#PeriodPower! We’re Sharing All Your Period Stories…

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Isn’t it strange to think that despite half of the planet experiencing periods at some point in their lives, we still feel a need to hide it as if it were some horrible, unnatural thing? It’s time for that to change! The reality is, that periods are natural. And more importantly, this isn’t just an issue for people who menstruate, those who don’t have periods also need to take part in the conversation and educate themselves on the menstrual cycle.

Fortunately, many amazing organizations are drawing attention to this issue and getting the conversation going – find out more about how you can get involved here. We wanted to support this movement and hear your #PeriodPower stories too, because the more we share, learn and destigmatize periods, the more empowered we are. Our bodies are powerful, and that is nothing to feel shameful about!

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We recently asked you guys to join us in this movement and send in your period stories via our @BeautyLeeBar Instagram DMs, and we were so overwhelmed with the response from you all! We’re sharing some of your incredible stories below – we’re sure there are so many here that you can all relate to and many others that will open your eyes to a bigger issue.

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Thank you so much to everyone who sent in their period stories – we heard some truly heartwarming and eye-opening stories. We also received so much support from you on continuing this story, so stay tuned!

One other important key issue some of these story’s highlight is just how much period poverty there is across the world. Period poverty affects people globally, and in some cases, many women are forced to use unsanitary and toxic substitutes or are restricted to their houses or bathroom for days. For many, missing school because of their period is all too common. Find out more about period poverty and how you can get involved here.

Let’s carry on this conversation… Leave your #PeriodPower Stories in the comments below (leave an anonymous comment by not writing your full name, or by writing ‘anonymous’ in the name section, and no other details will be published). Thank you for joining us!

WHAT DO YOU GUYS THINK?

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Why Knotless Braids Are All the Rage RN

Published on by Lee2 Comments

Knotless braids are the rave in today’s hair fashion even though knotless braids have been around since the 2000s.Celebrities like Beyonce, Zendaya, Jhene Aiko, Kelly Rowland, and Keke Palmer, to mention a few, have all rocked this particular hairstyle in all its glory. Traditional box braids are beautiful, but they also demand high maintenance. With knotless braids, there is no such thing: they’re easy to style as well as maintain.

Knotless braids are your typical box braids but without the traditional knot that is started at the base or root of the hair. Unlike traditional braids, which typically add extensions at the root, knotless braids begin with your natural hair and then extensions are fed in further down the braid.

Because knotless braids do not begin with a knot, there’s very little tension on the scalp, thereby lessening the soreness that braids usually have, thereby allowing you to leave the salon headache-free. It’ll prevent tension bumps that occur when the hair follicle is inflamed, which causes a red sore to arise! Another major benefit of knotless braids is that you can style your hair and sleep comfortably straight after the appointment, without any pain!

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What Are the Benefits of Knotless Braids?

  • They Serve as Protective Styles: If you want to take a break from styling your hair while still protecting it, knotless braids are the right choice.
  • They Are Painless: As I have mentioned before, traditional box braids require a tight hold on the hair roots which causes pain. Knotless braids do not require a tight grip and, as such, are painless.
  • A Natural Look: Because of how they’re installed, knotless braids give a seamless natural look.
  • They Are Low Maintenance Styles: Knotless braids only require that you oil your scalp/hair roots at least every three days to prevent dryness.
  • They Last Long: You can keep them in your hair for as long as you want. However, I advise that you only keep them in, for 4 – 8 weeks.
  • They’re Easy to Take Out: All you need to do is snip out with scissors where your hair stops on the extension and then begin to loosen the braids.
  • No Tangles/Knots in Your Hair Afterward: Since knotless braids do not start at the base of your hair, they don’t leave it all tangled up at the roots. So, you don’t lose much hair when you’re taking them out. Hey, there’s a reason they’re called “knotless”. In all, knotless braids don’t damage the hair.
  • allow me to retain all my new growth and protect the older parts of my hair.
  • enables me to moisturize my hair and scalp without issue, and cleanse and care for my scalp.

Possibly the only downside of having knotless braids is they don’t necessarily last as long as other braids tend to – four to six weeks. Hair Stylist explains that the longer you leave them in, the more hair damage can occur if they’re not taken care of properly, or if the braids are heavier. It is always a great idea with any hairstyle to give your natural hair a break. If you are someone who braids your hair back-to-back, this can eventually take a toll on your strands and cause breakage or damage

It’s important to take care of them with oils and nightly wrapping.

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Another thing to keep in mind is knotless braids take longer to install than other braiding techniques as you’re consistently stopping to add extra hair.

The best way to keep your knotless braids healthy is by wrapping them up every night before bed and oiling the scalp to maintain moisture. Here are our favorites: Camille Rose MINT CONDITION BRAID AND SCALP SPRAY $12, Mielle Rosemary and Mint Scalp & Hair Strengthening Oil $10, Tea Tree Oil $3, Jamaican black castor oil $7, Shea Moisture Moringa & Avocado Power Greens Hair Rinse $13 …. just to name a few!

Don’t Want to Braid Your Hair? Do This Instead

You may love braids but don’t want to add extensions to your hair because of certain reasons best known to you. However, you can still rock braids on your head as though you braided them into your hair. How? Get a braided wig! Braided wigs are easy to wear, and the fun part is you can take them off and put them back on whenever you want! The best part? No one will even notice!

Do you like knotless braids? Ready to join the knotless box braid gang? Let us know in the comments below.

HOMEMADE ROSEMARY + COCONUT OIL MASK

Published on by Lee1 Comment

New year, new you right? Ya Ya, we’ve heard it (and said it) all before. And while we all have goals and things, we want to do to better ourselves, we also understand that it doesn’t all happen at once. Let’s take our beauty routines for example. Refreshed and glowing skin is always at the top of our lists. But honestly, after the holidays who has $$$ to spend on new masks and serums and creams and whatever else we need? That’s why we did a bit of research and made our mask instead. It checks off a few boxes on our list of being better humans. Self-care? Check. Save money? Check. Take care of our skin? Check.

And guess what? You can probably make this with items already in your kitchen leftover from breakfast. It’s 4 simple ingredients with a few steps to a refreshing mask that you’ll want to make a daily habit (if we all had the luxury of time to treat ourselves to a mask a day!). We love it while we’re listening to our favorite podcast, reading a chapter in a new book, or even during a girls’ night in with a little rosé.

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Rich in nutrients including iron, calcium, vitamins, and antioxidants, rosemary in various forms —rosemary extract, rosemary oil, and rosemarinic acid —is effective for many skin types and is found in skincare cleansers, soaps, face masks, toners, and creams. This herb is used widely in aromatherapy as its stimulant properties refresh, rejuvenate and help you feel energized.

Rosemary is a potent antioxidant; it protects the skin and prevents signs of premature aging. Aside from its anti-aging properties, it’s great for acne, dry skin, and eczema. Not to mention you can also use this mask as a hair mask. 

When massaged into the face, rosemary oil can help lightens dark spots and blemishes on the skin resulting in an improved skin complexion. The anti-inflammatory properties of rosemary extract help to reduce swelling and puffiness of the skin. It also helps to heal burns and soothe the skin.

Ingredients:

  • 1 tbsp. coconut oil
  • 1 sprig of rosemary (finally putting my garden to use!)
  • 4-5 tbsp. Greek yogurt (more for a thicker consistency)
  • 1 tbsp. honey
  • sugar (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Roughly chop rosemary
  2. Melt coconut oil in a small saucepan and mix in the rosemary
  3. Simmer this mixture for 8-10 minutes, rosemary will begin to lose its color
  4. Remove from heat and strain rosemary pieces from the mixture. Discard rosemary
  5. Add oil to a mixing bowl and let cool slightly
  6. Before oil has solidified but has had time to cool, mix in Greek yogurt + honey. The paste should be smooth so take your time mixing!
  7. Refrigerate for 10 minutes to ensure your mixture is cold
  8. Finally, mix in the sugar (use sugar if you are using it immediately, it will act as an exfoliant. if you are saving for later, don’t add until you are ready to use)
  9. Store in the refrigerator for 1-2 weeks (we’d recommend using this mask 1-2 times per week if you love it!)

* Makes 3-4 masks *

Why am I putting this on my face?

  • Rosemary oil helps stimulate cell renewal, promoting healthy healing, while moisturizing and improving skin circulation.
  • Greek yogurt is full of lactic acid that helps smooth dry, rough skin and dissolves dead skin that clogs pores. Its anti-bacterial properties are great for acne-prone skin.
  • Honey can almost do it all. It promotes collagen building, it’s moisturizing, and its antioxidants nourish the skin which can assist in the healing of acne scars.
  • Sugar, as explained above, will act as an exfoliant if you are using your mask right away. When applying, lightly massage the mask onto your skin. If you are saving your mask for later use, do not add the sugar as it will dissolve. You can add if you decide to right before use.
  • Coconut oil contains vitamin E and saturated fats which moisturize, repair, and restore quickly as it is rapidly absorbed into the epidermis.

How to use it?

After you have washed your face, remove the mask from the refrigerator. Apply a generous amount all over the face, avoiding the eye area. Wait about 30 minutes or until the mask feels dry and rinse. We recommend following up with your favorite serum and/or moisturizer.

How did it work for us?

After this mask, we noticed that our dark spots looked more faded and our skin looked even, vibrant, moisturized, and was glowing. The skin felt so soft that we thought we were in heaven. Didn’t even need to add any moisturizer because the skin was already soft and hydrated! It’s going to be a go-to for a quick weekday refresh!

Warning: Always do an allergy patch test before applying anything to the face. What works for us may not work for you!

Is a skincare refresh on your to-do list for the new year? What masks have you tried making at home?

What I Wish I’d Known Before Working with Kids

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With me leaving a job, this year I decided my next job will be in a field that I am passionate about. I enjoy helping kids and adults who can’t help themselves at the moment. It was between a private nurse, nanny, or teacher. The school that I am working at now kind of just fell in my lap. I needed a job and as a kid, I did want to become a teacher, so it felt right to try it out.

A school reached out to me and was impressed by my resume. I was informed of an opening working as a daycare teacher that takes care of kids who are 3 weeks to 2 years old until they head over to Preschool. Perfect. Right?

Not entirely. Whilst working with kids can be a massively rewarding job, it certainly has its hardships which I wasn’t quite prepared for. I received training during the starting of my new role, but what this training could not prepare me for was the often stressful, often hilarious, crazy things kids get up to. Here are some of the things I wish I’d known before taking the plunge.

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You’re not going to get paid a lot.

When I started as an assistant daycare teacher, I quickly learned that typically daycare teachers usually make $10 hourly. The salary only bumped up a little when you become the main classroom teacher or the director. That’s not a joke: As of Mar 20, 2022, the average annual pay for a Daycare Teacher in Miami is $19,611 year. Just in case you need a simple salary calculator, that works out to be approximately $9.43 an hour. This is the equivalent of $377/week or $1,634/month. It seems like the salaries are getting a little higher as people recognize how important early education is, but you have to love this job because you’re not going to be doing it for the money.

The cuteness wears off fast

Tiny little people running around is cute for the first few hours, maybe even days. However, this wears off pretty quickly. It takes just one child bursting out into tears or misbehaving to reduce all cuteness of the collective group of children. For me, the nail in the coffin had to be one girl deciding to deliberately (yes deliberately) soil herself in an attempt to garner attention.

It’s so very tiring

10 hours a day, 5 days a week takes its toll, let alone doing this on your feet practically all day, ensuring the safety of 12+ kids whilst keeping them entertained. Early nights are a must.

You seem to be hungry ALL the time

There’s something about running around after misbehaving kids all day that works up an appetite. Bring plenty of food to work because there’s nothing more painful than watching all the kids eating the overly excessive amounts of food their parents have packed them in the morning, lunch, AND afternoon whilst you’re sitting there starving.

Most of them have no concept of personal space

Sometimes funny, sometimes annoying; kids just don’t seem to care about anyone’s personal space, including yours. Whether it’s sticking their noses right up against yours to talk to you or braiding your hair and decorating it with daises, having known you for merely a day (yes, I happened to be the unlucky victim, and yes, these kids don’t understand that you just don’t put your hands in a black woman hair, especially with dirty hands).

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Everything you do is being watched.

Not to sound too creepy, but kids are like sponges at this age. They’re watching everything you do and, as a teacher, you’re modeling how to be a human being. That means I need to be super aware of what I wear, what I say, and how I act around the kids. It doesn’t mean I need to be cheerful and happy-go-lucky all the time. Most of what we’re teaching kids at that age is how to handle their emotions in appropriate ways, so I think it’s OK to demonstrate how to deal with negative emotions too. If I stub my toe and it really hurts, it’s perfectly acceptable to explain to a 3-year-old how I’m feeling and why — like, “I feel frustrated, because my toe hurts.”

The lotion will become your best friend because you’re going to wash your hands a million times a day.

It’s simply a fact that preschool classrooms are germy, and — going back to the modeling thing — you have to be an example of good hygiene. That being said, daycare teachers get sick like every other week because of the kids. Every daycare has cleaning procedures regarding toy-washing and classroom clean-up, and while your kids are going to get runny noses, teaching them how to wipe their noses becomes part of your curriculum.

Teamwork is key to surviving the day.

There will be days when you don’t feel energetic or entertaining, and that’s where your team comes in. Every daycare has support staff, so teachers aren’t stranded by themselves when things get chaotic in the classroom. If I’m having an off-day, I can always ask one of those people to take charge of circle time while I do something more mundane, like washing tables, or to watch my classroom while I take a five-minute break. 

Kids are hilarious

It’s safe to say that by the end of it all, you’ll have many stories to share, and most of them are funny. Anyone who works or has worked with kids will know that kids do weird and wonderful things, and regardless of the struggles of working with them, you can rest assured you’ll be entertained daily.

You have to be OK with making a complete fool of yourself.

This is a big part of the job: You can’t take yourself too seriously. Sometimes you’re standing up singing a ridiculous song or pretending to be a monkey in the jungle, and you have to be able to get out of your self-conscious adult brain for a minute and play. Sometimes that’s hard for people, but those are the times you connect with the kids, and it’s absurdly fun to play like a kid again.

You’ll miss (some of) them

Despite many of them giving you a hard time for weeks, there are some kids that you become accustomed to brightening up your day somewhat, and I would be lying if I said it isn’t the slightest bit sad to see them go. Kids get attached easily, and it’s just as sad to see them struggle to say goodbye to you.

It’s very rewarding

As tiring and stressful as working with kids can be, the rewarding nature of the work ultimately outweighs all the negatives. There are not many better feelings than knowing you’ve sent a child home smiling. I don’t think I fully appreciated or expected the feeling of fulfillment gained from the knowledge that you have positively impacted upon a child’s life in some way, however small or brief, and this makes all the hard work worthwhile.