Thank You’s + Followups are certainly in order here before we kick off this weekend!

1. Thank You for the incredible response and positive feedback on the new newsletter! You guys rock & I’m excited to whip up something fun & fancy!
2. More deets on next month’s BTC anniversary ‘thang’ will go out on Monday (thanks to those who e-mailed, I see you;)

In the meantime…peep THIS video. Yo. Santigold. come claim your crown!!

I admire innovators, originals, and those who just strive for their own kind of awesome. Happy Weekend, All!

The power of going Quiet in a world that often idolizes ascending noise and confusion is something I’ve come to yearn more and more lately. Today the internet, including this ‘ol blog, decided to help support America’s right to End Piracy, Not Liberty, and without hesitation I knew this was a cause I could identify with and support.

Often those who turn inwards to reflect during moments of confusion or forms of injustice are called contemplative theorists, over-thinkers, or the worst-case scenario …introverts.

*Pause* Okay, be honest. What are the first words to come to mind when you see that word? Does everything that pop up veer more towards the negative spectrum? Bad memories mixed with embarrassment, taunting or false ideas of what it means to be a ‘well rounded individual.’

“Experience has taught me that silence is part of the spiritual discipline of a votary truth.” – Ghandi.

According to societal standards, I am an introvert. Contemplative, often shy, slightly timid, hates small talk, prefers the comfort of a good book to a loud partay….etc.

Yep. But here’s my spectrum…going Quiet was where over ten years ago I found sense enough to cut my relaxed hair, inch by inch and begin a journey that would lead me to unending moments of smiles, laughter and meet some of the most inspirational beings on the internet.

Deciding to avoid the noise of those around me, including loved ones and friends, and listen to the voice within enabled me to make the most uncharacteristic of decisions. This was good. I was building on good character by understanding the value of what I already have. I finally understood where to begin & where I wanted to take what I’d learned. The lessons that grew from the Quiet helped me to understand the art of creating a more meaningful journey, whether it be hair related or a spiritual quest, both of which are integral to my life today.

I can’t explain why, or perhaps not in this space today…but the answers most of us seek often become remarkably clear in the stillness of our thoughts. This is not theory, it is fact.

Listening to the noise and endless chatter in the world can provide significant meaning and direction to the majority of us seeking answers, though it’s still up to us, amidst the quiet and stillness to carve out a purpose.

Are you an introvert or extrovert? Author Susan Cain explores how introverts can be powerful in a world where being an extrovert is highly valued. Join From Left to Write on January 19 as we discuss Quiet: The Power of Introverts by Susan Cain. We’ll also be chatting live with Susan Cain at 9PM Eastern on January 26. As a member of From Left to Write, I received a copy of the book. All opinions are my own.

It’s so odd to recall how much of a picky eater I was growing up, so much so that the Mum would request special ‘remedies’ be shipped directly from Haiti to help me gain a healthier appetite. Up till High School, the basics of my diet often included a bowl of Fruit Loops, bags upon bags of Frito Lays ranch crisps, and strawberry sour belts. At the age of 14 & barely clocking in at 98 pounds I had no inkling as to the sheer pleasure of ‘food’ until after High School and using my own kitchen to whip up lunches and quick suppers.

So, fast forward to this past week, staring at an untouched over-ripe bunch of bananas on the kitchen counter and imagining the exasperated look on Mum’s face if I pulled off a recipe….. which in the past included a fruit that left me with gag reflexes. I had fingers crossed.

What You’ll Need:

(adapted from FoodNetwork.com)

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 4 overripe bananas
• 1 cup refined sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 sticks of butter (melted)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon Bourbon Vanilla Extract
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
• *Confectioner’s sugar mix

Getting Down:

Start off by preheating your oven to 350 degrees. Combine & sift your dry ingredients into a bowl (flour, baking soda, salt). Begin melting your butter in a small saucepan, set aside to cool. In a separate small bowl, mash 2 of the ripe bananas until you get chunks (not mush), then set aside. With a whisk or hand-held mixer with whisk attachment, combine sugar and remaining 2 bananas for 3-4 minutes until texture resembles a creamy texture. Don’t worry if the mix does not resemble banana cream, it’ll still work. Now incorporate your cooled melted butter, eggs, vanilla and beat until well combined. Slowly begin to add your flour mix (try adding a third of the mix until well combined, then slowly add the remaining 2/3). Gently fold in your walnuts (or pecans) and pour the batter into a prepared loaf pan.

Baking times vary depending on depth of pan, but average time is 1 hour, maybe even less. Bread is done once you insert a toothpick in the center and it comes out clean. Let cool for 10 minutes before removing from pan. After it’s cooled completely, dust with confectioner’s sugar. *I use a mix that I love:

•  4 tablespoons powdered sugar,
• 1/2 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon of cinnamon.

This bread is incredibly yummy, not too sweet and tastes even better toasted or warmed briefly then dusted with your favorite topping. I baked one loaf and made individual servings for a neighbor for easy munching in the mornings. If you are fan of banana bread, you will be fiending for this bread the minute you taste, and even if you’re a former picky eater who would’ve never thought to reach for anything resembling a banana, this one’s still for you.

So I thought long and hard about this one…and the ‘this one‘ being how to bring more awesome to BTC without sacrificing quality. Surprisingly, the answer was something I’ve been conjuring up for a long time. If you follow me on Twitter you already know the range of my #foodieness, or if your latest addiction is also a l’il somethin called Pinterest, you’re in the know about my specially curated inspiration affliction (yes, it’s real).

I’m also an information and link junkie (You too?!) so this will by my chance to share a collage of info often gathered over the span of a few weeks with a nifty newsletter delivered to your inbox!

Here’s what WON’T be included in each newsletter:

• recycled posts circa 2009
• links to another Sh*t Someone Says…YouTube Vid (this one’s kinda funny though)
• adorable kiddos working a turntable. nope. 

What to expect:

• Subscriber only posts
• Book Recs+ Giveaways
• Hair & Beauty product Giveaways to help round out your hair regime
• Special Hair Guides written by moi;)
• and a ton more goodies that will be unleashed in due time!

And no worries, your inbox will not be bombarded with frivolous junk, Cup Of Chai will be monthly & specially themed. This month look forward to a handy Winter Survival Guide for hair+body+mind. Click on the image above to stay connected or here to sign up!

It really is an awesome feeling knowing what your hair needs, when to apply what you’ve learned & especially what to use! A few months ago I rediscovered the importance of following up a good hair routine with a protein treatment that would leave hair more manageable, free of tangles and smooth. When the difference really is protein, it’s best to have a go to treatment in your arsenal to whip out once a month.

{{How to Determine if Your Natural Hair Needs Protein?}}

Last week was FRO’s time to get ‘repaired‘ and back on track! The winter weather here in NY has really been taking it’s toll on the weekly routine, and turning to a condish that is loaded with Jojoba Oils, Apricot Kernel Oil and Keratin Protein to help strengthen & leave hair soft was just what was needed.

Really not a huge fan of heavy duty protein treatments with over complicated steps (I’ll leave those to the professionals), but finding a treatment that doubles well as a moisturzing deep conditioner was an added bonus. I’ve used the Curl Junkie Repair Me! treatment a few times to gauge it’s reaction with FRO, & love the results.

Applied on freshly washed hair in sections, Repair Me! has serious slip to further the detangling process (a #winwin if you’re trying to retain length). Coming in a hefty 12oz bottle, I’ve managed to use very little to get the job done. The first attempt at this condish I underwent a steam treatment using the Huetiful Steamer and experienced much softer hair. Other tries were done using a heating cap where results were really no different in terms of texture. You really want to leave in hair for no less than 15 minutes to achieve maximum benefits, and again…no need to use a ton to get the job done!

Using a protein treatment (Keratin is Fro’s Fav!) once a month has made a huge difference in the overall health of FRO, making me a firm believer in incorporating a relative amount to the hair routine. For hair that is especially sensitive to protein, pay attention to where your protein of choice falls in the ingredient list. There are many products tho choose from that contain different amounts so do a bit of homework before diving in!

Last week was BTC’s three year bloggiversary and because I’m just a few days late of throwing around some virtual confetti, I wanted to do a brief post to say THANK YOU for reading, commenting, e-mailing, FB’ing, twitter-ing…and however else we have communicated and shared tidbits on hair & life over the years.

There really are few times that I share much of anything truly personal here on the blog, yet after loosing a loved one last week for the 2nd time in six months a small sense of obligation did creep in. Six months ago, after loosing someone quite dear in my family, I aimlessly retreated (remember that?), went quiet and decided introspection was the only way to seek some sense. Was it the right direction to take? Doubtful. & yet there is a lesson that I’m learning today after coming to terms with another level of grief, and that is to keep going. No doubt this week will be tough, filled with more than a few tears and memories that will forever remain rough around the edges…but I am choosing not to go quiet.

This blog is quite dear to me in that I’m able to share a niblit of my life & personality that so very few people in my life could understand. That’s okay too. But however big….or little words I share here each week, I value because I hope to be sharing them with folks who have experienced similar circumstances (and lived…) or even those who have yet to.

The start of the new year is still in its euphoric stages, and I’ve hopes to brighten this space with more awesome natural hair bits! There are still a half-dozen or so product reviews on deck, even more  Self-Defined women to introduce…and a fancy & fun weekly newsletter that’s been simmering for a bit.

In the coming weeks I’ll be retreating, only slightly to honor the memory of my family member…therefore the aforementioned BTC three-year celebration will be delayed until further notice. In the interim I’d love to get a head start on who will be attending! I’ve already confirmed a few peeps, but need to get a more accurate head count….so! If you’re in the NYC area, a reader of this blog (new or old!) and wouldn’t mind spending a brunch like afternoon noshing on cupcakes, and dishing on natural hair, email me for more deets: chai@backtocurly.com.

Y’all are awesome…thanks for three lovely years!