Tapas

Hi Lovelies!!



Okay so I am still super de duper stoked about everything which is such a great way to feel. Good news the website is looking like it will be up in mid March which is AWESOME. Anyway I have so many things to dish with you all but with building the website and researching and all the other things that I do I have not been able to post everyday but when the website gets up I will go back to posting everyday. Now lets get down to business, this weekend I went thrifting (more to come on a later post) and out for tapas and sangria. Tapas which originated in Spain are small bites or appetizers that can be served hot or cold. After shopping there are a great way to end the night and also a great way to begin an evening of partying. We went to Peoples which is located at 1560 N Milwaukee Ave in Chicago. The atmosphere is very comfortable like a lounge with relaxing latin music playing in the background. Its kind of like a loft with exposed walls and high ceilings and each table has a couple of candles to set the mood. Oh and what's really cool about it is that they feature local artists work on the walls! As well as a great view over looking Milwaukee Ave. Enough about the ambiance and lets get down to the vittles. The food itself was fresh, tasty, and innovative. The compotes/sauces were complimentary to every dish which is a big thing for me because I tend to feel like some places just add things to make you dish look pretty and that is annoying. There were two dishes that I really liked the first was the  empanada de cerdo which is sweet chili pork empanadas with Belgium beer ailoi. Empanadas are another latin dish its like a Jamaican beef patty but bigger and flakier. The second one was the salmon tostada (which was very shocking because I HATE FISH seriously I hate it) which consisted of citrus vodka cured salmon with mascarpone chive cream cheese it was very yummy and fresh. We also had the tortilla which consisted of a traditional egg and potato omelet with melted manchego with this dish whats not to like?! Datiles con bacon came next this dish consisted of bacon wrapped dates stuffed with goat cheese I have had this dish before and it was terrific but it was too sweet at Peoples. Last but not least we had deep fried polenta with a red pepper compote polenta is the Italian answer to grits its a boiled cornmeal (I know sounds horrible but I promise you its amazing) Anyway it was okay but I still prefer my polenta to be boiled....So overall I liked Peoples but I do think that going to other Tapa lounges will give you more bang for you buck...cuz I really do love Cafe ba-ba-rebas. Oh yeah I almost forgot about the Sangria...what is the world coming too???!!! Just like anyplace you can choose white or red and then they give you a choice of six or seven rums....the fruit was fresh but the sangria was nothing to write home about....So below I have attached some pics and I would like to apologize for the fuzzy shots I had my camera set on the wrong shooting mode...Enjoy

Always,

Curly Bella

Pork Empanadas

Fried Polenta

Datiles con Bacon

Tortilla

Exciting News!!!!!

Hi lovelies,

Sooooo I am really liking the new expansion of my blog it feels complete and in order to have a more creative feel to the blog I am constructing a website!!! Yep I am so excited I can not wait to move to my new home!!!!! I plan on debuting the new website in the spring either March or April...it all depends on me. But anyway I am working day and night on the website and I can not wait to share it with you...okay just a quick blog to let you all know what is going on in my neighborhood!


Always,

Curly Bella

Stylin n Profilin

Hello lovelies!

Ugh super irritated at my hubby I recorded a vid of me cutting my split ends and he deleted it on mistake...UGH!! So we will have to wait for the next time whomp whomp...anyway being a busy Mom I have run into a quick easy hair style, what good luck I have!!! So this is how it goes...I take my bottle of distilled water and my spritz (check my older posts) and place my hair in big twists then I place those in Nubian knots. I cover my hair with a scarf and then sleep the night away, this takes me all of 15 min...Once I wake up I take my hair down pull the twists apart then I rock it! I included a short vid...this is so easy!! I have been rocking this hairstyle all week long and I love it!!! Its last about two days then I just redo...check out the video and if you have any quick and easy hairstyles let me know


Always,

Curly Bella

Soul Searching

Hello lovelies,

So a couple of months ago I decided to change my style up...instead of rocking a few vintage/soho/rock pieces I want to fully incorporate those styles into my everyday wear...so like anything that you are trying to change about yourself you all know that it is a struggle just because you are going out of your comfort zone. I detest whatever is trendy except for shoes ; * because anyone can go to a store and pick out an outfit but it takes a true fashionista to make her own. With that being said I hit up some of my spots that I have been going to since high school and bought some pretty cool things. I also want to let you all know that you will find the best things at the thrift stores or garage sales...check out the items below

Happy Shopping,

Curly Bella

A cute little clutch $5.00 at a thrift store

Vintage style earrings $2.00 at a garage sale

Silver flower ring $0.50 at a garage sale

Rose clutch with silver chain $5.00 at H&M

New Year New Blog!!!

 Hello hello hello!!!!

Okay so I have decided to re purpose my blog....when you are new to something you just kind of stick to what you are comfortable with...but then I decided that I am so much more than my hair....and from reading other peoples blogs..I knew that I wanted to incorporate so much more into my blog. With that being said I am going to chat about everything that I find interesting. From cooking to technology to photography to clothing to crafts to books all things that I enjoy doing...So I welcome you to join me on my journey of shopping creating living and being fab....sit back enjoy the ride!



Always,

Verano

1 Year Anniversary of My Big Chop!!!!!!!!

Hello to all of my lovely naturals,

I know its been awhile but all three of my computers were malfunctioning so my hubby rigged one for me so I could forage on and blog. Yep you read it! It has been a year since I stood in my bathroom with a pair of shears and parted with my limp dead chemically treated locks. I still remember the feeling of anxiety plus freedom mixed with a little fear once I cut the last lock off. I only had my hair cut that short once before that and I was totally helpless and had to rely on my beautician to do everything for my hair. Not this time! I cut off my last lock washed my hair and began twisting it....guys it was so short in some spots that I thought that it would not be long enough for twists...I also did another trimming in May because in Feb I did not get all of the chemically treated hair off. Today I talked to my husband about how much I love my hair and he smiled and said well I am very happy....it looks like you love it, its always shiny, your ends are trimmed, you are always trying out different hairstyles...you have come along way. He pretty much summed it up this has been a wonderful journey and I want to thank the whole natural hair care community for being a support system. Especially to those of you who read my blog; not just for reading it but f also for sending me personal messages about what works for you and what you thought I missed or what I should talk about. I am so happy to be on this journey that I hope it never ends...so with that said I did a little video for you all enjoy...oh and remember naturally you is the only way to be.


Always,

Verano

Product Review

Hello to all of my lovely naturals,

So I have been looking for a reason to buy Shea Moisture's Organic Coconut and Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie and coming up empty. Lucky for me my bestie decided to cut his hair off and gave me his. First it smells lovely now on to the real stuff. Now you all know that I like Shea Moisture because it is all natural but I am kind of peeved because it does not come with directions but I guess they figure you can use it any way you would like to. So I washed my hair with my home made shampoo and conditioned with my trader joes conditioner and then applied this to my hair. When it first goes on it is kind of thick and white and you have to work it in so once I did that I looked in the mirror and I could see that my curls were defined. Then I twisted it up in fat twists and let it air dry over night....Ummm my hair felt so dry like brittle it was horrible but it looked great. So I am at a cross roads with this product I will have to try it again and maybe instead of only putting this product on my hair I will first moisturize my hair and then see how it goes. It kind of sucks because I really want to try to wash and go but it is colder than a witches tit outside so that is a no go. Okay so my over all rating is a 5 out of 10 because I like how thick it is, the smell is amazing, and it did define my curls but I didn't like the way that it left my hair feeling parched after my twist out. I am happy that I didn't spend my money on it but I will give it another try. So you can pick up this product at Target and it cost $9.99 Have you had different or similar results with this product? Let me know


Always,

Verano

Healthy Hair With A Side Of Water

Hello to all of my lovely naturals,

I apologize for leaving you all high and dry but between my family getting the stomach flu and five birthdays in January and my network shutting down I had to take a break. Okay so within this time I have been keeping my hair in twists so I have had my hair in twists for about two weeks. Usually I only keep my twists in for about a week. So dealing with the fuzziness has been something that I have had to come to terms with. But all in all I love the style and I have been making the fuzziness work for me. Which brings me back to my title as I have stated before in my previous posts I am totally addicted to water and it does a body good. But something that I have started to realize is that one of the perks to having natural hair is that water is my friend long gone are the days that I have to be afraid of rain or hesitate about getting in the pool. In order for me to keep my hair moisturized while in the twists I spray it with water every other day and everyday I apply my spritzer to my hair before I hop in the shower. For the recipe to my spritzer check my other posts. The only down side to having my hair in the twists is that the middle of my head itches sometimes but other that that I love it. As I continue on my journey I am falling in love over and over again with my hair. Just the fact that I am no longer afraid of water or that when I jump in the shower I don't have to freak out if I forgot to put my shower cap on is awesome! So don't forget to drink your 8 glasses of water or just get a water bottle and carry it around with you. You know they say that it takes 1 month for something to become a habit do yourself a favor and make drinking water a habit. Oh and if you are in a bind you know where you hair is not acting right try applying some water on it. I swear you will have a new fav product!


Always,


Verano

Stretching Your Hair

Hello to all of my lovely naturals,

Okay so I admit, I have been holding out on you all. I am not really into length you know how some of the naturals do a legnth check every month well I am just not that into it...I mean I love having my hair grow but I am really concerned with it growing out..I LOVE big hair the bigger the better. With that being said I do understand the need to stretch your hair because sometimes the shrinkage kills me. So here is what I do when the need arises to stretch my hair first I co-wash my hair and de tangle hop out of the shower and moisturize it, then I put it into about 8 twists and seal it with coconut oil. When twisting the hair the object is to not make it too fat but to have medium size twists. I let that sit over night then in the morning I take it down put a light moisturizer on it like my curly souffle and then braid the twists. At this point you can just leave them to dangle, or if you want them curly just curl the ends...or if your hair is short then take the braids and attach the braids to one another going backwards like in a pony tail....this will stretch your hair. I let this sit for about 4 hours and then I take it down and rock it. Try it and tell me how it works for you or tell me what you do to stretch your locks.



Always,

Verano

How to Straighten Your Hair Naturally....Maybe

Hello to all of my lovely naturals,

Oh boy I have so many pics to post pero I lent my camera out so not until tomorrow...hmph...anyway on to the topic. So you want out of the relaxer game you are tired of the chemical burns or hey you just want to go natural. I hear a lot of ladies say this but they are not interested in rocking their hair al natural they still want it to be straightened (my feelings on that is a whole different topic but baby steps are better than no steps) well you are in luck. I am pretty sure that every one has heard of a Brazilian keratin treatment or B.K.T and you know that it naturally straightens the hair but you are not sure how it does it. Your hair is straightened with the active ingredient keratin, a protein very similar to one of the chemicals that is already found in hair. It usually lasts for 2 months sometimes longer sometimes shorter because it gradually washes away. Remember that with any product different people or different hair types will receive different results, some people will have sleek hair some will have less frizz some will still have to flat iron their hair to get it "more manageable" (hate that word when talking about hair). So first they will apply the treatment, then blow dry your hair, then flat iron it the iron needs to be about 450 degrees in order to seal in the treatment. Oh and keep in mind that these treatments contain formaldehyde I know I know you found one that is formaldehyde free they too contain formaldehyde but at a minimal amount you can claim to be formaldehyde free. So ask around and ask the salon questions or just leave the chemicals alone : ) either way enjoy your journey

Keep Going

Hello to all of my lovely naturals,


Today I would like to give a couple words of encouragement to those that are considering giving up or maybe to help those who really want to go natural but are feeling discouraged. First I would like to say that 5 years ago going natural was still considered a taboo so there were not as many helpful resources as there are now. For those of you who just did the b.c. (big chop) this is the most exciting time of your journey but it won't last long so have fun with it rock that ish ladies. Be fierce with it because going natural is all about celebrating you letting your inner beauty shine thru this is the real you. Now if you are transitioning this is probably a trying time for you because of the two different hair textures. Don't fret because curly styles are going to be your best friend, during this time try not to get discouraged I know its difficult but try to focus on all of that "new growth" coming out of your scalp this is what being natural is all about once you do the b.c. you will feel so relieved! For those of us who are receiving negative feed back about being natural or for the thought of going natural...girl do you if they love you then they will love your hair and if they don't then why are we messing around with them anyway. Whenever I feel a little put out with my hair I turn to youtube to see what new hairstyle I can do with my new length of hair or I try one that I have been thinking about. Remember having natural hair is all about you and your self confidence you have thousands of people who know exactly what you are going thru join a forum or reach out to a blogger wink wink...just know that this is a personal journey of confidence and identity enjoy it you deserve it....and remember to rock that ish


Always,

Verano

Dry Hair A Curly Girls Natural Enemy

Hello to all of my lovely naturals,

Alright so today I want to go over some things that I have come to notice during my fantastic journey. Last time I had my hair natural at the three year mark my hair was down my back, don't get me wrong my length is doing just fine but I was thinking well how did I do that? Although I did not know that much about natural hair care here is my regimen: Every week I would wash and deep condition using Motions Shampoo and deep condition with Motion's C.P.R. and detangle while in the shower. Once I got out I would "grease" my scalp with blue magic coconut oil and proceed to 2 part twist my hair. And there is where I had my epiphany wearing protective styling all year around...that was awesome and my hair appreciated it. But I was thinking "wait, but how was my hair staying moisturized" and this is where my daughter comes in....while taking down her hair today I noticed that it was fully moisturized although I had twisted it 4 days ago. So after all of these revelations I am going to keep my hair in protective styles for the remainder of the winter season. Keeping you hair in protective styles are the best way to maintain your moisture and to keep happy hair.



Always,


Verano

I Have F'd My Hair Up Help!!!

Hello to all of my lovely naturals,

I did my hair a couple of days ago and taped it so that I could also tape the results and post it on youtube. Well insert the title...cuz boy oh boy was it a disaster...so much so that my hubby was like "I am so happy that you tried this out now when we don't have anywhere to go" Needless to say he has been there when I mess up a hairstyle or it doesn't come out quite as expected or when it isn't fully dry. I mean look this happens to the best of us and there is no need to get all down about it. Think of it as a learning experience and go with it, going with the hairstyle instead of starting all over again has given birth to some of my flyest hairstyles. Soooo in order to help you all out or just give some pointers I will begin with things you need AT ALL TIMES

1. A head band....it doesn't have to be fancy just functional I prefer to carry my elastic ones or my all time fave is one that I made out of a piece of lace...it travels well

2. Two or three bobby pins I attach these to my lace headband...that way I can find them

3. Moisturizer I don't carry mine but I use water mixed with conditioner (you can find this at any ones house)

So those are the items that you should carry with you for your just in case hairstyle malfunction insurance

Now on to the hair...okay its bad and you know it and you only have time enough to repair. Don't get overwhelmed this is just temporary SN while looking in the mirror I am saying things like I can't believe you and who are you to my hair. While looking in the mirror decide on what part of your hair did turn out right, now take that part and try to make it your focal point. Here is where you focus you have to create the hairstyle around your focal point and after some do overs I come out looking pretty fly. Oh so what about if it is beyond the point of noticing a focal point? Well I am happy that you asked, scrap it put your head band on and rock it or tie it into an afro puff, or if it is the summer time I just wet it, moisturize it, shake it and go! So there you have it! Do you all have any funny hair stories? or would you like to add to my must have list?

Always,

Verano