Sunkissed Momz

Milwaukee Teacher Cuts Girl's Hair for Punishment?

2010-01-08T06:02:00.000-08:00

A Milwaukee teacher cut her student's hair as a punishment for playing in her hair. What do we think of this?

Watch the youtube video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Aq1WeS6VCs

Gone Natural - Jasmine

2009-12-10T10:37:00.000-08:00

Hey SKM! Its Show and Tell Thursday's and we're profiling our fourth natural lady Jasmine Henderson living in DC but hailing from Nebraska. Enjoy!

How long have you been natural?
I've been natural for 9 years.

What made you decide to go natural?
I had an unexpected epiphany about my definition of beauty and why I thought straight, long hair was 'best.' I started to research chemicals that were in relaxers. I also thought it odd that if one applied these chemicals without gloves, it would damage their hands...so why would I put something on my scalp that I couldn't safely put on my hands?

What is your hair regimen?
I wash & twist every 2 weeks. I use to do it myself, but started going to a salon again. I also periodically dye my ends blonde.

What are your least favorite products?
Probably Carol's Daughters products for locks. She markets and packages really well, but it's really not natural. If you can't see the ingredients, then it's usually not the best option. I do like her hair oils.

What do you like about being natural?
I think it accentuates a person's face more. With straight hair, you can usually hide your face. Natural hair alone draws lots of attention because it's different. And that's why I think it's dope because it's unique and everybody isn't rockin it. It takes courage!

Well Jasmine is definitely a natural beauty and her locs stand out ALOT. Check out the various ways that she rocks 'em.

Click on images to enlarge:

LUV it So what do you think of Jasmine's versatile locs?

Obama's Do It Family Style

2009-12-09T10:11:00.000-08:00

The 2009 National Christmas Tree Lighting was recently held on December 4th and the Obama's did it up like no other presidents have done it before. It was a star-studded occasion and the all the major (youth friendly) celebrities in the house.

All She Wants For Christmas...

2009-12-08T10:08:00.000-08:00

Is a brand new cell phone! Moms, what's the appropriate age for a teen (or even a tween) to get their first cell phone? Is it inevitable that all teens will get a cellphone and if they do what are they gonna do? Talk or text all night?

More than a quarter of young people in the U.S. are "sexting," a new AP-MTV poll has found.

Here are the stats:

• 30% of 14- to 24-year-olds surveyed say they've been involved in some type of sexting

• 29% say someone they know has sent them messages with sexual words

• 18% say someone has sent them naked pictures or videos of themselves

• 8% say someone sent them naked pictures or videos of someone else that they know personally

• 7% say they've participated in a webcam chat during which someone else performed sexual activities

• Those who sent nude pictures of themselves mostly said they went to a boyfriend, girlfriend, or romantic interest

• 14% said they suspect the pictures were shared without permission

• 17% of those who received naked pictures said they passed them along to someone else, often to more than just one person

• 10% said they had sent naked pictures of themselves on their cell phone or online

How do you stop YOUR kid from sexting? Help!

Black Dolls - Ya or Nay?

2009-12-07T10:37:00.000-08:00

Some parents are saying Mattel's new "So in Style" Black dolls made with wider noses and fuller lips in an array of skin tones are not Black enough. What are you thoughts?

Opening Night at 'Fela!'

2009-12-01T09:42:00.000-08:00

On Monday, November 23, Fela opened at the Eugene O'Neill Theatre.

The play has been getting a lot of buzz and the opening night supported that notion. In the house were Alicia Keys, Gayle King, Spike Lee, Thelma Golden, Sylvia Rhone, Jeffrey Wright, Swizz Beatz, Questlove? and Lee Daniels. Jay Z (one of the producers) along with the legendary choreographer Bill T. Jones--who is also the director of this musical.

Check out more from Emil Wilbekin as he blogs about his experience at the opening night.

Sahr Ngaujah stars in the title role. Also featured in the cast are Lillias White as Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, Saycon Sengbloh as Sandra and Kevin Mambo, who alternates as Fela.

Gone Natural - Siobhan

2009-11-26T14:15:00.000-08:00

Hey SKM! Its Show and Tell Thursday's and we're profiling our third sunkissed mom Siobhan Carter-David from Bronx, NY (but studying in Indiana). Enjoy!

Tell us about yourself.
My name is Siobhan Carter-David and am a mother, a wife, a cousin, daughter, sister and friend. I am also a full-time graduate student and a lover of “style” in various aesthetics.

How long have you been natural?
I have been natural for 14 years, since right before I turned 16 years old.

What made you decide to go natural?
I was undergoing an experience of cultural awareness and cutting off my relaxed hair fell in line with the pride that was developing in me at the time.

What is your hair regimen?
Over the years I have had bantu knots, cork screws, two-strand twists, cornrows, an afro puff(s), box braids, afros of varying lengths, and a 8-year stint with (dred) locs. Right now I have micro-braid and merely spray my hair and scalp with olive oil sheen spray and rinse well with warm water when it needs to be cleansed.

What are your least favorite products?
I dislike many mainstream shampoos because they are to drying for my hair. However, there is an infinite quantity of textures of African hair so each woman must find what works best for her.

What do you like about being natural?
I believe that I look best this way. Also, although I no longer make it a point to be political about it, I love representing Black beauty in all of its happy nappiness!

Siobhan has truly perfected a variety of natural hairstyles. Check out her pictures below and let us know your favorite.

Click on images to enlarge:

LUV it So what do you think of Siobhan's  natural looks?

Top 5 Thanksgiving Vacation Spots

2009-11-25T12:27:00.000-08:00

Hey sunkissed moms! Anyone taking a vacation tomorrow? If so where are you headed? We're loving short vacations this holiday season and wanted to highlight our top 5 vacations spots for a short Thanksgiving get-away.

5. San Diego, CA

There are so many things to do over the Thanksgivign holiday in San Diego but the Mother Goose Parade is the biggest of all. It's considered the unofficial start of the holiday season in San Diego. So, what better way to head into Thanksgiving week than to attend a parade? The Mother Goose Parade is a San Diego institution and attracts upwards of 400,000 spectators along the streets of El Cajon. The 2009 event takes place on Sunday, Nov. 22. The parade begins at 10 a.m.

You can also par take in Ice Skating By The Sea. The Hotel del Coronado is pleased to offer a unique Southern California experience – outdoor ice skating overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The oceanfront Windsor Lawn will be transformed into a spectacular ice rink with skating sessions offered daily. November 25 – December 18: Daily: 2pm - 5pm & 6pm - 9pm; weekend & holiday matinee: 11am - 1pm. December 19 - January 3: Daily: 2pm - 5pm & 6pm - 9pm; daily matinee: 11am - 1pm. Three-hour sessions cost $20 for adults and $15* for kids (ages 10 years and under); two-hour matinee sessions cost $15 for adults and $10* for kids (ages 10 years and under). Skate rental is $5 per person.

4. Vail, CO
If you want to real thing and can't take the fake snow that San Diego has to offer head on up to Colorado and check out the ski slopes of Vail.

The Vail ski season officially kicks off in mid-November, and ski bums the world over are hoping for another year of spectacular snow conditions. This means snow bunnies can head West for the holiday and hit the slopes to work off those extra Turkey Day carbs. With 5,289 acres of terrain available, including superb back bowls, you’ll have plenty of wide stretches and untouched trails to schuss on. Besides the exciting mountain possibilities, the picturesque snow-covered town also offers notable restaurants, lodgings, and fashionable boutiques to charm you off the pistes as well. One of America’s favorite winter retreats doesn’t come cheap mind you, but you can capitalize on season-starter lift packages that will save you a few bucks to use towards your holiday shopping.

3.Phoenix & Scottsdale, AZ
Can't take the cold and want to thaw out before we hibernate for winter, then head to the warm southwest of Arizona.

Thanksgiving celebrates a legendary dinner between Pilgrims and Indians – why not tip your hat to America’s original inhabitants this Thanksgiving and head to Arizona, where the ubiquitous presence of ruins and reservations hold living tribute to the nation’s Native American past. Lively Phoenix makes for a good home base, boasting such jewels as the Heard Museum, housing a wonderful Native American art and archaeology collection that highlights works by indigenous peoples of the Southwest – Navajos, Hopis, and Apaches – many of whom still reside on nearby reservations. It’s also a great base to head out on a local road trip along the legendary Apache Trail, a 40-plus-mile route marked by breathtaking scenery, ghost towns, and ancient Indian ruins. Meanwhile, the posh resort city of neighboring Scottsdale offers such diversions as Western-themed Old Town Scottsdale, a good spot to pick up turquoise jewelry and Navajo rugs. Even the local “pamper-me” spa culture reflects the area’s Native American heritage and desert setting; get smothered in an adobe clay body mask or exfoliated with a cactus-and-aloe-infused scrub at an area spa.

2. Orlando, FL

Thanksgiving in the sun! For those looking to have an authentic Thanksgiving without having to cope with the cold winds of New England then head to sunny Florida for that perfect Thanksgiving escape. What better place to spend the holiday than a trip for the kids (and the big kid in you!) to Disneyworld. Thanksgiving is one of the best times to visit with late opening hours, parades, special displays and millions of sparkling lights. If cartoon characters don't appeal you can always spend thanksgiving discovering what the magical world of the ocean has to offer at SeaWorld.

1. New York City

For the biggest Thanksgiving event in the country, head to New York City for its annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. At 9am each Turkey Day, over 10,000 Macy employees and volunteers meet at 77th and Central Park West to begin their march, which will head down a new route on 7th Avenue this year (the first time in its 82-year history that it's veered off-Broadway). It’s a fantastical procession filled with colorful floats, marching bands, and at least a dozen giant helium balloons – to the delight of the some 3 million spectators that come out to watch from the sidelines. If you’re at home basting the turkey instead, stay tuned to the spectacle on television; this is one American pageant that’s bound to please.

Gone Natural - Lenise

2009-11-19T07:43:00.000-08:00

Hey SKM! Its Show and Tell Thursday's and we're profiling our second sunkissed mom Lenise Robinson out of Richmond, Virginia. Enjoy!

Tell us about yourself.
I'm a 31-yr-old mom & hairstylist w/no time for hair maintenance of my own.

How long have you been natural?
I've been natural for about 4 to 5 years now.

What made you decide to go natural?
I had always wanted to shave my head and stop my addiction to relaxers, and I always hated having to plan my life around my hair. It just didn't make any sense.

What is your hair regimen?
I shampoo once/week with a product specifically for natural hair to be sure i'm adding enoug moisture. Then I add a moisturizer daily.

What are your least favorite products?
I hate Pantene products because they don't allow the hair to absorb the proper nutrients but so many folks have bought into the "ethnic" packaging!!!

What do you like about being natural?
I love the freedom of life & being different but still being beautiful!

Lenise is definitely a sunkissed mom. Check out the various ways that she rocks a natural.

Click on images to enlarge:

LUV it So what do you think of Lenises' short natural looks?

It's Fela Time

2009-11-17T08:17:00.000-08:00

Starting November 23, 2009 Fela! will be one of the newest original shows to hit Broadway. Fela! tells the story of the late Afrobeat legend Fela Anikulapo-Kuti and incorporates African dance, jazz, and funk music that will have you itching for the original soundtrack release.

Fela! is definitely a must see and is great for outing for families celebrating the Thanksgiving holidays in the NYC area. And speaking of Thanksgiving, check out or posting tomorrow about the Top 5 Thanksgiving Vacations for Families. Enjoy! and come back and tell us about the show.

Talk Back Tuesdays - Read All About It

2009-11-17T06:28:00.000-08:00

Is Hollywood Still Paper-bagging It?

2009-11-16T06:58:00.000-08:00

Social verification. Colorism. Brown Paper Bag Test. Whatever you want to call it, these topics and conversations seem to come up more and more especially when it comes to images that are being presented to our young girls and what are accepted standards of beauty.

I found an interesting article over at The Root by writer Jada F. Smith, where she tackles the conversation when it comes to the new movie release, Precious. Its an article worthy of conversation especially with a tag line: All the Dark-Skinned Stars in 'Precious' Are Bad. All the Light -Skinned Stars in 'Precious' are Good.

I'm not here to agree or disagree with Ms. Smith, but what are your thoughts about images that are being presented to our young girls? Is this a valid conversation? Do we even care? Or are some "radicals" just stirring up the pot again cause its all about how good your baby-girl happens to feel about herself!!!

Talk to me moms...

Gone Natural - Melody

2009-11-12T15:00:00.000-08:00

Its Show and Tell Thursday's here are at SKM! and we're profiling our first sunkissed mom Melody Joy Short from Richmond, Virginia. Enjoy!

Tell us about yourself.

I am Nia Abiose's mother, JoAnn & Melvin Sr.'s oldest child, Ashley & Melvin Jr.'s big sister, and a sistah friend to many others. I am Melody Joy Short.

How long have you been natural?
My last affair with a perm was in '97 or '98. I initially rocked sew in weaves, and thereafter, my own natural afro & twist, until my final transition in 2003 to my new found love..a low cut ceasar. So, I would say I've been natural for 10 or 11 years.

What made you decide to go natural?
Mmm..I am not sure. I think it was a combination of a few things (1) me not perming my hair initially by default, thanks to the hair weaves, (2) while enrolled in a historically black college & university, being surrounded by folk that were exploring and so in love with the African culture and I, in turn being just as passionate about the culture and lastly (3) dating a guy that totally embraced the natural lifestyle just put a stamp of approval on it for me..and I haven't looked back since.....

What is your hair regimen?
I maintain my haircut by a visit to my oh so fabulous barber, Lenise Robinson (POSH by Lenise~ Richmond, VA) every 7-10 days. In between time I wash my hair 1-2 times every 7-10 days. I moisturize my hair with Coconut Oil or Nature's Blessings daily, followed by a daily brush, and lastly, I tie down my hair with a scarf (every morning) to ensure a clean and crisp look!

What are your least favorite products?
Any product with petroleum, it makes my scalp itch!

What do you like about being natural?
I love that being natural forces me to be stripped down to my natural state of beauty (which has forced me to come face to face with any insecurities as it relates to my physical attributes) & in turn made me fall in love with myself and acknowledge my beauty. I love the convenience that it lends to my daily schedule. I love how it makes me feel so sleek and sexy! I love not having to worry about hair while raising a 1 year old girl~ I can't fix two heads of hair each day!

Click on images to enlarge:

LUV it So what do you think of Melody Joys short natural look?

Glamour 2009 Women of the Year

2009-11-12T08:20:00.000-08:00

Hey SKM! So last week over at Sunkissed Girls they mentioned that Rihanna was named one of the 2009 Women of the Year by Glamour Magazine.

The ceremony took place in New York on Nov. 9, 2009. Maya Angelou was joined by U.S. first lady Michelle Obama, musician Rihanna, U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, Susan Rice and eight others on Monday were honored as "Women of the Year.

Estelle performed and sunkissed moms and women like Serena Williams, Tyra Banks, Zoe Kravitz, Gayle King, Iman and stylist June Ambrose were in attendance.

Image Credits: REUTERS/Lucas Jackson

The First Lady of Washington DC

2009-11-11T12:02:00.000-08:00

Don’t think that Michelle Obama is the only first lady in Washington, DC. We have a sunkissed mayor in the district as well and his wife, Michelle Fenty is worthy to be called a sunkissed mom. She's an accomplished attorney, wife to D.C. mayor Adrian Fenty, and mother of three.

She was born and raised in London, the daughter of Jamaican immigrants, before moving to New York City with her family at age 18. She has three young children--nine-year-old twin sons Matthew and Andrew, and 11-month-old daughter Aerin.

She serves as president of the advisory board for Capital Breast Care Center, which provides free mammograms to underserved, low-income women in the District.

"The breast cancer mortality rate in Washington, D.C. is among the highest in the country, and African-American women are twice as likely to die from the disease," she says, explaining why she got involved with the organization more than two years ago.

"Given those two factors, I thought that it was important for me to do whatever I can to let residents know this, and provide mammogram screenings for women in the District."

Star Jones Tackles Obesity

2009-11-11T07:51:00.000-08:00

African-Americans are more overweight and obese than any other racial group and at risk for developing heart disease, diabetes, stroke, hypertension, and certain types of cancer.

November is Diabetes Awareness Month and on Sunday, November 15th, Star Jones will host 'Heart of the City: Dying to Eat in Jackson,' a BET News exclusive on obesity in Black America.

The one-hour special focuses on Jackson, Mississippi, home to the largest population of African-Americans, as well as the country's most obese state.

Watch clips of the video here from the BET.com website.

Talk Back Tuesday's - Read All About It

2009-11-10T11:39:00.000-08:00

So Talk Back Tuesday is all about books or resources that are out there to help us sunkissed momz raise resilient and strong sunkissed girlz.

I found the perfect book at Amazon.com to help us kick off the first Talk Back Tuesday.

The book is by Dierdre Glenn Paul and it's titled Talkin' Back: Raising and Educating Resilient Black Girls. I love this book for our first edition because it focuses on involving parents and caregivers in taking a stand in the lives that our teens live.

Check out the book here and let us know what you think after you've read it!

Transitioning Tuesdays - Lets Get Started (7 Easy Steps)

2009-11-10T08:16:00.000-08:00

Alot of you have posted questions on the Sunkissed Girlz Facebook Fan page about transitioning for relaxed to natural hair. Let me first say that there are TONS and TONS of websites and resources out there and you should feel free to choose the resources that is best for you. There will be a few that I really like listed below.

Here are some simple and easy steps to take with your transitioning process:

STEP 1: Stop putting chemical relaxers in your hair.
STEP 2: Deep condition your hair weekly and moisturize daily to keep your hair from becoming dry and brittle.
STEP 3: Find a hairstyle that is easy to manage and will accommodate the transition. Braids are a good transition hair style.
STEP 5: Trim your hair every four to six weeks to remove dead ends and gradually cut away at the relaxer.
STEP 6: Once you have at least two to three inches of newly grown hair, attempt to do the big chop.
STEP 7: Style your newly cropped hair with twists, small afros, scarves and other hair accessories.

Transitioning Resources (not entire listing)
o http://clutchmagonline.com/
o http://www.urbancurlz.com/
o http://thenaturalhaven.blogspot.com
o http://keepitsimplesista.blogspot.com
o http://www.textureplayground.com/blog/
o http://newlynatural.com/blog/
o http://www.curlynikki.com
o http://www.afrobella.com
o http://www.honeybrownsugar.com/
o http://www.motowngirl.com

Are Sunkissed Momz Blogging?

2009-11-09T17:31:00.000-08:00

There was an article this past summer titled Black moms who blog? Michel Martin explains why there aren't more, which insinuated that black moms were not blogging or that there were not that many of us out there blogging. Wonder why?

I think that our presence does need to be beefed up and emphasized more on the net, with issues that are relevant to our families and children.

Read the article here and come back and let me know your thoughts.

Welcome

2009-11-05T16:33:00.000-08:00

Hello Everyone!

Welcome to our humble, humble blog.

Just to let you know a little about us:

We started out with a website for girls called Sunkissed Girlz in response to the lack of media (i.e., books, television shows, Websites, magazines) designed to meet the unique needs of Black girls, particularly needs around caring for and styling natural hair.

Alana Jones (13 years old) co-founded Sunkissed Girlz with her mom Yanique Redwood. She wanted to find a fun way to meet other girls just like her and talk about issues related to being an African-American girl. “I like sunkissedgirlz.com because it’s a place where girls my age can do almost anything from playing online games to blogging about hair and fashion. This site is designed by girls for girls. That’s what makes it cool.”

So now we have this site designed by moms and for moms...so welcome and let us know what you think. Please allow your Sunkissed girl to check out Alana at www.sunkissedgirlz.com