Doll Giveaway!! NGU for Bold & Fearless Magazine

Check out my interview on Bold & Fearless magazine online. At the bottom of the interview, you can enter the contest for a chance to win this doll. You must enter the contest on the Bold and Fearless website. To see more dolls like this for sale, go to Natural Girls United.

Update!!! Giveaway Winners of the Bad Hair Does Not Exist book.

Update!! Thank you to everyone that entered the Bad Hair Does Not Exist book giveaway.  The winners of this giveaway are:

1. Afropean Queen
2. Danielle Munro Blackshear
3. Simone J
4. GL Tomas

Please contact me at naturalgirlsunited@gmail.com to claim your prize.  Congratulations!!!

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Sulma Arzu-Brown, author of the children's book Bad Hair Does Not Exist!, is giving away copies of her book to 4 lucky Natural Beautiful Hair blog followers.

Bad Hair Does Not Exists is a tool of empowerment for all little girls who are black, afro-descendent, afro-Latinas, and Garifuna. It�s to enhance the confidence of girls who are beautiful, intelligent, savvy, witty, and have extraordinary hair. The book is intended to teach little girls how to define and describe their hair so that they don�t identify with the term �bad hair.� It gives you cool illustrations of gorgeous girls with examples of each type of hair. The book serves to educate and calls for all of us to work as equal partners to build our girls up by using proper terminology to describe their hair because it is directly linked to their essence.

"This book will help ensure confidence and self esteem in young girls of color."



To enter the giveaway, please do the following - 

• Like Bad Hair Does Not Exist on Facebook
• Be a follower of the Naturally Beautiful Hair Blog
• Leave a comment letting us know why you would like this book

The giveaway ends in two weeks on April 27th, 2015, where Sulma will choose the 4 lucky winners.

SABOTAGE STEALS SUCCESS

Sabotage is a strong word to describe the behavior that can sneak into our life and steal the success that healthy eating and exercise has provided our bodies.  It can come in the form of our own thoughts, an unsupportive spouse, friend, and even co-workers. The important thing is to be on guard so that the forms of sabotage can be recognized and dealt with in a way that is healthy, and keeping us on track with our fitness goals. I am not addressing the occasional cheat meal or even day, I am talking about a chronic issue of falling into a trap of being swayed away from a healthy lifestyle, and allowing that to happen.

Living a healthy lifestyle takes mental strength and a loving commitment to maintain our best self through consistent healthy choices each day. Let�s address self-sabotage and how it can creep into our mind and try to convince that �just this once� or �just a few bites� can become part of the healthy plan.  The issue with this type of sabotage is that it does not stop at the �just once or a few bites�.  Often times, this mindset flows into several days, weeks, and even months, and before it is over, the weight loss achieved is back up to where it started, and possibly more than the initial weight. Convincing ourselves that eating crap on a regular basis is never a good thing for our bodies, and remaining on guard so that self-sabotage can be recognized and dealt with immediately is crucial to stay on track with our fitness and health goals. Keeping a daily fitness journal is a helpful accountability tool to keep us on track.

Another sabotage culprit is that wonderful person you live with until death do you part.  Love has nothing to do with sabotage of this type and the non-supportive spouse may not get the whole new health thing or does and is struggling with acceptance of your new healthy lifestyle.  There are many relationships like this and living a healthy lifestyle becomes difficult, as the processed foods and other temptations continue to hide in your pantry and refrigerator.  Sometimes, a spouse turned healthy and leaving the other behind can cause friction in the relationship as guilt trips occur over the change in lifestyle.  It is so important to realize that each person is ready when they are ready and force-feeding a new healthy lifestyle on your spouse will only drive a wedge in the relationship.  As the one wanting to live a healthy lifestyle, model by example, and when the cupcakes come calling, politely say �no thank you� and grab a yogurt and piece of fruit to eat along with your partner. Mental strength has to be on overtime in these circumstances as there will be a daily guarantee of temptation.  Keep that promise of creating your best healthy self and great positive attitude, and almost assuredly your spouse will eventually join you.  Patience will be your best friend here.

Sabotage among friends exists and it can be ugly.  Creating a healthy lifestyle will mean making hard choices and dismissing ourselves from possible temptations that will steal our accomplishments. Some friends may not understand that you no longer want to eat processed foods or drink alcohol all night long, and are happy to provide the peer pressure to get you to fold on your commitment to self.  A strong mental game is definitely a requirement and sometimes a request of support from your friend will be necessary.  A true friend will understand and come alongside of such an important decision and one that does not care will continue to sabotage your efforts. If you continue to hear that it is OK to let your hair down and relax with your program on a continual basis from a so-called friend, you may want to re-think the motives of this friend.  It is unfortunate, but jealousy does exist and can rear an ugly head during such times, and some may not be able accept that your body is changing in beautiful positive ways.  The important thing in this type of situation is to be true to you, regardless of what is said or pressure felt.  Going out can be limited to a glass of wine and water in addition to healthy food selection.  Continue to enjoy your life and implement the healthy choices and the rest will take care of itself.

It seems like there is no safe place for the healthy person to hide from the forms of sabotage and the workplace is no stranger to being involved.  Do you have a break-room filled with daily temptation, or that co-worker who always brings the donuts and gladly sets one on your desk? Put up the mental defense when it comes to accepting sabotage at work because you do have more control here.  Bringing a cooler filled with your healthy planned meals will keep your fingers off the bagels and cream cheese with a side of cookies.  Be stronger than the saboteur and say �thanks but no thanks� to the invitation of work indulgence eating.  If a strong mental game is not put into play, visiting the break-room can become a daily occurrence with the results showing up on the waist line, and a complete derail of the healthy lifestyle you want to implement.

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GIVEAWAY | Ted Baker Makeup Bag & Petite Maison Candles

Hey Fashionistas!


Exactly like I told you, my blog is now officially 1 year old, and to be exact, today is its anniversary. I didn't want to be the only one to be celebrating, so I created this giveaway for my wonderful readers (that's right, for you, the person who's reading this right now). It's just my way of massive thank you to all you amazing readers for your comments and support

**Updated - Giveaway Winner!! The New Braiding Handbook

I am excited to talk about a new book called The New Braiding Handbook by Abby Smith.  This is a great book that shows you step by step how to create 60 modern twist, braids and hairstyles. Each picture is detailed, in color and easy to understand. Perfect for moms or just any one looking to do something new. Although the styles are shown on straight hair, some of the style techniques can be adapted to use on ethnic natural hair textures as well. 

"Braids, knots and buns, oh my! Introducing �The New Braiding Handbook,� a full-color guide that will help you master the trendiest twists, fishtails and updos. With easy-to-follow instructions and step-by-step photos, you�ll master gorgeous new looks, including the Waterfall Braid, Fishtail Bun, Twisted Bohemian Updo, French Braided Pompadour, Celtic Knot, Topsy Tail High Bun and so much more. This book will give you the perfect look for every occasion, whether you�re meeting your besties for brunch, attending an important meeting or walking down the aisle! It�s also packed with tips for eliminating pesky hair problems�split ends, slow-growing tresses, oily hair, etc. With �The New Braiding Handbook,� you�ll have locks to envy!"

Abby Smith is giving away one book to one lucky follower of the Naturally Beautiful Hair blog.  To enter this contest, in the comment section below, tell us the following -

- Why you enjoy creating new styles?
- What style you like the best from this page that shows styles from the book?
- The winner must also be a follower of the Naturally Beautiful Hair blog.

The contest ends in two weeks on June 6th at 10 pm.  To learn more about Abby and her book, go to Twist Me Pretty.


 
**Update!   The winner of this contest is Betsy Foust.  Thank you for entering the contest. Please send your shipping information to naturalhairbeauty@gmail.com. 

Update - Winner!!!! Fashion Accessory Giveaway!! The GirlyGoGarter�

I just received my new GirlyGoGarter� and I love it!  It is a cute way to keep your keys, ID, cash and more, with out having to carry a purse. I tried it on and it feels so comfortable.  Here is more about the garter belt that seconds as a purse -  "The GirlyGoGarter� is a sexy, lacey garter with pockets that adheres to your upper thigh with patented GentleFlex� Grippers. There are two types of pockets on the GirlyGoGarter�: easy-access (on the outside, just within the lace) and lock-flap (on the inside, against your thigh). Both types of pockets keep your money, I.D., lip gloss, mobile phone, keys, passport and all of your essentials safe, secure and right at your fingertips." - GirlGoGarter

The GirlyGoGarter� is giving away one Hot Pink GirlyGoGarter� in size 1 (fits sizes 14 to 18).  To enter this contest, follow these two steps:

• Be a subscriber to this blog
• Reply to this post telling us why you love the GirlyGoGarter�

The contest ends in two weeks on January 1, 2014, which is New Years day.  Good luck everyone!
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Thank you to everyone that entered the contest. The winner is BeauTi_Renee!  Please contact me at naturalhairbeauty@gmail.com to claim your prize and provide your shipping address.  

T-Shirt Giveaway!! Three Winners

NZinga of Infinite Art Tees is hosting a giveaway for 3 T-shirts for three lucky winners!  She is giving away the Divine Spirals, Big Curly Fro & Blonde Bombshell T-Shirt.  To win this contest, follow these two easy steps:

• Subscribe to the Infinite Art Tees email list
• Be a follower of the Naturally Beautiful Hair Blog

There is a survey listed on the Infinite Art Tees website, but it is not required for you to fill it out, in order to enter the contest.  To read more about NZinga, please go to her about the artist page.  She will be picking the winner. For any questions about the contest, please send emails to infiniteeart@yahoo.com. This contest ends on December 13, 2013. Best of luck!

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** Update! The 3 winners of the T-shirt giveaway are Desiree F., Kandace D.  and Tina R! 
Thank you everyone that entered the contest. Please stay tuned for more giveaways, on the Naturally Beautiful Hair Blog in 2014. 

Winner!!... Makeup Giveaway

Thank you everyone that entered the Makeup Giveaway contest.  There where so many great entries that it was hard to choose just two winners. So I choose three!

The first two winners that will win the giveaway package 1 & 2 is Alex and Beauti_Renee!!! Whom ever emails me first, can choose what makeup package they want. The second person that contacts me will get the remaining package left. The third winner is Johnetta! You have won Revlon's blackened brown lengthening mascara and some nail art stickers (white, colorful or black nail art stickers). Please email me at naturalhairbeauty@gmail.com, to claim your prize.

Thank you to everyone that entered the contest. Stay tuned for more giveaways on the Naturally Beautiful Hair Blog.

Makeup Giveaway! Two Winners of Eyeshadow, Shadow Stick & More

Natural Girls United! is hosting a fun giveaway. Two lucky winners will win a gift package of three makeups from Revlon. Here is are the packages:

Giveaway Package #1
Revlon Colorstay Eye Shadow Seren
Revlon Colorstay Eye Shadow Siren
Revlon Smokey Shadow Stick - Atomic Nucleaire

Giveaway Package #2
Revlon Colorstay Eye Shadow Addictive
Revlon Photoready Blush - Peach
Revlon Smokey Shadow Stick - Smolder Braise





To win, follow these steps:

1. Be a follower of this blog
2. Like Natural Girls United! on Facebook
3. Go to the Natural Girls United! website and tell us your impression of why having dolls that look like children and women from all cultures is important? Or tell us something interesting you learned from visiting the website?

This contest will end in two weeks on August 27th, 2013 at 10 pm.  After the two winners are announced, which ever winner that emails Natural Girls United! first at naturalgirlsunited@gmail.com, will be able to choose the makeup set they want first. The second winner that to responds will receive the remaining makeup package. Good Luck everyone!!

**Update:  Winner will be announced on Monday, Septmber 9th, 2013.

Gaisie Giveaway Winners!!!

I want to say thank you to Sebrina Gaisie for hosting a giveaway on the Naturally Beautiful Hair Blog. She loved all the answers from everyone that entered the contest and says thank you for your time and effort.  She has chosen 3 winners of the Body, Face & Hair product giveaway -

1.) Hair Care Products - Solange Dowden

2.) Bath & Body Care Products - Johnetta Tucker

3.) Skin Care Products - BeauTi_Renee

Congratulations to Solange, Johnetta & Renee!!!  Each winner will receive a product set of 3 items. For the three winners, please email Sebrina directly with your shipping address to gaisie.bodyessentials@verizon.net; and please cc: me at naturalhairbeauty@gmail.com on the email so that I know that each winner has claimed their prize. Please reference your blogger username. Thank you everyone that entered the contest. Please check for more future giveaways.

Merry Christmas Giveaway---times up!

Have you ever had an "I must have it" moment with something? That is absolutely how I feel about this hair accessory!

I have to rave about this. Lily-Pie Designs is one of my FAVORITES out there! Her products are the absolute highest quality and you have never seen anything SO darling in a little girls hair!

Until tomorrow at 5:00pm MST, you have a chance to win one of your very own set of butterfly clips. They are pink with brown and white circles...an absolute MUST HAVE for your stocking!

Leave me a comment and then head on over to http://lilypiedesigns.com/ to find the perfect accessory for your sweetie pie this Christmas!

Oh, and the hair do?

Part the hair into three sections. I start at the ear and go across the head to the other ear.

Pull the top section into a ponytail on one side and the bottom one into a ponytail on the same side.

Pull both into the middle section and secure with an elastic. I pulled the hair into a messy bun.

Top off with some darling butterfly clips that are too cute for words!

How about a Trash Tie giveaway! It's over!

When I first started blogging almost three years ago, I ran across an amazing designer named Heather Bailey. I have lurked on her blog for ages. I downloaded her free pattern for headbands (although being lazy, I have yet to make them). I look to her for design trends and decorating ideas. In essence, I have been stalking her.

Then one day she cam out with these amazing little products called Trash Ties.

What a novel idea! It is a patented wire encased in satin. And they work so well. My kids love it when I use them because there is no cutting elastics out of their hair, they don't pull their hair, and who doesn't love saying "Trash-a-Ties"...the name my girls have so lovingly bestowed upon them.

I have taken some time to get to know my Trash Ties before I gushed about them on here. I am twisting them in and out of my daughters hair like a pro. Anytime I go to do a twisty style, they beg for them rather than my original way of doing things. If that isn't a testament to them, I don't know what is.

And these only get better with time. We have used them so much that the ends are starting to look like little puffs. SO CUTE!

So, in honor of my VERY FAVORITE NEW HAIR STUFF, I am having a little giveaway. One lucky reader and stylist will receive a 25" trash tie in gold. All you have to do is leave a little comment for me and you have to go and check out Heather's Trash Tie site to see the incredible things you can do with these.

Remember, you may only enter once and on Wednesday, July 2nd at 5:00, the contest will be over and the winner will be announced on Independence Day.

ETA: IF you already have Trash Ties, or to see MORE options...Visit THIS link.