Stretching Method

No, this has nothing to do with exercise although I do feel a little tense. Anyway I came across an article on my favorite natural hair sites youtube.com. Yes Youtube, Blackonyx 77 did a video on stretching your natural hair using ouchless hair bands without  the use of any heat! Isn't that exciting!?  It was for me  because I have acquired some heat damage from not only straigthening my hair but also blowdrying it. It's a sad thing when heat damage plays apart because you can feel like you're transitioning all over again(smh). After watching the video I got up and ran to Walmart, bought the whole section of ouchless scrunchies and went to work! I slept with the bands in overnight. However, the next morning I had to go to work and had to take them out and of course my hair was still damp, so I braided each section and put it a ponytail so it could continue to dry. After keeping the braids in for two days I finally took them out and I must admite like this method way better than using heat to stretch. I am definitely an advocate to finding alternatives from using heat so kudos to Blackonyx 77 for educating me on this method.

Before

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6QMv1g1-FR0

Sn: I could not find a picture of the end result. But I will keep looking, sorry.

One of my many Twist Styles

So at first I wanted to do an updo but it was getting kind of late and I had class the next day. So I decided to do something simple and to the point. This particular style I did, going straight back and out, is a new one for me. And I like it! But for my next hair date I want to practice doing updos simply because winter is about to roll around and I want to keep my hair protected as often as I can and also because I want to retain lots of length. I noticed that throughout my natural hair journey I have only done one updo style so this is kind of a must! Hope you all like it.

Fall Fever: My hair is getting thirster

Oh how I just love the Fall. It is my favorite season of them all! The clothes, the boots, the colors, need I say more? But most of all the Fall season is also the time where the natural hair community switches up their hair regimen. The transition of the weather climate is fairly important for natural hair, because its all about moisture retention. And for me moisture is a must!  I am so excited to try new products and new styles that I took a nap just to get the power I need to stay up and do my hair (this is an all night task). The challenge for me for this upcoming cold front is trying to find a great deep conditioner and some oils that will keep my ends sealed throughout the day. So when I find those things I will do a review on how well they are working for me. As far as moisturizers go I found my two FAVORITE ones, Carol's Daughter Healthy Hair Butter, which I purchased on a whim at Macy's on State Street. And Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie just from a local Walgreens. These two moisturizers really work well on my dry hair and I will be using these products as my staple must haves for fall/winter moisturizers.

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I'm Back, my bad.

I know I'm terrible. Haven't been on here in so long but, I promise I won't leave again. My laptop is on it's way to the grave and I am trying to be patient with it but it's running slower than dial up in 98. However, I do have my IPad now and I can blog anytime, anywhere! So let's get it crackin!

ATWG interview with the inspirational and talented: Meagan McNeal

ATWG: Thanks again Meagan for doing this interview I really appreciate it and you know I appreciate you!

MM :Thank you! I appreciate the compliment.
ATWG: Being so talent, who and where do you get your inspirations from?
Inspiration comes in so many forms, I guess the easiest way is to describe it in segments.

For writing, I pull inspiration from EVERYWHERE.. Literally. I’m inspired by beauty, struggle, LOVE, injustice, just LIFE! I appreciate single blades of grass and rose petals, the harmony of creating life and the sounds of the city. I am inspired by seeing people who have struggles but triumph during adversity. I am inspired by epiphanies and small realizations. Inspired by children learning! It’s crazy, but it’s almost as if my heart swells up and wants to burst open from joy or how my stomach sinks and heartaches in times of sorrow.

Musical inspirations are endless . Ella Fitzgerald, Stevie Wonder, Jill Scott, Rachelle Farelle, Erykah Badu, Steve Vai, India Arie, Jay-Z, Luther Vandross….all for different reasons! I love the hearts of artists who seem to have a connection to REAL life, REAL issues and can speak to people through music in a way that helps life situations become clear or relatable!

ATWG: When did you decide to start a music career?

MM: August 18 2007! Sentimental Soul Sessions Vol. 1!  My very first show with a live band! I was in Kalamazoo Michigan a recent initiate of DELTA SIGMA THETA sorority Incorporated!  When I realized people would actually come out, pay money and listen to me sing for more than 30 minutes, I was sold! I had an incredible night, and actually made a few bucks!

ATWG: From hearing some of your music what genre of music would you fit yourself into? Neo-Soul, Jazz or a little bit of both?

MM: I would definitely say a bit of both. I work daily to unbraid myself and learn more about who I am, I create new definitions all the time. Let’s just say…. LIFE music.lol

ATWG: Seeing that you are already far in the game do you remember your first gig? If so how did you get it and where was it?

MM: My first “gig” was August 18, 2007. But my very first time singing in public was in November 16, 1996. It was my aunt and uncles wedding in Chicago, IL. I remember wanting to be in my aunt’s wedding so badly! And she said I could as long as I would sing as she came down the aisle! Watching the footage…priceless. lol

ATWG: Where can inquiring minds find your music? 

MM: So glad you asked. One can visit: www.meaganmcneal.com
www.cdbaby.com/artists/meaganmcneal and on iTunes

ATWG: Any upcoming performances? If so where?

MM: I have a few things lined up on the calendar all of which are located in the Midwest. Kalamazoo, Chicago, Ohio, etc. I have some things in the pipeline, that I would love to talk about at a later date! * finger’s crossed!

ATWG: What advice would you give to young artist who do not have a road map on where to start?
MM: I will tell them like one of my favorites, Jill Scott, told me… Sing everywhere… you never know who may hear you. Also, STAY TRUE TO SELF, I believe in Happiness… I welcome it and try to make sure my choices match up to what will make me happy in the long run. Be yourself…


ATWG: How are you an “Around the way girl?”

MM: Fashion Blogger, Meagan Lee, says it best… iaME all of me! I am an around the way girl because I realize that I am no “bigger” or better than anyone else! We ALL have something to contribute to the world! In this vast universe, “I am one spec on this spec lost in the dust.”

Do We Live In A Argumentative Society?

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Yesterday in my Rhetoric and Western Thought class, we discussed this idea that we live in an argumentative culture. Is this true? Do people actually delight in arguing? Are there really no two sides to a story? Well, Deborah Tannen thinks so, and I concur. It sucks but now a day’s some people believe that there is no middle ground. That it's never a win-win situation it's always win-lose. Society has really become oblivious to the fact that communication is a two way street. And the fact that social media and texting is so popular it is become very difficult for individuals to verbally communicate successfully. Why, you ask? Mainly because these things can distort views, mess up intimate relationships, and they may also get deleted as a friend on Face book. My question to you all is, has society become selfish or is it just scared to lose?

Natural Hair style-two-strand twist 'n' bun

So one of my friends suggested that I do a natural hair style book so she could get some ideas on styling her hair. At first I was like ahhhh?? I don't know because I'm so random and I just do different things with my hair and don't keep track on what I do. So giving people ideas without fully explaning it to them on how to do it would be a no go. But, I've came to my senses, and decided to journal every hair style I did or  every style that I plan to do so I can give other naturals ideas. Hope you like!

  

What you will need:

A pack of Jumbo Braiding weave
Bobby pins
Ponytail holder
Clips
Eco-Styler

Me on CurlyNikki.com

Curly Nikki Natural Hair Styles and Curly Hair Care: Danni- A Story of Transition: "CN: Were you a long-term or short-term transitioner, and why? D: I was a long-term transitioner mainly because I have never had short hair ..."

Playing Peek-A-Boo with Spring

Even though that Ground Hog lied to us up here in Kansas. Do NOT put away those spring clothes just yet! This is the best time to think about what your signature style for the Spring time will be. I mean like why not!? You have nothing else better to do while you drink that hot chocolate. There is nothing wrong with a little S.F.P, "Spring fashion preparation" (Yes I just made that up on my own don't judge me!) Anywho just to lift my spirits I'll share with you all some of the looks I will probably be going for this Spring I guess you can call it the "mod look." Hope you like it!

(modcloth.com)

(charlotterusse.com)

(express.com)

(Forever21.com)

Welcome to my Blog!

Hello Everyone,

Welcome to my NEW Blog "The Around the way Girl. So there are many definitions of what an "Around the way girl" is so I'll give you all my definition. An "Around the way girl" to me is someone who is down-to-earth, well rounded, fun, has great sense of humor, just the type of girl that every guy wish he had. I hope you all get the point but if you don't it's cool because these kinds of girls are rare. On another note on "The Around the way Girl" I will be talking about everything from Fashion to Hair to Politics. So I hope you all enjoy!

Thanks,

Danni