Book O' The Week: Super Rich by Russell Simmons

Last week I "read" Super Rich: A Guide to Having it All by Russell Simmons. I put read in quotes because I actually listened to the audiobook. Yes, that still counts especially because I'm shelling out a small fortune on Audible.com. If you, like me, don't always have time to read an actual book, audiobooks are AMAZING! I have an Audible.com membership and I'm just knocking theses books out. Is that reading cheating? Maybe... maybe not. I wish I could remember this guy's name, but a very intelligent man, an ivy league professor actually used the word "read" when he was talking about listening to audiobooks. I discovered Audible through this person. He was on some radio show. Anyway, I've probably already read 6 (or more) books on Audible just in the last 2 weeks that I have yet to do a blog post on. You can try Audible now and get a free audiobook download with a 14 Day Trial. This is how they got me hooked.

What's cool about audiobooks besides the fact that you can multitask is that you can play it over and over again, they don't take up any space, so you won't have to worry about clutter. I really am addicted. You know when you're working, you just need some ambiance or noise to get in the zone. Well, this is so much more productive than listening to Pandora or having some junk reality tv playing in the background.

I should mention that I only got the Audible membership after downloading all the books I wanted from my public library, not much of a selection. That's an issue.

Ok, so back to Super Rich. It was narrated by Black Ice and I think he is an amazing spoken word poet, but I was looking forward to Uncle Rus, lisp and everything. So that was a big shocker. Next, I think I describe the book best when I say it is the hip hop yogi version of The Power of Now or The Vortex. I think most people will be surprised to know that the content of this book is far deeper than anyone could expect from the title. If you read Do You! and you're thinking this is a follow up, you will be a little thrown off. Where Do You! was more practical and action-oriented, Super Rich is extremely spiritual. Side bar: I read Do You! a couple of years ago and I should mention that it is also a life changing book. I literally got my dream job (at the time) after reading the book and putting its techniques to practice.

Super Rich focuses heavily on mediation, yoga sutras, the Bhagavad Gita and giving. In this book, Russell teaches us how to live in the moment, how to enjoy the journey, how to treat every moment like we're rich already and so much more. He talked about how we have to take pride in everything we do. If it's a job we hate or think is beneath us, we have to do it like it's our dream job. He also mentioned the importance of not chasing money and how he can't stand people that are all about money and nothing else. Russell teaches us that if we want to be super rich, we have to be super givers.

It's well worth a read especially if you're spiritual and you're interested in learning how to attract the life you want by giving and living in the now.

P.S.
Super Rich is doing well on Amazon, check out where it ranks on the following charts:

• #2 in Books > Business & Investing > Management & Leadership > Motivational
• #4 in Books > Health, Mind & Body > Mental Health > Happiness
• #7 in Books > Health, Mind & Body > Self-Help > Motivational

 
One of the ways that helps me choose my next book is reading the reviews and rankings on Amazon, but I'd love to hear your feedback. Do you have a life-changing book that you think I should read? Please share in the comments or e-mail me.

I actually met Russell Simmons briefly a few years ago, he was at one of Kimora's events. (She gave him the idea to name this book Super Rich). Anyway, he was nice and humble.

Do you watch his show, "Running Russell Simmons"? I've seen a couple of episodes. The highlight for me was hearing Amber Rose's voice. I'd never heard her speak before.

Book O' the Week: Getting Into the Vortex Guided Meditations

 Besides reading one life changing book per week, one of my new year's resolutions was to meditate for 15-20 minutes per day. I have a hard time sitting still and "quieting my mind" so it's not easy for me to meditate. The Vortex: Where the Law of Attraction Assembles All Cooperative Relationships has been one of the most life changing books I've read this year. I don't believe in all of Esher and Jerry Hicks theories or philosophies, but a lot of what they (or "Abraham") explain, makes sense to me.

Besides, The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle,  The Vortex was one of the most eye-opening books I've read not only this year, but perhaps my whole life. Because The Vortex made such an impact on me, I decided to get Getting Into The Vortex: Guided Meditations CD and User Guide a couple of weeks ago. I figured it would help me stay on track and disciplined with my daily meditations.

The book is basically the same stuff that I read in The Vortex, so you may be able to get this book/CD set and understand the just of The Vortex. The CD consists of a preface, intro and 4 meditations: general well-being, financial well-being, physical well-being and relationships well-being.

It puts me to sleep every night, so this isn't something you want to use if you're at work or in a car. I've transferred it to my iTunes and I play one of the tracks once I've written in my journal and I'm ready for sleep. Something about it is just super relaxing. If I'm in a bad mood or had a rough day, this makes me feel infinitely more at peace.

This is probably one of the dopest meditation sets ever! I can honestly say that when I'm listening to this, it feels as good as (if not better than) getting a facial at a spa or laying out on the beach knowing you don't have to do anything. Sounds like a sales pitch a little? I just think everybody who is open to the law of attraction and positive thinking needs to know about this. You don't have to take my word for it, read the over 211 reviews on Amazon. As I said when I posted my review of The Vortex, if you're open to the message, this can change your life. If nothing else, you will feel more at peace in situations that would have normally been stressful.

In Review: Apple Cinnamon ACV

You ever gone to Whole Check Whole Foods and just starting throwing random stuff in your cart? I need to stay far far away from that place because sometimes I just loose control. I think Erykah Badu said in an interview that Whole Foods is where she splurges.

Anyway, during my last visit I picked up a bottle of Bragg's Apple Cider Vinegar drink in "Apple Cinnamon". I used to drink that ACV cocktail a couple of years ago and I did it daily so it's no biggie for me to down a product like this, but this was a bit much. It was $5 for a 16 ounce bottle.

What's cool about the drink is that it's only 30 calories. What's not so good is that it isn't yummy. I could probably down this in a shot glass or one of those medicine caps because the health benefits of drinking acv are amazing. Especially if you're consistent. I'm kind of over drinking it. So I'm probably just going to pour the remanding 9/10 of the bottle on my hair. Cinnamon can lighten your hair if left on for an extended period of time, that's not what I'm going for so I'm just going to use it as a quick rinse. I can't see myself drinking it anymore.

If you decide to try this be sure to use a straw or drink it like a shot because acid erosion is no joke.

Update: Back From Market

I'm back from my trip to Los Angeles for the Summer 2011 fashion market. I saw a lot a lot of cool stuff, the highlights for me were the shoes. I also saw a lot of really bad stuff and that made me realize that I don't want to rush into anything with the Mane & Chic e-shop. I want to do different stuff that's affordable and if that means I have to work on my own line, then that's what may need to happen. For now, I'm working on a couple of projects that I think is very needed and something that Mane and Chic readers and I have been craving.


I will be moving my personal hair blog entries, product reviews and personal hair stuff to a private blog in the next couple of months that will only be available to current subscribers. If you're a subscriber, you'll be getting that info via e-mail.


If you've e-mailed me or sent a message via Facebook, Twitter or whatever. I haven't been answering any because I'm crazy busy. Sorry.


If your questions are hair-related, I've probably already answered it in Hair 101. Literally everything I know about hair is organized there. I've spent a lot of time archiving the hair posts there, but if you can't find it there... you should Browse By Topic. The most important thing I've learned from over 3 years of hair blogging is that the women with the healthiest, longest and/or most voluminous hair actually just stick to the basics. They don't try crazy fad products or techniques. Get to know the basics and your hair will thrive. 


TTYL,


Kai

Curls To Know: Nicole Murphy

I've been meaning to do a post on Nicole Murphy FOREVER. You know her as Eddie Murphy's ex-wife. She may or may not be engaged to Michael Strahan. I don't know. Anyway, she's so underrated in the hair game. I think her hair is always super polished and she always looks well-put-together.

source: GBM News

Source: BET BLOG

source: The Jasmine Brand

Texturephile: Nicki & Rihanna's Wig Wars (The YBF)

Check out Nicki and Rihanna's new dos featured on The YBF. I love to see women have fun with texture and color. Can this work on a regular woman? Who knows, but perhaps we can take notes, tone it down and be inspired to create our own interpretations.

Source: THE YBF

10 Things To Do With Your Curly Hair When You Are Frustrated

Some of you are really frustrated with your hair to the point that you hate it. Here are some options to help solve your problems.

1. Cut it all off. Would you rather be bald? It's something to consider if you really hate your hair. Some women get super short cuts and never look back. Make sure you're comfortable with your decision.

2. Get over it and wear a wig or other hair augmentations. A lot of women do this and hardly ever think about their real hair. They are content to buy it since they couldn't grow it. If you care about your real hair at all, be sure to care for it while you're using your hair additions.

3. Practice positive thinking. Negative thoughts or beliefs are destructive and toxic on a mental, emotional, physical and follicular level. Recognize when you're having a negative thought and for everything negative thought, come up with a list of things you love about your hair. Write your list on pretty note cards and leave them on your mirror where you do your hair.

4. Switch your style up. Sometimes we are only frustrated with our hair when we're stuck in a rut. Try a new style or a new color (but, don't try to color it yourself and don't go to just anyone... get references). Also, be careful when using color, chemicals can wreck your hair. Use in moderation and stay on top of your hair regimen to prevent damage.

5. Treat yourself to a super lush deep treatment, an oil or splurge on a product you've been wanting to try to add some spice to your regimen.

6. Indulge. Lots of spas offer scalp massages and steam treatments, find one and live there when you're hair-hating.

7. Find someone who likes your hair and get them to dote on you until you feel better. But, also realize that you can find this in yourself with practice (see #3).

8. Get support. Find women with similar hair issues, but instead of focusing on negative aspects... try to only focus on and share the positive characteristics of your hair. Share products and methods that made a dramatic change in your hair. Hair forums are great for this.

9. Stay away from toxic people or images. If it makes you feel worse to keep seeing the stereotypical beauty standard in the media, stay away from it as much as possible. If people you associate with don't like your hair, stay away from them.

10. Collect images of women with your hair type in a file on your computer or phone, start a Pinterest or Tumblr account. When you're having a bad day and need some inspiration, play a slide show of the images.  

Book O' The Week: Linchpin

If you're not aware, I've challenged myself and you to read one life changing book per week and last week I read Linchpin: Are You Indispensable by Seth Godin. I've already been practicing much of the things Godin shares in his book most of my life. The biggest thing you'll get out of this book: don't settle for mediocrity. Our world is changing. It's no longer good enough to just show up to work, your business, school or your life and just do what is expected of you. We need to go above and beyond, challenge the system, rock the boat, be original and break the rules if we want to be successful, no... exceptional. If you need some motivation about how to step... no jump your game up or how to catapult you life's vision to the next level, this is a must read. Imagine if everyone woke up tomorrow and decided to be a linchpin. Do you know how much we will have progressed in just one day? Everything in our world would be infinitely better. Shake things up, make life more exciting, make a change, get yours, kill it, shut it down in 2011 and beyond. Get in beast mode. Be a linchpin!

Curl Spotter: Quirky Collective

Quirky Collective is my new favorite kid clothing store and no, I don't have kids. I just stumbled upon it this morning. Check it out for yourself at www.quirkycollective.com. Lots of cute pics of the little curls on the blog, iamquirky.com.

Here's why I love it... the little models and their curly hair! Plus the clothes are dope. The blog is cool because it gives customers ideas on how kids can wear the pieces sold in the shop. Quirky Collective's owner also does something she calls a "tailor-made style guide" where she gives parents customized ideas/options for outfits. Cool shop!

source: Quirky Collective

New Year New Hair

It's 2011, here are 11 things you can do to improve the health of your hair for the New Year...

1. Love your hair now! Stop having "I hate my hair" days. When you learn to appreciate your hair in all it's glory, you begin to care for it more consciously and you will see dramatic changes. If you're feeling a little blah about your hair, focus on what you love about it: the color, the shape, it's bounce, it's sheen, the fact that it can hold a style or that's it unique. Find something dope about your hair to focus on and watch it flourish.
2. Stop over-processing your hair, fall back on the chemicals like dyes and relaxers.  They can really ruin your hair.
3. Cut back on heat.  If you're using a flat iron every week, try cutting back to every other week, perhaps once a month, once a quarter or maybe never.  Try alternatives to get the straight look like wraps, roller sets, and low wattage hot air brushes (do no use a boar bristle attachment... that's bad news... look for the plastic bristles). 
4. Shampoo your scalp not your hair.  If you're going to use a sulfate shampoo, try diluting it with filtered water and use a color applicator bottle so that the shampoo only gets to your scalp.  
5. Stay away from Scissor Happy Stylists.  Unless you're using a lot of heat on your ends, there's no need to get a trim every 6 weeks.  I've gone a whole year without a trim, some people go longer. I've decided 6 months is my threshold for full on trims, but you have to decide your own threshold, but don't feel like you absolutely have to trim every 6-8 weeks. Long hair is not for everyone, in which case, trim trim trim away. 
6. Watch how you're combing and brushing you hair.  If you can't devote 10-20 minutes to detangle your hair,  I strongly suggest you just pop on a hat, scarf, wig or whatever and do it later when you do have time.  Trying to comb your hair in a rush is the reason why most women with curly kinky hair don't retain length.  Unless you're sectioning your hair and being very careful, every time you're raking that fine tooth comb or boar bristle brush through your hair, you're basically giving yourself a daily hair cut.
7. Stop wearing too-tight ponytails, braids, etc.  You're causing strain to your hairline and this can lead to Traction Alopecia.
8. Stop sleeping on cotton pillowcases bare headed.  The friction is bad news for naturally curly hair.  Instead, try a satin or silk pillowcase or satin bonnets/scarves and satin pillowcases just in case the bonnet/scarf slips off or you can't do satin pillowcases. A few years ago my esthetician recommended I change my pillowcases everyday to avoid breakouts. I have a few sets, so I am able to change everyday or every other day. I also have several scarves and bonnets that I rotate during the week and wash weekly. Using a clean satin/silk pillowcase and scarf everyday would be optimal.
9. Stop ignoring your scalp.  I recommend you give yourself (or have someone else give you) a 10-15 minute massage at least once a week using good hair oils. 
10. Spoil your hair with moisture! Splurge on luxurious deep treatments and nutritive oils. Do weekly steam treatments, hot oil treatments, deep treatments or steam towel wraps. 
11. Subscribe to Mane & Chic!

Curly, Coily and High Texture Hair 101: The Beginner's Guide

Mane and Chic's definitive guide to all things hair. This list features links to Mane and Chic content as well as content from other blogs, forums, videos and websites. Start here first for all of your hair care needs. Links are constantly being updated and your suggestions for additions are welcome.

31 Natural Hair Tips Dopest Hair Product of 2010 Everything You Could Possibly Want To Know About My Hair How to Find a Stylist Where to Shop For Hair Products Washing Techniques Co-Washing Dry Cleansing Proper Way to Wash Sectioning Herbs for Hair (Tea Rinses for Hair) Rollersetting Curl Formers Flexi Rods Magnetic Rollers Perm Rods Ponytail Set Straw Curls Using End Wraps/ End Wraps Curly Hair Sets 10 Tips for Perfecting Your Wet Set Braid Out 3 Strand Twist Tutorial Band -N- Flex Banding Bantu Knots Braid Outs Coil Outs Curly Nikki's Twist 'n Curl Curly Primer/Curl Smoothing Finger Styling Honey Brown Sugar's Wavy Coil Shingling Twist Outs Trimming Is it necessary? Split Ends: Trimming vs. Search and Destroy How to Take Good Care of Your Hair Scissors Hair Cutting Shears – A Buying Guide Self-Trimming Hair Styles Southern Tease Bun 2 Strand Twists The Pomp Kelis' Big Curls The Hayden Panettiere Hair Accessories Festive Hair: NyJolle Jewellery Rock It Knock It Fall/Winter 2010: Trapper Hats Scalp Stimulation In the Shower Scritching Inversion Theraphy How Do You Treat Your Scalp? Shampoos/Cleansers Apple Cider Vinegar Herbs Shampoo Bars Conditioners 15-10-10 Method Deep Conditioners Leave Ins Moisture Based Pre-poo/Pre-wash Protein Based Steam Towel Wrap Treatments Amino Acid Treatment Beer Rinse Bentonite Clay Caramel Treatment Coconut & Lime "Relaxer" Henna Hot Oil Treatment Keratin Complex Smoothing Therapy by Coppola Reconstructors Split End Menders Mayo Conditioner For High Texture Hair Straightening Blow Dryers Flat Irons Hood Dryers Hot Air Brushes Healthy Heat Protection And Flat Iron Silk Wrap Cross Wrapping 101 Organic Hair Care Ayurveda 101 Food Herbs Oils Transitioning Dry, Transitioning Hair How to Transition Must Have Tools for Transitioners Perfect Style for Transitioners and Undefined Curls Sleeping While Transitioning Styles to Wear While Transitioning Transitioning Basics When To Cut Off All Your Relaxed Ends Ways To Transition To Natural Coloring Your Hair Red Hair Dark Skin Go Black Naturally

Common Hair Problems/Conditions 10 Tips for Preventing One Strand Knots Breakage Dry Ends Dry Hair Matted/Tangled Hair Porosity Protein Moisture Balance Shedding Split Ends Thinning Hair Traction Alopecia Curly Hair Types Mizani's Natural Curl Key Andre Walker's Hair Typing System Curly 3a 3b Curly-Kinky 3c 4a Kinky 4a 4b Blended Beauty Hair Typing Unpredictable Curly Hair Issues Frizz & Reversion Dealing with Different Textures Defining Curls Books to Read Curl Talk  Curly Girl  Curly Girl: The Handbook Curly Like Me  Going-Natural  Grow It  Hair Rules  Let's Talk Hair  Thank God I'm Natural  The Black Woman's Guide to Beautiful Hair  The Knotty Truth The Complete Idiot's Guide to Making Natural Beauty Products Ingredient Research Ingredients to Avoid Cosmetic Database Tightly Curly's Ingredient Dictionary Emollients For Dry Hair Sale on Natural Ingredients FNWL Benefits of Honey - Homemade Skin Care Herb O' The Day: Marshmallow Castor Oil Hair Tools and Equipment Adjust-A-Curl Applicator Bottle  Applicator Brush Best Flat Iron for Black, Frizzy and Kinky Hair Blow Dryers and Diffusers Conditioning Cap Denman Brush End Papers/Wraps Flat Iron Buying Guide Goody Spin Pin Hot Air Brushes Hot Rollers Jilbere Shower Comb Jumbo Flexi Rods Jumbo Perm Rods Mane Clip Pibbs Kwik Dri Pink Super Rollers (Flexi Rods) Root Control Soft Bonnet Attachment Steamers Tea Ball Hair Philosophies The Master Key System Curl Friendly Brands Amourai Organique Anita Grant Blended Beauty Curl Junkie Curls Curly Hair Solutions DevaCurl Hair Rules Jane Carter Soultuion JessiCurl Kinky Curly Miss Jessie's Mixed Chicks Ouidad Shea Moisture Uncle Funky's Daughter Hair Growth Hair Growth Phases Popular YouTube Channels For Naturals curlsgolore - Miss Jessie's channel curlychronicles curlyfoodie irrisistablbtch itsmsheathernicole kabrinam kimmaytube kinkykurlyqueen lexiwiththecurls longhairdontcare2011 misskrisnew naturalmanenyc nikkimae2003 oomixedmamioo rahmes100 (usually does not do hair-related videos, but has awesome curly hair)  richeau rusticbeauty saloncabelo shidanatural shortysgs03 sugafreetv taren916 tashiramone

Curls To Know: Bianca G for Next Canada

Bianca G is a new face at Next Models Canada.

source: Next Canada

source: Next Canada

Curls To Know: Sagai for Next Canada

Sagai is a new face at Next Models in Canada.

source: Next Canada

source: Next Canada

Favorite Featured Curls Results

I want to take the opportunity to thank all of the women that I interviewed over the years for "Featured Curls". You inspire me. Thanks for taking the time to share your hair stories and regimens with Mane and Chic readers.

Well, you voted in the (8) polls and here are Mane and Chic readers' choice for the most inspiring women ever featured on Mane and Chic.

Congrats to Selam, Kristin and Blair!

Selam of Switzerland

Kristin Rodney

Blair