Care for Your Curls and Save Your Time with a Few Simple Tips
By BPT News Provider
hether your curls are loose spirals or tight coils, perfecting your textured hair routine is key to keeping them healthy, defined and full of life. However, compared to straight hair, curly hair care often requires more time and patience.
WFinding ways to save time without overhauling your routine can be tricky but never fear! With a few smart adjustments and some simple tips, you can easily streamline your process while maintaining the health and bounce of your curls.
Optimize your washday routine
You know that perfecting and executing your washday routine is a time-consuming but worthwhile effort. The right shower tools can complement your routine, speed up your shower and improve the state of your curls.
For example, instead of finger-combing your hair to remove tangles and knots, consider adding a shower attachment like the Delta® VersaCurl™ Detangling Shower Tool. Designed to work with standard shower heads and easy to install, this handheld tool offers you a gentler, more comfortable way to detangle and thoroughly wash textured hair.
With two spray settings and three interchangeable inserts, the VersaCurl™ tool personalizes your hair washing experience to gently and quickly smooth your curls. Plus, silicone bristles are also great for a quick scalp massage to loosen product buildup and add a moment of self-care into your routine.
Apply styling products while your hair is still wet
You can save time and make your hair care products more effective by applying styling products while your hair is still wet.
While you're still in the shower, flip your hair upside down and use the praying hands method to apply your preferred leave-in conditioner and styling gel, mousse or custard, layering your products from lightest to heaviest. Finish by using your fingers or a wide-tooth comb to evenly distribute the product from root to tip.
Applying styling products to wet hair maximizes hydration and promotes superior curl formation. The high-water content allows the product to distribute evenly and effectively lock in moisture before frizz can set in.
Protect your curls at night with silk
You've probably heard that you should use a silk pillowcase or bonnet, but do you know why?
Unlike cotton and other rougher fibers, silk is smooth, preventing friction when you toss and turn at night. Because of its smooth texture, silk reduces frizz, tangles and breakage while keeping your curls hydrated and preserving your style, so you can spend less time styling your hair the next day!
Pro tip: Silk hair accessories can help protect your curls during the day, too! Try styling your hair with silk scrunchies and headscarves for a fun and protective addition to your hair routine.
Caring for your curls doesn't have to take all day. Using these simple tips, you can still give your hair the attention it deserves and save time. With upgrading your hair washday routines with the VersaCurl™ tool, a first-of-its-kind innovation designed to streamline what's often the most time-consuming part of curl care, you can spend less time in the bathroom and more time embracing your gorgeous curls.
Source: (BPT)
5 SIMPLE WAYS TO FIGHT THE WINTER BLUES THE WINTER BLUES
By BPT News Provider
ave you noticed that you feel a little low during the winter months? You're not alone. As daylight hours shorten and temperatures drop, many people experience lower energy and mood, often called the "winter blues."
HLuckily, there are easy steps you can take to lift your spirits, so you can continue to feel energetic no matter how cold and dark it is outside. Check out these five simple tips from Registered Dietitian and Nutritionist Dawn Jackson Blatner that can help keep the winter blues away this season.
1) MOVE IN WAYS THAT FEEL GOOD
Moving during the colder months is key to keeping yourself happy and healthy during the winter. You don't have to incorporate an intensive workout. Instead, focus on moving your body in a way that feels comfortable to you. Stretching, dancing, yoga or a brisk walk around your neighbor-
hood can boost your circulation and mood throughout the dark and cold months of the year.
2) PREVENT ENERGY CRASHES BY LIMITING ADDED SUGAR
Added sugars in your food and drinks may temporarily boost your energy. However, the sudden spike in blood sugar can quickly lead to a "sugar crash," leaving you tired and irritable. This winter, be mindful of what you're eating and limit added sugars, so you can prevent energy crashes and mood dips throughout your day.
3) RESET YOUR RHYTHM WITH LIGHT THERAPY
The short and dark winter days can disrupt your circadian rhythm, leading to poor sleep, lower energy and even a grumpy disposition. Consider starting your day by sipping a cup of coffee in front of a light therapy lamp. A light therapy lamp mimics natural sunlight, which can help reset your body's rhythm when daylight is short. Just 15 minutes a day can make a difference! If a lamp isn't available, bundle up and go on a morning walk because even cloudy natural
light can support your sleep-wake cycle.
4) STAY CONNECTED
It can be challenging to see your friends and family when the weather is cold, rainy and snowy. However, staying connected with your loved ones is vital to maintaining high spirits during the dark winter months. Get into the habit of making quick phone calls to catch up, sharing a meal or planning a fun activity to nurture your relationships and keep feelings of isolation at bay.
5) START YOUR MORNING WITH VITAMIN-RICH MEALS
Starting the day with a meal that fuels your body and lifts your mood is a simple yet effective way to weather the winter months. When choosing a breakfast recipe, look for meals that are rich in Vitamin D - which strengthens immune cells so they can defend against harmful bacteria - and Vitamin E - which acts as an antioxidant to reduce oxidative stress and protects your cells from damage.
Source: (BPT) – Edited by d-mars.com
Sisters Network® Inc.
to Host 16th Annual Stop The Silence National African American Breast Cancer 5K Walk/Run
Saturday, April 18th
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
By
isters Network® Inc. (SNI), the nation’s leading voice for Black breast cancer survivors is proud to announce the 16th Annual Stop the Silence® National African American Breast Cancer 5K Walk/Run. This year’s theme; “The Power of Pink, The Spirit of Strength.” The highly anticipated 5K Walk/Run will be hosted in Houston, TX., on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at Tom Bass Regional Park, 3452 Fellows Rd., from 9:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M.
EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION IS OPEN FROM NOW THROUGH FEBRUARY 3, 2026, AT THE DISCOUNTED PRICE OF $35/ INDIVIDUAL AND $350/TEAM OF TEN. PARTICIPANTS CAN REGISTER AT WWW.STOPTHESILENCEWALK.ORG.
Regular registration will be open from February 4th to April 18, 2026. The fee is $45/individual and $450/team for of ten. A portion of the funds raised from the walk support the Karen E. Jackson Breast Cancer Assistance Program (BCAP). Established in 2006, BCAP provides much-needed financial support to survivors and pays for 3D mammograms for uninsured and under insured women nationwide. To date, BCAP has provided over $2 million dollars in financial support and early detection 3D screenings.
Black women are 42% more likely to die of breast cancer than white women. Black women under 35 are diagnosed with breast cancer at 2 times the rate of White women and die at three times the rate.
First launched in April 2010, the Stop the Silence® 5K Walk/Run is the first and only
Sisters Network News Provider
national breast cancer walk hosted by a Black-founded organization specifically for Black women. The historic walk is hosted during National Minority Health Awareness month and welcomes over 3,000 participants from around the United States who come together to walk in honor, memory, and celebration of the women they love who have been diagnosed with breast cancer.
“Now in its 16th year, the Stop the Silence Walk is a living reminder of what happens when Black women choose community over fear and action over silence. The Power of Pink, The Spirit of Strength is more than a theme. It symbolizes the power of love we wrap around survivors and the strength and courage it takes to keep showing up for ourselves and each other. We walk united to remember those who lost the battle and to keep breast health at the forefront, because early detection, awareness, access, and support save lives,” said Karen E. Jackson, Founder/CEO, Sisters Network® Inc.
To learn more about the walk and to register, please visit www.stopthesilencewalk.org
For more information about Sisters Network® Inc. (SNI), please visit www.sistersnetworkinc.org or call (866) 781-1808. Follow us on social media Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, Facebook, and subscribe to our YouTube Channel.
ABOUT SISTERS NETWORK® INC.
Sisters Network® Inc. was founded in 1994 by Karen Eubanks Jackson, 31-year, and 4-time breast cancer survivor. Today, SNI is the largest and only national Black breast cancer survivorship organization in the United States and a leading voice in the fight against breast cancer in the Black community. Sisters Network Inc. National headquarters is in Houston, Texas. The organization has over 25+ survivor-run affiliate chapters nationwide located in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and Wisconsin.
"Thank you for supporting Sisters Network Inc. Stop the Silence 5K Walk/Run for the last 15 years. We are so proud to host the only National African American Breast Cancer 5K Walk/Run to raise funds to support Black women nationwide that are battling breast cancer and to educate our community. Our Sisters' need us. We must Stop the Silence, so Black women can beat the breast cancer odds."
- Karen E. Jackson, Founder/CEO, 31-year, 4-time Breast Cancer Survivor
2 Girls Who Travel Visit Aruba
Here’s What You Should Know!
Hey y’all! We HAVE to tell you about our trip to the beautiful island of Aruba. Fun fact: did you know Aruba is 1 of 4 countries in The Kingdom of the Netherlands? Most of the locals we met spoke four languages: English, Spanish, Dutch and Papiamento. And they were all so nice! Keep reading for our tips on where to stay, what to do and where to eat. And for our fellow American travelers, be sure to read all the way to the end for an important tip!
WHERE TO STAY IN ARUBA
To be honest, you really can’t go wrong in Aruba. Every area offers something to enjoy. Some of the most popular places travelers stay are:
Oranjestad: This is the capital and also houses Aruba’s downtown area. Cruise ships dock here.
Eagle Beach: Dubbed one of the best beaches in the world, Eagle Beach has beautiful white sand and is home to many low-rise resorts.
Palm Beach: This is another beautiful beach that houses a lot of Aruba’s restaurants as well as high-rise hotels.
We chose to stay at an Airbnb in Eagle Beach. We had direct access to the beach and gorgeous views. What we had to sacrifice? It wasn’t as close to dining options as Palm Beach or Oranjestad. But that’s not a problem because taxis run between these areas all day, and it’s a flat rate – not metered. Literally takes 10 minutes from each of the areas above to the next.
WHAT TO DO IN ARUBA
Aruba has so much to offer – from shopping to tours to food! Obviously, we didn’t get to do everything, but we did get to do quite a bit. Here are the things we enjoyed during our visit!
DONKEY SANCTUARY
This is definitely a must-do when in Aruba. Run solely by volunteers and donations, the Aruba Donkey Sanctuary cares for 130 donkeys. Some of the donkeys are rescued from the streets where they have been injured. Others are rescued from intentional harm. We visited the sanctuary
early in the day before it got too crowded – because it does get quite crowded. For just $1, you can buy food to feed the donkeys. They were really sweet animals. The sanctuary also has a souvenir shop. And donations are welcome!
ARUBA SIGN
Did you really go to Aruba if you didn’t take a picture in front of the I Love Aruba sign? This location was right next to the cruise port. We went right before sundown. There was a line, but it went pretty quickly. And people will usually offer to take your picture in exchange for you taking theirs!
EAGLE BEACH
Of course, we went to the beach. And since our Airbnb was just a few steps from Eagle Beach, we went early and laid out for a bit. The sand was soft and the waves were calm!
SUNSET CRUISE
We booked a sunset cruise, so that we could see more of the island and get a nice shot of the Aruban sunset. This particular cruise took us through Palm Beach. We opted for a small vessel so there were fewer people and more food and drinks for us! lol The cruise was about 2 hours, and we highly recommend it. The views were spectacular!
HONORABLE MENTION: THE BUTTERFLY FARM
We didn’t get time to visit the Butterfly Farm in Aruba, but we hear it’s a nice attraction! You learn a little bit and get to take some amazing photos. We’ll definitely have to knock it off our to-do list on our next visit!
WHAT TO EAT IN ARUBA
Look, there’s no shortage of food on the island. We had everything from burgers to lobster. But out of all the places we ate, our No. 1 recommendation is Driftwood. It’s a seafood restaurant in Oranjestad. The staff is friendly and attentive and the food and drinks were amazing. We went back for dinner two nights in a row!
MUST-READ TIP FOR U.S. TRAVELERS
So glad you’re still here! This is very important to know if you’re traveling back to the U.S. from Aruba. Thankfully, we read about this ahead of our trip, so we knew what to expect.
go through all the checkpoints. Honestly, the lines moved fairly quickly for us. So, just be patient and get there early! The good news is that when you get back to the U.S., you won’t have to go through customs again. You can just get your bags and head home.
That’s a wrap for our Aruba recap. Be sure to visit 2girlswhotravel.com for more fun travel stories!
You are going to want to get to the airport about 4 hours before your flight is scheduled to depart. Yes, you read that right. 4 hours! Here’s why: U.S. customs is done in Aruba. So, instead of going through customs when your flight returns to the U.S., you go through both Aruba and U.S. customs at the Aruba airport. This takes some time. You’ll drop your bags off twice and be led through several lines and checkpoints. And at times, there will be just a few agents. We read that many people missed their flights home because they didn’t get to the airport in enough time to
By 2 Girls Who Travel: Valerie Jones & Kim Floyd News Provider