Chef Ahki Talks Health Womb Care 101 Rihanna Savage X Fenty NYFW
Pica Addicted to Starch Fall Recipes Crystals For Healing
Natural Woman on The Scene: Cincinnati Music Festival Minnesota Natural Hair & Beauty Expo Afro Swag
The Beauty Zone Natural Hair Zone New York Fashion Week
Contributors Azizah Nubia Editor in Chief
Words From the Editor
I have to be honest, I had to take a break from Natural Woman Magazine! I needed to be restored and rejuvenated. If you follow me on social media you know I have recently been through alot of changes. From graduating from the Ohio Media School, moving to Atlanta then back to Cincinnati, and sending 4 of my children to live with their dad in Las Vegas. Transitions can be tough, but change is good and for me the change was necessary. My Natural Woman brand means everything to me I have worked hard to build this brand to bring you all some great information so you can live your best life. Taking my little break was good for me, it gave me the time I needed to take a step back and refocus on what I’m building. Now my break is over and Natural Woman Magazine is back and better than ever. This issue is pack with information that I know you will love especially my interview with the fabulous Chef Ahki. We hope you enjoy this issue thank you so much for your support you are the reason Natural Woman has a voice. ~ Azizah Nubia
AZ Media Photography/ Video Written Contributions Tonika Ray Melanie James Tiara Thomas Marketing & Promotion AZ Media Founders Azizah Nubia & Tammarah Overton
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A Miracle in A Bottle: The Healing Powers of Black Seed Oil Described in an ancient text as “a cure for every disease except death,” black seed oil, also called black cumin oil, has a long history of many uses. The seeds are a traditional Middle Eastern spice used in pastries, dairy products, salads, and other foods. And for thousands of years, the oil has been applied topically and taken internally for virtually any ailment, from bruises, bad hair, colds, and snake bites to headaches, indigestion, and a variety of skin conditions, including leprosy. Black seed oil can be applied as a topical agent or taken by mouth. Please consult a holistic health practitioner for dosage amounts Below are some of the benefits.
Fighting Bacterial Infections Black seed oil has an unusual ability to fight bacterial infections, even drug-resistant ones such as MRSA. “Certainly not all oils or supplements are going to have that kind of antimicrobial benefit,” says Trevor Cates, ND, author of Clean Skin from Within. “We’re always trying to look at ways that we can reduce the use of antibiotics and just use them when they’re specifically indicated,” she says. “And a lot of times we can get by using natural things that have antimicrobial benefits.” Enhancing Weight Loss A study of 90 obese women found that adding black seed oil to a low-calorie diet produced more weight loss than the diet alone. And a study of 250 men found that black seed oil by itself, or in combination with turmeric, produced some weight loss and reduced risk factors for diabetes. Reducing Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms Taking 500 mg of black seed oil in capsules, twice per day, reduced swollen joints and morning stiffness in a study of 40 women suffering from rheumatoid arthritis. The disease is an autoimmune reaction, and the oil helps modu-
late the immune system. Relieving Indigestion and Heartburn Black seed oil can relieve dyspepsia, a combination of symptoms that can include indigestion and/or heartburn. A study of 70 people suffering from the condition found that 5 milliliters of the oil daily brought relief and reduced infection from H. pylori, a bacterium that can lead to ulcers. Improving Memory A study of 20 healthy volunteers found that taking black seed oil daily improved memory and attention. The dose was 500 mg, twice daily. Researchers concluded that it should be studied for its potential to prevent or slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. Lowering Cholesterol Black seed oil lowered cholesterol in a study of 88 adults with levels above 200 mg/dl, with total cholesterol dropping by an average of 4.78 percent, LDL (“bad”) cholesterol by 7.6 percent, and triglycerides by 16.65 percent. The dose was 2 grams daily.
As women, we do a lot to keep our sacred regions in shape: monthly waxes, birth control, and yearly checkups—and that’s just for starters. But if you want to give your yoni place the best care Yoni Steaming is our number 1 choice. I know you are thinking what is Yoni steaming? Yoni steaming is a powerful ancient remedy that has been used for centuries by women worldwide to support deep wellness. Also known as vaginal steaming, chai-yok, or bajo, it is a holistic health practice in which a woman allows the warmth of herbal steam to gently permeate the exterior of her vagina. Yoni is a Sanskrit word meaning “vagina,” “womb,” “goddess” or “origin of life,” and yoni steaming is intended to support all of these aspects of a woman. Today, countless women are rediscovering the practice. Here’s why: Improves the menstrual cycle The number one reason that many women practice yoni steaming is because of its ability to significantly reduce pain, bloating and exhaustion associated with menstruation, as well as to regulate irregular or absent menstrual cycles. It works like this: after the medicinal herbs release their cleansing and healing oils into hot water, they are carried via steam to the porous skin of the outer labia, where they are absorbed. The ancient wisdom says that from there, the properties of
the plants are carried through the bloodstream into the uterus, where they help to dislodge the stuck material that causes discomfort during menstruation. It may sound farfetched, but for countless women, the improvement in the cycle is undeniable. Heals the womb Perhaps a result of stress and environmental toxins in our world today, many women suffer from challenges such as uterine fibroids, ovarian cysts and endometriosis. In the same way that yoni steaming supports the uterus to shed old blood, it can help the miraculous organ to expel any non-essential tissue or cells, including polyps, cysts or endometrium growing outside the uterus. The result is a healthier womb, inside and out. Creates space for blissful relaxation To do a yoni steam, a woman sets aside 20-30 minutes of her time to focus on her own well-being and go inward. As she sits with herself, allowing the gentle herbs to permeate her body and release stuck material, she often experiences a powerful release of stored emotions and stress as well. This self-care routine provides an excellent time to reflect, meditate, practice pranayama or write in a journal, bringing a profound sense of relaxation and emotional well-being. Deeply connects a woman with her source of power Yoni steaming is an opportunity to connect deeply with, celebrate and cherish all aspects of our bodies and their
subtle energies, especially that of our yonis. As we learn to enjoy our wombs as the beautiful, sacred centers that they are, we deepen our relationship to the powerful feminine energy that each of us holds within. Using yoni steaming as the entry point, many women have learned to channel the potent energy of their wombs to unlock creative potential that serves their true self and life purpose. 5) Detoxifies To truly live in balance, we must detoxify our environment, our relationships and, of course, our own bodies. Yoni steaming works similarly to the way a steam room is used to draw toxins out of your body via the skin, or an herbal steam is used to clear congestion from your nasal passages when you have a cold. Likewise, steaming the exterior of your vagina draws out toxins and clears congestion from your womb. The gentle heat and moisture cause physical toxins to be released from cells into the lymphatic fluid, which is expelled from the body as sweat. 6) Makes sex more juicy On an emotional level, yoni steaming supports us to cultivate a profound sense of self-love and increases our self-confidence (especially as it relates to our yonis!), which helps us to feel more sexy and sensual. On the physical level, yoni steaming increases circulation and increases lubrication, which can help increase libido and makes sex more enjoyable! And, the very act of steaming is slightly arousing, which helps us get turned on! 7) Helps to increase fertility There may be many reasons for fertility challenges, but one of those reasons is induration (hardened lining) and buildup of old material in the venous lakes (folds) on the uterine walls. By breaking up this excess material and releasing it through menstruation, the uterine walls are prepared for a fertilized egg to attach and thrive. In many cases, this is the missing piece of the preparation for a successful pregnancy. 8) Speeds recovery after birth A yoni steam is called a “bajo” by Mayan midwives and is the traditional treatment used to
heal, cleanse and tone the reproductive system after birth. The ancient remedy is thought to clear any remaining material from the uterus after birth, assist with the repair of a vaginal tear, episiotomy, or C-section scar, and encourage the tissue to tighten. It is best to wait a week after birth before steaming in order to give mama’s body some time to heal on its own before introducing warm steam. While it is true that your uterus and vagina are self-cleaning and self-regulating organs, yoni steaming is a natural way to support your body to function optimally. Yet, yoni steaming is about more than uterine health. The practice brings a reconnection to the spiritual aspects of female body and the potent energy that lies within. It is not only an opportunity for women to celebrate and cherish our bodies, it is a tool for taking back ownership of our personal health, and for utilizing the wisdom of our ancestors to support and nourish our well-being today.
Meal Prepping Made Easy Staying in shape and eating healthy can be a difficult task when you are on the go. But with good planning and strategy eating healthy meals can be a breeze. Try these 5 east tips to help you plan healthy meals even when your time is limited.
1. Make a Plan Make a list of your favorite healthy foods, choose simple recipes that can be made quickly or in bulk, and decide what you’ll eat for every snack and meal. 2. Stick to Your Grocery List Don’t let junk food sneak into your shopping cart. Not having it in the house means not having to use your willpower to avoid it. Want to make an impulse purchase? If you can find a way to fit it into your eating plan for the week, go for it. Just keep these to a minimum so nothing goes to waste. By sticking to your list and by minimizing the impulse buys, you’ll help yourself save money. 3. Keep Snacks Simple When you’re cooking everything for the week at once, it’s important to keep things simple. Save time by choosing snacks that don’t require a lot of time to put together. Fresh fruit, hard-boiled eggs, and pre-cut veggies with prepared hummus are great choices. 4. Cook Foods All At Once Roasting vegetables, sweet potatoes, and even chicken breasts all at once will save you time, and cut down on your utility bill. Imagine…all of your side dishes for the week…ready in about 30 minutes! 5. Invest in Food Storage Containers A small investment in food containers of various sizes to suit your needs will make a world of difference. It’s a good idea to choose one container type and buy several that stack and store neatly. If you choose plastic containers, make sure they are BPA-free and that they won’t melt in the microwave or dishwasher. Sturdy Pyrex dishes with lids are also great as are Mason jars. If you decide to go all-in on the meal prep lifestyle, you might want to think about getting an insulated bag to carry your meals everywhere you go.
Fall Recipes Savory Butternut Squash Soup 1 bay leaf 6 sprigs fresh parsley 4 sprigs fresh thyme 1 Tbsp. Whole peppercorns 1 cup white wine 5 cups water 2 large onions, diced, with 1/4 cup reserved 3 cups butternut squash, peeled and diced Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste Pinch of nutmeg, to taste 2 Tbsp. white truffle oil, optional 1/4 cup Corn Nuts snack, plain flavor, coarsely crushed, for garnish
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Place the carrot, celery, parsley, thyme, peppercorns, bay leaf, white wine, water, and all but 1/4 cup of the onions in a large pot, bring to a boil, and then reduce the heat and simmer for 2 to 3 hours. Strain the soup, discard the pulp, and return the liquid to the pot. Add the squash and remaining onion to the pot and cook over medium heat until the squash is tender. Transfer the squash, onion, and one cup of the liquid (reserving the remaining liquid in a separate container) to a blender or food processor and blend until smooth. Season it with salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Add the truffle oil, if desired. Blend again until oil is incorporated. Pour the purĂŠe back into the pot and add some of the reserved liquid, stirring to achieve desired consistency. Ladle the soup into bowls and sprinkle Corn Nuts over each.
Ingredients Pad Thai Sauce 1 tbsp brown rice wine vinegar 3 tbsp. low-sodium tamari 2 tsp. sambal oelek (chili paste) 2 garlic cloves, minced 1 tbsp. maple syrup Pad Thai 1 medium spaghetti squash, split in half lengthwise and seeds scraped 4 tbsp olive oil 1 red bell pepper, chopped into strips, seeds removed 4 scallions, cut into 1-2 inch pieces 3 tbsp. chopped peanuts lime wedges, to serve cilantro, to serve purple cabbage, to serve
SPAGHETTI SQUASH PAD THAI Instructions Pre-heat the oven to 400 degrees F. In a glass baking dish, place squash halves face down. Bake for 30 minutes. While squash is baking, whisk together all of the pad thai sauce ingredients. Set aside. Make the spicy peanut tofu sauce. Whisk rice wine vinegar, tamari, sambal oelek, peanut butter, maple syrup, sesame oil and water together in a medium-sized bowl. Add tofu pieces to bowl and lightly stir to coat. When ready, remove squash from the oven and shred the inside with a fork to make “noodles.� Set noodles aside. Warm 2 tbsp of olive oil in a wok or large skillet over medium heat. Add spicy peanut tofu. Stir fry until golden brown. Remove tofu from skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, warm 2 tbsp of olive oil and add red bell pepper. Saute for 3-5 minutes. Add spaghetti squash noodles to the skillet and warm for an additional 3 minutes. Pour pad thai sauce over pad thai and lightly stir to coat. Add tofu to the skillet to combine. Plate pad thai and top with chopped peanuts, cilantro, scallions and cabbage. Shower with fresh lime juice.
Southwestern Stuffed Spaghetti Squash Recipe from of healthiersteps.com
Instructions Preheat oven 400 degrees F. Slice squash in half lengthwise from 1 medium spaghetti squash 1 tablespoon olive oil, or 1/4 cup water, for stem to base. Remove seeds along with membranes and discard using a spoon, being careful not to remove the flesh. sautéing 1 medium onion, chopped Place halves cut side down on a baking tray and bake for 50 min3 cloves garlic, minced utes until flesh is tender. 1 small red bell pepper, diced 2 spring onion, chopped Remove from oven and allow to cool enough to handle, about 30 1 1/2 cups cooked black beans, or 1-15 minutes. Then remove strands by using a fork to pull on the flesh. ounce can rinse and drained Set aside and reserve squash bowls. 1/2 cup corn kernels 1/2 teaspoon cumin powder 1/4 cup cilantro chopped, extra for garnish- Heat large skillet with oil or water and sautee’’’ onion until soft, about 4 minutes. Add garlic, bell pepper, green onions and cook ing stirring for 2 minutes. 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon Cayenne pepper, optional Add black beans, corn, cumin, cilantro, sea salt, cayenne pepper, stir to combine and cook for 1 minute. Add the squash strands Cashew cheese sauce stirring until fully combined. 1/2 cup water 1/4 cup raw cashews, soaked for 30 minutes Fill squash bowls with mixture and top with cashew cheese sauce. 1/2 lemon juiced If using store bought vegan cheese, return to oven to melt for 4 1/4 cup red bell pepper, chopped minutes. Garnish with chopped cilantro and dive in! 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast flakes 1 tablespoon onion, chopped Cashew cheese sauce 1 garlic clove Place ingredients in a high speed blender and process until 1 teaspoon salt smooth. Pour sauce in a medium saucepan and heat on medium-high heat until thickened stirring with a wire whisk.
Ingredients 3 medium leeks (ends trimmed, sliced lengthwise then chopped, thoroughly rinsed, and dried) 1 medium beet (rinsed clean, dried, and quartered - remove any rough skin) 1-2 Tbsp olive oil 1/4 tsp each salt and pepper 1/2 cup green lentils (rinsed clean) 1 cup vegetable stock (or sub water) 4 big handfuls kale, baby spinach, or spring TAHINI DRESSING 1/4 cup tahini (sesame seed paste) 1/2 medium lemon (juiced) 2 Tbsp maple syrup (or sweetener of choice) 3-4 Tbsp good olive oil 1 pinch each salt and pepper Instructions Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (204 C) and lightly grease a baking sheet. Once thoroughly rinsed, add lentils and stock or water to a small saucepan and bring to a rapid simmer over medium-high heat. Then reduce heat and simmer for 20-30 minutes uncovered or until all liquid is absorbed. Set aside. Add chopped leeks and beets to the baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Toss to coat. Then bake for 15-20 minutes or until fragrant and lightly browned. For crispier beets, remove leeks from pan and continue roasting beets for an additional 10-15 minutes (I prefer mine crispier). Set aside. While veggies and lentils are cooking, prepare dressing by adding all ingredients to a mixing bowl and whisking to combine. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. If using kale, add to large mixing bowl with a bit of olive oil and lemon juice and massage with hands to soften. For all other greens, skip this step. Add greens, beets, leeks, and lentils to a large mixing bowl, add dressing and toss to coat. For additional protein / crunch, add your favorite nut or seed (such as lightly salted sunflower seeds or roasted pecans).
KALE, LENTIL, & ROASTED BEET SALAD
Womb Health
The Talk Every Woman Must Have With
Chef Ahki Written by Azizah Nubia
The womb of a woman is a place of nourishment, creativity, and power. A place where she can be at one with her source. Every human being on this planet has made it here via a womb which would make you think that the womb is a sacred place. But to many women the womb has been used to harbor anger, pain, and shame that eventually manifest into some form of reproductive dysfunction like Fibroids tumors. Have you ever wondered why so many women especially black women suffer from problems because of their wombs? What is happening in our world where African-American women are two to three times more likely to have recurring fibroids or suffer from complications from them. More than 400,000 hysterectomies are performed in the U.S. each year with nearly 68 percent done for benign conditions that involve abnormal uterine bleeding, uterine fibroids and endometriosis.
These are conditions that can be easily reversed with major lifestyle changes. When we feel DisEase it is a sign that our body is trying to get our attention and with this epidemic of womb health disparities it is clear that our wombs are crying out for help. This led me to reach out to Celebrity Chef Ahki for her expertise in healing the womb. Chef Ahki has had a very close look at the horrors of having to have a hysterectomy. From having to watch her sister undergo a full hysterectomy at the age of 20 after a series of surgeries trying to treat her ovarian cyst. It was during this time that Chef Ahki looked into the connection between the female reproductive system and our food. Many women believe that this epidemic of womb diseases should not be something we just accept without diligent examination of our lifestyles. As women we have to get this right. Get in touch
with your body’s language and take personal inventory on our physical body, mental, emotional and nutritional health. Through Chef Ahki’s years of study and research she narrowed down 5 major contributing factor to female reproductive health problems those factors are: 1. Food- Most of the food that we eat grow tumors. Diets high in dairy and meat feed tumors in our body. Most meats are filled with growth hormones that are highly estrogenic so when we ingest them they will grow things in us too. 2. Birth Control - Many women are put on birth control pills to regulate their menstrual flow. But the excess estrogen from the pills throws our endocrine system causing unbalanced hormones to be produced in our bodies which often leads to the body producing tumorous growths. 3. Body & Hair Care Products- Black women spend
the most when it comes to hair and beauty products and the majority of those products are filled with chemicals that our bodies drink up including our reproductive organs. 4. Feminine Hygiene Products- Many of the sanitary pads and tampons that we use are filled with toxic chemicals that are absorbed into our bodies causing the toxins to accumulate in our reproductive organs. 5. Environmental This pertains to your surroundings, neighborhoods, and pollutions. Lets not forget the toxic energy of other people. Through proper education and resources there is hope for women who want to heal themselves. Surgery doesn’t have to be the last resort in removing fibroid tumors and correcting your reproductive health issue. You can reverse it, “This is a pandemic there is over 58 billion dollars spent on hysterectomy surgeries a year and this does not have to
be. These issues can be reversed and the first step I tell women to take in reclaiming their health is cut out the meat and dairy completely. Cut out the birth control, start using natural products for your hair, skin, and feminine needs. These are the steps you can begin taking if you want to save your womb. If you have 1 or even 8 fibroids be encouraged that you can shrink them and heal”
The Spiritual Connection to Healing our Wombs With any dis-ease the root to the problem lies deep within ourselves. Before your dis-ease became physical it had a spiritual origin. Female reproductive health issues stem from denying your true divine feminine self and accepting the “outer worlds” perception of who you truly are. Chef Ahki believes in addition to women being cautious in what they are putting into their bodies she also feels that understanding how your feelings add to your overall health. “Everything in our hormonal system is a chemical, hormone is just a fancy word for biological chemical. These hormones are produced by glands in the body so when we hear words like Oxytocin and dopamine these are chemicals that are connected to our feelings. And these feelings are connected to how we are perceiving reality which is connected to your spiritual experience. You cannot have a holistic approach to this without taking into account the mind body & spiritual component to healing.” “Most women that I have helped heal from these issues have a past of some form of sexual or abusive misconduct that has led them down a road where they resent their wombs. When you start to resent your womb because of fear and shame you begin to send the signal to your womb that you want to cut it off this eventually this leads spirit into giving you what you want resulting in your womb actually being cut out.” Queen Afua & Dr. Jewel Pookrum have taught about the spiritual connection to reproductive health for years and its simple. Sis, if you want to birth a great life you are going to have to put good things in, thoughts, prayers, idea, and food, if not you will produce little monsters in the form of fibroids, tumors, and ovarian cyst.”
Pica: What Your Cornstarch Addiction is really About. Written by Azizah Nubia
Pica is a psychological disorder characterized by an appetite for substances that are largely non-nutrient. The word pica comes from the Latin word for magpie, a bird with a reputation for eating practically anything. According to DSM-IV (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th Edition) criteria, for these actions to be considered pica, they must persist for more than one month at an age where eating such objects is considered developmentally inappropriate, not part of culturally sanctioned practice and sufficiently severe to warrant clinical attention. Pica has been linked to other mental and emotional disorders. Stressors such as emotional trauma, maternal deprivation, family issues, parental neglect, pregnancy, and a disorganized family structure are strongly linked to pica as a form of comfort. Amylophagia: A Form of Pica Amylophagia is a form of pica , which is characterized by the compulsive consumption of purified starch in excessive amounts. Unlike the traditional starchy staples that are found in a traditional diet, such as
potatoes or rice, patients with this condition have a strong craving to eat refined starches including laundry and cornstarch. Eating cornstarch and similar starchy foods in large quantities can be a serious health hazard. This is because cornstarch is produced through chemical processes and has limited nutritional benefits. Amylophagia most commonly occurs in pregnant women, but can occur in other demographics. Amylophagia: The Symptoms Patients with amylophagia may go through many boxes of starch a week and may or may not hide their eating habits. If you or someone you know experiences these symptoms, it’s essential to contact your doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment. Without treatment, the following complications may occur: • Iron deficiency anemia • Infection • Intestinal obstruction • Malnutrition
• Hardened mass in the abdomen • Chronic Yeast Infections • Heart Indigestion • Stomach Upset • Diabetes • Excessive Weight Gain • Cancer For example, small amounts of cornstarch thicken gravies and fruit pies. People with amylophagia may eat two or three boxes of cornstarch a week. Ingesting one-half box or more of cornstarch daily releases enough sugar into the blood stream to send blood glucose levels rocketing. That can trigger diabetes, especially in pregnant women. Starting a detox When thinking about detoxing it is super important to be prepared. You will have to decide how long you want to detox and how you will detox. How long should I Detox? It takes 21 days for our brains to break any habit so if you want to break the starch addiction planning for a 21 or 30 day detox will be your best bet. But if you are new to detoxing and want to take baby steps try a 3, 7, or 10 day system. What Detox System Should I use? When choosing a detox system there are several things to consider, but the main thing is finding a sys- tem that will be simple. Some detoxes will have you running to the bathroom every 20 minutes, some will have you swallowing about 10 pills day. It is important to do your research and find the best system that will work for you. As an added gesture for signing up for this eBook Natural Body Detox Systems are offering you $10 off of any of their 3,7, or 21 day detox cleanses. Their easy 3-step system comes with 2 delicious herbal tea formulas and a powerful detox elixir that will have you feeling great from the inside out. Check out their coupon at the end of this ebook. What do I eat during my detox? To get the best results from your detox it is best to eat a diet of 75% live foods and 25% cooked whole foods. If you consume meat limit your meat consumption and eliminate red meats and pork for
the duration of your detox. A big reason for this is the possibility of intestinal parasite that maybe be causing you to crave the starch because it breaks down into sugar. One of the main symptoms with over con- suming starches is yeast infection. Yeast thrives on sugar so eliminating sugar from your diet will help you with the success of your detox. We also recommend drinking a gallon of distilled water every day during the detox. Distilled water will help your body move out toxins faster then any other water you drink.
Detoxing From Pica eBook Free Download (Click on the Book)
Mornin Afta
Artist Spotlight: R&B Sensation Marcus Patterson is without a doubt a star ion the rise. Known throughout the city of Baltimore and beyond as Mornin Afta. He has opened for acts like Rick Ross, Fabulous, Lil Uzi Very, Migos.
Mornin says one of his biggest goals as an artist is to one day sell out a show in his hometown of Baltimore. “The Pill 2” is what Mornin Afta is calling a upgrade from the Pill. It highlights the transformation of his artistry and his ability to take his life skills and relate them to the lives of his listeners. To capture his energy and emotions for this project, he collaborated with some of Baltimore’s best professional and college producers; he also collaborated with Atlanta producer Ashley “priority beats” Gainey. Check out
www.MorninAfta.com Facebook.com/MorninAfta Twitter: @ItsMorninAfta IG: MorninAfta YouTube.com/MorninAfta SoundCloud.com/MorninAfta
Click to Watch Mornin Afta’s Can’t Help It
Natural Woman On The Scene Cincinnati Music Festival Women’s Liberation Workshop The historical Cincinnati Jazz Festival aka Cincinnati Music Festival is a Midwest tradition making it the 2nd largest RnB Music Festival in the United States. Hosting over 90,000+ people for a 3-day musical, empowerment and cultural experience connecting music lovers with the sights, sounds, and spirit of the Queen City. The Cincinnati Music Festival was held at the Paul Brown Stadium and included an exciting lineup of performances that featured Charlie Wilson, Tamar Braxton, Common, Xscape, Jill Scott, Keith Sweat, O’Jays, The Roots, After 7, Boyz II Men, and Cincinnati’s own Bootsy Collins. The festival kicked off on Thursday with the Party with a Purpose Pre-Party hosted by MC Lyte and DJ Jazzy Jeff. The event included local performances and an Epic Fashion Show with Lead designer Chanel Meyers the creator of Shingo Fashions. Procter & Gamble was this year’s lead sponsor and they included several brand experiences for spectators to enjoy during the festival. The experiences included the Gold Goddess Patio Spa that featured a self-service beauty bar for hair touch-ups and stylist consultations. The Old Spice Man Cave where men (and women) could kick back and play cards, or even air hockey. And the Ultimate Pre-show plaza that featured performances from local artist and musicians. More than Just A Music Festival… This year’s festival included many activities throughout the Queen City that promoted Women’s Empowerment and Black Entrepreneurship.
Afro Swag
P&G’s My Black Is Beautiful collaborated with the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center and the Greater Cincinnati Association of Black Journalist to host the “Navigating Barriers and Possibilities” community event. The event included an opening keynote regarding entrepreneurship advancement for women by the legendary Hip Hop pioneer MC Lyte and Financial and Business Guru Dr. Lynn Richardson. The weekend also included The Cincy Soul Black Taste this was a city-wide event created by Julian “Jay” Rodg. The event was held on Fountain Square in the heart of Cincinnati, it included free concerts, Black-owned food vendors and a plethora of black-owned businesses that created a “Wakanda like” vendors market for the 3 day weekend. Capturing a National Platform… Capturing the excitement of the weekend and bringing the events and conversations surrounding CMF to a national platform P&G partnered with the Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN) and their high-rated series, Love Is. This partnership will give the OWN audience an all-access look into the “best of the fest.” From celebrating empowerment amongst Black women at the community event to engaging with the festival’s hottest musical acts,
and offering an up-close tour around P&G’s interactive brand experiences. These festival moments will air on August 7th during commercial breaks with the show. Proctor & Gamble and will continue to support its home city by sponsoring the Cincinnati Music Festival through 2022. P&G’s Chief Diversity Officer, William P. Gipson shared that “during the past four years, we’ve witnessed the power of music and its authentic ability to encourage empowering messages, establish strong community connections, and foster an inclusive spirit while celebrating diversity.
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Natural Hair
Love
We know that some of the flyest Natural Hair style can’t be found on a hair runway. So Natural Woman Magazine asked our readers to send in their #Natural Hair pictures so we can see how you rock your natural.
Cassonia Brunson Fb: cassonia Brunson Age 31
Who says natural hair isn’t versatile without heat? Check out these protective styles for all of the naturalistas out there.
Crochet Styles Unlike extended braids and twists, with crochet styles, none of your hair is exposed. The cornrows underneath the style you choose will protect your hair from being tugged at or broken off. This style is also extremely versatile.
The Twist-out
The Pompadour
This style works best right after the shower. Find your favorite natural hair mousse and throw in some simple two-strand twists. Either sit under an overhead dryer until your hair is dry or throw on a bonnet and go to bed so that you can wake up and slay, honey.
Janelle Monáe would be so proud. This no-heat style is perfect for a glam night out.
Bantu Knots
The ‘Fro
The “Pineapple”
Looking for something cute and funky? Put that curling iron back under the sink. Bantu knots are the style for you. You can keep them knotted or un-knot them for a cute bouncy look.
The key to keeping your ‘fro looking Let a few curls rest on your spectacular all day long is moisture. forehead for a cute natural hair Find a good leave-in conditioner styled bang. for natural hair and don’t forget that coconut oil.
Roller Styles Naturalistas, flexi rods are your friends. There are so many cute possibilities to try. This style also works best on wet hair!
The Head-wrap The possibilities are endless. Check out a naturalista YouTube tutorial to find out how to create the perfect look.
The “Roll and Tuck” It’s simple and it’s cute. If you need a quick and easy style to throw in your hair before your 8 a.m. class, this is the look for you.
1. Extended Braids and Twists Add some braiding hair or Marley hair to your box braids, Havana twists, Senegalese twists, Poetic Justice braids or whatever other style of braids or twists you desire. They all protect your hair from heat and breakage for up to three months AND they’re versatile.
Non-extended Braids and Twists Once you’re about six-eight months into your natural hair journey, you can begin braiding and twisting your hair into whatever style you wish. The possibilities are endless and none of them require heat!
NYFW Take Over
New York Fashion Week was just a few weeks ago and if you have been plugged into social media you already know the week was full of fun, excitement and a few punches. From the Cardi B and Nicki Minaj altercation to Rihanna taking sexy to a new level. Natural Woman Magazine has the scoop on what you missed this year. Coverage by Tammarah Overton
Pyer Moss Makes a Bold Statement at #NYFW Kerby Jean-Raymond of up-and-coming New York fashion label Pyer Moss made a cultural statement in front of his NYFW crowd by taking them into the Brooklyn historic neighborhood of Weeksville, home of one of the first free black communities in the U.S. Set outdoors in what is now a cultural center, with a gospel choir 40-strong singing as rain softly fell, the show marked the 5th anniversary of the activist fashion label founded by Jean-Raymond, who, incidentally, dressed Kaepernick for the cover of GQ in a custom shirt listing the names of unarmed victims killed by the police. After taking on themes of police brutality and racism in previous collections, Jean-Raymond made headlines in June when he dressed Issa Rae for the CFDA Awards in a sparkling blue jumpsuit with a belt reading “Every N—Is A Star.” The belt, the designer told the time, he was inspired by the cultural phenomenon he’s observed of black people often being depicted as tragic figures. “We never talk about who they love, people with their children and their love for their families. It’s always a tragic figure or as firsts — first black man to do this, first black person to do this — but what about just a
bus driver?” he says. “We don’t have to be Jay-Z, we don’t have to be Kerby Jean-Raymond, we don’t have to be Issa Rae, we can just be who we are and just exist and we’re still superstars in our own rights, no matter what we do.”
Photography by Getty Images
Rihanna Breaks Fashion Week Norms with the Debut of Savage x Fenty Live-streamed to the world from Brooklyn, the show was more of an interactive, dance experience than your standard runway show. Models and dancers weaved throughout a garden of Eden-inspired setting, complete with waterfall, hills, trees, and greenhouses. The runway looks featured bras, pants, teddies, nightgowns, pajama sets, and most notably, a cutout one piece that highlighted Slick Wood’s very pregnant stomach. The collection is available to cop now via the Savage x Fenty online store. Rihanna really celebrated diversity and inclusivity in the show, championing women of all races and sizes in the theatrical display. Names such as Bella and Gigi Hadid, Duckie Thot, Slick Woods, Joan Smalls, Raisa Flowers, Paloma Elsesser, Leomie Anderson, Carissa Pinkston, Jazzelle Zanaughtti, Indira Scott, among others, were all included.
Photography by Getty Images
Photography by Getty Images
Fashion Week Spotlight Eunika Simmons owner of Naked Roots Clothing line is a woman of many skills and talents. Eunika’s work has been featured on several runways, production site and even music videos. Fashion being one of Simmon’s passions nothing means more to her than leaving behind a legacy which is why she founded Young Gods Clothing Line for her two son’s NIGEL SIMMONS and CARLOS SIMMONS. They created a brand to represent the younger generation of fashion conscious youths who inspire to make a positive statement to the world. Young Gods inspires one to reach their fullest potential as they are reminded by the Egyptian Gods and Goddesses who grace the face of each handmade garment. Young Gods represent a lifestyle that younger people can adapt at any age. It teaches one to be responsible, loving, helpful, beautiful, happy and Great, not only to yourself or others but to the Earth that we live on. It shows everyone that you make a difference and have power to make the world a better place. As the Kings/Queens/Gods/Goddess of Ancient Egypt/Kemit built one of the most Advanced Civilizations so can we.Young Gods only uses Natural fabrics to create each garment. Every design is crafted with love and consideration. There is no factory usage to make any of the clothing as Eunika Simmons spends her time sketching, designing, cutting, sewing and creating these one of a kind Young Gods clothing pieces. Young Godz was recently featured in New York Fashion Week at the HighTech Moda Fashion Show. Check out these cutting edge designs.
Chef Ahki
It’s All In The Cards: The Science of Cardology 101 With Aquarius Maximus What if I told you that your deck of playing cards can help guide you in life? Well that is true according to Cardologist Aquarius Maximus. Aquarius Maximus is a Cardologer/Astrologer, Tech mogul, Developer, Designer, Iyanifa and Founding Member of The International Association of Cardology. Cardology is the ancient and mystical science of the playing cards. It is a method that uses numbers and symbols to quantify energy. Similar to Astrology, Cardology, determines how an energy - or a card is going to play out. Maximus explains that “Cardology is a blueprint that can easily navigate a person through life’s obstacles. Both Cardology and Astrology are powerful in that they enable people to make more conscious decisions in their life, and making conscious decisions naturally empowers you.” Cardology can be used to help you reveals the core of who you are and guide you in what is going on in your life. Cardology can also show you how to best walk your path, which enables you to grow and add to the growth of All-That-Is.
“When you learn these tools, you cannot escape the fact that there are no victims in this game, only players.” Aquarius give daily horoscopes and insight into current events and trending topics. Learn how Cardology can enhance you life visit Aquarius Maximus website and receive a complimentary reading. Click Picture Below
How Does Crystal Healing Work?
Research into the structure of the atom over the last few hundred years has revealed that everything in our entire universe is made up of energy. Even solid objects, like a piece of furniture or the hair on your head, are really just vibrations of energy at the most fundamental levels. It may not look like it to your eye, but healing crystals and the cells in your body are made up of the same kind of energy. Scientists have already figured out how to use the energy inherent in crystals for all kinds of things like keeping time using small quartz crystals in your watch or creating the electronic components to your computer and smart-phone. Whether you realize it or not, the energetic properties of healing crystals and stones are widely used in our modern technology. We even use crystals in our medications. Many pharmaceuticals are made by grinding up minerals that form inside of healing crystals. Even though our culture has several uses for the energetic properties of crystals, we have neglected to standardize their use in energetic healing. Just like magnets use energy to attract or repel, healing stones crystals use energy in the same way. When you place certain crystals over certain parts of your body, your energy transforms, vibrates, pulses, moves and shifts in accordance with the properties and energetic signature of the crystal. When it comes to crystal healing the biggest questions people have is “does it work�? Crystal healing is an alternative medicine technique that employs stones and crystals. Crystal healers places crystals on different parts of the body, often corresponding to chakras; and or placing crystals around the body in an attempt to construct an energy grid, which is purported to surround the client with healing energy.
Order Your Guide Into Crystal Healing Ebook
You will receive your very own set of crystals chakra set
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