Roots & Rhythm: Mariah Carey - "Always Be My Baby"

Confession:  I LOVE Mariah Carey.  Her voice, her gift are right on my frequency.  And I've learned to love all of the pomp and circumstance that comes along with her music. Why?  Because she does stuff like this.

Mariah and #dembabies.

When Mariah was spotted in the park with her children in a floor length dress, I was humored rather than surprised.  I mean, it is Mariah Carey.  That is simply who she's become and I love her for being comfortable, even if other's try to convince us there is a set uniform for spending time at the park with your children. My guess is the park wasn't her only stop during that day.

Original Mariah. 

Despite the gown, seeing pictures of Mariah with her children always takes me back to simpler times in career.  She looks so happy and carefree with her family that I instantly think the beginning of her career when everything about her seemed much more effortless. While Mariah wears her hair straight often, we can see that familiar curl pattern emerging in Monroe and Moroccan. 

Simply Mariah.

Enjoy one of my favorites from Mariah and check out her online family album at www.dembabies.com.  She sells the images from the site and all proceeds go to The Fresh Air Fund's Camp Mariah.  I am quite sure the organization is grateful for her efforts.  We know Mariah will always create photo opportunities.

                                 

HAIR LUST: Cultured Coiled Cut

OMG! Check out this cool curled cut! I actually know this young lady, she's the god-sister of a friend of mine. And I've been assured that her hair is even MORE beautiful in person!  An no - it's not weave! Lol! Anyway, enjoy!!!

Candice's Hair Diary: New Things and a New Ring

So... I got Havana Twists. Or Marley Twists. Or Whatever-You-Want-To-Call-Thems.

My fellow writer (and soon-to-be licensed stylist) Amber, installed them. I must say... they are pretty awesome. Once I got used to the weight of the hair on my head and the new look, I was in love. I am still in love. I've got these long chunky twists and it's been fun having them for the past 2.5 weeks. If there is any complaint that I have, it's that I can't get them wet. Well, technically I can get them wet, but it would be a hassle to swim in them because there is so much extra hair on my head and adding water weight just doesn't sound practical.

It has also made me think about just how long DO I want my hair to grow? Marley hair definitely resembles my super kinky hair. And I can imagine keeping it twisted if it ever gets this long. Like.... what else would I do to it? I love seeing Naptural85 on youtube manage her super long hair. But my hair is a few levels higher on the kinky scale. Twist-outs would take FOREVER. EVERYTHING would take forever. It's just a guess, but anyone who has attempted to work with my hair will tell you that it is probably a great guess.

I'm enjoying the break from daily maintenance, but in true "Khani" fashion my hair has started to frizz before the Marley hair. The frizz adds a bit of charm, though. I thought about roughing the rest of the twists up a bit, but that seemed to be a strategy that would prove counterproductive. Anyway, I'm more comfortable with all of this hair now and I've been trying a variety of styles now. The half up-half down is my favorite style so far.

I finally stopped being afraid and was able to wrangle this hair into a bun!

So... that's all for hair. Also, I got promoted at my job (Yay!). I got new shoes on sale (Score!). And I got a ring, courtesy of my brand new FIANCE (sets off fireworks)! Once the planning gets underway I'll be sure to keep you all updated because... HOW WILL I WEAR MY HAIR IN MY WEDDING FOR THE PICTURES AND VIDEOS THAT WILL LAST A LIFETIME OH MY GOSH I'VE GOT SO MUCH TO THINK ABOUT!!!

That's all for now. I'm officially open to advice from naturals who were natural when they jumped the broom. What was your wedding hair choice and how did it work out for you? Let's chat in the comment section.

Roots & Rhythm: DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince - 'Summertime'

Its official: we made it through another cold winter plus a rainy spring and we're headed towards the fun and freedom of summer. Which involves: Memorial Day Weekend, Schools out for summer, Spontaneous cookouts and backyard parties are inevitable.  Maxi dresses and fine linens will make their appearance. 

And women everywhere are starting the same conversation with one question:  What am I going to do with my hair this summer?

Are you thinking about cutting your hair?

 Maybe some color?

Perhaps braids are for you?

Or maybe all three?

Let us know what you're doing with your hair this summer!  Stay tuned to our hair diaries to see how the ladies of Natural in Nashville are treating our tresses this summer.

Of course, no one describes this time of year better than Will Smith in "Summertime" with DJ Jazzy Jeff.  Enjoy the hair, the fashion and all the memories they bring.  Have a happy, safe Memorial Day Weekend! 

DRUMS PLEASE . . .

Hair Lust: Wise Locs

 

I meant to post this on Father's Day but the day got the best of me. But I didn't want to let a good picture go to waste. PLUS, I barely ever see pics of men with grey locs. He's so sage, so wise, and this pic is so intense. Inspiration for some of our male readers. Enjoy!

A letter to Beyoncé, concerning Blue Ivy's hair

Hi Bey!

Can I call you Bey? Thanks! First up, I'd like to say that I am a true fan of your work. From Destiny's Child to the Beyoncé album, I've always been here for the cause. Not quite a 'Stan', I know good work when I see it. Who am I? Just a blogger living in Nashville, finely crafting words about fashion and natural hair. Believe me, I posted about you, your hubby, and your darling girl plenty of times. This letter happens to be about your precious angel, Blue Ivy. 

As I was perusing the twitter streets I came across a petition asking you (pop star, diva, philanthropist, super-wife, and mom) to 'Comb Blue Ivy's Hair'. Now, I'm sure you are super busy prepping to give your fans - life abundantly - on this On The Run Tour (I have tix!) so this little petition probably hasn't hit your desk yet. Basically, a bunch of people who don't really know you, want you to comb your daughter's hair. 

Now, being that I'm a natural-hair blogger, I'm sure people think I'd have something to say, and I do. Here it is: people are crazy. 

Blue Ivy looks well taken care of. She looks happy, she looks well fed, she looks clean, and frankly she has a bigger bank account than some of those petition signers can imagine. The fact that so many grown adult people are concerned about a child's hair is totally ridiculous!

I guess the person who carried her for nine months and who has taken care of her for the last two years isn't the authority on how she'd want her daughter to look. I guess the father who maintains his daughter's well being and trusts the woman he married doesn't have say either. I guess it's up to the public to decide what two independent people do with their child's hair. Does unkempt hair equate abuse? Naw, I don't think so. 

Furthermore, Blue Ivy isn't famous, she's famous by default. She hasn't sung on any stages nor has she written any books. If you weren't her mother, I wouldn't know who this little girl was. I think you are doing your best by allowing her to be the little girl that she is. I mean really, I love to see a little braided up girl just as much as the next person, but I still smile at the mom who let's her baby's hair run free - stretching as far as the sky. I know how it feels to sit through a corn row session, it ain't fun! 

So, Bey, I guess they are gonna keep on talking until you decided to do whatever you plan to do to your daughter's hair. Because really, a petition won't change a thing. As long as reports don't surface about Blue being treated badly, there's really nothing we need to say or do.

All I can say is "Thanks." Thanks for sharing your little girl with the world - I'm so sorry the world tries to force its ideas and opinions on her.

Say hi to the family for me!

Melissa