20 Things I Learned at 20

Hello world,

I recently celebrated a big birthday, my 21st birthday on February 28th. As I've celebrated my special day with loving family, friends, and delicious drink specials at bars, I came to the realization that the year of being 20 years old, for me, has ultimately changed my life. I've noticed that I have become more "grown up" as they say by doing the ultimate mature adult thing: moving out of the house, renting my own apartment and paying for most of my expenses. As I thought I was ready to be a full adult, I quickly realized how much of a struggle it is to fend for yourself without any assistance. However, it was my decision so I'm dealing with true adulthood a little before my official calling after college. As I pondered on my new adulthood lifestyle, I also reflected on some theories, concepts, opinions, and facts about myself and others that I've noticed during my reign as a 20 year old in the world. I'll share them with you:

1. It's okay to say "NO" sometimes

2. However, don't let someone tell you "NO" as the end result of not being able to accomplish something

3. I feel as if I'm sometimes left out or forgotten in situations but I've realized it's because of my shyness that I don't speak up or make lasting impressions when I'm around a group of people...something I am personally working on

4. Start a 2nd savings account to help you save money for future needs (I've already accumulated a couple hundred dollars from payroll deposits and YouTube earnings since starting in January 2014)

5. I have my own personal complexes & I am currently dealing with, altering, or embracing each and every one of them

6. Love yourself first or else no one else will

7. There are sooooooo many different uses for Coconut Oil...I love it!

8. Make-up foundation is not for me. No matter the brand, it makes me look washed out or ashy

9. "What Suzie says of Sally says more of Susies than of Sally..." Remember that, #DEEP

10. Leggings are pants, thank you very much.

11. Avocados/Guacamole are magically delicious...and healthy

12. You lose your tastebuds as you get older (The other day I had a bowl of Lucky Charms and could not taste the sugary goodness from the marshmallows, a moment I used to cherish as a child....how disappointing)

13. Maintaining natural hair is harder than most people think...it's no friggin' joke!

14. There are reasons why we pay people for certain services, we all aren't capable of doing everything on our own

15. That being said, it's okay to ask for assistance

16. There's a time and a place for everything

17. I'm not a fan of the whole #teamlightskin or #teamdarkskin battle amongst black people in society, but I think #teambrownskin is where it's at! LOL

18. Twerking is indeed a talent.

19. Don't wait until the last minute to do everything that needs to get done, it'll put you so far behind and will stress you out more than ever in the long run

20. Your family are the closest people you'll ever have to you...always remember "blood is thicker than water"

These are just a few things that I've observed and developed as prominent more so at the age of 20. Who knows what life will hit me with at the age of 21. Can't wait to see what the next 357 days have in store.

Until next time,

Simone

DAY1: ABOUT ME #FEB2014WRITINGCHALLENGE

Pretty women wonder where my secret lies.

I'm not cute or built to suit a fashion model's size

But when I start to tell them,

They think I'm telling lies.

I say,

It's in the reach of my arms

The span of my hips,

The stride of my step,

The curl of my lips.

I'm a woman

Phenomenally.

Phenomenal woman,

That's me.

I walk into a room

Just as cool as you please,

And to a man,

The fellows stand or

Fall down on their knees.

Then they swarm around me,

A hive of honey bees.

I say,

It's the fire in my eyes,

And the flash of my teeth,

The swing in my waist,

And the joy in my feet.

I'm a woman

Phenomenally.

Phenomenal woman,

That's me.

Men themselves have wondered

What they see in me.

They try so much

But they can't touch

My inner mystery.

When I try to show them

They say they still can't see.

I say,

It's in the arch of my back,

The sun of my smile,

The ride of my breasts,

The grace of my style.

I'm a woman

Phenomenally.

Phenomenal woman,

That's me.

Now you understand

Just why my head's not bowed.

I don't shout or jump about

Or have to talk real loud.

When you see me passing

It ought to make you proud.

I say,

It's in the click of my heels,

The bend of my hair,

the palm of my hand,

The need of my care,

'Cause I'm a woman

Phenomenally.

Phenomenal woman,

That's me. 

-Maya Angelou

10 days late...& more

 

 Hello world, 

As you can visually see I have been slacking on my blogging game for the past 7 months. It's become a routine for me. Fall back into blogging regularly for 6-8 weeks then fall out of updating for 6-8 months. However, I found this February Writing Challenge proposed by Kim @ From A Wildflower. I think this will be a great way for me to get back in touch with blogging on a daily basis. I'll start from Day 1 & work my way from there in my next post. Join me on this writing adventure! Until next time... 

 XOXO, 

Simone

Anti-Natural Husband...

So I was just browsing the blogs and I came across this article about a man who actually preferred his wife NOT to go natural. He goes on to explain how he feels insecure about his wife transitioning stages of going natural. How he has succumb to the media's idea of European beauty and how women look best with long, flowy hair instead of short kinky hair. This article really hits home for me because in the back of my mind I am still a bit self-conscious about what others think/feel about my natural hair...especially what black men think. I believe we need more black men who will voice their opinions about their fellow counterparts' hair. It may ease the curiosity or tension we have within our community when it comes to what they think of black women and natural hair. Read the article here in its entirety please, he has some interesting things to say. What are your thoughts?

 

XOXO,

 

Simone

90 Day Hair Growth Challenge!

 

Length as July '13

Hey y'all! Hope everyone is enjoying their summer so far. Can't believe it's more than half way over! This summer I've been super busy working on projects of all sorts. Because I've been so busy I sort of neglected my natural hair. It's pretty much been kept under wraps in protective styles like my box braids and now my Marley twists. I believe my hair has grown an inch since my intial length check in May and I am looking forward to attaining more growth! I came across ClassyCurlies blog the other day and saw that she was doing a 90 day hair growth challenge. She has her own set of products she will be using to attain hair growth but because I'm ballin' on a budget I'll just be using some good 'ol Jamaican Black Castor Oil. I've heard great things about this oil because it really promotes hair growth! Only thing is it smells terrribbllleeee. My family hates when I use it in their house lol. But as long as it helps my hair grow I don't care what it smells like. ClassyCurlies has asked her followers to join her on this journey and because I've committed to joining I would like to invite you all to join us! My growth duration will occur from August 1st-November 1st. By then I will be past my one-year nappiverasry so this works out to be perfect timing. I will be
updating with my results + if I figure out a solution to mask the stank smell of JBCO :)

 

XOXO,

 

Simone

YouTube Channel Giveaway!

Greetings everyone!

It's been a while since I've posted so I thought I'd update you quickly about something big that's going on. I'm hosting a giveaway on my YouTube channel!!! I'm hosting this giveaway because my goal was to reach 1,000 subscribers this summer but I exceeded my goal have exceeded 3,000 subscribers!! So thank you so much to those of you have subscribed. If you haven't done so, please do. You won't regret it. My established 'neffyBOX' consists of 4 great hair products for all naturalistas or even relaxanistas out there lol. Check out my video down below for instructions on how to enter to win. Hurry though, there's only two days left to enter. Good luck!

 

XOXO,

 

Simone

Thrift Shop Haul!

Finally went thrifting! I found some good items (all for under $30) at a local thrift shop. Two patterned button ups, two basketball jerseys, and a pair of high waist blue jeans (not shown). I was excited about my new finds because I had given up a few months ago due to not having any luck finding things. I will be posting about how I style these items shortly. Check out my YouTube video about this haul for more details.

XOXO,

Simone

They're baacckkk!

Hey everyone! I'm back & braided up for the summer. My wonderful mother again slaved over my scalp to create the beautiful long Patra braids! Patra braids are basically thick + jumbo + long box braids; almost reminscient of Janet Jackson Poetic Justice Box Braids. I've had them in for a few weeks now and plan on taking them out at the end of July. Check out my latest YouTube videos on my braid review and how I style my braids down below. Also, I finally reached over 1,000 subscribers on YouTube!!!! So I will be doing a giveaway very soon (please bear with me, I have been extremely busy with life in these recent weeks lol). However, I'm stuck as to what I should give away! What do you guys think, what kind of (reasonably priced) goodies would you like to receive? Leave your feedback down below. Don't forget to subscribe to my channel and blog (if you haven't done so already) to participate. Love y'all <3

XOXO,

Simone

LOIS | The Hair Typing System

Are you a naturalista who is curious about what all the hype is around declaring your 'hair type'? I was & still am. I've recently discovered a website that describes our natural hair types in a cool, funky way: through acronym letters. The system is called LOIS. Each letter stands for a genre of hair, deeming which 'daughter' you are. Determine your curls, kinks, and coils by find your curl pattern group:

L – If the hair has all bends, right angles and folds with little to no curve then you are daughter L.
O – If the strand is rolled up into the shape of one or several zeros like a spiral, then you are daughter O.
I – If the hair lies mostly flat with no distinctive curve or bend you are daughter I.
S – If the strand looks like a wavy line with hills and valleys then you are daughter S.

In my case, I am a daughter O. My hair has an abundance of tight spiral curls but still has daughter L like textures. Take a picture of your own curls & see which daughter you are!

 *these pictures are in its fully air dried state

XOXO,

Simone

Happy June + Life Update

Happy June everyone! These summer months are already flying by. I've been out of school for almost a month now & things are great. I've decided to set personal themes for myself for each month of this summer. This month, I'll deem it 'time'. Working on my time management whether it's for getting to work on time or spending quality time with my little sister. I need to work on cherishing my time instead of wasting it! I didn't realize it but last month's personal theme ended up being 'spontaneous'. A word that so perfectly describes me. I got another new job, applied to several others, went gambling, cut my hair for a third time, and so much more...all on a whim. With all this, I think I'm going to write out a summer 2013 bucket list. I'm trying to complete as much on bucket list as I can before fall semester starts. Here it goes:

- Get my hair braided up for the summer

- Get a new job

- Go to a casino/gamble

- Drive a far distance by myself (2+ hours completed so far!)

- Attend multiple concerts (just came back from Hot 97 Summer Jam 2013 yesterday)

- Hit 1,000 subscribers on my YouTube channel (subscribe here...it's free!)

- Take a road trip with a friend &/or friends

- Visit friends in the Tri State & DMV area

- Go on vacation with my boyfriend

- Re-apply for my dream job

- Buy a Moschino &/or Hermes belt (stretch goal) 

- Attain 3 inches of new growth!

- Start weekly Zumba classes

- Go to a strip club

- Pay off my credit card debt

- Plan a weekend getaway with my family

- Shopping spree in SoHo

- Save at least $2,000

- Finalize academic plan to study abroad in London

- Complete a 1 week NutriBullet Detox Cleanse (NO SOLID FOODS)

& the list continues as the summer goes on!

As far as posting, I'll be keeping you guys updating about myself & some neat tips and tricks on hair & beauty related things I find along the way. Tata for now,

Simone

Best wishes these next 30 (now 27) days!

OOTD: Simple Retail Work Attire

Tribal Pants - Forever 21 | White V-Neck - Sister's Closet | Peach Blazer - Marshalls | Watch - NY & Company | Earrings - Forever 21 | HOTD (Hair of The Day) - Dry Braid Out

Got called in to work a five hour shift yesterday. Decided to put on something that 'stood out' but would be toned down by a warm color. Peach & tribal print, my favorites. I like this outfit combination a lot. Makes me look like I actually know how to dress lol. I'm no fashionista, just a naturalista showing off her simple retail work attire.

XOXO,

Simone

3 Reasons Why You May Be Losing Your Edges by CLASSY CURLIES (Guest Blogger)

Hey lovies!

The lovely Victoria has reached out to me  recently to be a guest blogger here on Naturalista Neff. The post is a great article about how to maintain those mini "prized possessions" we have on our foreheads: our edges. Here's the guest blogger post by Classy Curlies. Read the article below:

3 REASONS WHY YOU MAY BE LOSING YOUR EDGES

Hey Curlies,
I constantly get questions about how to grow out your edges and how to keep them healthy. Most people aren't even sure why their edges may are thinning. Here are a few reasons why you may be losing your edges.

**Tip: Remember to condition and spritz your edges daily with a leave-in conditioner or create your own (pictured above)**

WIGS

Don't get me wrong, wigs are a great protective style and some can even look more natural than real hair, but here is the downside. Usually when one wears a wig, they wear some sort of stocking cap or wig cap. That cap usually fits pretty tight around your edges so that the wigs stays in place correctly. If not careful, the friction from both the cap and wig and cause breakage along the hair line.
Solution: Always apply a light moisturizer and oil before using wigs. Also do not wear them for extended amounts of time. Try to switch things up.

BONNETS
Bonnets are my best friend and many companies even create them in cute fashion patterns and colors. The issue with bonnets are the same as wigs. When wearing the bonnet at night, the bonnet is constantly causing friction against the hairline while you toss and turn during your sleep. Not something you've thought about huh?
Solution: Again, always moisturize and seal before bedtime. This process quenches thirsty hair and cuts down on breakage due to dry hair. You can also try using hair scarfs to tie your hair up and night or a mesh wrap.

TOO MUCH PULL, NOT ENOUGH MOISTURE
Think those high top knots buns are cute? YES! Do you also love wearing ponytails and puffs? Probably so. These are very cute styles that are "in" right now. Yes, these styles are fashionable, however they do cause stress to the hairline. Be gentle and keep your edges moisturized.
Solution: Wear these styles in moderation and be sure not to pull your edges to hard when creating these styles.

ClassyCurlies

If you are interested in being a guest blogger on my page, feel free to contact me or simply drop a comment below.

Blog Feature!

Hey y'all!

Quick update, I've been featured on this wonderful blog, LIONESS Blogs, as this week's 'Lioness of the Week' feature! It's my very first blog feature and I'm pretty excited. A special thanks to the owner, Jacque, for featuring me on the page. If you want to check out the article, click here.

XOXO,

Simone

THE NATURALISTA IS BACK!!!!

HELLO EVERYONE!!!

I apologize for the lengthy hiatus on my blog. I've been quite busy at the end of the school semester, so keeping up with all social media sites was a hassle. But needless to say, I'm back!!!! I tried to revamp my page a little (I'm still in the process so please be patient lol). This time around I will be posting more often with my daily routines & tips on all things beauty related. Also, as you may know I've been natural for quite some time but now I am starting a new chapter of my journey that I will definitely be keeping you up to date with. In the mean time, I've posting new videos on my YouTube channel NaturalistaNeff so check into that for tutorials, reviews, and daily vlogs from yours truly. I'm glad to be back in the swing of things with my first love, blogging. If you have any questions, topic suggestions/requests, or concerns feel free to leave a comment or contact me! Talk to you soon.

**EDIT**
I will be changing the name domain of this blog from "Nappily Ever After" to "NaturalistaNeff" to match my other social media sites soon. Sorry if this creates any confusion!

XOXO,

Simone

HIATUS

The "Nappily Ever After" blog has taken a hiatus & will be back shortly! 

In the mean time, check out my YouTube channel http://www.youtube.com/user/NaturalistaNeff

Ciao,

Simone

Watch 'N' Weight: My Journey to Weight Loss

Last week, I went home to visit my family for the night and my mother came to me an introduced a family plan: we were all going on Weight Watchers! Now, I knew my family is frugal so I knew there was no way they were paying $60/month x 4 for all us. And of course I was right lol. I'd like to call my family's weight loss journey "WATCH 'N' WEIGHT": The Unofficial Bootleg version of Weight Watchers lol. And the best thing yet is that it's...FREE!!!! With a little google research, my mom found the Weight Watchers booklet of the food point system, a personal point system calculator, and I found an app that keeps track of your daily points system so you know when you are going over your eating limit. I'd like to think of all of this as "PORTION CONTROL".  I've been doing this point system of keeping track of almost every food I ate for one week & I have already lost 3 lbs! Now I don't if maybe that day I weighed myself after 4 days of starting the program, I was just really hungry and had no water weight but I even feel lighter. By that, I mean I don't feel bloated anymore. I'd really like to lose about 15 lbs within the next few weeks too, so I plan to help catapult that by exercising more frequently. I feel like what contributes to weight gain and bloating is over eating at meals (which I did all the time). If you're anything like me, your eyes are bigger than your stomach so you always end up eating double or triple the serving. I am no health connoisseur, but I am just trying to work on a healthier, leaner me. I'll keep you guys posted with any tips, tricks, or progressions I've made. If you'd like to join my Watch 'N' Weight movement, I'll post the link below.

Freckleberry Finds "How to Get Weight Watchers for Free": http://freckleberryfinds.com/2012/01/how-to-get-weight-watchers-for-free-really/

How to Calculate Your Food Into Points: https://sites.google.com/site/wwcheatsheets/home/calculating-food-points

Calculate Your Daily Points Allowance: http://easycalculation.com/health/Daily-points-plus-allowance.php

Iphone App: Ultimate Value Diary ($2.99)

XOXO,

Simone

Virgin Peruvian Hair Review

Hey y'all!

I recently ordered some Virgin Peruvian Hair on AliExpress. I made a YouTube video stating all the details including the initial review and installement review as well. This weave will be my protective style until the end of April. Check out the video for more information.

XOXO,

Simone

OOTD: Boyfriend Edition (A Valentine's Day Special)

For some, it may be the most dreaded day of the year. But for all those love appreiators, Happy Valentine's Day! Yesterday, I thought my man looked so good with his great sense of clothing choice and swag radiating from within lol. So, I asked him if I could do an "Outfit of the Day" video post on him. He's been dying to get his big break on my YouTube channel (really, but not really) so it was a win-win situation for both of us. What better way to show my sweetie some appreciation on Valentine's Day than to feature him! Lol. Check out the video below.

Hope you all have a great Valentine's Day! Spend it with those you love most.

XOXO,

Simone

Five Month's Worth of Hair Growth!

Hey world! Just wanted to briefly share with you all my 5 month hair growth length check (excuse my facial expressions & ugliness lol) Throughout my process I am constantly taking pictures of my hair growth just for personal documentation. However, today was the first time I ever put them next to one another! I am excited to see I've gained an inch or two because during my relaxed days I could never tell if my hair was growing or not. I know it's not a drastic change in length but I just wanted to share my progress. For months 3-5 I was protective styling under braids and wigs and these are photos of the aftermath of taking them out in "blown out" styles. Also, during month 2 I had to get a second hair cut because my first BC's relaxed ends were still there causing breakage. Therefore, my hair looks a lot shorter than month 1. As of right now I am going to continue with protective styling with weaves until about the end of April. I can't wait to see what my hair will look like at the end of my 1 year journey! Stay tuned :)

Thanks for reading & have a good day.

XOXO,

Simone

Life, Love, & Locks Update

Hey Everyone! It's been way too long since I've updated here & I apologize for that short hiatus. Because I've been protective styling, my natural hair has been exposed often so I don't have much variation of personal natural hair talk to discuss on. Also, I've been getting back into the swing of things here at college and the semester has already taken a toll on me with my classes and everything I'm involved in. But I won't fret, I think I can handle this! 

 I started school about 3 weeks ago & its safe to say my professors did not hesitate with the giving us a workload. This semester is the semester I declare my major (Communications/Public Relations) so I'm pretty excited about that. I'm some what over the idea of the institutional idea of school, I'm ready to start my life, my career, traveling & all of that! Here at school, I'm involved in my campus' annual fashion show at the end of February for Black History Month. I can't wait to share those photos with you once the event happens. 

February is a special month for me. Being that is the month of my birthday, Valentine's day, close family and friend's birthday, and the most special moment for me: my one year anniversary with my boyfriend, Joachim. We recently celebrated it on February 3rd and I must say its been a year of greatness. I never knew I could be so much very in love with a person like I am now. He's my very best friend, confidant, lover and I appreciate him so much for that. We celebrated over succulent steaks at Outback & I swooned over the lovely flowers he bought me. The night was simple and perfect. 

As you may know, I took out my box braids over break and got to see some of the length I retained from it (refer to 'Le Shrinkage is Real' post)! After giving myself a good wash and deep condition, I quickly resorted to wearing wigs to continue with my protective styling journey. Now, the challenge I was apart of only required me to protective style for three months (Nov-Dec-Jan), but I am so satisfied with my rate of growth and protection that I will extend the challenge personally for myself until the end of winter/beginning of spring. Last week, I accomplished a major personal goal: SEWING MY OWN WEAVE IN. I'd like to say I did a pretty decent time for my first time...6 1/2 hours later lol. Hopefully next time around it will go a lot quicker and easier for me. I used some cheap synthetic hair from my local beauty supply store (2 packs=$30). I left some leave out at the top to help blend the hair. Now, I know I said I wasn't ever going to use heat on my head again but I think with hair weaves it is necessary unless you have a weave closure or are wearing tracks the same texture as your natural hair. I broke the heat rule for now, but I am taking care of my exposed natural patch for as long as I can. For the rest of the cold front season I plan to protective style with mainly weaves, maybe the curly wigs on the in between days. Next post I will update with my next protective style and how I achieved the look!  

Thanks so much for reading and keeping up with Nappily Ever After. 

XOXO, 

Simone