Step Outside of Your Box

I was watching an episode of Oprah's Life Class last night, and this time the series was focusing on breaking ruts, getting out of your normal routine, and generally stepping outside of your box.  She visited some of her old episodes and found ladies that had lost some of their zest for life and found ways to empower them.  One group of ladies were single mothers who had been living an unfulfilled life - they went skydiving and found their spirits again.  Another lady had always had weight issues, and she ended up shedding all of her clothes (down to her draws!) and pretty much ran through the neighborhood.  Another lady had become a frumpy mom, wearing applique sweaters year round.  She had lost her sexy and wanted to find herself again...so she got a makeover and had been practicing pole dancing to bring the spice back into her marriage.  She has since grew her business to an international company and still maintains a sense of self within herself and for her marriage.

I rocked my "Out The Box" Style...

This episode had me thinking about how this applies to my natural hair...am I stuck in a box?  In my thinking, strange or otherwise, I haven't relied on a "box" in over 7 years, but does my hair put me into another box?  I wear my staple style pretty frequently and don't usually divert from it, but maybe I should?  I've been doing a lot more experimenting with different styles, shapes, products...doing things I've only seen other naturals do.  I guess I have a fear of doing something SO different, SO outside the box, that it won't be received well.  Maybe I'm scared sometimes....okay I'll say it.  I AM SCARED sometimes to wear my hair in different styles.  But it shouldn't matter...it really shouldn't matter how people are going to receive me.  Guess what, if somebody doesn't like me for my hair then why should I care!  I may not be my hair, but it's an extension of self, and if you can't get with it...well I just can't waste my time worrying about somebody else's feelings when they don't make or break me.  I'm sure somebody else feels me out there...but for now I'm done ranting!!

Basically what I'm trying to say is step outside your box, don't get stuck in the same ole routine.  This can be extended beyond hair and into your everyday life....the only way to make a change is to do it.  You can't expect things to just happen if you don't put forth the effort to make it happen.  Look at me!!  I'm just reaching my 3rd full month of blogging about my hair, but now I can say I've been apart of a professional photo shoot, I've put out over 10 videos on YouTube, I have been able to reach so many people on Facebook, and I'm going to be a blogger for the biggest hair expo coming to Houston in December...I had to step outside the box, quit procrastinating, and speak what I hope for into existence.  God is SO good...when you finally give in and let Him work.  *steps down off preacher stool*

Have a wonderful day THoM family, thank you from the bottom of my heart, and remember it's okay to step outside your box :)

Lisa Michelle ;)

M.I.A.

Hi guys!! I know it looks like I've been M.I.A. from the blog in a week, but trust me, I'm working hard for THoM :)  I've been writing articles like crazy for NaturallyCurly.com, and I've also been honored to be one of 12 bloggers for the Nzuri Natural Hair, Healthy & Beauty Showcase coming December 10th & 11th.  I know, exciting right!!!  So that's where my attention has been lately...

 December 10 & 11, 2011!!! Hope to see you there!

I definitely don't want to short change my blog.  I've still be posting lots of updates and photos on my Facebook page....I can't believe I've almost reached 300 likes!! This truly moves my heart and I'm so glad I can reach so many people being one little ole me :)  As with my blog, I really want both pages to be interactive so don't be shy!  We're all a community to help one another, so ask questions, post pictures, start dialogs and most importantly make friends!!  That is what This Hair Of Mine is here for...we're an open community to celebrate natural hair triumphs (and fails! If something isn't working let us help solve the problem!)

I'm going to start a Q & A post on a regular basis.  Send your issues, questions, or concerns to lisa@thishairofmine.com and let the THoM family weigh in and offer advice, solutions and suggestions.  Also, if you know of any natural hair events coming to your area please feel free to post on the Facebook page or shoot me a quick email.  There's so many things going on over the next few months, and I definitely want our members to be aware of what's coming to an area near them. 

And speaking of events coming to an area near you, HOUSTON, we have an event on Sunday!! The Do What Comes Naturally event hosted by Uncle Funky's Daughter is happening this Sunday, November 6.  The event is from 3p-8p at The Rice Hotel, 909 Texas Ave.  The tickets are $20 but expect to get your money's worth!

Thank you guys again for being patient with me...oh yea, I'm coming up on my 3 MONTH BLOGIVERSARY :)  Yea for THIS HAIR OF MINE!!!

Much love!

Lisa Michelle

Happy Saturday!!

Hey guys!! SO I just wanted to make this a quick post...GOOD MORN'TING (*Madea voice!*) I've been a busy little bee working HARD for THoM...I've got several articles in the works and still a handful of videos to edit.  I've been a little frustrated with this whole YouTube/Google thing...I have a "Google" account and I have my "YouTube" account created before I had Android and just used my regular email.  So Google has me signed into everything except my LisaMsLisa YouTube channel...it's frustrating but I'm dealing with it until I decide to change my YT channel...*bummed*

I said quick post right?!?!  My very first giveaway is STILL GOING ON!! You have a chance to win your very own Elucence Moisture Benefits Shampoo, Moisture Balancing Conditioner, and a NaturallyCurly.com Shower Comb...all for FREE and just by joining this blog, my Facebook, and leaving me a comment on the giveaway post.  That's it, very simple!  I hope you can take the time out today and participate, but you will have until 11:59pm on Wednesday, October 26th to enter.  Don't delay, enter today :) (Follow this link for the details)

EVENTS AROUND HOUSTON 


November 6, 2011 - Do What Comes Naturally

There are a couple of Natural hair events coming to the Houston area over the next couple months.  The first is the Do What Comes Naturally event, hosted by Uncle Funky's Daughter.  This is on Sunday, November 6th so you've got a couple weeks to get your tickets!  Uncle Funky's Daughter is a natural hair salon here in Houston, and this event will will no only cover your hair, it will also allow you to Mingle, Share, Shop and Celebrate Natural Freedom!  There will be all sorts of vendors there and of course natural hair galore!  Tickets must be purchased in advance at unclefunkysdaughter.eventbrite.com; they range in price from $20 to $40.


December 10th-11th, 2011 - Nzuri Natural Hair Showcase

The next event is the biggest natural hair event Houston has hosted!  The Nzuri Natural Hair, Healthy & Beauty Showcase will be in town on December 10th & 11th at the Reliant Center.  This will be a showcase indeed, with Miss Jessie's headlining as their main sponsor and Macy's sponsoring the fashions for the event.  This is going to be HUGE for Houston as these types of events usually go to the natural hair mecca Atlanta, fashion headquarters of New York City, or posh Los Angeles.  If you're in the area and available to make it please come show your smiling faces and show off your gorgeous mane!!  At $10 a ticket for adults, and FREE for kids 12 and under, you can enjoy both days of the event and still keep on budget!!  Let's show the natural hair community that Houston supports the movement!!

If you have an event coming up, or know of any events coming up in your area, doesn't have to be Houston, please email me at lisa@thishairofmine.com so I can post them for our members.

Also, please feel free to send me any questions or issues you may be facing, styling challenges or any other natural hair inquiries.  Since I am now writing articles for NaturallyCurly.com I'm looking for all kinds of inspiration from my THoM readers.  Your comments and feedback are much appreciated so don't be shy!  This is YOUR forum too!

Have a great weekend guys! (and don't forget to enter the giveaway!!)

Lisa Michelle :)

Happy Weekend!!

Hey Naturals, this is just a quick post...a really really quick catch-you-up post :)

I submitted my HAIRstory to Naturally Curly a couple days ago, so that should be coming up on the site very soon!  I worked pretty hard to condense it (cause y'all know I'm long winded!) but I think it conveys my experience perfectly!

I'm headed to New Orleans today to hang out with my girls so I'll try to take as many pictures as I can...maybe I'll video while I'm out there too :)

As for my hair...I co-washed with Aussie Moist (first time trying it and I like!) used La Boutique De Fleurtzy Hydrating Hair butter to twist and now I have about 9-10 partial flat twists in.  I used small perm rods on the ends and my hair is stretched out pretty :)  The twists are still in but the rods are out...

It's early...disregard the bags :)

I was also the winner of TWO giveaways this week...I won a 20% coupon to QHEMET BIOLOGICS!!! Y'all know I've really been wanting to give their line a try, and since I missed the last sale they had b/c it sold out, I get to try it now!  And I was just notified that I won a $40 gift certificate to BEE MINE, courtesy of BeadsBraidsBeyond and KandyLandKurls 2 year blog anniversary.  I'm rocking and rolling and will be up to my elbows in products...a product junkie's dream!

Have a great weekend y'all, be safe, and have fun!!

Lisa Michelle

Lots of Stuff!!

I just wanted to say HEY Y'ALL!!! I haven't posted since Monday and that is way too long IMO (in my opinion).  I've been doing LOTS OF STUFF but haven't been able to find the time to sit down and actually write about it.  I tried to do a video...yea, that was a very random ADD video...maybe I'll post it just so y'all can see how much I have on my brain right now.  I'll give y'all a brief synopsis for the time being, and will attempt to post probably about 3-4 posts, at least 2 videos (the Nappy Love Meet-up and the Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie review) Trust me I have way more to put on here, but I'm trying not to be up til 3 am again tonight (I don't know WHAT my problem was last night/this morning)

Currently I have my pre-poo oil treatment in, using my hair therapy wrap, and I'm about to get my Anita Grant Marshmallow Rhassoul Deep Condish on (yeaaaa, finally!!!)  Gotta rinse this stuff out first, then shampoo with my Elucence Moisture Benefits shampoo.  I can't WAIT to try this stuff...I just couldn't find the time to do it where I wouldn't have to rush.  I'm going to follow Kinky Kurly Queen's tutorial on how she does her rhassoul treatment.

So I've got some good news for This Hair of Mine...

I'm going to get to blog for Naturally Curly!! 

Hopefully I'll have 2 articles up before the end of this month :)  I think I posted on my Facebook page but I haven't had a chance to share on my blog...I'm SUPER excited!!  Please stay tuned to my page, I'm really trying to bring some good info, product reviews, and tutorials.  Make sure you subscribe so you'll be notified about new posts, it's free! Also check out my my Facebook page, hit the like button while your there, then swing on over to my YouTube channel and subscribe there as well.  Your girl is working hard over here ;)

Lisa Michelle