Now Featuring Debrina

I am soooooo excited to share this post with you guys. 

This woman right here!!!!!

  

This woman is my FRIEND!! 

A REAL FRIEND Y'ALL!!!!!!  

We met in college and she has been in my heart ever since!!!

This woman was with me when I cut the remaining relaxer out of my hair.  

So she is important in my journey.  This woman is a FASHION ICON.  

She is beautiful, smart, sassy, and classy.  She is a mother of 3 (including a newborn) and a wife. This is one of the women I have been waiting to feature and I am so happy to introduce you to my friend.  

Without further ado...
Introducing Debrina!!!!!


Name and where are you from?  
Hello!  My name is Debrina and I am from Louisiana; however, I live in the DC area.

When did you go natural? 
I went natural on April 20, 2012

What prompted you to go natural? 
From the first moment I got a relaxer I hated the process.  I loved the results (I thought) but I dreaded the process.  My scalp would be on fire EVERY time my hair and the perm reunited.  Regardless of how much I avoided irritating my scalp the days leading up to I would burn!!!  
My mother use to tell me that she would never pay for me to get a relaxer in a salon because I couldn't endure the pain long enough to get it "worked in".  
I was inspired by so many people and things... from my daughters, my mother, friends, associates, people I met on the streets and even the movie "Good Hair"!  
I had many failed attempts that begin in 2005.  It was not until 2011 that I took an assignment to work in DC  that concluded my final attempt.  I stepped foot in a hair salon hoping for a fried, dyed and laid to the side style only to be faced with "healthy" hair options, the salon encouraged going natural.  

Did you big chop? Why or why not?  
I did the big chop because of so many failed attempts transitioning.  During my journey of transitioning I put so much heat in my hair until it begin breaking off where the kinks met the relaxed ends.It was not what I initially hoped for when I walked in but that visit changed my life forever.  After my experience (from last question) I flew to my home state, Louisiana, and immediately asked my stylist to cut all of my freshly relaxed hair!  Shocked, but she followed through and I headed back to DC with an inch of hair!

What is your regimen?  
I'm lazy and busy so I love the easiness of a wash and go BUT everyone who knows of me knows I love change!  I try a new style every two to three weeks.  As far as product, I have tried a little of everything but my favorite products are Direct Leave In conditioner by Giovanni, Mixed Chicks leave in conditioner and Argan or Coconut Oil!  For my twists and braid outs, I use ORS pudding!  It works wonders on my hair.  I  shampoo once every three weeks and co-wash every week.  I co-wash with Trader Joe's conditioner and shampoo with Jason's natural lavender shampoo or Miss Jessie's Crème de la Curl cleanser.

What is your favorite thing about being natural?  
I love the versatility of my hair in its natural state.  I am in love with my naturally curly 'fro that's achieved with a wash and go but I enjoy the vast amount of styles I can achieve with plaits/twists/bantu knots and a day or two of allowing my hair to air dry.

Who is your celebrity hair crush? Why?  
My celebrity hair crush is Melinda Williams.   Yes, Bird from Soul Food!  Although, she is no longer natural her TWA was gorgeous!   I also adore Tracy Ellis Ross' luxurious locs! I am a true fan of BIG hair!

Who is your regular hair crush? 
I crush on all healthy natural hair!  My head literally turns every time I see a confident and stylish queen rocking her beautiful kinky coily hair.  In DC, I am amazed at the creativity and the beauty of our hair (from all types and textures).  As a result of what I witness daily, I am puzzled when I am told, "your hair is beautiful but NATURAL HAIR is not for everyone".




Social networks
Instagram @lagniappelabeaute 

Now Featuring LaQuashja

This week we are featuring LaQuashja. I haven't done a feature in a while and I am so happy to be doing one again.  Her hair is gorgeous and she just chopped AGAIN.  All that hair GONE!!!! Check out her story below!! Enjoy.

Name and where are you from: 

LaQuashja Lowden, from Queens, NY, but currently residing in Harrisburg, PA.

When Did you go Natural?
I went natural August of 2005, slowly transitioning. 

What prompted you to go natural?

For a long time, I didn't embrace or appreciate my natural curl, but I got tired of relaxing it. My hair was breaking off, and it was very limp and unhealthy. I decided to speed up the process with a big chop in May of 2006. I actually just big chopped again in January of this year, just because I wanted a change.

What is your regimen?
I've used many products over the years, so I don't have one particular regimen. For the past few months, I've been using Olive Oil shampoo and conditioner. I shampoo my scalp once every 2 weeks, and I cowash once a week. I use Cantu Shea Butter leave in conditioner after each cowash, and I finish with Taliah Waajid Curl Sealer. Now that my hair is short, the process is quick and easy!

What is your favorite thing about being natural?
My favorite thing about being natural is the fact that I feel so free! I'm not tied down to getting my hair done every week. I can wash and go in less than 30 minutes. Plus, people love to touch my hair, and I get more compliments on my natural hair than I ever did with relaxed hair.

Who is your celebrity hair crush?
My celebrity hair crush has to be Solange. She's one of the few natural celebrities who showed us that having hair didn't define her, and her hair is always so gorgeous!

Who is your regular hair crush?
I don't necessarily have a regular hair crush; I just love to see any person who can have natural hair, and rock it to the fullest.

Where can you be found on social media?
I can be found on Facebook by my name, LaQuashja Lowden, Instagram as quayjl, and Twitter as MrsJLLuv

LaQuashja, you are so beautiful and so is your hair. Thanks for letting me feature you!!!  

If you would like to be featured on CCQ send an email to crystalscurls@gmail.com answering the above questions. 
(the more detail the better) 
Don't forget the pics. 

Be Blessed!!!

Now featuring Latisha

This week we are featuring Latisha.  I am really excited about this feature because we are featuring the best of both worlds.  She is NATURAL and a COUPONER!!!  I am excited to feature her natural hair journey and her couponing experiences.  I hope you enjoy as she shares her experience with us.

Name and where are you from

Latisha, The Frugalicious Diva and I hail from Toledo, OH!! 

When did you go natural?

In 1999, so it's been about 14 years.

What prompted you to go natural?

It wasn't by choice initially. I got my last relaxer one morning and by noon, my roots were wavy. I decided I didn't want to waste money on that anymore. So, I learned how to manage this mane of mine. I'm so glad it happened this way. I LOVE being natural!!

Did you big chop? Why or why not?

No, my head is too big for that!! LOL!! I transitioned, but back then I didn't know it was called that. I just worked with what I had!! 

What is your regimen? 

No real regimen. I use Apple Cider Vinegar to cleanse the scalp and I use Terressentials Mud Wash to clean. No more shampoo for me. For daily use, I use a shea butter mix I made of shea butter, coconut oil and essential oils. I got the recipe from a YouTuber. It's great for growth, shine and daily maintenance.

Favorite products?

My Shea Butter mix. It's the best thing that's ever happened to my hair. Oh, I love Tea Tree Oil too.

What is your favorite thing about being natural?

The fact that you can never go wrong with it. For me, there's never a bad hair day. Yes, I deal with a lot of tangling, but I've learned to let it do what it does best, allow me to be me!!

Who is your celebrity hair crush? why

T'Keyah Crystal Keymah, because like me, she was natural before it was popular to be. She always had beautiful hair and a beautiful, confident spirit to match.

Who is your regular hair crush?

YouTuber, Naptural85. We have the same hair texture and she's so thorough in her videos that I was a fan immediately. She comes up with the best hair style ideas and I love the fact that she is about what's healthy for us (hair, body, skin). Fabulous!!

When did you start couponing?

I started couponing in January of 2012. It was my goal to learn about it and master it and I have!! This year I want to take it to the next level and master the drug stores. They are a little more complicated, so I know it'll be a challenge!!

What inspired you to start couponing?

I was coined, Frugalicious Diva, in 2008 by a Frugal Sisterhood Yahoo group. I was saving in so many areas of my life and I'd just bought a home. Always looking for ways to save on home and food items, it was a natural progression to learn how to coupon. Now, I teach others. 

How much time do you spend couponing?

It takes up a lot of time initially, but when you get used to it, it's second nature. I stopped physically clipping ALL the coupons and just the ones I need to use. I follow several blogs, so they find the deals (or potential deals) for me. I wish I could pinpoint the hours, but it often gets folded into other tasks. It really is a way of life!!

                                                   

How do you acquire your coupons?

I get my coupons from the weekly "junk mail", the Sunday newspaper, friends and family give me theirs and I print many online. The Internet Printables are such a great asset to the couponing game. You can take advantage of many more deals with those coupons!! 

Do you have a favorite store to coupon at?

My favorite couponing store is KROGER!! They seem to have the best deals, the best coupon match ups and AWESOME clearance items regularly!! I LOVE those orange stickers that say "Manager's Special". It's the best way to get free or almost free items!! Plus, I have SEVERAL stores in my vicinity, the cashiers are AWESOME and Kroger has one of the friendliest coupon policies ever!! I often get overage from my coupons there!! 

My next favorite is Giant Eagle. Again mostly for the sales, but I love the fact that they accept Competitor's Coupons. That is incentive alone to rack up on the savings!!

What is your favorite thing about couponing?

Getting free stuff, showing others how to get free stuff and being able to donate to many worthy causes because of these efforts. It's nothing like helping other people!! It's a great feeling!!

How do you store your coupons?

I carry a coupon binder, which was my friend's daughter's school binder from last year. It was in perfect shape and it zips, so I won't lose anything out of it. I keep my coupons in their inserts and when the sale calls for them, I go to the right insert and clip what I need. I also use the Store Envelope system. That's where you grab a bunch of envelopes and put the store name on them. The coupons I do clip go in one of these envelopes based on where I will use them. As you get more acquainted with couponing, you begin know where specific items will be on sale, so the coupons will be in the right envelope and ready to be used.

How does your spouse feel about your couponing?

I don't have a spouse yet, but I know my future husband will be pleased that he doesn't have to spend money (or lots of money) on toiletry items like razors, shave gel and body wash. He will love our savings so much, he won't complain that I'm going to the store AGAIN, he'll gladly build stockpile shelves and put the items away, since he knew they were free or almost free and he'll be ecstatic when I tell him our vacation is booked because of the money we save on everyday items!! LOL!! 

What is the best deal you have done?

Wow, I've gotten so many deals, it's hard to pinpoint just one. So, I'll share my biggest savings. I went to customer service to address what I thought was a mistake on a price for soup. The deal had an attached catalina and I didn't want to lose it. I spoke with customer service and they were SO awesome. What I didn't know was that they were going to give me ALL the overage from my coupons!! This trip to Kroger paid ME $3.36, PLUS I got a $2.00 gift card as a replacement of the $2.00 catalina I should have received. 113% SAVINGS!! Here's what I got:

What are your favorite couponing sites to follow?

I have one for pretty much every store, but here are my favorites as follows:

Kroger - www.KrogerKrazy.com

Giant Eagle - www.SistersShoppingOnAShoestring.com

Meijer - www.MeijerMadness.com

Where can you be found online?

Email: FrugaliciousDiva@yahoo.com

Blog: FrugaliciousDiva.blogspot.com

Blog: www.Belle-Noir.com (Belle Noir Magazine)

Where can we find you on social media?

Facebook: Frugalicious Diva (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Frugalicious-Diva/216567788413440)

Twitter: @FrugaliciousDva (https://twitter.com/FrugaliciousDva)

Thanks so much Latisha for sharing.  

If any of you are couponers and you want to share your tips with us, or if you are natural and you want to be featured, please send your answers to the questions above (and some pictures) to crystalscurls@gmail.com

Until next time!!!

Be Blessed!!!!

Now Featuring LaChandra

This week we are featuring LaChandra. I met her at the Kinky Twistmas event that I attended in Dallas in December. She is simply stunning and her hair is GORGEOUS.  She shares her journey with all of us below. 

Enjoy!!!

Name and where are you from? 

My name is LaChandra & I'm from a small hole-in-the-wall town in Texas!

Currently I live in Dallas. 

When did you go natural? 

12.5 yrs ago. I was 17 yrs old. 

What prompted you to go natural? 

I was a teenager & was just tired of relaxing. When I did try to wear it curly, it was hideous with frizzy waves & stick straight ends. So I just cut it on a whim!

 

Did you big chop? Why or why not? 

I did a semi BC...cutting my hair to about neck length straight & then I transitioned the rest. Currently I haven't had a cut/trim since Aug 2007. My hair is tailbone length. 

What is your regimen? 

Finger detangle, DC & wash once a week then twist/braid or WnG. ACV rinse monthly. -- I'm pretty low maintenance :)

Favorite products? 

I'm in the midst of trying sooo many new products right now but ones I use regularly are Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie and/or Curl & Style Milk, organic virgin coconut oil, organic jojoba oil 

What is your favorite thing about being natural? 

Community. Building relationships with other naturals, sharing info, meeting up, bonding. I love that! I've met so many amazing people. 

Who is your celebrity hair crush? Why? 

Honestly, I can't think of a celebrity who's hair wows me...guess they need to step it up, lol. 

Who is your regular hair crush? 

Definitely Nicole Barringer (@IvyCharlaine) and Chime Edwards (@chimeedwards)! Nicole's curls are perfectly coiled, shiny & just gorgeous! Chime's hair is everything! I love the versatility she has & all of the amazing styles she does. These ladies have completely opposite textures but I love both and would trade with them in an instant!

Where can we find you on social media? 

Instagram: @lachandra

YouTube: SimplyLaChandra

Tumblr: polishedandcurled

If you feel like adding anything else, please do. 

I love interacting with people via social media so hit me up! The natural community inspires me on a daily basis so let's keep the communication flowing!

Now Featuring Stephanie

• This week we are featuring Stephanie.  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  

  
  

  I am sure many of you already know who she is.  For those of you who do not, let me introduce you to her.  She is a KILLER make up artist who I discovered recently once I joined Instagram.  She posts video tutorials with the FIERCE creations she comes up with for her hair and makeup. She has inspired me to start wearing makeup. The most lovely thing is that she replies to questions and she has even given me advice on what products to get. (thanks so much Stephanie) Anyway, here is her story IN HER OWN WORDS
  

  
  

  Enjoy!!!!!

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  My Name is Stephanie  and I'm from Brooklyn NY

  
  

  I went Natural in 2010

  
  

  

  
  
• I did big chop, but wore it short for six months until deciding to grow it out in 2011.  I big chopped out of frustration and didn't really think about it..I didn't even know I was "going natural" lol if that makes sense.

  
  I co-wash once a week and wear twistouts or wash and go's.

  
  

  

  
  

  (her fave products can be found here)

  
  

  My favorite thing about being natural has to be the freedom and my fro because I feel sexy with it.

  
  My hair crush would have to be Whitney of Naptual85

  
  

  

  
  

  
  You can find me on Instagram @beautybylee & on Youtube at www.Youtube.com/liquidlinerlover & Facebook 

  
  

  Thanks for sharing Stephanie!!!

  
  

  p.s. Stephanie also has a blog called Beauty By Lee.  Go on over and check her out.  I have a list of things I want to try thanks to her. I already bought the Urban Decay Naked Palette and the MAC Paint Pot in Soft Ochre.  Next up is the Benefit High Brow pencil.

  
  

  
  

  I hope you enjoyed Stephs' feature.  If you would like to be featured on this blog please send a email to crystalscurls@gmail.com and include some pics and check out some of the previous features we have posted for the type of info we like you to answer.  
  
  Thanks to each and every one of you who read and support this blog. I appreciate it so very much and I thank God for you. SMOOCHES!!!!
  
  BE BLESSED!!!!!!

Now Featuring Donni

Today we are featuring Donni.  She happens to be the sister of my best friend Dwayne.  She is a graduate of Xavier University.  She has a fly sense of style.  I have been secretly stalking her FB page admiring her hair and how pretty she is for a while now.  I am so glad she agreed to tell her story.  I hope you enjoy.  I know I did!!!  

Name and where are you from

My name is Donnisha Hebert and I am from New Orleans, Louisiana.

When did you go natural?

I went natural in the spring of 2009; it was my second semester as a freshman in college.

What prompted you to go natural?

Honestly, I went natural for a combination of reasons. I got my first sew in ever when I first got to college! It was so cute and it lasted a really long time. Welp, upon me taking it out, I made the mistake of not combing my braids out before washing it –thus creating a bird’s nest of tangles in my head! Of course I became frustrated but I patiently combed my knots out. Days later it was time for my relaxer and because I was a stereotypical college freshman aka “broker than a joke”, I didn’t have enough funds to get my hair done so, light bulb laminated in my head and from that point forward, I decided that I would never perm my hair again because it was an unnecessary expense. So yes, initially, it was definitely a matter of frustration and cost.

Did you big chop? Why or why not?

Yes, I did do a chop but I transitioned for a bit, up until my natural hair was about 2.5 inches. It was a spontaneous decision. I was home one day relaxing before work and I just began playing with my hair. I began twisting it and curiosity took over. I remember the feeling of wanting to twist my mane and see it stay on its own, no bobby pins, no rollers, nothing! So, I randomly picked up my sheers, began cutting, and the rest is history! After I finished, I did my very first set of mini twists using my own hair and I fell in love with myself! I loved my new short look because it was fresh and funky! It was also the first time in my life that the mental idea of me and my physical self aligned with one another. It felt as if it was as if I was seeing my truest self for the first time ever! It was a surreal moment, honestly.

What is your regimen?

My regimen has simplified tremendously! I was a product junkie who’d tried and tested most products under the sun, but now I have found my staple products! For a simple cleanse I actually use Lush Cosmetic’s Trichomania, which is a coconut oil based solid shampoo. I just started using this product because I am obsessed with Lush BUT I have to say that this product is truly AWESOME! It smells delicious and does some mega moisturizing!!

Anytime my hair and scalp need TLC, I do a Bentonite clay treatment in which I add lavender, tea tree, and rosemary essential oil to Bentonite Clay along with coconut oil, honey, conditioner and apple cider vinegar. This combo is great for my hair and my scalp because the texture of the clay gives me a nice scrub, the oils give great moisture as well as nice coil definition.

After any cleanse, I follow up with a simple conditioner like Natures Gate’s Jojoba Conditioner or Nubian Heritage’s EVOO & Moringa Repair and Extend Conditioner and my hair feels great!

As far as styling, I usually wear my hair in a twist out and when I’m feeling cute, I use a Oyin Handmade's Shine and Define as well as their Whipped Pudding. Otherwise, which is most of the time, I just twist with coconut oil and water! It gives my hair nice shine and moisture without weighing it down or adding a lot of build up from layers and layers of products.

That's pretty much it.

Favorite products?

Coconut oil—LOOVE!!

Lush's Trichomania

Nubian Heritage’s EVOO & Moringa Repair and Extend Conditioner which I LOVE even more because I saw it on sale for 3 bucks and I couldn’t pass it up—turns out the product is great for my hair!

Organic Apple Cider Vinegar

Oyin’s Shine and Define & Whipped Pudding

What is your favorite thing about being natural?

Like I said before, the moment when I chopped my straight ends off I felt more in touch with myself, which may sound cliché but it’s the truth. My favorite thing about being natural is being comfortable and confident in my own skin and own hair no matter what it looks like—I love it all!

Who is your celebrity hair crush? Why

Solange because her hair is snatched all day every day! I especially love her because of her sew ins, wigs, etc. they really look great!

Who is your regular hair crush?

Umm, myself? Just playing, it’s this woman I follow on Instagram. Her name is EClark6, she is at my hair length goal. Once I reach her length, I will wear my hair out for a couple years and then loc it on up! I love her hair. 

Where can we find you on social media?

You can find me on Facebook at Donni Ollie, on Twitter at ZonZivaaa or on Tumblr at nabear.tumblr.com !

Also, I love giving suggestions about hair care and I do make some of my own products! If you all have any questions, please feel free to send me a message on Facebook or Twitter!

Thanks so much Donni for sharing with us.  Love it!!!! ;)

If YOU want to be featured on this blog send an email to crystalscurls@gmail.com and answer the above questions. Don't forget the pictures!!!!!

Be Blessed!!!

Now Featuring Ronekia

This week we are featuring Ronekia. She is a nurse, a wife, and mother.  She also happens to be my sister-in-law.  Isn't she beautiful.?! She wanted to share her natural hair journey with you all.  I hope you enjoy!!!

Name and where are you from? 
Ronekia from Woodville, MS but lives in Baton Rouge, LA.

When did you go natural?
My last relaxer was September 2010

What prompted you to go natural?
I had my daughter in April 2009. She was born with a head full of beautiful curls. Once I saw her hair I knew I would never relax it. So it made me want to see what my natural hair looked like. I really didn't know, since I had a relaxer singe the age of 4. I used to love doing braid outs on my hair way before I ever thought of going natural. 

Did you big chop? Why or why not?
I did not big chop because I have always had long hair, mid-back length every since I can remember. I have only had my hair cut in layers, long layers at that. I transitioned for almost 2 years. I cut off the rest of my relaxed ends July 2012. I got so frustrated one day with trying to style my hair, that I told my mom to just cut it. I was scared and relieved at the same time. 

Her straight hair before her cut.

The last of her relaxed ends...gone!!

After

What is your regimen? 
My current regimen is to wash weekly with Shea Moisture's Moisture Retention Shampoo and follow with there Shea Moisture's conditioner or Aussie Moist Conditioner. I detangle with a wide tooth comb and the tangle teezer.  I rinse about 90% of the conditioner out. I use a terry cloth to dry my hair until damp. I style my hair with Motions Define My Curls Creme and Eco Styler olive oil gel by raking the products through my hair. I allow my hair to air dry. This style last one week. 

Favorite products? 
I'm still trying out products but I have to have Eco styler olive oil gel. It works wonders for defining my curls and smoothing my edges. 

What is your favorite thing about being natural?
I love the freedom of not worrying about getting my hair wet, trying not to scratch my scalp if its close to relaxer time, and not having dandruff anymore. 

Who is your celebrity hair crush? 
Elle Varner and Mahogany Curls. Their hair is gorgeous and have a swag about it that I love. 

Who is your regular hair crush?
My daughter. Her hair is flawless to me!! 

(my beautiful niece)

Thanks Ronekia for sharing.  Love you.

If you want to be featured please send an email to crystalscurls@gmail.com, subject line: now featuring.  Answer the questions above.  Thanks



Be. Blessed


Uneek Beauty

Now Featuring Trenell

• • This post has been in the making for a LOOONG time. Here we finally have Trenell.  Trenell is my good friend and she is the reason I am a couponer today. She put me on the path and for that I am FOREVER grateful.  Trenell is a teacher, wife  and a mom to 3 children.  She, as am I,  is an alumni of Southern University in Baton Rouge, La.(She is also a die hard SU fan)  She is motivated and dedicated to the young minds to which she in entrusted to shape and mold.  She is a cheer mom, a football and basketball mom.  Let her share her journey with you.
    
    Enjoy!!!! 
    
    
    

    Trenell with her BEEYOUTEEFUL Baby Girl Tay

    

    
    

    
    

    
    
    When did you go natural?
    I went natural in November 2010
    
    
    What prompted you to go natural?
     I wanted to go natural because I have always dreaded getting a relaxer and I didn't want to put my self through it anymore. I started noticing a lot of women wearing natural hair and it motivated me to do it.
    Her Protective Style

    
    

    

    
    
    
    Did you big chop? Why or why not?
    I did do the big chop because once I stopped relaxing my hair it became very damaged and started to break off. It was like my hair needed the chemicals to survive. I had no other choice but to cut off the relaxed hair. (I was not happy. I was very self conscious about having short hair)
    
    
    
    

    Right after her big chop

    

    
    
    What is your regimen? 
     I don't really have a regimen. I wash my hair twice a week. After I wash it with Cantu shampoo &  conditioner I comb through Kinky Curly Custard (section by section). I let it dry and  my curls usually last 3 days. In the  mornings I spray it with twisted sistah to kind of fluff the curls and I use Eco gel around my edges. I sleep in a silk bonnet.
    
    
    
    What is your favorite thing about being natural?
    My favorite thing about being natural is not having to sit though getting a relaxer and having my scalp burning and itching.
    
    
    
    Having Fun in the Mirror

    

    
    
    
    Who is your celebrity hair crush? Why
     I don't have a celebrity hair crush that I know of because most of them wear weave. 
    
    Who is your regular hair crush?
    My favorite hair crush would be Crystal Colón (Crystal from Crystal's Curls & Q's because her hair is long, thick, n curly. It looks really healthy. I can't wait to have my length back
    
    
    
    Thanks Trenell for sharing your journey with us.  Your length will be back in no time.
    Thanks for the compliment on my hair. I appreciate it so much.
    I love you girl, thanks for allowing me to feature you.
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