Where Do You Need The Most Hair Help/Inspiration? (Poll)

Please participate in the poll. You are welcome to write in your own answers.

Texturephile: Arise Issue 11

What do we think of the new cover of Arise magazine?

source: d1models

NYC, This Weekend

Hi Dolls,

I'm joining my homegirl in NYC this weekend. I'm excited about it and I need for you to tell me some cool places to go. Please share in the comments or e-mail me.

Best,

Emotional Freedom Techniques: Tapping

Source: ThrivingNow.com

One of the things I learned about from  The Ultimate Soulmate Summit  was Tapping. Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) or Tapping is a form of alternative psychotherapy that uses tapping on acupuncture points while a patient focuses on a specific traumatic memory. This is said to manipulate an energy field and cause a release of the pain or stress associated with said trauma. If you're into the Law of Attraction, you should definitely check this out. This method requires you to call up a negative emotion, really feel how you feel about it: angry, mad, sad, hurt... whatever and talk it out while tapping on the acupuncture points to release the negative emotion and then once you work through it, you tap in positive affirmations.

The Tapping World Summit started last night and the first sessions were all about money and how we can overcome our limiting beliefs about money with tapping. I'll be tuning in to this in lieu of reading a book for the next two weeks. It's free and the science around it is really quite interesting.

If you are interested, the introduction videos were really helpful in explaining the basics and you can also download a free e-book to help get you started. It seems pretty simple. I'm very optimistic about it. I'm hoping some of you have tried it and can share your experience or if not, some of you will try it with me.

The summit will feature 20 presentations that will cover several topics:

• Clearing the Energy of Scarcity and Lack to Finally Bring in the Money You Want and Need
• Eliminating the Hidden Obstacles that Keep You From Finding the Perfect Soulmate
• Overcoming Cravings for Food by Understanding and Eliminating the Emotions that Drive Them
• Manage Pain and Illness with EFT
• Using EFT to Help Other People in Your Life
• How to Master the Emotion of Anger
• How to Overcome Procrastination and Increase Productivity
• How to Use Tapping to Fly Into Action in Your Life
• How to Harness the Law of Attraction with EFT

The Ultimate Soulmate Summit

In lieu of reading a book or listening to audiobooks, for the past week, I've been listening to The Ultimate Soulmate Summit that started on Valentine's Day. It's a FREE online teleseminar series. I've always been incredibly intrigued by relationship dynamics and spirituality so all of this has been enlightening and transforming. The tagline for the seminar is "For anyone ready to find true love" and after listening to these love experts for the past few days, it's pretty clear that true love starts from within. It's this same theme that keeps coming up in The Secret: The Power, Super Rich: A Guide to Having it All and The Vortex: Where the Law of Attraction Assembles All Cooperative Relationships.

It's interesting that I actually discovered The Ultimate Soulmate Summit through one of my "Books O' the Week". It's fun seeing how one book leads me to the next, then leads me to new things like different types of breathing techniques, new methods of meditation, visualization, EFT tapping, the Sedona Method and I could go on and on. We're only in month 2 of 2011 and my new year's resolution to read life-changing books to really evolve and grow as a woman seems to be taking off exponentially. I am excited to review all of what I've learned at the end of 2011 and compare who I was to who I have become. I also look forward to hearing your evolution if you've been on this journey with me.

I strongly believe that listening to this will be transforming to anyone open to hearing the message whether you're in a relationship or not. I truly believe that if you put some of the methods into practice, that you will transform every relationship in your life and really transform the most important relationship in your life: the one you have with yourself. Of course, the theme is heavily focused on singles looking for love, but if you can look at the bigger picture, you will get so much out of it.

It's Day 8 (of 11... I think) of the The Ultimate Soulmate Summit, so there's still time to join in and listen for free. You can also purchase the entire seminar if you missed a few days. I realize that some of you may be skeptical. When I was debating whether or not to listen, I was kind of rolling my eyes because I don't really do online seminars or really any type of seminars. Something just made me want to listen and I'm so glad I did. It's fun to talk about hair and fashion and all of that, but this really is more fulfilling for me to share with you because it's been such a positive thing for me so far. I know you see all the banners and I'm hoping this doesn't come off as a sales pitch. I just want to make sure that I spread the word! I mean, you see a lot of ads on Mane and Chic and I never talk about them in the content of my blog posts. This is something I'm really excited about, so Mane and Chic does not earn money for the ads, only if you buy the seminar or something and I don't really expect many of you to do that since it starts at $97+.

If you're at work and you can listen to headphones, turn off that radio and listen to The Ultimate Soulmate Summit. If you're at home, step away from the tv and listen. If you're killing time online shopping or playing games, you can listen while doing all of that.

Hair Touching

I just read a message from FaceBook where a reader shared with me an article entitled "Why you don't have the right to touch my hair" by Kia Miakka Natisse of TheGrio.com. This reader was a bit annoyed by the article. She explained, "I'm so tired of black women having an issue when someone touches our hair. It's not that serious and we need to get over our hang ups. It's just hair. It won't fall off".

The article was written in response to the video of Justin Bieber and Grammy Award Winner, Esperanza Spalding. He patted her 'Fro in the video. The author of the article describes her disgust about the mere thought of someone stroking her tresses, "... my personal space is being violated, that's what. Why would someone presume it's okay to just reach out and touch? On one hand it's slightly defensible: touch is a natural way to explore the world. Except my hair isn't a cashmere sweater sitting on a shelf at Macy's. It's my hair. Ask before touching -- and don't get your feelings hurt when I say no."

I typically don't like to post about stuff like this because it's not really on my radar. It didn't appear to be on Esperanza's either. I will say that I don't particularly care for anyone touching my hair. It's not because of my race or hair texture, but, quite frankly, I don't know where their hands have been and a few other practical, logical reasons.

What do you think? (Participate in the poll)

In Search of Killer Curls

I'm working on a project for Mane and Chic and I'm looking for girls with killer curls from all around the United States. If you have curly hair, high texture hair or you just love rocking curls, you're photogenic and have a natural sense of style— I'm looking for you. If you're interested, e-mail me a link to your photos: at least one headshot and one full body shot. Links only! No attachments! If you don't have links, upload them to tinypic.com or picsa or something. Please don't send links to albums that require passwords... pardon my brash delivery, but I don't have time for all of that. Please use "Killer Curls" in the subject line of the e-mail that you send me along with your city and state. So, if you're from Miami, you're subject line should read "Killer Curls Miami, FL". Got it? Cool.

I am looking for very specific looks so don't be offended if I am unable to respond to you. I'm on strict time constraints. I am essentially searching for the faces of Mane and Chic. If your look matches my concept, I will shoot you an e-mail to discuss compensation.

Requirements:
Fit/In good physical shape
Clear healthy skin
Lives in or travels to the United States
Healthy Hair
Naturally Curly or High Texture Hair
Between 18-30 years old

Idea: Creating The Home Blogging

source: Apartment Therapy

Nothing gives power to an idea like sharing. I've always been really into home design and interior decorating. In my early 20s, I contemplated a career in furniture design. I've always dreamed of renovating old homes and making them girly and chic. I was so lucky to grow up in New Orleans with all the amazing historical architecture. I love the old Uptown mansions in New Orleans that many of you probably haven't been exposed to in the media.

My idea is to take you on the journey with me. From the purchase to choosing paint colors, picking out the furniture and more. I want to acquire maybe a blighted property or just a fixer-upper. I'd want it to be in an area with potential, but not yet gentrified. I'd want it to have glamourous curb appeal and make it inspire both neighbors to step their game up and investors to buy property and raise the bar. The ultimate plan would be to someday have designed an entire neighborhood so it is something I'd want to do multiple times probably for the rest of my life. I find it thrilling and it's always been a dream of mine. I'd want to make these homes available for people that work hard but can't afford million dollar mansions especially single mothers, grad students and families that are working hard and just want a nice place to call home.

So, that's the plan. What do you think? Please participate in the poll or leave comments.

Law of Attraction

There are quite a few things that I have strong interests in that have changed my life drastically. One of those things is the Law of Attraction. If you don't know, The Law of Attraction is a metaphysical New Thought belief that "like attracts like”. Positive thoughts and feelings bring about positive physical results and negative thoughts and feelings result in negative results. I've seen the Law of Attraction work in all facets of my life. I attract what I want in my life through journaling, visualizing, meditating and conscious positive thinking. The things that have resulted from my knowledge of this powerful law have been nothing less than magic. I use it in all areas of my life and I try to share what I've learned with every one that is willing to listen and I'm always amazed at the results that other people are getting.

So, I'm curious... (please participate in the poll below)

The Power (of Love)

I am reading The Secret: The Power  by Rhonda Byrne, the author of The Secret. Just like Super Rich: A Guide to Having it All by Russell Simmons, it stresses the power of love. I thought this would be very apropos to discuss since it's Valentine's Day.

Side bar: I am actually listening to the audiobook from Audible and Rhonda Byrne's Australian accent sounds a lot like Nicki Minaj's "Martha" accent. What? Yes, I did just mention Nicki Minaj and a powerful metaphysical New Thought belief in the same post.

The Secret literally changed my life in a hundred different ways and when I was looking at the reviews for this book, I just had to get it. The book is a little repetitive, but repetition is the mother of learning.

 Here are some of my favorite quotes from the book that you can do right now to increase the amount of love in your life.

"Let go of the things you don't love about your childhood, and keep the things you love. Let go of the things you don't love about your adolescent and adult years, and keep the good things. Just keep the things you love about your whole life."

"Many people don't know about the power of good feelings, and so their feelings are reactions or responses to what happens to them. They have put their feelings on automatic pilot, instead of deliberately taking charge of them."

"Every single second is an opportunity to change your life, because in any moment you can change the way you feel."

"So how do you fall in love with life? The same way you fall in love with another person — you adore everything about them! You fall in love with another person by seeing only love, hearing only love, speaking only love, and by feeling love with all your heart! And that is exactly how you use the ultimate power of love in love with life."

"You are the driver of your mind, so take charge and keep it busy with your instructions by telling it where you want it to go. Your mind only takes off on its own if you are not telling it what to do."

"When anything good happens to you in your day, give thanks. It doesn't matter how small it is, say thank you. When you get the perfect parking space, hear your favorite song on the radio, approach a light that turns green, or find an empty seat on the bus or train, say thank you. These are all good things that you are receiving from life."

"Remember it only takes giving love and good feelings a minimum of 51 percent of the time to reach the tipping point and change everything."

"You have to talk about what you love to bring what you love to you."

"Love is the highest feeling you have, then in descending order from love comes: gratitude, joy, passion, excitement, enthusiasm, hope, satisfaction — these are the good feelings. Then comes bad feelings, in descending order, boredom, irritation, disappointment, worry, criticism, anger, hate, envy, guilt, despair, fear."

"Count the things you love nonstop, one after the other, keep listing everything you love until you feel amazing."

"Don't struggle to change the circumstances of your life. Give love through your good feelings and what you want will appear. You have to give good feelings first. You have to be happy first and give happiness to receive happy things. Whatever you want to receive in life, you must give first."

The Power also features a lot of practical advice on how to apply the law of attraction in your life right now: if you want something in your life, prepare for it. If you want to be a millionaire, what can you do now to prepare for that? If you knew you were coming into a large sum of money next week, you'd probably get rid of lots of clutter and stuff you'd throw out if you had all the money you wanted, make space in your wallet, open a new bank account or figure out how you would spend the money. Or do you want to find your perfect mate? Do you live your life the way you would if that person was in your life right now? If you new your ideal lover could move in with you next week, you'd probably start sleeping on one side of the bed, make room in your closet, wear cute clothes to bed and set the table for two. Side bar: another amazingly good book called  The Soulmate Secret: Manifest the Love of Your Life with the Law of Attraction by Arielle Ford goes in to depth on this subject. Anyway, all of these things are things you can do now!

If you're spiritual or into new thought and personal power — this book is a must read. If you're open to the message, you will feel inspired and empowered. I am beginning to consciously apply the concepts in this book to every facet of my life and I want to challenge you to do the same.

If you don't have time or energy to read, audiobooks from Audible and your local public library are perfect for your multitasking lifestyle. It's a lot more progressive than listening to the garbage on the radio during commutes.

I've been reading one life-changing book per day since a couple of weeks before the new year and I cannot say enough about how much I have changed. I have evolved and I can't wait to compare my progress at the end of the year. I'm planning to compile of list of all the positive aspects that came from this resolution.

I am really knocking these books out and always looking for new suggestions. Please feel free to share any books that have changed your life in the comments.

Peace and Love,

Curl Spotter: Herieth for Diesel

Source: Diesel

Source: Diesel

Source: Diesel

Herieth Paul's New Showcard

Look at our girl Herieth just killing it...

source: Models.com via ThoughtForFood

source: Models.com via ThoughtForFood