For many, January 1 offers an opportunity to forget the past and make a clean start. But instead of leaving everything up to fate, why not enjoy a meal to increase your good fortune?

There are a variety of foods that are believed to be lucky:

New Year’s revelers in Spain consume twelve grapes at midnight—one grape for each stroke of the clock. This dates back to 1909, when grape growers in Spain initiated the practice to take care of a grape surplus. The idea stuck! Each grape represents a different month, so if for instance the third grape is a bit sour; March might be a rocky month. For most, the goal is to swallow all the grapes before the last stroke of midnight, but Peruvians insist on taking in a 13th grape for good measure.

Cooked greens, including cabbage, collards, kale, and chard, are consumed at New Year’s in different countries for a simple reason— their green leaves look like folded money, and are thus symbolic of economic fortune.

Legumes including beans, peas, and lentils are also symbolic of money. Their small, seed like appearance resembles coins that swell when cooked so they are consumed with financial rewards in mind. In the Southern United States, it’s traditional to eat black-eyed peas or cowpeas in a dish called “hoppin’ john”.

Fish is a very logical choice for the New Year’s table. It has been a popular choice since the Middle Ages.

What do you eat to bring in the New Year?

To duplicate Zoe’s long layered hair with soft curls, use the Jane Carter Solution Regimen 3 for Color Treated or Relaxed Hair:

• Moisture Nourishing Shampoo
• Nutrient Replenishing Conditioner
• Revitalizing Leave-In Conditioner
• Hair Nourishing Serum
• Hair Nourishing Cream

If you love Zoe the way we do, tell us why!

The winter months can be so harsh to our hair and skin as we go from the cold outside to the dry heat indoors. Fight off those elements with the following products from the Jane Carter Solution.

Keep your hair hydrated and looking great with our Moisture Nourishing Shampoo followed by Nutrient Replenishing Conditioner. Don’t forget Nourish & Shine is not only an incredible hair nourisher, it is wonderful for your dry skin, hands, feet, elbows, cuticles…you getthe picture.

“Love the giver more than the gift.” –Bringham Young

Giver - One who gives; a donor; a bestower; a grantor; one who imparts or distributes.

Its Tuesday…Hanukkah has come to an end, Christmas has passed, and Kwanza is just beginning. With so much emphasis on gifts (and trust me, I understand!), I thought it was necessary to acknowledge the gift givers—our family, friends, coworkers and peers, who are gifts themselves.

While gadgets, fashions and fabulous jewelry will certainly bring a smile to our faces, what about the people who have spent their time, energy and money to make that joy possible?

I encourage us all to remember who and what is important, during the holiday season and always.

For Christmas, a natural hair group in Georgia will give out 40 Barbie dolls with afro textured hair to little girls in the community.

One of the group members discovered an online demo on how to develop natural looking hair for dolls with items like pipe cleaners and boiling water. “We wanted to show the girls that basically, it’s okay the way God made you,” says a member.

*high five ladies*

Would you give the special little girl in your life a Barbie with natural hair?

You’ve spent time and money making sure you look your very best for the holidays; Regimen 2 for Natural Hair, Locks, or Twists by Jane Carter Solution will help your special look last longer while keeping your hair and scalp moisturized as well as hydrated during the winter months.

Regimen 2 includes seven wonderful products: Scalp Renew, Moisture Nourishing Shampoo, Nutrient Replenishing Conditioner, Condition & Sculpt, Twist & Lock, Natural Hold Locking Spray, and Scalp Nourishing Serum. When used as directed, we’re certain you’ll be delighted with the results – and so will your hair!