A Mid Summer's Night Pampering Dream. 21 Days of Pampering Bliss...For Your Mind, Body, & Soul.

pam·per verb \ˈpam-pər\transitive verb: to treat with extreme or excessive care and attention.

Pampering isn't only about getting a mani and a pedi. Pampering is an expression of self- love, self -discovery, and selflessness. The pampering experience should engage the entire being, as it is a holistic form of self-care.  It's also about feeding your mind, body, and soul. Pampering should be a priority in one's life!   It shouldn't be viewed as something you have to put on your "to do" list. It should come as naturally, as washing your face and brushing your teeth. 

Is pampering really that easy?  It can be...but not if you're not catering to your mind, body, and soul.   If you are only paying attention to the outside, and your appearance, and not nurturing the inside, and feeding your spirit, then the pampering experience is a total failure. Why? Because then you're focusing on  superficial characteristic and not your entire spiritual being.

For 21days, starting today, I will post 21 pampering gems that will catering to your, mind, body, and soul!   Ladies... there are GIVEAWAYS as a part of the 21 Days of Pampering Bliss!  My first giveaway is a gift basket from Raw Ingredients. It contains Sexy Body Butter, Sexy Body Scrub & Mango and Coconut Soap.  Click on Raw Ingredients link to learn more about the products.http://www.facebook.com/pages/Kinky-Kurly-Naturally-Me/190655580968229#!/pages/Raw-Ingredients/309837959704

See contest rules...http://naturallyme40.blogspot.com/p/21-days-of-pampering-bliss-contest.html

Wise Words...By Oprah Winfrey

If a man wants you, nothing can keep him away. If he doesn't want you, nothing can make him stay. Stop making excuses for a man and his behavior. Allow your intuition (or spirit) to save you from heartache. Stop trying to change yourself for a relationship that's not meant to be. Slower is better.  Never live your life for a man before you find what makes you truly happy. If a relationship ends because the man was not treating you as you deserve then heck no, you can't 'be friends'. A friend wouldn't mistreat a friend. Don't settle. If you feel like he is stringing you along, then he probably is Don't stay because you think 'it will get better' You'll be mad at yourself a year later for staying when things are not better. The only person you can control in a relationship is you.  Avoid men who've got a bunch of children by a bunch of different women. He didn't marry them when he got them pregnant, why would he treat you any differently? Always have your own set of friends separate from his. Maintain boundaries in how a guy treats you.  If something bothers you, speak up. Never let a man know everything.* He will use it against you later. You cannot change a man's behavior.* Change comes from within. Don't EVER make him feel he is more important than you are.... Even if he has more education or in a better job. Do not make him into a quasi-god. He is a man, nothing more nothing less. Never let a man define who you are. Never borrow someone else's man. A man will only treat you the way you ALLOW him to treat you All men are NOT dogs. You should not be the one doing all the bending.... Compromise is two way street. You need time to heal between relationships... There is nothing cute about baggage.... Deal with your issues before pursuing a new relationship You should never look for someone to COMPLETE you... A relationship consists of two WHOLE individuals... Look for someone complimentary...not supplementary. Dating is fun...even if he doesn't turn out to be Mr. Right. Make him miss you sometimes...when a man always know where you are, and you're always readily available to him - he takes it for granted Never move into his mother's house.  Never co-sign for a man. Don't fully commit to a man who doesn't give you everything that you need.* Keep him in your radar but get to know others. Scared of being alone is what makes a lot of women stay in relationships that are abusive or hurtful: Dr. Phil You should know that: You're the best thing that could ever happen to anyone and if a man mistreats you, he'll miss out on a good thing. If he was attracted to you in the 1st place, just know that he's not the only one. They're all watching you, so you have a lot of choices. Make the right one. Ladies take care of your own hearts.... Share this with other women and men (just so they know)... You'll make someone smile, another rethink her choices, and another woman prepare.

8 Months Post Big Chop

If you have colored your natural hair...check out Makeup by Rachel O!

If you are considering coloring your natural hair.  Rachel O is the way to go.  You can follow her on her blog or subscribe to her youtube channel. I have colored my natural hair and have been studying other natural hair sista channels for tips on maintaining moisture and healthy hair. I  have found her to be very, very, informative, clear and concise. 

Dead Prez "The Beauty Within"

I had posted this video on Facebook when I did my "big chop" in November of 2010. I had to share it again, not only because I am natural, but for the simple fact it portrays black women in a positive light. With so many negative and derogatory images of black women, it is a breath of fresh air to see a black man pay homage to a black woman with dignity and in good taste.

  

The Power Of One

The Power Of One

          One song can spark a moment,
         One flower can wake the dream.
        One tree can start a forest,
       One bird can herald spring.
     One smile begins a friendship,
    One handclasp lifts a soul.
    One star can guide a ship at sea,
    One word can frame the goal.

    One vote can change a nation,
    One sunbeam lights a room.
     One candle wipes out darkness,
      One laugh will conquer gloom.
        One step must start each journey,
           One word must start each prayer.
               One hope will raise our spirits,
                  One touch can show you care.

                         One voice can speak with wisdom,
                             One heart can know what's true.
                                One life can make the difference,
                                   You see, IT'S UP TO YOU!

~ Author Unknown~

Bump in the Road...And this too shall pass.

I missed my six month nappiversary post on June 20, 2011.  I hit a road block and I know that this too shall pass.  The roadblock wasn't about my hair...it was about life.  Sometimes, life gets in the way.  Just when you think you have it all under control...BAM! You hit a roadblock.  The worst thing that you can do when life happens is to panic.  I had to let go and let God... This hasn't always come easy for me.  I was always considered the "strong" one.  A "superwoman".  Well, it's not what it is all cracked up to be.  I have taken off the cape and relinquished my "strong, black, woman" title. 

As I have stated in previous posts, I am trying to find out who I am.  I will no longer allow others or labels to define me.  Boy, it has been a rocky road.  But it is a road that has to be traveled.  Some will come along and others will be left behind.  All I know is that I will keep the faith, and ask for help along the way.  Asking for help is not a bad or weak trait... a real "strong woman' that will ask for help.  As my four year old daughter said to me, "Mommy big girls can't always do everything by themselves, they sometime need to ask for help." Out of the mouth of babes often comes gems!