Natural Woman

So it's been about a year since I last had a relaxer and made the decision to transition to natural. I've pretty much been keeping my hair under wraps (and tracks and wigs and braids, etc.) for the past year as I let the chemicals grow out. This week I decided to wear my hair out in its natural state. It's been very liberating, frustrating, and irritating.

Liberating because it's stressful always trying to think of what to do next with my hair, and always feeling like I had to disguise what was really going on under my tracks, wig, or braids. It's great to just have it out and nappy, in all it's natural glory, for the world to see.

Frustrating because...natural, non-permed hair is a bit difficult to work with if you have a truly coarse and resistant grain of hair like I do. At times it can be painful, especially right after it's been washed and before it's been combed out, conditioned, and braided. It's also frustrating learning the tricks to getting my hair to be manageable and presentable, and learning what products to use and which ones are a total no-no.

Irritating because I hate having to explain to all my perm-having or non-African-American friends, coworkers, relatives, and nosey-posies why I made the decision about MY OWN HAIR to not put anymore chemicals in it. And I hate hearing their judgmental tones or watching their faces as I go through what is already a difficult enough process because they feel like my hair looks better "the other way". Who asked you??? lol.

But I continue to receive support from my girlfriends and relatives that have made the transition and love their kinky, curly, coiled, resistant, and sometimes non-resistant, or dare I say nappy, hair in all it's natural, chemical-less glory.

I'M SO HAPPY BEING NAPPY!

My Commitment to Precycling

I read somewhere last week that more and more people are trying to precycle versus recycle. I have always been a strong anti-litter advocate, I drive a pretty fuel-efficient SUV (don't laugh, it gets better gas mileage than most cars on the road), I don't print the banner pages when I print at work, and love the idea of recycling. But I will admit, I could definitely do more in my efforts to "save the environment."

From trusty old Wikipedia:

"Precycling is the practice of reducing waste by attempting to avoid bringing into the home or business since such items which will generate waste.

It includes such practices as buying consumables in bulk to reduce packaging, buying consumables in recyclable packaging over non-recyclable packages, avoiding junk mail, and using electronic media for reading materials, especially throwaway items such as magazines or newspapers."

One of the things I've noticed recently is that I throw away A LOT of plastic water bottles. I buy the 24 case each week and toss each and every bottle right into a recycling recepticle if it's available, but most of the time it goes right into the trash. One day I realized I had about four or five bottles in the trash and I thought that it was pretty wasteful to have all those bottles, when I could just refill one bottle and use that over and over. It's a pretty small step, but I'm committed to it.

I've also done away with getting bags when I buy one or two things from the store. I went to Dollar Tree the other day to buy gift bags. I also picked up some strawberry candies, which I love! I told the cashier not to worry about a bag because I'm gonna rip right into the candy when I get to the car, and I'm using the gift bag for a gift that I also have waiting in the car. Why would I need a bag just to take two items from store to car, and then just throw it away? I did the same thing the previous week in Dollar Tree. I bought some plastic bins in there, along with other random junk. Why get a bag when everything fit so neatly in the storage bin?

So I am making a promise to be more environmentally-minded as I go through my day. I can't change the world alone, but I can do my small part. I am also committing to carrying cloth bags to the store when I go. I have a bad habit of buying the cloth bag, carrying the groceries inside, forgetting the bag in my house, and then not having it the next time I go to the store. SO I end up either repurchasing another bag or just getting the plastic store bags which suck.

If you also are interested in precycling or in eliminating / reducing the number of plastic bags that end up in landfills, consider this 3-piece bag set from Avon for $6.99. Keep it in your car, carry your purchases into your house, and then, this is the key, RETURN IT BACK TO YOUR CAR for the next time you need it.

Good Luck! And remember, TREES ROCK!

Note: The liiv Botanicals Three Piece Bag Set can be ordered at http://youravon.com/makiariley. Use search work "liiv".

"DING DONG! Avon Calling!"

The torch has been passed. From grandmother, to mother, to sister, to aunt, to me. I am now an AVON LADY! I have always loved Avon products and I love retail, and who can’t use a little side money these days, right? So it’s perfect!

But let me tell you…this is NOT your mother’s Avon! The name may have a not-so-cool connotation for those not raised on it, but the products are definitely chez chic! Avon has done a tremendous job bringing its offerings into the 21st century. The company continues to offer some of its standard classics for its hardcore customer base, but it has also created products for the trendy fashionista that may need a little persuasion to try Avon. And with Avon’s mark line, they offer fashion, skin, make-up, and body care items for that true urbanista on the move.

Avon has also made it easier to shop with them. You can always stick with the face-to-face relationship that you have built with your Avon Representative, but now you can also shop online and have the purchase directly delivered to you! And most times, Avon has a FREE SHIPPING promotion going on, which will get your items to you in a matter of days with no additional cost to you. For those that don’t know what to try, here is my latest list of recommendations:

PLANET SPA African Shea Butter Brown Sugar Body Scrub - $4.99
With this body scrub, you come away with a great scent and wonderfully replenished skin! Shea butter contains vitamin E and is known for its healing properties.

PLANET SPA African Shea Butter Whipped Body Balm - $5.99
After you’ve used the body scrub, polish the skin off with this ultra rich whipped body balm.

mark Earth Eu de Toilette - $22.00
This is my favorite smell from Avon! It has a hint of sweetness, flowers, and woods. It’s very chic, very sophisticated, and a great everyday fragrance. And nobody has to know it didn't come from an upscale department store.

mark Self-Sanctuary Honey Jasmine Body Butter - $8.00

I just love this fragrance, and I love it even better in a body butter. It’s perfect for those dry winter days when the skin needs a little extra moisture.

mark Knot Stuff Earrings - $12.00

Tough, sexy, and feminine! This chunky, brushed metallic look is the perfect accessory for your skinny jeans and leather jacket. Add the matching Knot Too Shabby bracelet for $15.00

PRO-TO-GO Lipstick - $9.00

Just because you aren’t rich doesn’t mean your lipstick can’t be. Rich lipstick in great packaging! It looks fab and feels great!

Smooth Mineral Eyeshadow Duo - $6.99

Mineral make-up is all the rage these days. Avon offers great mineral eyeshadow singles, duos, and powders. Tuck them in your purse and dash. You can add an eyeshadow brush for $1.99 with any $10 Smooth Mineral Makeup purchase.

Visit my online store at http://youravon.com/makiariley. Email me to find out about free shipping at makia.riley@gmail.com.