***OBI Natural Hair Care Product Review & Giveaway***

So I was introduced to this product line a little while ago and I'm finally getting around to writing my formal review. In December of last year I was contacted by OBI Natural Haircare and given the opportunity to use 4 of the products from the line. Now, I will admit that I had not heard of the line prior to them contacting me so I immediately went to their website to see what products they had to offer and the ingredients in them. I was nervous about how I would like the products due to the high glycerin levels in them but was willing to give them a try and I'm glad I did. Check out my review.....

Name: Neem & Tea Tree Shampoo Bar

Ingredients: Saponified Oils of Coconut, Palm, Castor Bean, Safflower; Vegetable Glycerin, Purified Water, Essential Oils: Neem, Tea Tree, Rosemary Essential Oil, Sorbitol, Soy Bean Protein, Sorbitan Oleate, Fragrance. **

Product Promise: This invigorating shampoo soothes dry scalp and helps remove unwanted buildup, while alleviating itching and flaking. This cleansing shampoo is excellent for dandruff and psoriasis of the scalp.**

Review: After pre-pooing my hair I used the Neem & Tea Tree Shampoo Bar to cleanse my hair and scalp. The bar produced a lot of lather but was still gentle on my hair and scalp. After rinsing the shampoo my hair did not feel stripped however, my hair and scalp definitely felt clean and free of any buildup. The shampoo smelled just like tea tree oil (which is not my favorite scent) but to my surprise it failed to provide me with the "tingly" sensation that most products with tea tree oil in them do. Overall, the shampoo bar was just ok and for this reason I probably would not purchase this item.

Rating: 3 out of 5

Name: Curl Moisture Cream

Ingredients: Purified Water (Aqua), Behentrimonium Methosulfate and Cetearyl Alcohol, Vitis vinfera (Grape seed) Oil, Vegetable Glycerin, Olea Europaea (Olive) Oil, Argania spinosa (Argan) oil, Gluconolactone and Sodium Benzoate, Arctium lappa (Burdock Root), Lavandula officinalis (Lavender) Oil, Cocos nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Glycine soya (Soybean) Oil, Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E), Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Oil, Triethanolamine, Fragrance (Parfum). **

Product Promise: Use to add moisture and hydration to your hair.  Infused with argan oil, lavender oil, grape seed oil, vitamin E, and burdock root. Promotes hair growth without leaving your hair weighed down. **

Review: I've used the Curl Moisture Cream as my moisturizer before styling with the Curl Enhancing Custard and I used it alone to twist my hair with and I definitely prefer it coupled with the Curl Enhancing Custard. The cream does a good job at moisturizing my hair however, my kinky hair prefers heavier creams when doing twist styles. This cream is very light and fluffy which I didn't expect since it comes in a jar as opposed to a bottle. As the product promises it does not weigh your hair down which makes it great for a daily moisturizer/leave-in. Glycerin is the 5th ingredient listed so I expected the product to have that sticky feeling I have found products with glycerin to have but it did not which I was very happy about. The product smells kind of perfumey but it is not over bearing and does not linger.

Rating: 4 out of 5

Name: Curl Enhancing Custard

Ingredients: Purified water (Aqua), Olea Europaea (Olive) Oil, Vitis vinfera (Grape seed) Oil, Argania spinosa (Argan) Oil, Carbomer, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Vegetable Glycerin, Gluconolactone and Sodium Benzoate, Triethanolamine, Xantham Gum, Fragrance. **

Product Promise: This alcohol-free formula hydrates, elongates, and provides super shine to all types of hair.  Does not leave a waxy residue or buildup. **

Review: I absolutely LOVE the Curl Enhancing Custard!! Of all the products I was sent the custard was the one I figured I would like the least. If you follow my blog you know that I mainly wear twist-outs and normally I do NOT like to twist my hair with gels. For the purpose of this review however, I decided to use it on my twist as opposed to doing a wash-n-go since those are usually hit or miss for me. I applied the Curl Moisture Cream as my leave-in and then added the Curl Enhancing Custard to each section of hair that I would twist. My twist-outs came out soft, shiny, and well defined each and every time I used the product. I couldn't believe that I enjoyed a gel for my twist as much as I did. The product has a pleasant smell, very similar to KCCC and the consistency is like a jelly. I would definitely purchase this product!

Rating: 5 out of 5

Name: Curl Hydration Spray

Ingredients: Purified Water (Aqua), Vegetable Glycerin, Argania Spinosa (Argan) Oil, Rose Oil, Cocos nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Soybean Oil, Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E), Gluconolactone and Sodium Benzoate, Triethanolamine, Fragrance (Parfum). **

Product Promise: Use daily to moisturize your hair and scalp, or to refresh your style. **

Review: The Curl Enhancing Custard and Curl Hydration Spray are tied as my favorite products from this line. Having vegetable glycerin as the second ingredient in this product I just knew I would not like it although I really wanted to. I've been searching for another hydrating spray to put in my rotation and I think I found a winner. As I do with all products that contain glycerin I applied a little to my hands so I can see if the product felt sticky. I was so shocked when it did not give me that feeling. I was still convinced that it would turn into a sticky mess when applied to my hair but contrary to my belief it felt great! I have been using the Curl Hydration Spray every morning and evening as a "refresher" spray to give my hair a light mist of moisture before styling and setting it for the night. This product absorbs into my hair quickly and leaves it soft and moisturized. In addition to loving the way the product works, I absolutely love the way it smells. It reminds me of rose water which I happen to love! Definitely purchasing this product!

Rating: 5 out of 5

Overall, I enjoyed the products from the OBI Natural Haircare line and was happy to have been introduced to them. The products are reasonably priced and packed with good ingredients that I'm sure you all will love. To find out more about the line and to shop visit their website at http://www.obinaturalhair.com/.



Here are a couple of pictures of my hair styled with the Curl Moisture Cream and Curl Enhancing Custard.

**information obtained from the OBI Natural Haircare website.

Disclaimer: I was given the above mentioned products solely for the purpose of completing this review. I was NOT paid or encouraged to provide a positive review. I have given an honest description of my experience with these products and I am in no way responsible for your experience with the product and/or company.


Enter the giveaway below for your chance to win ALL 4 of the products I reviewed. Good luck!!!

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Product Review-Ebonnet by EboniCurls

A few weeks ago I posted on my Instagram and Facebook pages that I had finally purchased my first Ebonnet by EboniCurls and shortly after receiving it I expressed how after just a couple of days I was already in love with the product. Well, I'm happy to report that I'm still loving my bonnet, probably more now than I did before! I first learned about these handmade Charmeuse Satin bonnets when my sister and kurlfriend Janeen aka CoilyHeadChick did a review on her YouTube channel. I must admit that my initial thought was that the bonnets were expensive. I even told Janeen it was going to take some strong convincing to get me to buy one. I saw a few other reviews and every video I watched was a positive one. I happened to stumble upon the video Eboni did to explain the difference between her bonnets and the bonnets purchased at local beauty supply stores. After watching it I was convinced and made up my mind that I would purchase one. 

A little over a year ago I stopped wearing my bonnet and just slept on satin pillow cases because I noticed that my hair would feel and look dry after sleeping in the "satin" bonnets that I purchased from the beauty supply store. One of the first things I was told I needed as a natural was a bonnet, everyone swore by them so I was so confused when I felt like the beloved bonnet was working against my natural hair. I began searching natural hair forums to see if anyone else was experiencing the dryness that I was and was surprised that there were several naturalistas who were going through the same thing and that is when I gave up on the BSS bonnets.

Given my past with bonnets I was a little leery about wearing one again but I must say that I am so happy I gave this one a try. Upon receiving my Ebonnet in the mail the first thing I noticed was how well it is made. I could tell immediately that with proper care it will last me a while unlike the bonnets you purchase from the beauty supply stores. That alone makes the Ebonnet worth the money so any other benefits are a bonus. I have been wearing my Ebonnet every night since I received it and the way it keeps my hair moisturized is amazing. I still moisturize and seal my ends every day but the rest of my hair has not needed to be re-moisturized. This is a bonus for me because that means I don't need to add more product to my hair which allows me to wear light, fluffy twist outs that I love. The final thing that I would say I love the most about the Ebonnet is the size. It is so spacious making it perfect for any afro. The true test for me was wearing the bonnet to bed without re-twisting my hair. The bonnet is big enough that it protects my hair without smashing it so my fro does not lose its shape. I love that I can save so much time on styling my hair. I can take off my Ebonnet, spritz my ends with water, seal with an oil, shake, and go! 

Overall I am so impressed with the Ebonnet and definitely plan to buy more. I honestly don't have anything bad to say about it. On a scale of 1-5 it is definitely a 5 and I would recommend it to anyone! 

In addition to the bonnets Eboni makes and sells scarves, pillow cases, and scrunchies. All of her items can be purchased from her Etsy shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/ebonicurls. While there are a lot of bonnets out there, there is only ONE Ebonnet so please make sure you all are getting the real deal!!


xoxo Kurlfriends   

Viviscal Extra Stength Hair Vitamins

Twist out a few days after the cut

A month or so ago I got a haircut because of the odd shape my hair had grown into. I had some breakage in the crown and some damaged ends in the front as a result of stress and failure to take care of my hair properly because of my hectic schedule. I wanted the haircut to fix all of that regardless of how short my stylist would have to cut it and she did just that. Once I saw how much of my hair was taken off I was kind of upset with myself for not caring for my hair as I should and knew that I needed to do better.

I've heard and read some great testimonials about Viviscal Hair Vitamins so I was extremely happy to be given the opportunity to try them out for myself. I received a 90 day supply of the Viviscal Extra Strength vitamins and began taking them on July 23, 2012. Viviscal offers two types of hair vitamins; this particular one is said to nourish thinning hair and promote existing hair growth. They are dietary supplements and the main ingredient in the Extra Strength vitamins is AminoMar C Marine Complex. The directions state that you are to take two tablets per day with water after food; one tablet in the morning and one in the evening.

While I've decided not to measure my hair until the end of the 3 months I can tell that there has been some growth, specifically at my edges. Whether or not the rate of growth is more than the typical rate, I don't know and won't be able to tell until after the 90 day period when I do my final length check. I measured my hair on the day I started taking the supplements and it measured as follows:

Left Back-5 1/2 inches

Right Back-5 1/2 inches

Left Side-6 7/8 inches

Right Side-7 inches

Crown-6 3/8 inches

Front Center-9 1/4 inches

Left-July 23rd
Right-August 19th

I will come back at the end of October with the results and comparison pictures so stay tuned for that!

Disclaimer: I was given this product for the purpose of completing this review. I was NOT paid or encouraged to do a positive review. I have given an honest description of my experience with this product and I am in no way responsible for your experience with the product and/or company.

~Tonia Does Her Big Chop~

I posted last week how excited I was that my friend and co-worker Tonia was taking the plunge and doing her big chop. We've talked about her doing her BC but I had no idea that without any hesitation she would agree to do it that week. One of the most important things I learned while transitioning is not to pressure a person into going natural so I wanted to make sure she was really ready to do it and did not feel pressured to take that step. All week I asked "are you sure you are ready to do it now?" and every time she would quickly respond and say "yes"!


For Tonia it was only appropriate to have a few girlfriends accompany her to the salon for this big event. Four of her friends, myself included joined her at Avalon Hair & Color Studio where stylist Brittani would have the pleasure of doing her big chop. Once we arrived at the salon Tonia was all smiles and even as Brittani began to cut her gorgeous locs she didn't appear to have an ounce of fear.

After Tonia's relaxed ends had been cut off Brittani twisted her hair using ReVe Essentials Moisturizing Creme and put her under the hair dryer to allow the twist to set. We continued to laugh and joke as we anxiously waited to see the final results. About 40 minutes later the stylist began removing the twist and suddenly Tonia's facial expression began to change. I could see the look of concern in her eyes as Brittani took her shears and started shaping Tonia's curly tresses. I asked her was she ok and she said "I'm ok" but I could tell she was having that moment when you begin to wonder "what have I done". We all gathered around and told her how cute her hair was and helped reassure her that she made the right decision. Slowly but surely that look of concern disappeared and she began to smile. She realized her "sexy" had not gone away and she returned to the cheery Tonia we all know and love!

 By the time Tonia left the salon Brittani and I breathed a sigh of relief because for a moment we thought Tonia would hate both of us!! For a girl who had never has her hair cut before I think she handled it like a trooper! I was/am so proud of her and excited for the journey that is to come!

Congratulations Tonia and thank you so much for allowing me to document the official beginning of your new journey!!! 

Thank God I'm Natural: The Ultimate Guide to Caring for and Maintaining Natural Hair

Thank God I’m Natural: The Ultimate Guide to Caring for and Maintaining Natural Hair has been hailed by Essence magazine as “The Natural Hair Bible” and for good cause. Inside the 200 plus natural hair-care guide are product tips for natural hair, homemade hair care recipes and myths about going natural that author and Harvard law graduate Chris-Tia Donaldson debunks. Order one for yourself and a friend, as they make excellent gifts for the transitioner, natural newbie or long time curly girl and are sold exclusively at events and online. Visit www.tginstore.com. 

Natural Hair Nazis

A few weeks ago I caught a YouTube video made by JCokes7 aka CoilyHeadChick where she created a beautiful twist out using hair grease and water. I was surprised that this youtuber tried petroleum on her natural hair as it seemed that she followed all the "rules" of maintaining natural hair in her previous videos. I wondered why these petroleum based products our parents used on our hair so many years ago are shunned today in the natural hair community when they seemed to work wonders in the past. I mean I know that when petroleum is applied to the scalp and skin it creates a barrier that "traps" in whatever is on the scalp or skin (good or bad) including moisture, toxins, sweat, etc but you have to wonder if it's really that bad!?!? While one of the first ingredients I was told to avoid using on my hair was petroleum and I opt not to use it I don't feel like CoilyHeadChick or any other person who may use petroleum based products are more or less natural than those who do not use it.

 

The negative feedback that CoilyHeadChick and others have received regarding their hair care regimen brought back some of the feelings I dealt with when making the decision to go natural. When I started on my natural journey I never intended to wear my hair kinky. I wanted to be natural but wear my hair straightened. I received a lot of flack from other naturals from wanting to wear my hair straight. I felt judged like being chemical free wasn't good enough unless I wore my hair kinky. After doing research and realizing the difficulty in keeping my natural hair straight and the damage flat ironing my hair could cause I made the decision to be a kinky naturalista. Then a few months ago I decided to get a few highlights for the summer only to find out I would need to defend that decision too!! I was asked on several occasions if I was still natural since I had color in my hair. *sideeye* It is my preference not to wear my hair straight but I have no problem with the natural who rocks straight tresses. I like color but I don't feel that everyone needs to go get their hair colored. I also prefer to use all natural products on my hair but again that is my choice and doesn't have to be yours!

I've heard many naturals say that their decision to go natural was a great one because they felt free! I highly doubt that any of these people want to be confined to living in a box and following all the "rules" that these Natural Hair Nazis feel we should follow. I think our focus should be on having healthy hair whether it be relaxed, natural, kinky, straight, colored, or not. Do your OWN research and realize what works for them may not work for you. Don't feel like you have to fit a particular mold, it's your hair so do with it what you want to! At the end of the day however you decide to wear your hair make sure you are happy doing you! 

Starting A Natural Hair & Body Care Line-Q&A w/Me

Many of you know that my friend Rebecca Williams and I recently launched a natural hair and body care line. As more and more people find out about this venture I am asked tons of questions about the line so I decided to create a post to address the questions I have received. Hopefully my answers will help you all understand what was going on in my head when deciding to take on this challenge. Here goes...

What made you decide to start a natural product line?

As I did research to find out what ingredients and existing product lines would work for my hair I began mixing up stuff and using it on my own hair. I tried and liked many natural product lines but I always found myself adding a little bit of this or that to the product to get exactly what I wanted. People started stopping me and asking what I was using in my hair and request that I make them something. So every now and then I would mix up something for a friend and find pleasure in them enjoying the products. I was proud that these lil creations were working for myself and others. I considered creating products and sharing them with more than just my immediate circle. I threw the idea around playfully as I NEVER in a million years thought I would really do it but to my surprise I found a lot of people tell me that they would be interested in trying some of my products. I proposed the idea to Rebecca and asked if she would be willing to join me and just like that we took off with the idea full force.

What makes your natural product line different than existing lines?

I think the biggest thing that makes our product line different is the reason behind us starting it. Neither one of us looked at this just as a financial opportunity but as a way to offer others quality products that we stand behind and feel will help others maintain healthy hair and skin. There are no products that we would sell others that we don't or won't use ourselves. We make all of our products and each batch contains a little bit of love and care!!

Hair & Body Butter

What challenges have you faced with starting a product line?

The biggest challenge has been picking a brand name...which we have yet to do...lol! Ideally we would love a name that really encompasses what we have to offer. Our products are currently being used by natural and relaxed individuals so we don't want the product name to be directed towards a particular group. We think the best way to avoid excluding people would be to focus on the fact that the products are natural and handmade. 

Another challenge is marketing and selling the products however, I'm sure once we decide on a name this will become a tad bit easier. We have to find a way to make our products stand out above the rest so that one day we can compete with the popular name brands. Now I'm completely aware that we are not Carol's Daughter but at the same time I realize that even Lisa Price had to start some where. So while we may never reach her level of success I definitely believe that we can be very successful!

How did you decide what products to offer?

We wanted to start by introducing the basics (shampoo and conditioner) and as we continue we will gradually add more items to the product line that are both needed and suggested by our customers. We now offer a hair and body butter that acts a a great moisture sealant and more recently added a hair and body scrub to our list of products. Very soon we will offer body washes, body lotions, and much much more!!

What should we expect from the product line?

Quality products with simple all natural ingredients at reasonable prices!!

What personal goals would you like to reach with the product line?

I  have already reached one of them which was the most important for me...finding something that I am extremely passionate about and actually enjoy doing. It's crazy because two years ago if you would have asked me would I be a natural I would have looked at you side ways. Now not only do I feel like going natural was one of the best decisions I made I have a freakin' hair and body care line!! It may sound silly but in my opinion no dream is too big so I hope and pray that in the future my passion will become my main source of income. I would love to devote the majority of my time and energy doing something that I love and know that I can do well!

 

Hair & Body Scrub

How do we get our hands on your products?

Our website is in the works so for now you can either inbox me on Facebook or email us directly at EveandBec@yahoo.com

 



 

Who Says Natural Hair Isn't Professional?

I've had a lot of people tell me they have decided not to go natural or wear their hair in its natural state because they feel it is not professional and may be frowned upon by their employer. I must admit this was one of the concerns I had when deciding to go natural but I never thought it should be an issue. It's unfortunate that those who have considered wearing their hair natural may choose not to out of fear that they may lose their jobs or not be in the running for a job because of their hair. It is my opinion that everyone should be able to wear their hair as they please as long as it does not prevent them from performing required job duties. However, most companies don't relate professionalism with kinky/coily hair. While I don't work in the most professional setting I do work in an office that has a dress code where being "well put together" from head to toe is expected. When I first revealed my hair in it's natural state at work I expected negative reactions from managers and co-workers instead I received many compliments and questions from inspired individuals. Months later I wonder what I was ever worried about.

Contrary to popular belief natural hair is not a trend, it is here to stay. Employers should not make us feel like it is inappropriate to wear our hair the way God made us. In fact they should learn to embrace it and realize natural hair is beautiful and professional. This does not mean we should not continue to care for and maintain our tresses it simply means our acceptance should not be contingent upon how we wear our hair. As we continue to see more and more naturals in the media, business settings, and in every day life being natural will become less of a foreign concept. Hopefully, as a result more companies will see that natural hair adds diversity to the workplace and is not about being rebellious or defiant. I encourage you to freely and unapologetically wear your natural hair because your natural hair is part of you!

What are your thoughts? Is natural hair unprofessional? Have you had any negative reactions to wearing your natural hair in the workplace?

 

What's Your Hair Type?

Hair typing systems categorize hair based on several different characteristics such as thickness, texture, and curl pattern. Many people use these hair typing systems to get product suggestions and general hair care tips. Most people have several different textures in their head so don't feel like you must fit into only one category. No matter what your hair type is it should be treated with care!!

There are a number of hair typing systems but the most popular system used in the natural hair community is the Andre Walker System which is described in his book, Andre Talks Hair. He divides hair into four categories that have subcategories that more specifically identify the curl pattern.

• Type 1: Straight Hair-Straight hair is just that...straight. It has no curl pattern and is not a common hair texture for African-Americans. Straight hair is difficult to curl and has a shiny appearance.

Jennifer Aniston

• Type 2: Wavy Hair-This hair type has a wave pattern but little or no curl. It has "S" shaped curves and lies flat to the scalp. Type 2 hair has three subcategories: 2A-fine and thin, 2B-medium textured, and 2C-thick and coarse. 2A hair can take on a straighter or curlier style fairly easy while 2B and 2C hair is more resistant and tends to be frizzy.  

Chilli of TLC

Mariah Carey

• Type 3: Curly Hair-Having well defined and springy "S" pattern strands is what classifies one as Type 3. Curly hair tends to be straighter while wet and then returns to a curlier state as it absorbs water and dries. Because the cuticle layers do not lay flat allowing light to reflect off of them, curly hair is not as shiny as straight or wavy hair. Type 3A curls are large and shiny and have a loose curl pattern. Type 3B hair has curls that range in size from medium ringlets to tight corkscrews. Type 3C hair has small tight curls that may appear to be slightly kinky.   

Alicia Keys

Tracey Ellis Ross

• Type 4: Kinky Hair-Kinky hair is tightly curled and extremely fragile. It appears to be coarse but is actually very fine with lots of densely packed strands. Healthy Type 4 hair won't shine but will be soft to the touch. Although it appears to be tough and durable it is the most fragile of all the hair types and must be handled with care. Type 4A hair has a defined "S" shaped curl pattern and the curls range from pen sized to coffee-stirrer size. Type 4B hair has a more "Z" shaped curl pattern. Like 4A hair, it lacks shine and is fragile but has a less defined curl pattern. Lastly there is Type 4C hair, Andre Walker does not include this texture as part of his hair typing system but it is a suggested hair type. This hair type has been described as a more challenging version of 4B hair with very tightly curled strands.

YaYa Dacosta

Lauryn Hill

Slow and Steady Wins the Race

The other day I was going through some of my pictures to select the ones I would submit with my Queen City Naturals: Natural Hair Spotlight I finally noticed what everyone has been trying to tell me for a little while now. My co-workers who see me just about every day have been telling me that my hair has grown so much since April. I honestly didn't notice much growth until I had the proof right in front of me. I've been researching what supplements and oils would help stimulate hair growth and miraculously give me Diana Ross hair when obviously I'm already doing something right. I've come to realize that what all the natural hair veterans in the game have been saying is true; healthy hair will grow...duh!!!! So while I'm wasting valuable time trying to discover the miracle drug I just need to continue to take care of my hair by keeping her clean and moisturized. I've decided to take a step back and really listen to my hair in order to determine what she does and doesn't like. Once I do this I will be able to solidify a hair care regimen, stick to it, and watch her grow! This may pose as a bit of a challenge for me as I am not the most patient person in the world but I have to remember that slow and steady wins the race!!

Pi Nappa Kappa-The Natural Hair "Sorority"

About a month ago I was invited by a fellow naturalista to join the "Natural Hair Sorority" on Facebook. At the time I didn't think much of it as I assumed it would just be another forum where we would discuss natural hair care, products, and such. I went ahead and joined the page but recently chose to remove myself from it. While the members of Pi Nappa Kappa did discuss natural hair products I was a bit bothered by the administrators requesting the members to refer to themselves as sorors and that they had a formal name for the group; Pi Nappa Kappa. Now I'm not a member of a Greek organization however, I have several friends who are and I understand the tradition, value, and sacredness (if you will) behind it. As a non Greek I found this natural hair "sorority" to be slightly offensive so I'm sure there are many Greek members who feel the same way. I'm not sure what happened this week to put this group at the forefront of the natural hair community but things seemed to get heated on several different media outlets. I ran across this article today: Pi Nappa Kappa-The Natural Hair "Sorority" in the Huffington Post where the founder, Leola Anifowoshe, attempts to explain her reason behind forming the organization and her vision. Check it out and please share your thoughts? Is this "sorority" offensive to real Greek organizations or simply a sisterhood where natural hair enthusiast can support each other? 

Let's talk...

On a daily basis I am asked questions about my hair regimen and what products I use, so after much thought I decided to blog about my journey.  Here I will not only discuss my journey but I would also like to discuss things that I have learned and continue to learn. I would also love for my followers to share knowledge with me.  I am a fairly new naturalista and I learn something new every single day so I am in no way trying to educate anybody, I simply want to discuss my new found love so....let's talk!!!