Do you blog? I wanna READ! BLOGGERS UNITE!

I'm always interested to read other's blogs and support people. Let me know what your blog is, or any other online/offline interest are that I can support.

Comment below and I will read them. HONEST!

I also did a segment for my radio show: blogtalkradio.com/coffeenofilter

I have a lot of segments on there for your enjoyment! If you would like me to talk about other topics, let me know!!


<a href="http://www.hypersmash.com/hostgator/">www.hypersmash.com/hostgator/</a>

DREAM BECAUSE THOSE DREAMS CAN BECOME REALITY!

Whoever said to not be a dreamer should be kicked in the shin. Literally! Dreaming is one of the best things you can do with your life, because it can become a reality. If you look outside yourself and see all that you buy, read, watch or eat has been a dream turned into reality. From the Apple dude to the local coffee shops in your neighborhood; they all had the same dream. To turn what they loved into reality and share it with the world.

So what makes you or me any different? NOTHING! I said I wanted to blog, have a radio show and do a dozen of other things in life. Guts is what separates us from those not turning dreams into realities. That's all, nothing more than taking a chance and having the guts to do it. We all have the same tools, but we use them differently. Rejection isn't something that should hold us back, which is what I was told to be deathly afraid of at a young age. "Don't put all your eggs in one basket", "Don't get too excited"...but why not?! Why shouldn't I put my heart into every dream I have to make it a reality. Rejection is apart of life, and it strengthens us in the end. After every tear that we wipe, after every tantrum we throw, or even the holes in the wall. On the contrary, there's some that let rejection stop us from continuing to move on after we are told no. Why? If anything, it should tell us to go back to the drawing board, and try to find a better solution to overcome that last rejection.

I'm no where near perfect, and I've been rejected and will still be rejected, it's life. However, letting it stop me from getting to where I want to be, I will NOT allow. The big names you hear in the media, or even just those local business owners have been rejected more times than they can count. Has that stopped them for going for the gold? No, if anything they continued to do what they wanted to do, to get to where they wanted to be. Success isn't a one size fits all, but like the jeans from 'The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants' scenario. It takes one idea from someone, but the courage within that person will be the success of that idea. Everyday we have to be willing to make our dreams come true. Don't let a "wacky" idea to others make your dream any less brilliant to you. People that see your vision will always back you up in the end, no matter how many times you've been rejected. Be your best support system because you are the one that dreamed this idea.

I may not be a huge blogger, have over millions of people read my blog, listen to my radio show, etc. However, I'm continuing to do what I love to do, which is use my voice to talk about things that matter to me. There's nothing more brilliant than taking a chance, nothing sexier than confidence to do what I couldn't do years ago. I wouldn't go back to tell myself to be anything but who they are now because who they will become later will be because of the life experiences they will face. Regret and reject are like brother and sister in my opinion. You should always want to push yourself to try new things, and shouldn't be afraid of getting hurt. Life is about taking chances and living through all the pain and joy that comes with the package. The creator* wouldn't have given life to you if he didn't think you would be a success! Stop and re-read that statement. Everyone on this planet was chosen for greatness, so how can you think you aren't going to be successful, or that your dreams can't come true?

Continue to take each day and remember that what you are dreaming can become your reality. Even if it's just to blog your ideas, or have a radio show. Your voice matters regardless if people say it's "not relevant", which I've been told by someone before. Have I stopped blogging? Hell no! I did; however, take the negativity out of my life. "Go Glenn Coco", has become my saying for anyone reaching their goals! Continue to encourage yourself and remember to encourage those around your that may seem like they are fearful of pursuing their dream. Even if they have the same dreams as you do, because the shoe could be on the other foot. If you're going to do some shade, make sure that you are shading the person like a tree from the hot blazing sun! Not shading them from the spotlight!

*~creator meaning whatever being you believe in

Love ya coffee addicts,

Denisha

I'm obsessed with....FALL!

Fall weather has appeared this weekend, and I'm loving every moment of it. I'm so comfy laying around with my sister, niece and my dog. Every year Fall/Autumn comes I begin to freak out like crazy because this is the part of the year (besides my BIRTHDAY) that gets me pumped....

Here's WHY:

1. Weather- I love can walk around all day without running out of breath. The heat during the Summer takes your breath away. Don't get me wrong, Summer is cool and you get to wear less clothing...depending on how you feel about yourself of course. But, it gets too hot that when you step outside, you begin to sweat. You just took a damn shower, and already you are sweating!
2. Halloween- BY FAR MY FAVORITE HOLIDAY! 
3. Pumpkin EVERYTHING!- I saw a recipe for Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies and made them today ---------->Recipe:http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/pumpkin-chocolate-chip-cookies-recipe.html
   
    Also made Pumpkin Spiced Coffee Creamer!!!! 0_0 OH MAH GAH!!! (Apple Pie Moonshine jar) Recipe: http://www.blogher.com/easy-pumpkin-spice-coffee-creamer-recipe
   
   
4. Sweater Weather- There's something about a comfortable sweater that just reminds me of fall
5. Fall fashion- I'm not a huge fashion person, but I love getting the essentials for Fall!
6. New Shows/New Seasons-I feel like shows are better in the Fall than any other time of year! Sadly, it's also when new shows get cancelled. BOO TO THE NETWORKS FOR CUTTING THE SHOWS I DID LIKE!!! 

Here's a link to a segment I did on my fave Fall shows! 

Part 1: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/coffeenofilter/2013/10/01/fall-shows 

Part 2: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/coffeenofilter/2013/10/09/fall-shows-part-2

What are you currently obsessed with? Let me know in the comments! 

Also don't forget to enter the GIVEAWAY ---->http://t.co/nVC4itaZHM

HUGE SHOT OUT TO GERMANY, U.K., FRANCE AND POLAND FOR READING MY BLOG! THAT'S FREAKING AMAZING! I LOVE THE INTERNATIONAL SUPPORT! AND THANK YOU ALL ONCE AGAIN FOR READING AND SHARING MY BLOG! I HOPE YOU FIND SOMETHING INTERESTING ABOUT IT! =D

Well I'm going to continue listening to my Pandora...

Talk soon,

Denisha

GIVEAWAY QUESTIONS??

Do you have any questions concerning the giveaway?

Are you having problems with the links provided?

Are you not sure on how to enter?

Would you like something different for a giveaway other than what is going to be given away?

Have any questions regarding the product/company I didn't mention in the previous post?


*I usually wouldn't be hype on a product, but this is by far the best thing I've used since my transitioning journey*

Please, please, PLEASE don't forget to leave a comment on my blog either under this post or the review/giveaway post...or any of my other social networks!


SHARE SHARE SHARE THIS AND THE PREVIOUS POST WITH ANYONE YOU KNOW THAT COULD BENEFIT, IF NOT YOU!

BEST OF LUCK,

DENISHA =D

**CLOSED! WINNER CONTACTED**Hair Product Review: Shea Moisture 'Raw Shea Butter & Argan Oil Repair and Transition Kit' and **GIVEAWAY** NOT SPONSORED!

Hey coffee addicts,

Hope you had a wonderful week, and I hope coffee was involved! Also, Pumpkin Spice Coffee/Latte is back...I've been on it like no tomorrow.

As you've read the title, I've be doing a hair product review. Since March, I've been on this "going back to natural" journey.

*WANT A CHANCE TO WIN THIS PRODUCT? KEEP READING FOR MORE INFORMATION!*

Reasons I decided to go back to natural:
1. I've found that relaxers weren't doing anything for my hair anymore, and I was like well what's the point in continuously placing this chemical on/inside me.
2. Also, it does more harm than good, but like a lot of things I was doing it (hypocrite).
3. The last two times I've gone to the hair salon to get it done, they just blow it out really good. It looked like I had a fresh relaxer after styling. (I did have a lot of relaxed, but my roots were laid is what I mean)
4. BREAKAGE!!!
(yes, I have a top on)BEFORE!


IN THE BEGINNING
I think either mid to the end of March was when I decided to just stop the relaxer all together. In the beginning, it was cool because I still had a lot of relaxed and a little bit of new growth. Usually around the warmer months June/July is when I would normally braid my hair; however, I didn't want the easy way out because I figured this isn't a temporary thing for me. My hair is VERY THICK/COARSE/HARD TO COMB/TANGLE CITY!!! But I was up for the challenge to see how far I'd get through the summer months wearing my hair out. Surprisingly, I didn't very well this summer and even did a roller set a few times. The problem started when more new growth started coming in.

My hair started to tangle like crazy, and my edges were suffering from the pulling and tugging I was doing. The hair products I was using before no longer worked for me. I was always going to Creme of Nature for my hair problems, but I think when the original formula changed, my hair was no longer a fan. Now that I have about 4-5 inches of new growth, I needed something that was going to treat my natural and relaxed hair EQUALLY! My constant Google searches on how other people treated the same issue wasn't working for me. REMEMBER: EVERY ONE'S HAIR IS DIFFERENT FROM YOURS, SO NOT EVERY PRODUCT WILL WORK THE SAME! I wasn't so concerned about having the "baby hairs" or being part of the "curly hair crew". I just wanted to make sure that my hair was MANAGEABLE!

I can say that Coconut Oil is one of the best for detangling my hair. I always have trouble getting the tangles in the front/top of my hair. That's where my edges are becoming weaker (stated above). I've never had weak edges, so this SCARES ME! 

TRIAL AND ERROR
My friend Ashley suggested that I try Shea Moisture products. Ashley (who is my go to hair consultant), said that she likes them. I wasn't too thrilled on the price of the products, but at the same time you get what you pay for. I finally decided I was going to just try them because Walgreens was having a BOGO sale on Shea Moisture! Like I mentioned before, I wanted a product that was going to work good with my natural and relaxed hair, so I was happy they had the Transition Kit. Me being the trial and error person, I threw my hands up thinking what's the worse that can happen...I don't like it, return it and try something else.

WHAT YOU GET
The Walgreens price is $22.99 which isn't bad because you would get two regular sizes for about that price.

You get four 4 oz. of each product: Shampoo and Conditioner, Deep Treatment Masque and Elixir Finishing Spray

*I also like that it doesn't have all those nasty chemicals found in a lot of the hair products I use to use.*

OMG, WHERE DID I GET IT (MEAN GIRLS REFERENCE)

Walgreens

*You may be able to find it cheaper somewhere else though...if so LET A SISTA KNOW!! Thank you ;)*

WHAT YOU NEED

Wide tooth comb

Thermal cap/Plastic bag

Hair ties

Spray bottle filled with water (OPTIONAL)

Coconut Oil (helps to detangle)

Jamaican Black Castor Oil (OPTIONAL)

Additional conditioner (OPTIONAL)

HOW I USED THE PRODUCTS

Step 1: Section hair in four parts. Tie use either hair clips or hair ties to secure them. 

Step 2: Detangle each section thoroughly. 

 

 Step 3: Shampoo each section. Make sure to massage your head rather than scratch. For years I was using my nails...NO NO NO! NO BUENO! Rinse. If you need to repeat, then do it.

Step 4: Apply the conditioner (root to tip) evenly. I used my wide tooth comb to help distribute it more.

Step 5: If you are going to wash your hair in the shower, you can go ahead and do your regular routine, while the products does it's job. If not, you can massage just sit and wait for the time allotted (I believe 5 minutes).

Step 6: Rinse each section one at a time thoroughly. Twist the sections of hair and place them back (picture above).

Step 7: Instead of using a towel to dry your hair, use an old t-shirt. This will help DECREASE the frizz. It also speeds up the drying time.

Step 8: Since my hair dries very quickly, I went ahead and strayed each section until my roots were a bit damp. 

Step 9: Place some Coconut Oil and Jamaican Black Castor Oil on each section of hair for further detangling before the deep treatment masque. Comb each section. (this is optional, but I found that the product left my hair a bit dry)

New growth (where this curl come from?)

Step 10: Repeat Step 4! Make sure during this process you keep the four sections divided. This will make everything easier!!

Hair is getting longer...shrinkage though

Step 11: Place the thermal cap/plastic bag on your head. Leave for the allotted time, or for as long as you need it. *I left the product in my hair for 40 minutes. I also massaged the product in my hair to penetrate my scalp more.*

From this point, I made me a cup of coffee, and was on the computer!

Step 12: Rinse each section thoroughly and use the wide tooth comb during this process. 

**NOTE: My hair still felt dry, so I used my Carol's Daughter conditioner to soften my hair**

Step 13: Repeat Step 7. Then comb your hair ENDS TO ROOT!

*At this point, you can style your hair as usual, or you can continue reading*

Step 14: The elixir says to only use it after styling your hair with a heating tool. However, I'm over using a blow dryer these days because it takes hours to go through my 2 textured hair! I was most pleased with this product because it left shine and softened my hair. Taking down one section at a time, I simply braided four individual braids per section. I also took this time to clip my ends because....dang!

(I placed a bonnet on my head and went to sleep)

NEXT DAY (TAKE DOWN AND RESULTS)

In the morning I sectioned my hair in for parts and began taking my braids down. To help with the frizz, use coconut oil or some other oil...just a little...or even the elixir. 

I was pleased by how soft my hair had become after using the products. My hair doesn't feel weighted down by the stray. I can definitely run my hands through my roots with ease. That's a plus!

AFTER

PROS 

• Smells good
• Softened my hair
• Added shine
• Moisturized
• Controls frizz
• Elixir is GREAT!

CONS

• Not the best at detangling
• Shampoo left my hair feeling dry
• Had to use an additional conditioner to retain the moisture other than the elixir spray

RATINGS

8/10

Other than the cons listed below, this product was good. If I had to go from best product to the least in the kit would be the elixir spray, conditioner, deep treatment masque and shampoo. 

The shampoo and masque were ok, but not great. The shampoo left my hair feeling dry and stripped, while the mask didn't seem like anything new to me. In other words, I didn't feel much of a different. 

The elixir was FANTASTIC! It was like having coffee after you haven't had it in a week. The conditioner helped bring that moisture to my hair after I used the shampoo. 

*I will do an updated review as I use the product more. I try not to shampoo it too often, but I will use the elixir and the conditioner (co-wash) more.*

Hope you found this product review helpful and informative. If you would like more, don't forget to leave a comment and tell me. Also let me know what other products you like. 

GIVEAWAY

I'VE SAID I WANTED TO DO A LITTLE GIVEAWAY FOR A WHILE NOW. JUST A LITTLE THANK YOU!!!!

WANT A KIT OF YOUR OWN?? READ THE INFORMATION BELOW FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN. DEPENDING ON HOW THIS GOES I WILL DO MORE IN THE FUTURE! 

GOOD LUCK!

HOW TO ENTER

**OPEN TO EVERYONE (INTERNATIONAL AND U.S.)**

**GIVEAWAY CLOSES 9/26 MIDNIGHT**

**WINNER ANNOUNCED ON MY FACEBOOK PAGE EITHER 9/27 OR 9/28**

RULES

1. Like my Facebook page CoffeeNOfilter with Denisha: https://www.facebook.com/coffeenofilterwithDenisha?ref=bookmarks
2. Follow me on my radio show CoffeeNofilter with Denisha: (this is one of my segments) http://tobtr.com/s/6882123
3. Follow me on my blog CoffeeNofilter with Denisha: coffeenofilterwithdenisha.blogspot.com
4. Follow me on Twitter: Ninibonitachica

*Let me know if you have an issue with one of the links*

3 WAYS TO WIN

Facebook or Twitter: 

• Leave a comment with the #coffeenofilterwithdenisha  plus Retweet/Share!!

Radio: 

• Listen to one of my segments and on my fb page which one is your FAVORITE!

Blog:

• Leave a comment below telling me what your favorite hair care product is. (natural, transitioning, relaxed)

ALSO, you CAN enter as many times as you want to. I encourage you to listen to whatever segment you want. There's plenty of variety. As a bonus, let me know what you want to hear more of...same with the blog. Want more product reviews or what other giveaways in the future you'd want?

**THIS ISN'T SPONSORED! I USED MY HARD EARNED MONEY TO BUY YOU THIS GIFT AS A THANK YOU FOR THE AWESOME SUPPORT! I'M NOT ON THAT SPONSORED LEVEL YET! BHAHAH** I know how people feel about those overly sponsored reviews!

Gonna relax with a cup of coffee on this rainy day!!!

PEACE!

When is the best time for you to listen?

I was looking at my ratings for my radio show, and I'm pleased...HOWEVER, I'm noticing that I don't get a lot of listeners when I'm recording a segment.

When is the best time for you to listen to my blog. I would like for everyone to be able to listen live rather than later, though I still appreciate you tuning in.

Does it work better for you to listen later rather than now? Do I record too EARLY or too LATE? I have this trial membership with blogtalkradio.com to test the waters. But that lake is going to dry up on the 12th, hahahah.

Let me know by leaving a comment or on my Facebook page (facebook.com/coffeenofilterwithdenisha)

I want to engage my audience, but I also want my audience to engage me and have a conversation. I'm use to talking to myself (weirdo), but I would like to talk to someone as well.

I'm going to be doing a brief segment today on the topic of supporting each other that wasn't recorded this past week, along with my new segment later this week!

Happy Sunday,

Nisha

Sweaty palms, Nervous stomach: Prepping for Auditions (Phantom of the Opera and Les Liaisons Dangereuses)

I first want to apologize for not doing a segment that was scheduled this week. I had a lot of stuff with school going on this week...

Any whore, I'm excited/nervous/anxious about this week! Why? Well, if you've listened to my previous segment on blogtalkradio.com/coffeenofilter, then you would know that I'm planning on auditioning for Phantom of the Opera. Now I might audition for another play this week, Monday...not sure. I've never auditioned for a play this big before. I haven't read music in a long time, and that sets me back in my opinion. My voice is the last thing on my mind, LOL! The monologues are the second task for the audition that I need to get taken care of. I have to prepare a resume, and get a photo of myself for the audition! It seems like a pretty big damn deal, right? I'm thinking if I do audition it's going to be Monday and Thursday, since those are the days I have time for....BUT WHY AT 7 P.M.???????

I'm wondering if I should just stay at school for 5 damn hours for this thing, or nah? (opinions appreciated). Then again, if I really am trying to be in this production, I shouldn't let anything stop me, right? The nerves are making me have to constantly run to the bathroom (it's normal, promise).
HOPE THIS DOESN'T HAPPEN!!!

I keep having this vision of the scene from Pitch Perfect where she didn't know the song that everyone else knew, so she decides to sing her own song. Since I can't read music, I'm wondering if I should improvise instead, or just focus more on the monologue. I'm pretty sure there's going to be people that have little to no experience in a "professional production" like myself.

Good thing is that I don't have to stress too much until Thursday for the Phantom audition...as long as I can get home, change and get there on time. The only thing I do wish was that auditions were during school hours, so I could make it and not have to be there for fucking 5 hours. I can't let that shit go lmao! Still thinking about that. I better get a callback!

In all seriousness though, it will be a great experience to look back on to even say I auditioned. I've contemplated not auditioning, but I said I wanted to be in a play this year, so I'm going to do the best I can and show them what I have...even if I only fantasize about being on stage, and sing in the mirror. That creative/artistic side of me is just SCREAMING to jump out and do the damn thing!

Well I'm gonna force myself to do some reading for Acting and A&P. Some time this weekend, I will be posing the "Why can't we support each other?" segment I was suppose to do. Also, this week, I will post 2 segments to make up for this weeks. I want to tell you about my experience auditioning, and what I've learned from the experience.

P.S. Do you have any tips for a great monologue for beginners? Any tips to help overcome my stage fright that isn't really, but it might really happen? (guess that's what Google is for, huh?)

Love ya,

Nisha

Is it hard for you to support others?

Why is it hard to support each other in this day and age? 

Seriously....WHY THE HELL CAN'T 1 PERSON BE HAPPY FOR ANOTHER? 

I watched a video a while back by one of my fave Youtubers Jouelzy about this very topic. Success isn't a one person mission, but a mission everyone can be apart of. We should constantly encourage each other to succeed in whatever it is that we're doing in life. Jouelzy mentioned how we all have the same tools, but we all use them differently...and that's OK! DO YOU BOO! and I will be there to support you. But, I expect the same in return. Is that too much to ask for? 

Just as I'm blogging and doing my radio thing, I don't get too much support, but I appreciate the support I have gotten. I'm quick to be in someone's corner and help when I can, but where's the support for me?? As African American women, the sisterhood needs to be stronger, and we have to get over that "IT'S GONNA BE ME" frame of mind. It's not doing anything but separating us. I've also found that some sistas won't support their own, but will for someone else in a heartbeat. Don't throw shade because I'm doing something different from you, or I may not be doing something you think I should. It's the same petty "oh she think she cute" scenario...-_0

We all have our own paths, and success can be whatever the heck we want it to be! My success is not your's and vice versa. I want all my brothers and sisters (EVERY RACE) to be successful, but we can't continue to have that it's all about me and no one else mentality. 

Also, being successful and bringing people up to be successful needs to happen more. I try to encourage young women and men I become in contact with to do better. It takes a village to raise a child, and as the human race, we are all FAMILY. Maybe it's that world peace mentality I try to see, or maybe not. Maybe I'm not the only one thinking this way...

What are you opinions on the matter at hand? Can we work together to become successful, and not thrown shade when trying to encourage others? 

Here's Jouelzy's video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mhU-cuiCILI&list=PLWHAOe4kVevxyoKg7l_H8sAFzQ3rdxcbO&index=3