Hey guys! It's almost juicing season!! I met Kaniel16 via Youtube in the midst of my man hunt to find other Youtubers joining the Air Force! A few weeks ago he posted a video of his recipe to what he calls "Martian Juice" and I thought I'd have a swing at it! Enjoy!
Kaniel16's video:
Fun facts
Kaniel16 lives in Jamaica; isn't social media AWESOME!?
Some how I feel like sharing that I'm not wearing foundation in this video is relevant...
I have three roommates who do not know I'm a Youtuber...I think THEY think I sit in a room and talk to myself all day...which is only true to a certain extent :)
My hair was dry and stretched from a week old flat iron. I wrapped medium sized pieces around the orange flexi rods (not sure what size they are) using mousse for hold. I let it sit over night.
(The initial take down; not separated)
(I put my hair in pin curls when I went to the gym that morning.)
My hair texture is pretty interesting...If I had to categorize my hair texture(s), I would say that its a 4a, 3c blend (My looser, wavy, texture is in the front). As you can see from the picture above, I have an S curl, but in some placed there's definitely a spiral as well.
The "problem" is, my texture isn't really defined. I have frizzy curls-- all of my curls don't lump and lay together. The only product that attempted to clump my curls together was the Terressentials mud wash. But it never would be defined enough to where out as a hair style.
To be honest it's only a "problem' since I can't do wash and goes...so I just don't do them lol. I've just accepted my texture for what it is and work with it as best I can.
I think this is something a lot of newly naturals need to recognize-- sometimes we just have to accept our hair for what it is.
How old am I? Eight? This could be my inner tomboy resurfacing...or pure laziness as a result of my senior semester pandemonium. Help. Me.
I blew my hair out prior.
I was locked into two strand twist mode for about two months...it wasn't cute..nor did it suffice the time I needed to be working on other things..other than my hair.
Thought about a sew-in so I would actually still look like something, but I'm still suffering through image issue and constant "lump and bump" paranoia about wearing one. Literally everyone on campus is running around with some variation of poetic justice braids or marley twists and what can I say...I'm an individual...
The most exciting part is :) all that hair that you see in these pictures :) it's AAALLL mine :) I remember before when I would get cornrows I'd always have to add hair to be satisfied with the length. It was refreshing to see my hair like this...because I never have! COMPLETELY compromises for the fact that I look and feel like a 14-year-old Bow Wow..but life goes on and hair grows long.
I do NOT brush, moisturize, comb, gel, anything to my "baby hairs" honest to God...they just lay that way *shrugs*
Post blowing it out it took no time; about an hour and a half max. As someone said on Facebook, my edges are "snatched" (not quite sure how I feel about that comment yet). As my "kitchen beautician" was doing them it didn't feel tight but upon peeping in the mirror immediately after...yeeaaa...lol God willing I'm pushing for 2-3 weeks. Not exactly sure what my "regimen" will be as far as tending to them...the plan for now is just to douse the ends in oil everyday and sleep with a satin bonnet. The End.
But I'm sure you already saw that. As an African-American woman, I don't find being rachet or overly sexualized "cool" in any manner. There are so many women like myself out there trying to break the stereotype that black women are more than overly sexualized object. And now we have good ol' Miley Cyrus trying to make twerking the new...black -_-. So body should have pulled the curtain when she stepped out the limo...If that wasn't modern day minstrelsy then I don't know what is...
The highlight for me was Ms. Rihanna's face during the performance....
So many potential captions, so little little time. Honestly I would have been more interesting in seeing Mrs. Jada Pinkett Smith's reaction. I'm anticipating words of wisdom from that camp pretty soon...I hope.
What peaked my interest today was this article. Here's a little snap shot that I believe hits the nail right on the head. Shout out the the author, because I've really been waiting for someone to address then because initially I thought it was just me...but of course not...
But seriously...who really put her up to this performance and gave her the stamp of approval!? Even if we take out the idea that this was pretty much racist, it was just an over all distasteful performance. Her awkward, long legged, gangster bob was just not doing it for me -_-. I've seen far too many facebook posts saying that Miley's on some HARD drugs. I'm just utterly embarrassed.. Do better Miley...for Rih Rih sake *looks at picture again* smh
*Confession* I'm the queen of selfies lol! Some may think it's a little conceited but...I have my reasoning...
Between year two and three of my hair journey, I SWORE my hair wasn't growing. However, once I compared older pictures of my hair to newer ones, I discovered that I was wrong indeed! Now that I've embarked on a whole new journey, I find myself feeling the same way about my physique. Recently I put together a little collage to compare when I first started to where I am now...
Click to Enlarge
I think it goes without saying that I've indeed made some progress over the past year! It's weird because I still see myself as the girl in the first picture 0_o ....
Nevertheless..I say all this to say: work hard, be consistent, and take lots of selfies so you can watch your dreams become a reality :)
Educate yourself.
Warning: This video is graphic and some viewers may find it disturbing.
I found this pretty ironic because in a philosophy class I finished up a couple of weeks ago, we were just discussing this situation at Guantanamo Bay. I'll ask you what my professor asked us...
This is wet hair and this is my actual curl pattern! I haven't seen my hair look like this (defined) since I transitioned/ big chopped. *Confession* I didn't think I had the hair type that actually clumped together in curls like in the picture above. You know, that Kimmaytube, MahoganyKnots, Naptural85 hair?? Lol I never really bothered me though..I just thought that's how my hair texture was. Well...that was all before I started using THIS stuff (yes! I'm going to tell you immediately since you were so anxious you snuck on my blog!)
I found out about Terressentials originally from Naptural85 of Youtube. At the time, I had just given up all hope on all "All-Natural" and "Organic" products. My hair wasn't down with that stuff to say the least. The Burst Bees, and Yes to Carrots died the CRAP out of my hair so I was NOT trying to get up on the hype -__-. Fast forward to last X-mas break. I was home watching Good Morning America Steals and Deals and this just so happened to be one of the products featured. (Mind you...This is years later.) Even then though..I still wasn't quite convinced. I guess I figured "it's year four..I'm just going to stick with what's working". Fast Forward to last month (May 2013) and I found my self googling the product out of the blue. You know how things get when you find an extra dollar in your laundry #CollegeStudent!
Somehow after reading the reviews, ingredients, and company background I found myself typing in my credit card number and and confirming my order. For $19.50 I swore unto God that this product was going to work or someone was gonna pay!! So far it's been a risk well worth. I don't want to do a full review until I finish the bottle but so far I have no complaints: My hair doesn't seem to get as tangled, it's still pretty moisturized (you're only suppose to use this in your hair, no conditioner or leave-in) and as you can tell my FAVORITE part: MY CURLS ARE POOOP-IIIINNGGG!
I'm working on a video demonstrating how I used the product (look for it this week) and shortly after that I will do the full product review!
Kiera Wilmot (L), a 16-year-old African-American high school student, has been charged with a felony after an accident happened with her science fair project. A day after I read this article, I was watching a local news station and I saw this....
Notice anything different? Suppose something went wrong with one of Sylvia Todd's (R) science experiments? Would she be charged with a felony? Ironically, when I started researching Sylvia Todd, MOST of the news articles about her came out around the same time as Kiera Wilmot's incident.
Injustice? White privilege? Double standard? Or just a coincides?
Again, yes, I attend Florida A&M University. I am a PROUD third generation Rattler. As many of you may know the university I attend has been a hot spot for the media for all the wrong reasons. Well, I am PLEASED, OVERJOYED to have the opportunity to be a positive outlet for the GOOD things that happen here at FAMU.
First, two of my classmates have recently received a student Emmy for their coverage of events during our 2012 homecoming. Congratulations Amber Mackie (L) and Lacrai Mitchell(R)!
Second, I also must, must, must, share a wonderful documentary created by another one of my classmates Tanya Gloria! Please check out "Negrophobia: Are you afraid of the dark?" (below). When I saw it all I could think was "It's what everyone's thinking, but afraid to talk about" smh well done Tanya!
Many of you know of the backlash FAMU has been receiving over the past year...The media loves to cover drama but VEEERY rarely likes to cover the positive things that are going on here. I believe a huge factor that plays into this is the fact that there aren't enough people that look like me covering the news. People that look like me aren't the gatekeepers of the news. A lot of what's being aired on television is bias, unbalanced and it's really influencing society in a negative way....but that's another story...
Are people telling you that you'll "look funny" if you lose "too much weight"? Here's the conversation I had with a close friend of mind who became apprehensive after someone told her that...
If you step into my kitchen, I'm not gonna serve you bull! Keep pushing! #TeamFit
Hey guys! It's been a minute since we've done a natural hair update so I wanted to share these pictures I took yesterday.
Since it's been getting a little chilly outside I decided to blow dry my hair. I didn't have a particular style in mind as I was going so I bantu knotted each section once I finished drying it. When I finished drying it I took the knots down (two pictures on top). Then after a little playing around I messed it up lol (bottom left). With no clue what to do next I attempted put my hair in a ponytail, but once I tied my hair back it was really big! So to help keep it stretched and under control I decided to band the rest of the hair (Bottom right). You can image how surprised I was when the end of my banded ponytail reached the middle of my back?!
This Friday (Dec. 7) will complete my third year for being completely natural! Stay tuned for my celebration video!
I'm starting a new series! I feel the need not only to expose myself, but others out their to other Black fitness models. We're often times the underdogs because often times majority of the contestants in shows are other races. So...in case you didn't know!
Hola! These past few weeks have been GRUELING between the five day yoga promotion I had to do for VS PINK, semester midterms, and competing in my second show. I've been SWAMPED! Thank God [that at least for now] the hard part is done.
I won second place in the NPC All Collegiate Championship, Bikini Division and second place in the Tallahassee Championship, Bikini Division!
I'm excited to be bringing some hardware home! It's no secret, I'm a hard worker. I'm not going to lie, it's a little bittersweet being so close to getting first place. But a very close friend of mines broke something down to me. She told me how I was always hard on myself. The fact that I've managed to achieve something like this and that fact that my body has been making so much progress WITHOUT ANY PROFESSIONAL ASSISTANCE is amazing!
When I looked at it like that, I was kind of shocked myself lol. I do have a very small circle of competitor friends that lend me very helpful advice, but a lot of my knowledge comes from my own research and experimentation with my own body. While training for this competition especially, I've learned so much and grown so much physically AND mentally.
The most rewarding part of this experience (even after my first competition) has been all of the people I have inspired to get in shape and start leading a healthier lifestyle. Since my first competition my dad has lost more than 20lbs and one of my friends from high school has lost more than 30lbs! It's just crazy! Lol! They are saving their lives! Not because they are trying to be skinny, but because they want to be the healthiest "thems" they can be. UGH! :) It just makes me so happy!!!!
Here are a few more pix from the competition this past weekend. Thank you, yet again, for supporting me through yet another accomplishment!...hm..when's the next?
(L) Goofing off backstage with my sister-in-fitness, Khadijah Johnson. (R) Khadijah Doing her thing in the Figure Division. She took home first place in the Collegiate Figure Division and second place in the Tallahassee local Division.
Rattler Nation! Me, Adam Badger, and Khadijah Johnson
I'm about 5 weeks out from my next competition and one of the most things I'm grateful that I have now (compared to my first competition) is a strong support circle. Granted I did have quite the circle before, now my support system has grown bigger, and a little bit closer to home. This is especially because I've found more people that share goals similar to mines right on campus!
My closest companion has been Khadijah Johnson (above). She witness me prepping for my first competition and although she was hesitant at first, I talked her on to the bandwagon! She'll be participating in the same competition that I'll be doing 5 weeks from now as well.
Working with Khadijah is great! It's amazing how we balance each other off SOOOO well. Prime example, Khadijah is really eager to compete in the Bikini division, but she has the muscle mass for Figure. I'm DESPERATELY trying to get to Figure, but my body type is more for Bikini. While Khadijah's strength is more so into creating a strong workout regimen, I tend to focus more on diet and nutrition. Khadijah loves weight training, I'm obsessed with cardio. Together, we are the dynamic duo.
Yesterday we were at a fitness event sponsored by Fit By You and another competitor and I were discussing how lonely and isolated competing can make you feel. It took me back to my first competition when I went through a slight phase of depression because I was a little lonely.
At the time, I didn't know anyone else in my area who was competing. I'd spend so much time in the gym that I really lost out on time to hang out with friends. My social life crumbled because I was on a strict diet that didn't have room for cocktail hours, pizza pie eating contest and taco Tuesdays. I went from dancing in the club until 2 in the morning to being in bed by 10p.m. at the latest.
Competition life completely flipped my world upside down! So when I did start finding people who shared the same interest I was overjoyed! Although Khadijah and I have only known each other since about April/May we've become so close to each other, people assume we've known each other for YEARS! She completely understands that three hours gym days do exist, and late night cocktails can be the enemy! We completely bounce off each other's energy and motivate each other on a DAILY BASES! And then, there's always the healthy competition aspect of having each other. We're always trying to one up each other lol! Who's has the best traps or abs, who's going to lift the most today doing squats...
I say all this to say, there is power in surrounding yourself with not only positive people, but people who share your same interests and values. This can include prepping for fitness model competitions, if your just trying to lose some extra pounds, or even start a new hobby! Sometimes the road does get lonely, but once you step out and actually pursue whatever it is you want to do, it won't be long until you find your other half ( or quaters!) that will be right there with you along the way!
Here are a few (of many!) in my fitness circle! Start building yours!
In the past I know I have been very apprehensive as far as sharing what school I attend, but that is going to be a little more difficult with my new internship! Therefore, without further ado, say hello to your 2012-2013 FAMU Victoria Secret PINK Rep! Yes, I am a PROUD Rattler!
This is my second internship and I'm so excited about it! I've wanted to have this position for a looong time! I applied my at the end of my sophomore year and my ego was severely crushed when I found out that I didn't get it--but when you want something, especially something you're passionate about, you stay determined.
How did I get it?
Becoming a Victoria Secret Pink Campus Rep is VERY competitive! The brand speaks for itself! I didn't give up. I asked for immediate feedback from the internship coordinator to figure out what I needed to do to get the spot the following year. She mentioned that the young lady who got open position was involved in organizations that hadn't been reached out to yet. What better way to reach a new audience then start a new organization on campus? (Well..I kinda refurbished it...).
Caroline (internship coordinator) liked me enough in the interview process that she recommended me to the reps about joining their street team. I stayed on top of the reps last year like white on rice lol! I was a sponge! I got involved in as much as I could, helped them as much as I could. When Caroline came on campus for one of our events I made it my objective to ensure that she'd be able to connect my name with my face. The rest, as they say, is history.
What do I do?
First and foremost, I have to say that I am so pleased to represent my university among 55 other schools that have collegiate lines through PINK. As a #VSPINKRep it is our job to promote not only merchandise from Victoria Secret Pink, but specifically our individual school's collegiate line.
In doing so we are responsible for utilizing social media including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pintrest, Foursquare, etc.
I'm especially excited about the different events we'll get to host on campus! Tailgate parties, Bra bashes, Yoga, Zumba, OH MY!
Already I've been asked if the experience is overwhelming.When you look at the lengthy instructional book we were given at brand training YES! But now that I'm here, actually organizing and planning events, talking to people, really really getting into my work, I feel fine. Everything flows into place because a lot of the tasks that I have to perform I'm pretty use to or interested in learning more about!
Here is the latest video I've up loaded! Hope you enjoy!
A LOT has been going on for the past couple of months! I had the audacity to take 9 credit hours this summer, at one point I had two internships at the same time, I had my fitness model competition going on AND was working a part time job. (Wow..it seems like so much more when I type it all out!) I can't complain too much though because I do thoroughly enjoy being busy! Many changes have taken place in my life which I look forward to sharing with you over the next few of posts.
However, I'd like to thank those of you who have stayed down for the cause AND those of you who are just joining the journey! Thinks are about to get #REAL! (As if they weren't before ha!)
Also, I'd like to thank everyone for your support through my first fitness model competition! I'm so grateful for the responses I've been getting. I'm even more moved by the people I've inspired to get in shape and grab a hold of their health and ultimately their lives! You all inspire ME more than I think you realize!
Forgive me! I think I am finally coming off of my competition high...but not really..lol
Here is a short video I created from the show and some pix as well...
Even though I didn't when the experience was a-maz-ing! Even if you don't have the guts to get up on stage, I highly encourage you to go see a show if you haven't already! The atmosphere is so empowering! Seeing so many fierce women who where muscular and shapely, yet sexy at the same time smh!! It was crazy! I'm so proud to be a woman! We are so strong and beautiful! It's just bananas!
I'm glad to say that this is also only the beginning of my journey! Thank you all not only for being so patient with me, but also joining me on this journey! You all give me so much support! Please believe, I'll continue to share the love!
That being said, we are officially 103 days away from my next competition! I hope you all will stay with me and are just as excited as I am!
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