Mini twists

Hello there lovely people,


Well...this post is a bit overdo (by about two weeks), but here it goes anyway.  Since I shall soon be moving and starting a new job I figured that my life may be getting a bit hectic soon.  With this fact in mind I had to decide what to do with my hair.  Certainly I don't want to neglect it, but I also want to minimize the amount of time I have to spend on it for about the next month or so while I get settled into my new life.  What did I decide you ask?.....mini twists (as the post title implies;-).  I love Naptural85's mini twists.  I've been wanting to do them in my hair for a little while, but was very much so deterred by the putting in and taking out processes.  However, I decided to just go for it.  It took me about 10 hours to put them in.  I started on Monday evening and finished on Saturday morning.  I spent about 1.5-2 hours each day doing a few twists.  I'm finally finished and I love them!!!! The twists are easy to maintain and versatile.  I'm hoping to keep them in for at least 4 weeks, so I'll keep you updated on how it goes.  Putting them in was not nearly as bad as I imagined.  I think that if I had sat down and tried to do it all in one day I would have been miserable and come to despise them, but doing little by little was simply genius (which means it was Naptural85's idea not mine ;-).


Anyhoo, below is a bit of a recap of the process.....if you are considering putting mini twists in your hair I say go for it!!!

I started with freshly washed hair.  I then put my hair into about 20 large twists and wore that for a day

First day of twisting.  After twisting for about 1.5 hours the front of my hair was done.  I left the remainder of my hair in the large twists I had made the night before

This is a side view of my hair on day 1.  As you can see the front is in mini twists and the rest is in regular sized twists

These two pictures are from day 3.  By this point I had done the front and some of the sides.  I wore my hair pinned up most of the time during the twisting process because this made it easier to blend the two sizes of twists.   

Finally finished.  After 6 days of twisting I was finished.  I felt like this was quite an accomplishment!  I'll be back with some pics of my hair actually styled.

Guess who got a job?!?!?!

Hello there wonderful people,

As most (probably all) of you know,I have spent the past 5.5 years at USC in Columbia working on my doctorate in Biomedical Sciences (specializing in Pharmacology, Physiology and Neuroscience).  Well, I'm finished!!!!  That's right, a billion years later, so it feels, I have finished.  I have also landed a job to begin in January.  Hooray for bills getting paid!!!! Come January I will be the newest addition to the Biology Department at Francis Marion University in the happening town of Florence, SC.  Oh Florence ;-)  Anyhoo, I'm super excited to have been given a position as a professor and oddly enough am also excited about moving.  Now don't get me wrong, moving in general is pretty exciting to me, but to Florence :-/  At first I was bummed because my heart has been set on Chi-town for a while now.  However, I figure that no matter where I go 1.) if I was sent there I was sent there for a reason, 2.) I'm still going to be me, 3.) the place will be what I make of it.  So, with a positive attitude I'm moving on to a new place and new phase of life.  Good bye Ramen Noodles, hello frozen PF Changs.......

So, that's all for now.  I hope that everyone has had a wonderful weekend.  I'll keep you all posted on a move date and the exciting things I find in Florence :-)

Tootles for now,
Love, peace and happiness

My favorite products

Source

Hello there lovelies,

So lately I've been reflecting on my hair journey thus far, probably because I am finally figuring my hair out.  Anyhoo, I thought that I would put a list of my current fav products.  Of course everyone's hair is different and what works for me may or may not work for you, but this at least gives you newbies and product junkies a place to start ;-)  

Conditioners: 

Aubrey's Honeysuckle Rose (co-wash, DC, and leave-in)

Aubrey's GPB (co-wash, occasional leave-in)

Herbal Essences Totally Twisted (co-wash, henna conditioner)

Shampoos:

Aubrey's Honeysuckle Rose

Leave-In:

Cantu Shea Butter Leave-in conditioning cream (twists, style outs)

Whipped Shea Butter (twists, style outs)

Gels: 

Flaxseed

Oils:

Jojoba (scalp, pre-poo)

Castor (addition to whipped Shea butter, twists)

Olive (henna, pre-poo)

Vatika (styling) 

Products that I have tried in the past and stopped using (either b/c of cost or a new fav product), but I do like

Conditioners: 

Herbal Essences Hello Hydration (co-wash)

Suave Essentials (co-wash, leave-in)

Suave Almond and Shea Butter (I think that's the name, in the green bottle) (co-wash, leave-in)

Say Yes to Cucumber (co-wash, leave-in)

Carol's Daughter Black Vanilla Smoothie (co-wash)

Giovani Smooth as Silk (co-wash, DC, leave-in)

Dominican conditioners (if you want specifics email me or leave a comment, I've tried and liked a few)

Shampoo:

Carol's Daughter Rosemary Mint

Leave-ins:

Carol's Daughter hair milk (wash and go)

Carol's Daughter some of Maurgerite's Magic (twists, daily moisture)

Giovani Weightless Daily Leave-in (twists, style outs)

Oils:

Grapeseed (pre-poo)

Gels:

Herbal Essences Totally Twisted

Happy Thanksgiving

Hello there lovely people,

I want to wish everyone a very Happy Thanksgiving!!!  I hope that everyone has a wonderful day and is appreciative of all that we each have to be grateful for! 

I'm grateful for my family including my little Yum!

family time

Hello all,

This past weekend a cousin of mine got married, so I decided to post a few picks from the wedding.  Well, reception, I didn't take any pics at the wedding because I was late (thanks Avis).  Anyhoo, for the wedding I wanted to wear an updo, but I haven't quite mastered those on my hair, so I wore a large bantu know out instead with a feather accessory.  To do the large bantu know out I started with an old twist out.  I spritzed with a bit of water and added a little leave in.  I flat twisted the roots, and two strand twisted the ends and then twisted into a bantu knot.  I did about 6 or 7 of these so they were pretty big.  I learned this style from Naptural85, and I love it.  Anyhoo, I hope that everyone is having a lovely week and excited about Thanksgiving!!!

Tootles for now!

The happy bride and groom (my couso :-)

Daddy and me. Isn't he handsome <3

Mommy and me.  Some day I'll get her to smile for a pic! I like how Iook taller than her, it's all an illusion, I had on heels and she had on flats.

Fam left to right: Avis (sister), Tonya (sister-in-law), Raynard (brother), Mommy, and me

Cousos

Aunties (Mommy's sisters) and Micah (my nephew)

Avis and Micah

my DIY earrings

Hello there my lovelies,

So last week I decided to have a DIY day.  I worked on a couple of projects, but today I will share with you a pair of earrings that I made. These earrings were inspired by Mop Top Maven.  The earrings were pretty easy to make and took about 30-40mins to make (I think that if I make another pair in a similar manner it will take less time now that I have the hang of it).  I decided to use old denim that I had from some cut off shorts I made.  I wore my earrings today for the first time and got a couple of compliments.  Unfortunately, my "friend" (I think I need to re-evaluate our friendship) didn't believe that I made them so I thought I'd write a post about it since I wouldn't dare lie on my blog :-)

Anyhoo, if anyone is feeling creative I suggest checking out MTM's blog for some other jewelry, hair accessories, and clothes DIY ideas. 

Tootles for now,

Me

Style out help please

Hello there lovely people,

So lately I have been wearing my hair in twist outs more than I ever have.  I'm getting pretty good at figuring out what to do with my hair to achieve a nice twist out for the first day.  However, after day 1 things go down hill for me.  Day 2 and 3 twist out hair is usually still pretty well moisturized and all that jazz, but it gets limp as the days roll on.  On day 1 my hair is usually full and awesome, but this is not the case for the rest of the week.  Are there any suggestions for keeping that full look for days2 and beyond twist (or braid) out?  What do you do with your hair at night and the next morning?  Help me please!!!!

Looking forward to hearing from you, and if I come up with anything myself I'll share.

Tootles,

Love, peace and happiness

Was that an insult or compliment? :-/

Okay, so yesterday evening I'm walking Miles around my neighbor and this car pulls up along side of us.  A lady with natural hair says what do you do with your hair?  I told her that it was a twist out, and told her how I do my twist out.  She says "oh okay, thanks.  I saw a frizzy headed black woman and I said let me pull over to see what she does to her hair."  Pause.......a frizzy headed black woman?!?! 

Now let me just re-cap my hair situation from yesterday for you (I didn't take any pics, so use your imagination).  On Sunday I washed (with shampoo :-0), deep conditioned, and twisted my hair.  Monday morning I took the twists out, applied a bit of oil and went on about my business.  Now indeed this wasn't the most defined or best twist out I have ever seen on myself, but I thought it looked pretty good (there were a few frizz spots due to my impatience when loosing the twists, but overall pretty tame). 

Back to the story....So naturally after this lady told me my hair was frizzy I smiled and kept all words in my head to MYSELF.  I decided not to say anything mainly because I wasn't sure if I had just been insulted or complimented.  In a matter of minutes she told me she liked my hair, asked what I did, and said it was frizzy :-/

Hmmm......I so dislike when I don't know if I've been complimented or insulted.  Oh well.  Lesson learned from that encounter: even when you think your hair looks good, to someone else it is just frizz... 

Let me know if you've had any awkward hair encounters lately, especially with other naturals....

Tootles, that's all for today!

So today I am wearing my hair in a high bun.  I started with my twist out from yesterday spritzed it with water and pulled it back into a high puff using a scarf.  Then I shapped the puff into a donut like bun and put a ponytail holder around it.  I then tucked loose ends away with bobby/hair pins.  Next I respritzed the front and back, added some gel, brushed and secured loose areas with bobby pins (this was done on the hair that is not in the bun).  I tied my hair with a scarf for about 20mins and that was that.  I'll probably leave this in tonight, tie down with a scarf and wear the bun again tomorrow.

Flax seed gel results: Part 2

After twisting my hair with flax seed gel I did notice that my twists had more shrinkage than usual and the ends were curlier, I think that both of these were due to additional moisture.  This picture is from the day after I twisted so the twists here are damp.

I don't usually like the way that my twists look when I wear them down so I pinned them up with bobby pins and called it a day.  This pic and then next two are my hair after my twists have been put up.  This pic is the back view of course.

front view

Me!

Hello lovelies,

So, I am back to report my thoughts on the flax seed gel used on twists.  I twisted my hair as usual (co-wash, leave-in and twist while dripping wet), but this time I added flax seed gel with the hopes that it would help keep down the frizz.  Unfortunately, the gel didn't help much with the frizz.  Usually I can wear my twist comfortably for a day, I wear them on day 2 despite lots of frizz and by day 3 I feel it necessary to take them out, because they are too frizzy.  With the flax seed gel I was comfortable wearing the twist for 2 days, and could have made it 3.  So the gel helped a bit, but nothing tremendous.  I'm not quite as in love with the gel as I first thought, but I do still really like it and plan to continue using it.  This weekend I made some more and re-used old flax seeds (as Naptural85 said I could), but I prefer to just start afresh with the seeds. 

On a slightly other note, I used shea butter (whipped) as my leave in for my twist out, and this is the first time I have ever done that so I'll let you know the results of that a bit later. 

That's all I have for now.  For all you Marcus D Wiley (Bishop Secular) fans, he is performing on Sunday evening at the Medallion Club here in Cola, tickets are $20.

Tootles for now,

Love, peace and happiness

Flax seed gel results: part 1

Hello there lovely people,

So, as you know I made flax seed gel last week.  Well, I initially loved it.  I first tried the gel on a two strand twist out.  The results were quite nice.  My twist out was defined, the frizz stayed maintained and most importantly my hair was SUPER soft.  Other benefits were that the gel is easy to make, all natural, super cheap, and I know exactly which ingredients are in it.  I washed my hair on Sunday and re-washed (co-wash for both) last night.  So Sunday through Wednesday my hair was soft and I had no white flakes (and I used a lot of this stuff).  Overall I give it 4.6 stars out of 5.  The only two cons I have with this gel compared to store bought is that it didn't add extra shine to my hair (which was fine because I was bamboozled by how soft my hair was) and it is said to only last about 7-14 days.  However, the cons are not nearly strong enough to outweigh the pros.  I am definitely going to continue using this gel (although the consistency is a bit like mucous I feel like I'm holding snot), and last night I tried it on two strand twists. 

I love my hair in twists, but they only last for about two days because the frizz monster hits after that; so I want to see if adding this gel will help keep the frizz away.  I'll report back on how that goes later in the week.  

So recap:  I love flax seed gel so far and give it a 4.6 out of 5 stars and definitely plan to continue use.....at least until a new product catches my eye ;-)  j/k the product junkie in me is actually dying and my bank account thanks me for that!!!

Have a great day!  Let me know if you've tried flax seed gel, and if so what you think of it. 

Tootles for now   

This is my hair in the twist out after using flax seed gel (the top pic is the same day back view).  I co-washed my hair and detangled with a wide tooth comb.  I split my hair into four large sections and applied Cantu Shea Butter leave-in  and flax seed gel one section at a time.  I two strand twisted each section into about 5-7 twists (total 20-25 twists) and left it alone the remainder of the day.  On each twist I flat twisted the root.  That night I put a bonnet on and then in the morning untwisted, put a bit of Vatika oil in and voila!

This pic is day 2 hair.  The night before, I braided into6 braids and flat twisted the very front so it's more of a braid out on a twist out than just a twist out.  Uusally I like this method better, but with the flax seed gel I think I like the plain old twist out better.   

QUICK flaxseed gel update

So far...... I LOVE IT!!!

This is the youtube video by Naptural85 showing how to make the gel.  The video unfortunately doesn't play well, but if you're in a patient mood check it out or google some other video on how to make flax seed gel ;-)

So last weekend while I was being super not productive I discovered Naptural85 on youtube, and became inspired to make some flax seed gel for my hair.  The gel is made purely from flax seeds and water.  The gel was very easy to make and took about 10mins total (start to clean up which included washing a pot, cup and spoon).  I used it today on a twist out.  After co-washing my hair I put leave-in on and then the gel and went to twisting.  I'll let you know the results tomorrow after I take my twists down.  So far I like the gel; it is all natural and super cheap (yesterday I bought 1/2 a pound of flax seed at Rosewood supermarket for less than $2, and a half a pound is a ton for our purposes).  I applied quite a bit as I am heavy handed when it comes to products, and there are currently no white flakes which is awesome.  

To make the gel you will need:                                         

1/4c. flax seeds (you can get this from a health food market)

2c. water

1 pot

1 air tight container to store it in

1 container to pour it in (I used a cup, you can use you the same container that you are storing it in)

1 sheer pantyhose (I used a cheap knee high)

1 pair of tongs (I don't own any so I used two knives and got creative)

10mins of free time

Pour the flax seeds and water into the pot and boil.  Place the panty hose opening around the brim of your "pour into" container (cup).  Stir flax seed mixutre constantly once boiling begins.  The water will begin to thicken and a white foam will begin to form on the top.  Once the water is thick but still liquid remove the pot from heat and pour some of the water/seeds into the panty hose (about 5mins after boiling begins).  Lift panty hose above the liquid level and use the tongs (knives for me) to squeeze excess gel out.  Pour the liquid into your "storage container."  Re-place the panty hose around the cup and pour the remainder of seeds from the pot into the panty hose and squeeze with tongs.  Add what you get to your mixture in the "storage container."  There you have it.  Seal your container and place in the refrigerator.  The gel will harden as it cools.  If you'd like you can add some essential oils and such.  I figured I'd start pure and go back and add oils and such later on if I decide to continue making the gel.  

Well, happy gel making.  Say goodbye to unhealthy chemicals and preservatives and hello to all natural goodness.  I'll be back tomorrow with the results ;-)

Tootles for now 

looking for a shampoo



Avis and I at the family reunion in Augusta, Ga. September 2011.  We are both wearing a twist-out.



Hello there lovely peoples,


As most of you know I hardly shampoo my hair (approximately 3xs per year).  However, I have been using oils in my hair much more these days (Vatika and Castor especially) and feel like it is very difficult to get my hair clean now with conditioner alone.  So, I am contemplating shampooing again maybe 1-2xs per month.  However, I haven't been a regular shampooer in so long I'm not positive what I want to use.  I want something that will get my hair clean as well as leave it moisturized.  Any suggestions?!?!?


Thanks,
Tootles for now

I'm pooped, weekend recap

My sister and nephew at Christmas-time.  I'm so excited for Christmas!!!!

I went to Ga on Friday.  The beginning of the trip consisted of and me playing with the niece and nephew, which mostly meant me watching them play with Miles (my doggy) and making sure they didn't torture him too much.  Play also consisted of saying thank you to my niece as she brought me things that she had so kindly taken out of my bag. 

Saturday morning was peanut ball (baseball for little people).  I love how entertaining children can find dirt; those little 3 and 4 year olds were certainly more interested in playing in the dirt than catching and throwing the ball.  I guess you can get away with that when you're little and cute.  Then Avis, Charon, and I tried to go thrifting.  We started at a Goodwill near the house where Avis and I found a few things.  Next we moved on to Rag-O-Rama in little 5 points.  They had a few cute things, but were way overpriced for a thrift store.  We ended up at H&M in Atlantic Station.  Then we went home.  I'm not sure if it was the shopping or what but I was pooped by the end of the day.  As much as I love them, thank God the little ones were asleep when we got back home; this meant that everyone got to go to sleep. 

Sunday morning I was kindly awakened by my nephew who felt the need to inform me that he needed to potty.  Now mind you that his bedroom is about 4 feet from his room upstairs and I was sleeping all the way downstairs.  He couldn't go to the potty because it was dark in there so instead he thought it was better to walk all the way downstairs and get me so I could go back and turn the light on.  His mom says, but it was dark down the stairs and he replies, I know and I was scared the whole time.  Lol, I love the rationale of a 3 year old. 

Phew, I am exhausted.  I got back home today (Sunday) around 11am and have already taken two naps and am planning to go to bed as early as possible.  Geez, how is it that children have sooooooooooo much energy?  More importantly how is it that parents can keep up with them :-/  Guess I'll learn the secret someday, but for now I am going to say kudos to all those out there raising balls of energy aka children. 

All in all a great weekend.  I hope that everyone had a great weekend, let me know what you did!!!

Tootles for now

henna

On Tuesday I saw a girl with a twisted Mohawk and felt inspired to try it on my hair.  I washed and twisted my hair today, and was quite pleased with the outcome for a first attempt. 

Hey there lovely peoples,

Last week I henna'd (made up word) my hair.  This was the third time that I have applied henna to my hair, and I quite like the results.  Henna adds a touch of a reddish/brownish color to your hair; it also is said to have great conditioning properties, helps strengthens hair, may loosen curl pattern, and add shine.  From my understanding the benefits of henna (minus the hair color) take a little while to see.  I henna approximately once/month so I suppose I will continue for about six months (about the end of the year) and see if I can tell a difference.  Short term I love the touch of color it adds.  The color is quite subtle and is only really evident in the sunlight.  And best of all is that henna comes from a plant and is therefore natural.  I mean, how can you beat a natural hair coloring system ?!?!?

Okay, so by now you're probably thinking this henna thing can't be that simple, add the henna and get awesome hair.  Well, the henna process takes a little bit of work, but like everything else, once you get used to it easy peasy lemon squeazy. 

So, the process.....

1. buy good henna-I think I got mine off of Amazon, I use Jamil henna
2. empty a packet of henna (I use 100g) into a bowl, something you don't mind dedicating solely to henna/hair processes
3. add 1c of conditioner and mix-I like to use HE Totally Twisted
4. add water-I don't ever measure this, I just mix and continue adding until the henna is a consistency that I like-for water I use tea.  On curly nikki's website she suggests using green tea so I figured I'd use tea, but I don't know if this really matters.  The consistency of the henna should be sort of like a paste, something that you can pick up with your hand, but not so thick that you can't spread it on your head.
5. cover with plastic and let sit for about 15-20mins
6. add oil prior to use-I use olive oil because it's usually the cheapest oil I have just sitting around
7. next is applying the henna to your hair-I have done this on wet and dry hair and I prefer wet (although this is a tad bit messier) because I feel like my hair took to it better so
1. I first co-washed my hair
2. I applied henna to my hair starting in the back (be certain to wear gloves)
3. apply henna to entire head section by section
4. cover with a plastic cap
5. cover with a stocking cap
6. cover with a scarf (I like to be certain the henna goes no where, I suggest that you use a specific scarf for this in case the henna gets on there)
7. leave on over night
8. rinse hair thoroughly with warm water-be patient, the henna hardens overnight and it takes some time to get it all out of the hair
9. co-wash
10. deep condition
11. style and go

Okay, so it sounds like a lot; I think it sounds like a lot because it is.  However, like I said before once you do it, it's no big deal.  Some things to keep in mind.  Do wear gloves when dealing with the henna or your hands will be orange for a few days.  Do cover your floor and other surfaces with towels or newspapers.  The henna can stain surfaces if it is allowed to dry, but no worries if you clean up well once you finish your henna process. 

This is a link to Mop Top Maven's henna video so that you can see what the process looks like. 

So, I encourage everyone (natural, relaxed or transitioning) to go forth and henna.  If you have tried henna or are thinking about it leave a comment and let me know your experiences with henna and/or questions. 

Tootles,

Love, peace and happiness

my bachelorette party!!!

Hello there lovely people,

This past weekend I had my first bachelorette party, and it was great!!!!  One day I had the awesome idea to have a bachelorette party to celebrate being single.  I don't understand why women (and men for bachelor parties) wait right until they are about to no longer be single to celebrate their singleness.  Therefore, I decided to take matters into my own hands and have a celebration while I am single (and for real single, not about to walk down the aisle single).  Now don't get me wrong, I do want to and know I will someday get married, but I think that I should celebrate my current status while I have it.  I feel like no matter what your status (even beyond single or married), there is something that you can learn, some way that you can grow, and something wonderful that should be celebrated.  So, I am embracing my singleness while it lasts, and trying each day to become a little bit better now so that when it is time to embark upon marriage I'll be exactly who I am supposed to be at that time with no regrets about what I shoulda, coulda, woulda done during my single days!!!

I was so fortunate to spend my bachelorette party (weekend) with three wonderful ladies.  The weekend began with yummy Cuban food at Mojito's on Gervais St.  Can I take a second out to say I LOVE some well cooked beans and rice, and don't get me started on the plantains.  Next we began our wild and crazy night in the Vista at 8:00 :-)  We went to Wet Willies and sat outside and talked and enjoyed various beverages.  Next, we went to Jillians where every one's eyes, except ours, were glued to TVs showing the Carolina game or some fight that was on and apparently a big deal.  We headed straight for the back to the dance section.  At first the music sucked, but after more people came back there the music got better.  After wobbling for a bit we headed over to Blue, my favorite night spot in Columbia.  When we first got there I was a bit skeptical because they had a new DJ, and the music at Blue is one reason I so like it.  However, new dude was on it, and toward the end of the night he mixed Rolling in the Deep and won award in my book for best DJ of the night.  And let me say that I don't even like that song, but dude was on it.  After that we went home and got much needed sleep.  Sunday was church at 11, which was awesome by the way.  After church went to Viva la Vista, a street fair type of event, for a bit which was hot, but quite enjoyable:-). 

All in all I found the weekend to be wonderful and am so grateful that Sheika, Nalisha and Breana were willing to spend it with me!!!  Now of course is nap time :-) 

Tootles for now, don't forget to embrace the place you are in 

Nalisha and me at Mojitos.  For the weekend I decided to wear my hair in two braids pinned up in the back.

Breana and Sheika at Wet Willies.  Apparently Sheika could never hear what I was saying during the night so she wasn't paying attention.....why is it a recurring theme with people that they can't hear me?  Why is it everyone else and obviously not me :-)

Me at Jillians.  I had a Tequila Sunrise, my first one, it was just okay.



Now this is real talent right here.  I took a pic of all four of us when it was said it couldn't be done.  Haters!!!!! :-)



it's the little things

I've decided that God is my favorite artist

Today I had quite a hectic day.  I was leaving Wal-Mart from picking up a few things and I was hot, hungry and getting a bit cranky (not a pretty combo on me).  As I was finished unloading my stuff into my car a gentleman who was headed toward the store asked if he could take my shopping cart.  I thankfully gave it to him, hopped in the car and blasted the air condition.  As I backed out I looked in my mirror and saw the guy put the shopping cart into the holder and continue walking into the store cart free.  When I realized that he asked for my cart simply to be a nice guy so that I didn't have to walk back and put it away myself, that completely turned my attitude around and made me smile.  I love when people do kind acts just out of the goodness of their heart.  

I don't know about you, but when someone does a good thing for me it just makes me want to go out and do something nice for someone else :-)  So, keep the love going this weekend and do a little good whenever you can!!!

Tootles for now, have a great weekend.

Love, peace and happiness 

is it just me or is dirty hair prettier?!?!? :-/

image source

Okay, so I know this sounds weird and disgusting, BUT, I often feel like my hair LOOKS the best right before I need to wash it :-/  This is so crazy, but a day or two before wash day my hair is shiny (oily), it moves (is weighed down with product), and is soft (from the tons of built up moisturizer).  What's up with that?!?!?  So, it feels oily and disgusting, but if you just don't touch it......gorgeous.  This of course leaves me not wanting to wash it and then I'm torn.  Do I want disgusting oily, but shiny pretty hair, or clean not as shiny and awesome hair?  I think this wash period I'll do a test.  I usually wash my hair about every 5.  Tomorrow will be 5 days since my last wash and I can certainly tell.  So maybe I'll just see how long I can hold off before washing.  Well.....I really want to henna, so maybe next wash cycle I'll experiment, we'll see.  I'm excited, I quite love experimenting!!!!  I'll keep you all posted on the decision and results. 

Let me know if any of you ever experience this feeling of beautiful dirty!!!

Tootles for now, 

Love, peace and happiness 

resisting temptation



image source



Hello lovely readers,

This morning I went to get my oil changed/tires rotated, and I had a big decision to make.  I always take my car to the same place, and I usually go in the morning.  Since I scheduled the appointment yesterday I had been thinking about how excited I was to get a donut when I got there.  In the waiting room, they always have a box or two of donuts in the morning.  Now, sometimes they have Dunkin Donuts and that's no problem for me to leave alone.  But this morning, I walk in the waiting room and there to my delight I see two dozen Krispy Kreme donuts.  Mmmm......as I worked to keep the saliva from dribbling out of my mouth I already started feeling guilty about eating them (because I had already decided I was getting 2).  So I thought about it for a moment, and decided against the donut.  I sat at a table (in an adjacent room, and that may have helped me resist), opened up my mini can of V8 and decided that I would resist the temptation.  As I downed my V8 (I'm sure I was pretending it tasted like donut) I was so proud of myself.  I decided recently that I need to start eating better because I have been terrible lately so I felt like this was a big step for me.  I think one of the best things about resisting temptations is how proud you feel of yourself afterward!!!!  The yummy taste of the donuts would have only lasted for about a couple minutes as I ate them, but my awesome feeling of resisting has lasted all day!!!!!  

Feel free to share your stories of resisting those urges, good deeds you've done, or just something lately that has made you feel good inside.

Tootles for now,
Peace, love and happiness

posting a comment

In these pics my hair is in a flat twist out done on an old braid out done on an old two strand twist out.  Can we say time for a wash?!?!?! My butterfly is an old iron on I have from a t-shirt I made, and I put a clip on the back and turned it into a hair accessory. 

Hey there peoples,

I have had a couple of people tell me that they were unable to post comments.  I just tried to post a comment and it worked if I selected the Name/URL account or if I selected the google account.  To post using Name/URL simply type in the name (or link if you have one) that you want to post under and that should work.  For the google account I had to accept terms of use to create/use blogger.com (if you do this you don't actually have to create a blog).  For both of these options I had to type the security letters dealio, and I had to click post comment multiple times before it actually posted.  Comments will not be directly posted; instead, I will receive an email and approve them so that they may be posted.  

Thank you all so much for reading this blog.  Please continue to read/follow and continue to post comments.  Without comments, I figure no one is reading :-(  If you try to post and are having difficulties let me know (curlykinkybeauty@gmail.com).  

Thank you so much for your patience and support!!!
Tootles, 
Love, peace and happiness 

5 must haves for a natural beauty

image source

Hello there lovely peoples,

I have narrowed down five items that I feel are essential to a natural beauty such as yourself. 

1. A great hair oil: hair needs oil.  Everyone's scalp natural produces oil (sebum); however, the amount of oil that is produced varies across people (although it is most similar in people of similar ethnic backgrounds).  Typically, women of color have high sebum production; however, because of all the twists and turns in our hair the oil rarely travels down the strand as it does on straight, wavy or loosely curly hair.  Oil can coat and protect your hair and add shine.  Oil may also be bought to put on the scalp in order to prevent it from getting dry.  The type of oil you use is up to you.  My favs are Castor oil, Jojoba Oil and Vatika Oil for my hair.  Castor oil/jojoba oil or Castor oil/olive oil for my scalp.  However, everyone's hair and scalp are different so try out different oils and see what works best for you. 
2. Cute hair accessories:  I LOVE accessories!!!  So naturally I love hair accessories.  Okay, hair accessories aren't pertinent to healthy hair, but they do make your hair so much more fun.  I suggest getting a variety of accessories so that you can change it up: flowers, headbands, hats.  I also highly recommend making your own hair accessories.  For inspiration you may want to check out this post, this post or this post from the Mop Top Maven. 
3. A great conditioner:  An awesome conditioner is so essential to having healthy beautiful hair (natural or relaxed).  It is very important that your conditioner moisturizes and detangles preferably without leaving a bunch of build-up and residue.  My fav conditioner currently is Aubrey Honeysuckle Rose.  Some others that I like are Aubrey GPB, Say Yes to Cucumbers, Herbal Essences Totally Twisted
4. A hair routine that works for you:  Some people may say that having a routine is not necessary.  However, having a hair routine cuts down on stress tremendously.  Having a hair routine also helps reduce product junky tendencies.  Included in a hair routine is an appropriate night time routine.  I recommend your night time routine including a scalp massage, oil your hair (and scalp if necessary), putting hair in a protective style such as braids (maybe just 2 or 4 or so) and sleeping on satin (pillowcase, scarf, bonnet).  Although it sounds weird, your hair will respond better to having some type of routine, trust me.
5. Patience:  learning your hair is a process.  You and your hair should be friends not enemies or frenemies.  Even if you have been natural for some time, don't be frustrated if you feel like you haven't quite figured everything out yet about your hair, it takes time.  When you get frustrated (and you will at some point about some hair issue), just take a breath and chill out.  

Well, these are the five things that I have found most essential to working toward healthy happy hair and Shayna.  What is it that you feel should be added to the list.  

Tootles for now!!!!    

Feeling naturally inspired in the professional world

Image Source

Hello there lovely peoples,

Yesterday I went to a press conference and luncheon devoted to increasing the number of women in politics in SC (and just in case anyone is wondering, SC ranks number 51, yes 51!!! in the number of women holding elected and appointed political positions).  Anyhoo, I was thrilled by the women I saw and met there.  It was so inspiring to meet strong independent women wanting change.  And to my pleasant surprise, there was such an array of women there.  I mean there were old women (including a 91 year old lady who was one of the first females to graduate from USC Law School), young women, Black women, White women etc.  It was beautiful to see.  I was especially delighted to see that these women were intermixing and mingling regardless of these very apparent outward differences.  And of course one of the best parts of all for me was all the Black women who had natural hair :-)  I mean I saw TWAs, big thick puffs, pulled back natural and myself rocking a twist out (an old big twist out, but still cute ;-), and I loved it.  All of the women despite choice of hairstyle looked professional, confident and comfortable.  Who says that natural hair, regardless of the texture, can't be professional and beautiful?!?! 

With that said, I strongly encourage all of you wonderful women of SC (or women who know women of SC) to get involved in politics.  We should all seriously consider running for a political office or committee or supporting a woman who is.  Currently there are only about 15 women in the SC House of Representatives and 0 women in the SC senate.  We rank behind every state and Puerto Rico for number of women in politics.  Really?!?!  It's 2011, it's time to stop letting the boys run things and make decisions for us when we are fully capable of making decisions for ourselves.  Okay, as I step down off of my soapbox I will leave you with the final thought that women are naturally programmed to be leaders.  I mean we already multi-task, resolve conflicts, budget, act as a liason, compromise, and over commit and come through in our daily lives, how different is politics :-) 

Well, that's all I have for now,

If anyone wants more info about getting invloved in politics let me know!!!!

Tootles

This year the Southeastern Institute for Women in Politics is really pushing to increase the number of women elected into political office in SC in the year 2012. I encourage us all to join the campaign and help out as best we can!!!!