Thank God I'm Natural by Chris-Tia E. Donaldson

I had the opportunity to read Chris-Tia E. Donaldson's book Thank  God I'm Natural: The Ultimate Guide to Caring for and Maintaining Natural Hair last year. I was so happy when my husband surprised me with it after we attended the Naturally Flyy Detroit meet-up last February, but it sat on my bookshelf collecting dust for quite a while. I wasn't trying to neglect it, maybe a bit more scared intimidated by what I might find beyond the cover of the beautiful black and white bound book.  The truth is that my hair has often went days neglected, lacking moisture my frizzy curls turn into a matted mess.  I knew I was doing something wrong, but part of me didn't want to hear somebody else tell me so. I finally bit the bullet and read a couple of pages. I couldn't put it down.  It was so relevant to where my curls are, had been, and where they could go in the future if I put in the work. 

As a natural it is easy to have hair envy if you don't know how to properly care for your curls. Before reading TGIN I have so say that I was pretty ignorant about my hair. I never really paid attention to what was in the products I was using and I was quick to jump on to the newest trends in natural hair care. 
In this inspiring book about natural hair Donaldson shares her own journey to freeing her curls in corporate America, explains the do's and don'ts of natural hair care, provides recipes for the kitchen beauticians, and supplies a list of natural hair resources.  She includes multiple list of salons across the nation that can provide the services needed to be an effective natural.  It truly is the "Natural Hair Bible."

TGIN is more than a book it is a movement. To find out more check out the website www.thankgodimnatural.com and find great tips for caring for your natural tresses.

Peace and Love,

Najeema Iman, I AM Curly Locks

Book Review: "What is Easter?" by Michelle Medlock Adams

Photo from idealsbooks.com

Pastels, petticoats, patent leather shoes, bunnies n' bow's, and don't forget about the jelly beans; in a commercialized western society it is easy to loose focus of what Easter is all about.  Among the markers, behind the Play-Doh and plush toys in my daughters Easter basket was a book that posed a simple question, "What is Easter?"  I guess the Easter bunny had a few things to clarify.

Easter isn't all about the candy, eggs, and the infamous bunny, although I love Starburst jellybeans, it is about a Man who was born to die for the redemption our sins, who endured great pain and humiliation while nailed to a cross and given a crown of thorns.  Yes there is death, but there is life in the resurrection and trying to explain this to a one year old poses a challenge. So, I gave a hint to the Easter bunny. I told him that I wanted Elise to start learning the story of Christ at an early age,  but I would like it done in a fun and functional way.  Mr. Bunny really came through.

"What is Easter?," by Michelle Medlock Adams, is a wonderful illustrated children's book told by a child who simply wants to know what Easter is all about.  It starts playfully, "The little bunny hops, hops, hops. Is this what Easter means? Is it about the Easter eggs, all filled with jellybeans?"  The book continues with the same  pattern of questioning,  inquiring about chocolate bunnies, baby chicks, toys, a brand new dress, shiny shoes, high notes in the choir stand, parades. etc.   It describes the events of the cross, and why God sent His Son, without the gory details.  The book concludes at the heart of the matter, with a child's understanding of Easter, " Okay, now I get it. The Easter Bunny is okay, and Easter eggs are fun. But Easter's not about that stuff, it's all about God's Son."

This was definitely a great find by, "Mr. Bunny," I am pretty sure he found it at Meijer.  It is a great book for family sharing about Easter, and I would recommend it specifically for children between 1-5 years.  It encourages reading and reinforces Christian principles in a delightful way. Thumbs up Michelle Medlock Adams for creating a wonderful addition to our family library.

Peace and Love,

Najeema Iman, I AM Curly Locks
 

Book Review: What's SPECIAL About Me, Mama? by Kristina Evans

My one year old and I went on our first library adventure last week.  I didn't really know what to expect since she is one, but I was pleasantly surprised to see hand toys, a puppet station, puzzles, and so much more.  The library is definitely a place that we will frequent.

Even though our local library is pretty small, they did have a decent collection of books, something for the teens, tweens, toddlers, and everything in-between.  When picking a good book for my toddler I look for diversity, color, imagination, education and a good storyline.  Not all books that I buy for her possess all these qualities, but they sure come close.  Our family is mixed our shades range from the deepest darkest chocolaty silky smooth brown to pale yellow and peaches, we are blending, so I love books with color blends.

I was so happy to find, "What's Special About Me Mama?" by Kristina Evans.   This book was recently published by Disney February 22, 2011. It doesn't have a  lot of words, but it has the right words as a young boy asks his mother what makes him special.  He learns from his mother that everything about him is special, from the inside out. His hugs, his kisses, his lips, his cheeks, they all make him wonderfully unique. 

Of course there are plenty of books on diversity, but I like the fact that two people within the same family, yet with different skin complexions show love for one another.  I will definitely be buying this book in the future for my household, and it is a good buy for children of all colors and creeds. 

Peace and Love,

Najeema Iman, I AM Curly Locks