BOND Incorporated: Guest Blogger

Showing posts with label Guest Blogger. Show all posts

Tuesday, December 16, 2014

The Benefits are Endless- BOND Membership

You ever want to know what it’s like being a BOND Girl? There are added benefits of joining the sisterhood. Below is a list of what you can expect as a member of such an amazing organization.

Participate in BOND's Mentoring Program
Receives support and encouragement
Celebrates in personal successes and triumphs
Receive personalized letter of reference/recommendation
Contribute to BOND’s Volunteer Program
Take part in Annual Community Outreach Project
Receive retailed discounts through BOND Card Incentive Program
Participate in fundraising awareness/initiatives
Reduced rates during Gatherings and BOND hosted events
Networking opportunities
Build meaningful relationships with other women from a variety of backgrounds
Opportunities to enhance and hone on skills and gain new ones
Access to businesses and a variety of subject matter experts
Be on the receiving end to countless giveaways and raffles
Receive Membership Swag Items (logo t-shirts, member certificate etc.)
Attend business/entrepreneurship workshops/training
Attend special guest speaker workshops/Gatherings
Receives resources to equip you in the areas of personal and professional development

The benefits are endless when you’re a BOND Girl!

Other Post that May Interest You

Calling All Women Owned Businesses

Mama Knows Best

Membership Form is Now Online

Wednesday, January 2, 2013

Thursday, September 20, 2012

Natural Hair Agenda Series-Flax Seeds a Chemical-Free Alternative to Hair Gel

Flaxseed or linseed comes from Linum usitatissimum, a blue flowered plant. Flax seeds are thought to have originated in the ancient Middle East during biblical times. Historians have traced its cultivation in Babylon as early as 3000 BC.

Since 1994, Canada has held the position of the world's leader in the production and export of flax. They are an important source of polyunsaturated fatty acids, including Omega-3, plus Magnesium, Zinc and dietary fiber. Flax seeds can be bought in health food stores and can be found in grocery store health food sections.

Flax oil from flax seed is the richest known source of linolenic acid. Flax seed contains protein, mucilage, phytosterols and lignans, which are naturally included at 100 times the level of wheat bran (the next best source). The benefits of eating flax seed include lowering total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol.

It is also helpful in conditions related to the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, disorders of the heart and blood vessels, including high cholesterol, the treatment of sore throat, upper respiratory tract infections (URTI) and can be applied to the skin for acne, burns, boils, eczema and psoriasis.

Many natural hair wearers have been making their own styling gel from flax seeds. Flax Seed gel is a great alternative for those seeking a natural hair gel. It enhances curls, controls frizz and does not flake or harden.

The mucilage in the seeds produce a gel when the seeds are boiled. Aloe vera or carrier oils can be mixed with flax seed gel for added moisture, as well as essential oils which will enhance the gel’s properties and preserve the mixture for up to three weeks.

Make your own flax seed gel …

Tools:

1 cup water
2 tablespoons of flax seeds
Saucepan
Measuring spoon
Tongs
Stocking cap or Cheesecloth
Container with lid
Optional
Essential oils/additives - Aloe Vera, Jojoba Oil, Almond Oil, lavender,

Directions:
Line your container with the stocking cap or cheesecloth and set aside. Bring water to boil, stir in flax seeds. Reduce heat and simmer for about 10 mins, while stirring. You will notice the mixture thickening, and foam/gel beginning to form. After 10 mins remove from heat (your mixture will continue to thicken as it sits).

Pour mixture into your lined container, while it is still hot for easier straining. Carefully remove the liner from the container. While holding the liner filled with flax seeds over the container, use the tongs - to protect your fingers - to strain the gel directly into the container.

After the gel cools, mix in your additives. Mix in 1/2 teaspoon of lavender or your favorite essential oil to add fragrance. If you are adding both essential oils and a carrier oil - mix these separately adding 1 drop of essential oil to 1 teaspoon of carrier oil, before adding to your gel. If you are adding aloe vera, add one part Aloe - to three parts flaxseed gel.

Dependent upon whether you added essential oils - that will act as a preservative - the gel can be stored in the refridgerator for up to three weeks. The flax seeds can be put into a separate container and frozen, to be used again until they no longer produce mucilage.

More information (click links below)

FlaxCouncil of Canada
Goldenvs. Brown Flax Seed
PurchaseFlax Seed Online Texas Natural Supply
Howto Video Naptural87
TheHairoine
FlaxSeed Gel Thyroid Warning

Stay tuned for more articles from the Natural Hair Agenda Series.

Guest Blogger Laquita Thomas-Banks is one of the Natural Hair communities most noted writers. Her credits include writing for Clutch magazine and its sister site Coco and Cream, the Examiner.com as the DC Natural Hair Examiner. She also writes natural hair articles for Pumpsicle, AfroGlitz, Living No Lye, Sanata International print magazine, and a guest blogger on Kinnks.She was also featured during BOND Inc’s Spotlight.

Natural Hair Agenda Series Articles

10 Butters For Your Hair and Skin

A Lesson on How Conditioners Work

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A Natural Born Leader

Saturday, August 4, 2012

Grief & Forgiveness for the Daddy’s Little Girl That Never Was

My father died and I never told him I forgive him. The feelings of forgiveness took a long time to come to me and I was still wrestling with anger and hurt before I finally acknowledged the forgiveness that eventually came. But, he died before I could ever tell him so.

I had a tumultuous relationship with my father. It wasn’t a daddy’s little girl type of upbringing. I used to long for the day that I wouldn’t have to deal with him in my life and, by choice, I cut communication with my father as I got older. His influence remained with me as much as I tried to run from it. Feelings of anger, rage, and abandonment rose up in me whenever I spoke of him. Later, it turned to indifference, which I described as being “over it”. I told myself and everyone else I was “over” all that happened in the past and in a place to move forward. I had a husband and children to raise and I needed to find all the love in me to give to them.

My being “over it” was just a mask; a mask of the pain that I never truly dealt with. A few years ago, circumstances brought my father back into my life in a way as he started changing. He began forgetting things and not being himself. He physically aged considerably and his mental capacity diminished. I was actually mad at that too. Mad that he could become so decrepit and confused that he’d forgotten all that he put me through. Where’s the fairness in that? I had a few interactions with him during that time and my emotions were still mixed with anger, hurt and then the indifference. Again, I got “over it”.

My father died this year at the age of 61. His passing confused me initially. Then it hurt me. The floodgates opened and I felt the pain of the past and the pain of the present. I felt the pain of the little girl who longed for a daddy and the anger of a woman who felt robbed by whom she had to claim as a father. I felt the pain of the present, grieving for what was and wasn’t. I felt the pain in realizing that he no longer exists in the physical world and I never got to tell him that I truly do forgive him.

For all that he was, his presence in my life was done the best he knew how. For all that he wasn’t, our interactions brought me to who I am today. As God’s vessel, he brought me into this world and I stand before all today a product of him. My father wasn’t the best, but I do forgive who he was at his worst. And I now must forgive myself for holding on to the anger and hurt for so long that I never got the chance to heal with him.

Click here to check out I Am My Sister's Keeper by Stephania.

Stephania Vereen a BOND guest blogger, is a former Educator now turned Freelance Writer/editor, Author and Speaker. She wrote and self-published the book Letters to Words and operates the Word of Mouth Today blog where she shares her experiences about people, places and things she likes and thinks others would appreciate as well.

Blog: http://wordofmouthtoday.com/

Connect: http://about.me/stephaniavereen

Wednesday, July 18, 2012

I Just Can't Find the Right Words to Say and Other BOND News

I Just Can’t Find the Right Words to Say…

Has there ever been a time where you couldn’t put it into words so instead you used a song to express just how you feel? Well many of you have been asking what to expect for this Friday for our BOND Game Night and since I can’t seem to find the right words to express just how amazing the evening will play out, this song will do it just the job. Click here to listen.

Last and Final Call

This will be the last and final call for to RSVP for the BOND Girl Game Night for Friday. Anticipate a lot of laughs, great food, and a fun filled atmosphere. We have raffles, giveaways, Bingo, Taboo, board games, card games and much more. It’s going to be bananas. You don’t want to miss a thing…It’s a guarantee. If you ever attended a BOND Gathering you know how we get down. An exciting and live evening it is sure to be. Bring a friend, be on time and prepare for a great night!!!

BOND GIRL GAME NIGHT!!!

Date: Friday July 20^th

Time: 7:30 PM

Location: 1500 Union Avenue, Suite 2500, Baltimore, MD

FREE: Donations are welcomed

RSVP is a must and spaces tend to fill up fast. As always our BOND Gatherings are for women over the age of 21. Click here to reserve your seat.

Just Added to the Evening’s Festivities

Boy do we have a special treat just for you. Just Added to the July 20th BOND Girl Game Night is Baltimore's own The Cosl Club (Circle of Self Love) These beautiful ladies will be showing us some easy dance routines/line dancing to get our blood flowing. The energy will be high and you don't want to miss it. Please wear comfortable clothes because we will be getting things shaking.

October Gathering Sneak Peek

The topic will be Fear Factor. Click here to find out more. Get a head start by RSVPing early. You don’t want to miss this one.

Building Bridges
BOND Inc is committed to providing its members and supporters with as many resources as possible. We are always looking to partner with other organizations/companies. We’d love to share your business, products, events or service with our members and supporters. If you or someone you know that is interested please email us at iambondinc@gmail.com.

BOND Membership

Membership is the heart and soul of who BOND Inc is as a thriving organization. We are convinced that planning for membership growth is an essential step and worth the time and effort it takes. Our goal is for BOND membership to be stable and predictable.

You are officially declared a full- fledged member of BOND Inc when you have filled out the membership application and submitted your membership dues. Once those two things happen, you will receive your certificate of membership along with your BOND Member Card. If you haven’t had the opportunity to submit your application and pay your dues we highly encourage you to do so. There are a number of added benefits to being a member of BOND and we hope that you take advantage of everything we have to offer. (Click here to join)

Member Benefits Explained

There are many added benefits of being a BOND Girl. (Click here to find out more) As a BOND Girl you gain access to exclusive offers, reduced and often free entrance to many of BOND’s sponsored events. More importantly, you will be a part of a major sisterhood of women who are doing amazing things personally and professionally. Our doors are always open, so if you’re interested in becoming an active member (click here) to submit a membership application. There are different levels of membership so pick the level that suites you the most.

Dues Unto Others

Membership dues are reinvested in its members by providing the highest quality benefits and services possible. Dues are also an essential piece in keeping BOND Inc up and running. If you haven’t had the opportunity to submit your payments please do so that we can continue to move our mission to uplift, motivate and empower women to reach their highest potential. We’ve now added a link so you can submit them online. If you prefer to mail them in please mail them to:

BOND Inc

1490 Matthews Town Road

Hanover, MD 21076

Should you have questions please email us at iambondinc@gmail.com. Thank you.

GroupMe Messaging
GroupMe is a cool mobile app that allows you to stay in touch instantly and efficiently with the masses. We plan to use this tool to send out mass messages reminding everyone of our upcoming events/gatherings, share important news, cancellation, directions and a host of other useful information deemed necessary. There are many added benefits for this tool and will only include those members who agree to be added. If you’re interested, email us at iambondinc@gmail.com and in the subject line type the words “Add Me”. In the body of the message include your cell phone number and the email address you’d like us to use.

Committee Members Needed

In preparation for the 8^th year Anniversary in November and our 2^nd Annual Poetry &Presents fundraising event in December, BOND is seeking volunteers to be apart of the Event Planning Committee. As a member of the team you will have the opportunity to take part in two of BOND’s most successful and much anticipated events. This is also a fun and exciting way to network with prominent business owners and organizations from in and around the community. You will also be able to gain additional skillset that you can add to your professional resume. July we will kick off the planning and hope you would join us in our planning efforts. If interested please email us at iambondinc@gmail.com

Florida Here We Come Trip 2013

The lovely ladies of BOND Inc and Natural & All will be joining forces in putting together a fab trip to Florida next year. This will be a great way to connect with women from all over the US. It’s more than just a meetup, this is a MOVEMENT. We have a lot of great ideas in-store for this trip and would love for you to join us. Shopping, dining, entertainment, pampering a meet and greet and the list goes on. We believe in having a great time without breaking the bank. If you’d love to be apart of the festivities or the planning committee email us to let us know and we will add you to the group. Hope you can join us. July we will kick off the planning and hope you would join us in our planning efforts. If interested please email us at iambondinc@gmail.com

Northern VA/DC Natural Hair Meet-up

If you or anyone you know who is natural or thinking of going natural and lives in the Northern, Virginia or District of Columbia BOND’s President will be hosting a Natural Hair Meet-up in the upcoming weeks. Here you’ll be able to talk styles, products, meet other local naturalistas and the opportunity to swap products. If you’re interested in attending please join the Facebook Group entitled Northern, VA Natural Hair-Meet-Up you may email us iambondinc@gmail.com for more details.

Recent Articles

What is BOND Inc Up To?

October BOND Gathering

BOND Committee Overview

Up and Coming Event Planner “Tamika Smith”

Product Review: “Magic in a Bottle”

BOND Inc Gearing Up to Celebrate 8 Years in Style

2^nd Annual Poetry & Presents Kicks Off

***Join the Sisterhood ***New Page***

BOND Inc Calendar/Future Initiatives
-October BOND Gathering “Fear Factor”
-Anniversary Celebration (November 2012)

- Second Annual Poetry & Presents (December 2012)

-Florida Here We Come Trip (2013)

-Conference for middle/high school girls (2013)

-Resume & Business Start-up How to Workshop (For Members Only)

-Night Out on the Town (For Members Only)

-Northern VA Natural Hair- Meet &Greet-Date/Location yet to be determined
-Partnerships with several organizations (Ongoing)

Final Notes
If you haven’t had the opportunity, be sure you find us on Facebook. Search for Bringing On New Direction. Drop us a line every now and then we promise to show you some BOND Inc Love.

Thursday, June 28, 2012

With All My Heart and Soul...

July BOND Gathering

Ladies you’ve worked hard all week long and now it’s time that you PLAYED hard. Join us for our July’s BOND Girl Game Night on Friday, July 20th @ 7:30 PM. Anticipate a lot of laughs, great food, and a fun filled atmosphere. We have raffles, giveaways, Bingo, Taboo, board games, card games, karaoke and much more. It’s going to be bananas. You don’t want to miss a thing…It’s a guarantee.

If you ever attended a BOND Gathering you know how we get down. An exciting and live evening it is sure to be. Bring a friend, be on time and prepare for a great night!!!

BOND GIRL GAME NIGHT!!!

Date: Friday July 20^th

Time: 7:30 PM

Location: 1500 Union Avenue, Suite 2500, Baltimore, MD

FREE: Donations are welcomed

RSVP is a must and spaces tend to fill up fast. As always our BOND Gatherings are for women over the age of 21. Click here to reserve your seat.

With All Your Heart & Soul

BOND Member Benefits Explained

GroupMe Messaging

A special thanks to one of our newest members Kimberly D. who suggested that we sign up to Group Me Messaging. GroupMe is a cool mobile app that allows you to stay in touch instantly and efficiently with the masses. We plan to use this tool to send out mass messages reminding everyone of our upcoming events/gatherings, share important news, cancellation, directions and a host of other useful information deemed necessary. There are many added benefits for this tool and will only include those members who agree to be added. If you’re interested, email us at iambondinc@gmail.com and in the subject line type the words “Add Me”. In the body of the message include your cell phone number and the email address you’d like us to use.

Dues Unto Others

BOND Inc

1490 Matthews Town Road

Hanover, MD 21076

Should you have questions please email us at iambondinc@gmail.com. Thank you.

Committee Members Needed

In preparation for the 8^th year Anniversary in November and our 2^nd Annual Poetry & Presents fundraising event in December, BOND is seeking volunteers to be apart of the Event Planning Committee. As a member of the team you will have the opportunity to take part in two of BOND’s most successful and much anticipated events. This is also a fun and exciting way to network with prominent business owners and organizations from in and around the community. You will also be able to gain additional skillset that you can add to your professional resume. July we will kick off the planning and hope you would join us in our planning efforts. If interested please email us at iambondinc@gmail.com

Florida Here We Come Trip 2013

Night Out on the Town

How about an evening spent in DC over dinner? How does a night getting all glammed up to catch a concert or a play sound right about now, or maybe a night out to see a new film release? Whatever the case may be let’s do it BOND Girl Style. BOND is planning a night out on the town in the upcoming weeks for members only. Be sure to check back soon for all of the details.

Calling all Business Owners/Entrepreneurs.

BOND Inc is committed to providing its members and supporters with as many resources as possible. We are always looking to partner with other organizations/companies. We’d love to share your business, product or service with our members and supporters. If you or someone you know that is interested in partnering with us please email us at iambondinc@gmail.com.

Northern VA/DC Natural Hair Meet-up

Natural & All

Natural & All is a page dedicated to providing information for women in the areas of health, beauty and fashion. Be sure to check back often www.iambondinc.blogspot.com. If you’d like to share your natural hair journey, provide a product review or share you’re most recent fashion finds email us so we can share it with the world.

Note: “Natural & All” and “Making it Up” (a Facebook Group dedicated to makeup enthusiast). In order to join you have to submit a request and we will gladly add you to the group. Just search for the group name on Facebook.

Sharing Is Caring

BOND is always willing to post articles, poems, stories, events from others and also feature guest bloggers. If you or anyone you know is interested, please contact us at iambondinc@gmail.com (Click here)

Recent Articles

Join the Sisterhood ***New Page***

Event Planning Committee PSA

Bohemian Jewelry

July’s BOND Gathering Is…

Extra, Extra Read All About It

BOND Inc Calendar/Future Initiatives
-Resume & Business Start-up How to Workshop (For Members Only)

-Night Out on the Town (For Members Only)

-Northern VA Natural Hair- Meet & Greet-Date/Location yet to be determined

-Anniversary Celebration (November 2012)

- Second Annual Poetry & Presents (December 2012)
-Partnerships with several organizations (Ongoing)