Happy New Year

Happy New Year Wallpaper

I hope that this year is filled with joyful learning, abundant opportunity, and pleasure in all you do. Thank you for the opportunity to join you on life's journey as we strive to give you even better content to you in 2014.  

Happy New Year everyone! 

From your KiK Editor, 

Diedre

The 30+ Single Lady's New Year's Eve Guide – What to do Alone on New Year's Eve

So it's New Year's Eve and you don't have a date, or a party to have a date for. Well, you're not alone. Many of our friends by now have married and stay home with the kids. Others are going out with their boyfriends and some are all partied out from their 20s and don't feel like going out. Point is, you're stuck at home alone on New Year's Eve and you feel hopeless, lonely and don't know what to do. Here are a few ideas for things you can do alone on New Years Eve.

Natural haired woman on a couch

1. Have the Ultimate Move Night – This blog post is being written by a hugemongous movie enthusiast. I love good movies and will watch them back to back when time permits. Time always permits on New Year's Eve. So, get elaborate. Get your favourite sheet/blanket, cuddle up in the couch with your favourite junk food and watch your favourite movies or the new ones that you've had on your to-watch list all year.
2. Plan for 2014 – This may sound really boring but I'm a huge advocate for change and doing my part to influence positive changes in my life. Take this time to write a plan for your life in 2014. Create elaborate and detailed plans for how you will achieve these goals. Your KiK Magazine Editor will talk about how you can do this in her Editor's Letter for the Jan 2014 issue of KiK Magazine.
3. Pamper Yourself – Give yourself a soak in that bubble bath you rented the apartment for and eat some chocolate covered strawberries and wine while you do. Start 2014 with a fresh mani-pedi and do your hair.
4. Create a Romantic Dinner – I know this one sounds crazy but I've tried it and it's great. So, you're single, but you can still experience some love (self love) on New Year's Eve.
   
   – Prepare or purchase your favourite meal in the day.
   – Later on, set your table for 1 complete with a nice scented candle and your best dinnerware.
   – Shower and put on your most comfortable (or sexified) outfit.
   – Put on your favourite music or movie or dum reality TV show. There is no guy arguing about your chick flicks so enjoy whatever the heck you want.
   – Sit down and revel in your favourite food, drink and love yourself.
   
   There is nothing like showing yourself some love. It feels good.
   
5. Make and Plan for your Resolutions – You can make general goals but this is the perfect time to sit in front of the tele with your digital diary and plan your method for achieving your goals/resolutions.
6. Reach Out – Call friends and family and invite over some single people from your office. I'm sure there is someone else who would rather not spend the night alone. 

Merry Christmas from KiK!

You, dearest reader, are a gift and I thank God for you. Thank you for your support throughout the past year.

Source – facebook.com/kikmagazine

Still, the greatest gift of Christmas is Jesus, the son of God who came to us as a gift to save us from our sins. This is why I did not pick the traditional Christmas carol today. Why? Because the Lord is magnificent and worthy to be praised for sacrificing his only son for undeserving sinners like us. Just listen to the song below and think about all that God has done for us and think -(really think) about the reason for the season.

How to Deep Clean Your Hair Tools Safely & Easily

Basic Hair Tools

It may seem like a hassle but cleaning your hair tools can be a quick and easy process that prevents/hinders a number of scalp conditions and infections like dandruff and tinea capitis (ringworm). Keep reading to learn how to safely clean your products.

I recommend washing your hair tools once a week while washing your hair and giving them a deep clean at least once a month. If you have an ongoing scalp issue, it is best to clean your tools at least once a week or after every wash. I give specific instructions on special care considerations for some items so be sure to read the entire blog post.

Giving my hair tools a long overdue deep clean

DEEP CLEANING HAIR TOOLS

Brushes, combs and plastic clips can be washed in a small tup or your face basin. Don't forget things like the blow dryer attachments and plastic containers in which you store your products. Everything you use needs to remain as clean as possible.

Make your own solution that is sure to kill most normal bacteria. I suggest mixing the following into a medium sized tub. You can add more of some ingredients as needed.

• Warm water (only use hot water if trying to kill specific bacteria associated with things like ring worm. Hot water on your products regularly can cause damage)
• 4 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 4 tbsp clear clarifying shampoo or even dishwashing liquid
• 1 tbsp tea tree oil
• 4 tbsp baking soda

After mixing this solution, use your combs and brushes to wash each other thoroughly. 

You can let plastic items sit in the water for up to 20 minutes if you desire but remove wooden items immediately to reduce possible water damage. 

Next it's time to dry your hair tools.

DRYING  COMBS, CLIPS AND BRUSHES

Plastic combs and clips are easy to dry. Let them sit on a clean towel overnight.

Brushes, however, should always be dried with bristles facing downward as shown in the image above. Why? You don't want the water to drain down into the glue and loosen the bristles or start growing any type of fungus at the base.

Further, wooden items should be given special considerations since they can crack when left wet for long periods of time. Dry the easy-to-reach sections with a washcloth and then dry as suggested above. If you want your wooden tools to last even longer, blow-dry them for a couple of minutes on medium heat to get rid of the excess water.

Flat Iron

CLEAN YOUR FLAT IRON

Flat irons need to be cleaned too. Yup. These things can also harbour bacteria and reinfect you with undesired scalp diseases. Place a rag into the same soapy solution used above. Use that damp cloth to wipe the flat iron. Next, use a clean, wet rag to wipe it clean then dry it thoroughly with a soft, dry cloth.

CLEAN YOUR HAIR TIES, PINS AND MORE

For everything you can't exactly dunk into water, place them in an air tight plastic bag like a  zip lock bag and put them in the freezer for a few hours. Most bacteria cannot survive in extremely cold temperatures.


That's all folks. Remember to keep your hair tools clean to prevent bacteria from festering and causing annoying scalp issues in the future.

– Keep It Kinky
   facebook.com/kikmagazine

How to Curl Natural Hair with a Curling Wand

Hair curled with curling wand – Source

Curling wands are one of the most popular new hair appliances of 2013. The great thing - they can be easily used on natural hair. Now, we don't support the use of heat on a daily basis, but after getting home from work and having to head out for the New Year's Eve party, this is a perfect hairstyle that you don't have to set the night before. Watch  the tutorials below to see how you can achieve these beautiful curls with a curling wand in minutes before leaving for your special night out.

Natural Hair curled with Curling Wand – Source

MeechyMonroe also did her own tutorial on YouTube. If the one above doesn't quite work for you, try Meechy's tutorial for how to curl natural hair with a curling wand below.

SUGGESTED PRODUCTS


Blow-drying Heat Protectant – Morfose Thermal Guard Serum with Argan Oil (Under 10USD)

Wand Curling Heat Protectant – IC Hair Polisher Heat Protector Straightening Serum (Under 10USD)

Curling Wand – Any Remington Curling Wand (Under 30USD)


HAIR CARE TIPS!

• Always add heat protectant before applying any kind of heat to your hair. 
• If your curls start to drop, don't reapply heat. This can be damaging. Pin curl your hair at night or tie your hair upwards to preserve curls.
• If you still loose your curls, work with the hairstyle. Do an updo on day two and maybe a loose bun on day three. Remember, regular heat application can be damaging to natural hair causing loss of curl definition and general drying/destruction of the hair structure.

MUSIC MONDAYS | Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas with Mary J. Blige

Mary J Blige makes this old classic soulful and new with her unique rendition of Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas. Listen to today's Monday Music below to warm your heart today.

On her website, Mary offers up her shopping suggestions for the special ones in your life. See her gift ideas below.

GUYS: Men love cars and sports. Maybe a lesson in a sport he loves or wants to learn how to play ... 

GIRLS: Nice jewelry or maybe a pair of diamond studs, but mostly a gift that would mean something to her ... 

BEST FRIEND: A designer bag

SIBLINGS: A pair of boots or sneakers

FAVORITE RELATIVE: Probably a chain or a nice sweater 

PARENTS: Just visit them. The fact that your living your life is a gift ...

Source – www.maryjblige.com

FOODIE FRIDAYS | Traditional Sorrel Drink Recipe

Sorrel Flower  – Source

Sorrel (Hibiscus sabdariffa) is an annual or perrenial woody based shrub/herb that grows in tropical countries like Jamaica and is a member of the hibiscus family. The petals are used to make a flavourful drink that is traditionally served during Christmas-time in Jamaica but has recently become a year-round drink.

Jamaican Sorrel Drink – Source

Traditional Jamaican Juice Sorrel Recipe

8 cups sorrel petals                          
2 ounces grated ginger                      
12 cups boiling water
Rum (optional)                                                
Sugar to taste

Directions

• Place sorrel and ginger in a large container and pour on the boiling water. 
• Cover and leave overnight, then strain through a muslin cloth or a sieve. 
• Add a little rum to preserve and sugar to sweeten. 
• Bottle and refrigerate. 
• Serve cold.

Makes 4 ½ pints

Source: Sullivan, Caroline. The Jamaica Cookery Book: Three Hundred and Twelve Simple Cookery Receipts and Household Hints. Kingston: Aston. W. Gardner, 1893.

Sorrel Drink – Source

MORE TIPS & INFORMATION

• Petals may be dried or frozen for preservation and those preserved petals are used in the same way as fresh sorrel.  
• Sorrel juice can be heated and used as tea. 
• In Malaysia, roselle calyces (sorrel flowers) are harvested fresh to produce pro-health drink due to high contents of vitamin C, calcium and other antioxidants.
• In Mexico, water flavoured with sorrel is commonly called "agua de Jamaica."
• Dried calyces (dried petals) and ready-made sorrel syrup are widely and cheaply available in Caribbean and Asian grocers. 

Book Launch | Chances Are, You're Not Natural

Book and Product Table at the Launch

Earlier this year I was invited by salon owner of Beautiful Earth Natural Hair Haven and new author, Dr. Veronica Reid to the launch of her first book, Chances Are, You're Not Natural. It was a delightful afternoon. Dr. Reid prefers to go by her Ashante name, Ewurama. Keep reading for a recap.

 KiK Magazine Editor, Diedre and Beautiful Earth Owner, Ewurama

The event was held at Bookophilia, a small bookshop with an eclectic collection of books for adults and beautiful little children's reading room.

Natural-haired Bookophilia Staff was welcoming as usual

The evening began with mingling and discussions on Ewurama's book. As an experienced and innovative consultant, Ewurama operates her own business as chief marketer of the BEAUTIFUL EARTH brand including it's own complementary line of natural haircare and skin-care products.

Attendees reading Chances Are, You're Not Natural

Ewurama's work within her business led her to conduct extensive research about natural hair styling and care. This led her to write her first book, "Chances Are, You're  Not Natural," which focuses on the debate surrounding what should be considered "natural" hair. 

Attendees mingling at the event

Beautiful Earth products were on sale as usual. Both the products and books are available for purchase at the salon located in St. Andrew, Jamaica at the Oaklands Shopping Center on Constant Spring Road.

The evening was complete with musical performances and a reading from the author along with a question and answer section that encouraged everyone to share their own stores about natural hair.

Ewurama during a question & answer section

Beautiful Earth Natural Hair Haven Products

Click here to visit us on Facebook at 

facebook.com/kikmagazine 

for more photos from the event. 

PRODUCT REVIEW | Eco Custard

Eco Custard Conditioning, Shining & Styling Cream

I received this product recently and was very eager to try it out. I'm a big fan of Eco Styler Gel and really wanted to see what this product would do. I have two textures since I'm transitioning to natural hair again so I want to see how both textures will respond to the product.

Eco Custard on Transitioning Hair

This product has a custard/gel-like look but was actually very light on the hair. I applied the Eco Custard to dry hair found myself with almost wet hair after applied. I don't think I needed this much product, it's just really light-weight.

PRODUCT FEATURES

• Infused with olive oil, it restores moisture while reducing dandruff and split ends
• Alcohol free
• Flexible hold
• Extreme conditioning 

INGREDIENTS
Purified Water (Aqua), Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Emulsifying Wax NF, Glycerin, VP/DMAPA Acrylates Copolymer, Sodium Hydroxymethlglycinate, Polysorbate Parfum, Tetrasodium EDTA, d-Limonene, Quaternium-15, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, FD&C Blue 1, FD&C Yellow 5.

My Hair after unravelling the bantu knots

STYLING.

Instructions read - Apply to dry or wet hair. Work desired amount through hair and style.
I separated my hair into about six large sections, applied the Eco Custard liberally to each section, twisted them, then bantu knotted the twists. I let my hair dry overnight then added a light oil to my hair when unravelling. 

It's never great to have people dive into my hair uninvited but I was so happy that this time my hair felt light, fluffy and soft as opposed to heavy and sticky. The product does contain hydrolyzed protein so I have to be careful that I seal in the water-based product with oil in the future to maintain some more moisture.

Waves produced from bantu knot set on transitioning hair

At the end of the day my hair held up pretty well (pictured below). Actually, i've never had such long-lasting build-up free results from any product I've ever used before since my hair doesn't hold sets very well. The only con I can speak of is that the product wasn't particularly moisturising and must be used with an oil right after application to seal in moisture and after unravelling your style to add shine.

All in all, this product gets a strong 4.5/5. I will definitely be purchasing it in the future.

Quotes to Live by from Nelson Mandela

Nelson Mandela has been one of the most influential and inspirational people of the last century. He passed on to total freedom in his eternal rest yesterday, December 5, 2006. His legacy still lives on. In his honour of this great man, today we share 10 of his best known quotes that, if internalised, could make you a better person for having heard his words. 

“I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.”

“Difficulties break some men but make others.”

"Everyone can rise above their circumstances and achieve success if they are dedicated to and passionate about what they do."

"It always seems impossible until it's done."

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”

“When people are determined they can overcome anything.”

“I am fundamentally an optimist. Whether that comes from nature or nurture, I cannot say. Part of being optimistic is keeping one’s head pointed toward the sun, one’s feet moving forward. There were many dark moments when my faith in humanity was sorely tested, but I would not and could not give myself up to despair. That way lays defeat and death.”

“There is no passion to be found playing small—in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living.”

"Do not judge me by my successes, judge me by how many times I fell down and got back up again."

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine as children do. It’s not just in some of us; it is in everyone. And as we let our own lights shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”