Memorial Day–Black War Heroes

Fallen Black War Heroes honored (see link below).

http://www.theroot.com/multimedia/see-10-places-honoring-black-war-heroes

In the Works… The GLR Series

Fred Hammond’s new cd, God Love & Romance is a hit! It gives new life to the traditionally defined lines of Gospel music by expanding its lyrics to everyday relationships and matters of the heart.  Both lyrically and musically it’s the best project I’ve heard in a while, spiritual or secular. Kudos to Mr. Hammond!

I’ve been very inspired by music before, and with Mr. Hammond’s God, Love & Romance album my inspiration has hit new heights. I’m working on a series named after the highly acclaimed cd, GLR, which will be a collection of interviews from my contemporaries and others on the topic of love and relationship.

Stay tuned, especially to my YouTube channel for more and also to weigh in with your own feedback on some of the prompts. I’m so geeked at this platform to discuss something that affects us all at some point or other in life.

Viva amor!

Chao,
Michelle

I hate being sick!

Okay, so… I’ve been hearing how some of my clients and followers have been sickly lately. I too have experienced a ‘touch’ of sickness here lately. (Insert sad face & sympathy here _________).

Oh how I loathe it too!

I don’t know about you, but I get baby-like when I’m under-the-weather. Yes, I admit it. I want to be waited on and cared for up close and personal! What’s so weird about it is that any other time I’m extremely independent. (Go figure). That’s a good segue to give my mom a shout out for taking care of me recently. Thanks Ma! You’re the best.

Thankfully, I don’t get ill often and have taken careful measures to make sure of that also. I want to let you in on some of my **stay healthy** tips.

1. Treat your health with the utmost respect, AND do what’s best!
-A lot of us already can ID one or more things that work to diminish optimal health within our own bodies (and lives). Simply put, take care of your temple and do what’s right.
That means, give up those things that are harmful to your body and contrary to having/maintaining good health: smoking, drinking, overeating, etc.

2. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate!
-Our bodies are composed of many things; however the greatest percentage of our bodies is comprised of water. (FYI: Did you know that your brain, even, is made up of 80% water?) Anyway, make an effort to get your water in daily. I’m talking the suggested 1/2 body weight in ounces. For me, that’s about 65 oz. OR about 3- 20oz. water bottles. Now, drinking water isn’t the only way to get your water in. Eating healthy foods and consuming healthy beverages also account for a percentage of your water intake. However, there’s nothing better or more natural for your body than H2O.
A lack of water in the body has also been linked to: headaches, acne, irregularity (and constipation), cramping, etc.

3. Supplement Your Diet
-I am a firm believer that every person needs to take a daily multivitamin to supplement the nutrients and minerals that they do not get from their regular diet. Generally, multivitamins contain vitamins: A, B, C, D, and other supplements for energy, circulation and even digestion. Vitamin C, in particular is key in building up the immune system, which is important for fighting off bacteria and disease. B-vitamins are great sources of energy, metabolism, and more! You can research the rest, of course, but don’t forget to supplement.
I take Vitafusion’s MultiVites. They’re a gummy vitamin for adults, and they are great! Ijs. You can purchase them at: Wal-mart (approx. $5), Target, Vitamin World, GNC, and other major retailers.

4. Exercise
-Working up a good sweat as well as your heart rate is not only a great stress reliever but also a great way to build up strength in your body. Exercise can make you feel great and definitely aids your overall health. Thankfully, there’s no one-way to get your fitness on, so select the activity(ies) that best suits you and get to sweating!

5. Stay Clean
-Make sure that you are washing your hands and avoid touching commonly used items to prevent exposure to germs as much as possible. *TraderJoes* sells natural antibacterial gel that can be used in lieu of traditional alcohol-rich solutions. But whatever you fancy, i.e. washing your hands, using antibacterial gels, etc. stay as clean as you can. If you’re already sick, keep your dishes washed and wash your pillow cases and sheets to prevent coming into contact with germs as your body starts to heal.

6. You Are what You Eat
-In addition to taking your daily supplements, make sure you’re actually eating healthy. Using the USDA’s Food Pyramid as a guide is helpful to ensure a balanced diet. I.e. 5-6 servings of grains, 3-4 servings of veggies, 2-3 servings of fruit, etc.

7. Stay Positive
-Look, you’re going to get well. I know it’s a downer feeling sick, but your body was Divinely designed to heal itself. All you need to do is do your part and have a little patience. If you feel you need to see your doctor for symptoms that seem to linger, then do so. But stay positive! You’d be surprised on how effective a good disposition is on your health. I pray when I’m sick, follow my own advice (above), and surround myself with positive thinking and people. Trust me, it works!

That’s all the tips on staying healthy. I hope they’re helpful to you.

God bless,
M

Visit me on Facebook!

Hey there!

So, you’re looking at my blog post, but have you ever taken a look at my FB page? Ijs. (smile) I’ve realized that it is easier for me to maintain my product album there than on here (at least for now). With that said, see the link below. Once you’re there, visit my photos and the MPersonals & AnnaLiz albums. Actually, you take a look at any of the albums, because everything is set for public viewing. (If you encounter any tech-difficulties, etc., shoot me a reply).

And by all means, hit yours truly up if you wish to place an order

Much love. Have a great week, and keep it positive!

M

 

Michlorrwell on Facebook

 

 

By Demand: Natural Hair pt. 1

What up…
I’m routinely asked what products I use in my natural hair, and I told a few friends that I would post a blog about it. This post will contain more than just the prods I use, but will have my two-cents about hair care “in general”, etc. Disclaimer: I am not a licensed cosmetologist. I do advocate using professionals (in consultation, service, etc.). I also style and do the majority of the maintenance on my own natural hair.

So, without further ado…

Natural Hair to Me…

I’m going to say this, put it out there, and whatever feedback comes, comes. Natural hair is not putting a product in your hair to “get your relaxer out of it”. Neither is it wearing a more afro-centric hairstyle, when your hair is still chemically processed. If you have relaxed hair anywhere on your head at the ends (and definitely at the roots), then (I’m sorry) your hair is not natural. This also applies to my sisters who proudly broadcast how long they’ve been without a relaxer. Yes, I’m referring to y’all too. If you are still holding onto those relaxed ends, then it’s not all natural.
The growing wave of women of color, especially black women, making the switch to natural hair seems to cause some confusion, because of all the info that is out there. I plan to give you some general guides and my two-cents (as I stated earlier). I hope this will be helpful to somebody.

Terms to Know…

Transitioning- The process by which someone goes from chemically-processed/treated hair to being chemically-free. During this process, cutting and trimming is still necessary but depends on how the individual wants to journey. It is not automatic and requires time and patience. Typically, it can take several months or years to totally transition out from a relaxer (A lot depends on hair length and maintenance). *I tried transitioning for about four months and got frustrated. (See pic)

Big Chop- The process by which someone has all of their relaxed hair cut off their head, in order to avoid transitioning and become natural. This is automatic and can be done at home or in a salon, specializing in this service. Women sometimes wait about three months or more before doing a big chop to ensure an adequate amount of new growth of natural hair–to wear out once the big chop has been completed. *I did this and found it liberating. (To each is own). (See pic)

Moisturize- A requirement with almost all hair types; however, absolutely essential in natural hair care. Moisture can be derived from several sources. The best way to keep hair & scalp moisturized is: diet & vitamin supplements, water (or hydration), use of protective sleep-wear on hair (i.e. satin/silk scarves or bonnets), and using moisture-based prods (including shampoos, conditioners & oils).

Shrinkage- The property of natural hair that makes it recoil into its curl-pattern. This relates directly with the appearance of hair length as well, meaning natural hair is usually a lot longer than it looks. Depending on hair type, shrinkage could be as great as 75% (or higher). Moisture helps reduce some shrinkage in natural hair (also certain hair styles, i.e. two strand twists). *My hair type is mostly 4a with some 3c’s sprouting here and there. As a result, my hair shrinks back to over half its length when it’s not stretched out or worn straight. (See pic)

Visit Natural Curly to discover your hair type!

Hair care- Refers to overall maintenance of your hair: washing, moisturizing, cutting/trimming, styling, etc. There is some hair-rumor out there that says once you go natural, you don’t have to ‘care for your hair’. (Side eye) Since when don’t you have to care for anything that grows? Be it a child, an appetite, plants, etc. Even things that don’t grow, still require care (i.e. clothing, cars, appliances, etc.) Please, for the love of commonsense, say this aloud: I still have to care for my natural hair. (Woosah) You’d be surprised how many women actually believe this and what’s worse, practice it. Remember, just as you needed to care for your relaxed hair, you will also need to care for your natural tresses. If you’re not inclined to do your own hair, please Google a listing of natural hair salons in your area. You owe it to yourself and your hair!
—

Prods I Use now

Let me say, before I start spouting off a laundry list of prods that products you use today may not be ones that you will use in the future. For instance, when I first started my natural journey, I wore a lot of gel in my hair. It was short, gel help to define my curl pattern and gave me the look I desired. Now that my hair has grown, I hardly ever use gel (unless I’m creating a precision style). There other prods that I value and use more. Most of you naturalistas know exactly what I mean. Those of you newbies will soon find out.

* Water
Daily, in a spritz-bottle as a refresher or to straighten edges or stretch hair to style.
* Vitamin E oil
At least weekly, as needed to add extra shine to hair.
* Grapeseed oil
Varies, on fingertips throughout scalp and before applying heat or to after towel drying freshly washed hair.
* Beeswax (hold–twist styles)
Varies, on fingertips typically on edges or ends of hair before and during styling.
*Pomade (holding)
Varies, on fingertips typically on edges or ends of hair before styling.
* Keratin Conditioning Mask Treatment
Bi-weekly, on palms (generous amount) and throughout scalp & hair. Used as a leave-in but can be washed out per directions.
* Lanolin (pressing oil)
Varies, on fingertips throughout scalp and hair (nickel-size or sparingly)
* Satin Bonnet and/or Silk Scarf
Nightly
* Bobbie pins
Varies, depending on the style.
* Hair pins
Varies, depending on the style.
* Michlorrwell hair accessories
(see pic)

** I didn’t place items like combs, brushes, or my flat iron on the list (although I use a wide-toothed, bristle brush).

I’ll write back with more later ladies (and gents). This is part one. I’d love to hear your feedback or answer any questions that you may have.

Peace,
M

Heedfulness or Hypocrisy in Ourselves?

Heedfulness or Hypocrisy in Ourselves?.

Hundreds march in support of Trayvon Martin family in Miami, New York

Hundreds march in support of Trayvon Martin family in Miami, New York.

I have already signed the petition that is going to politicians and law officials, demanding justice for the slain teen. What role will you play?

Michelle

The 10 Flattering Colors You’re Going to Want to Wear In Spring 2012: glamour.com

The 10 Flattering Colors You’re Going to Want to Wear In Spring 2012: glamour.com.

Beautiful Giving…

Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, What are you doing for others? -Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

For a while now I’ve been thinking about how to give and reach out more to others in need. I support my local church as well as volunteer with nonprofits from time-to-time, both of which provide help to high-need groups and individuals. Still, I wanted to do something greater. Finally, after much thought and prayer, the answer came. And guess what? You can be a part of this too!

Starting today, January 16 (which also happens to be my dad’s birthday… Happy Birthday Dad) until… I will give 20% of all proceeds from product and service sales (excluding clearances) or contracts to charity. That’s right! When you buy Michlorrwell, you are giving back! It’s that simple and that easy.

Donations will go to: The Charlotte Rescue Mission (Charlotte, NC), The Durham Rescue Mission (Durham, NC), and The Salvation Army (Fayetteville, NC), monthly during the donation period. The organizations were selected by the free services and support they offer to the hungry, homeless, and addicted (drugs and alcohol). The areas selected were on the basis of my clientage. In essence, you would be supporting programs that serve others in your area. Even if you are a client or prospective client and don’t live in these areas, you’ll be making a real impact on the quality of life for someone else. (Isn’t that rewarding?) The donation period will also be on a rotating-schedule, so not to divide the 20% proceeds three-ways. With this plan, The Charlotte Rescue Mission will be the first donation-recipient, then The Durham Rescue Mission and finally, The Salvation Army in Fayetteville.

Some proceeds will be donated at 50% versus 20%. For instance, Michlorrwell will soon unveil a line of accessories specifically designed in honor of terminal and heredity disease carriers and/or survivors. These items will be sold with half of those profits going directly to one of the organizations mentioned above. Stay tuned for updates about these special products.

That’s it ladies and gentleman. Be a part of this beautiful giving and answer the question that Dr. King asked so long ago: What are you doing for others? with a resounding, I’m giving back!

Shop Michlorrwell today! More info/updates to come as the donation-period continues.

Blessings,
Michelle

Real Life: On Companionship (pt. 2)

DISCLAIMER: Here’s a quick part 2, which is ninja-venting. Ha! Ninja-venting, that’s cute.

If one more person asks me either of the following questions I’m going to make up fanciful and wild stories just to generate a response. Well, maybe not.

Question One: Why aren’t you dating now?
Question Two: (So) When are you getting married?

My real-life responses are…

Answer One: Because I’m not. It’s my choice, and it’s that simple. Of course there’s more detail that I could go into than that, but you have to draw the line of demarcation for nosy folk.

Answer Two: When the good Lord says so. I mean, are you serious? is the question I should ask in return. My forehead wrinkles up every time I think about that, as if I have a clock. Shhhhh! Don’t tell anyone, but I actually do have a clock.

[See image below]. Hahahaha

Image from Weddingdepot.net

My typical refrain is when I get married you will know and so will the entire world, for that matter. Marriage will not be like a shameful secret to keep hidden but proud news to share with all. I’m just saying.

People, chill!

To be continued…

M