, which helps to absorb pesticides and heavy metals that are often found in several everyday fruits and vegetables. Generally, spinach contains similar nutrient to that of Kale with added Vitamin E.

For more about spinach vs kale click here

Lime for detoxing - This citrus fruit has come a long way with me. Also considered a berry, it is my go to fruit when i am feeling sick and nauseated. It contains vitamin C and a flavonoid called limonin glucoside. Limes are very good antibiotics, detoxifiers and great antioxidants. Limes cleanses bacteria and toxins from the body and aids in digestion, making them a key ingredient for liver detoxes

My Verdict: I know it is almost impossible to see the results of the cleanse immediately but i feel great about it. I must say though that it was not a kind of drink I could lounge at home, watch a movie and enjoy its taste. I had to rush it down and try not to savour it. Don't get me wrong, it wasn't bitter or disgusting in taste but I am not a fan of smoothie consistency and this drink happens to have just that. All in all, it is something I can get used to like salads, and go on to have it about three times or even more a week as time goes on.

Source:
http://www.healthdiaries.com/eatthis/9-health-benefits-of-kale.html
http://www.webmd.com
http://www.ehow.com

Fashion Alert - Rihanna's Camo

I might not be Rihanna's biggest fashion fan but I sure am a lover of this camo pants here.

She makes me want to grab it off her, consider getting Timberland boots and incorporating a face cap into my everyday outfits. Red lipsticks are always a plus for me and her sunglasses are bliss.