Hump day happiness....

Merry Christmas!!!

Hump day happiness.....

Here we go.....

1. God woke us up this morning

2.  God is awesome and answers prayers

3.  I remembered to do hump day happiness on hump day

4.  I didn't do a thing with my hair last night, I worked out today, and my hair was still cute after all that

5.  It's almost Christmas

6.  Game night tomorrow night

7.  I got our article submitted

8.  I heard about a wonderful "brain" article in the local paper Saturday

9.  The semester is over

10.  Alex (my research student) graduated Saturday, this one is bittersweet

Bonus:  Our rat is pregnant (research rat, we were trying to breed her, rats are expensive y'all!!!)

Share some happiness below

Tootles for now.....

Deep conditioner-Mixed Chicks

Image Source

Hello there lovelies~

I hope that you all are doing well, and that you had an amazing Thanksgiving Day.  I have been using a  new leave in for a few months now and  I would like to share it with you.  Let me begin by saying I am not one of those diligent deep conditioner people.  I deep condition about once per month (if I remember), I don't typically sit under a conditioning cap, use a steamer, say the alphabet backwards, or do whatever it is that hair gurus do.  My new deep conditioner of choice is Mixed Chicks Deep Conditioner.  I adore this conditioner.  The conditioner leaves my hair quite soft, it smells good, makes detangling easy, and is not too costly.  I try to deep condition at least once a month in order to help my hair stay well moisturized.  I don't have a particular time of the month for deep conditioning (like every first week of the month), but I simply do it when my hair looks like it is getting dry and needs a deep condition.  So, below is my process, which has been working well for me.

• Wet hair completely (all of this takes place in the shower)
• Put a bit of conditioner throughout my hair
• Section my hair into about 4-5 sections
• Put conditioner on each section at a time
• Detangle each section
• Twist each section once I finish detangling
• Leave conditioner on with a plastic cap, stocking cap, and scarf for about 1-2 hours (I have left this on overnight and feel like that is a bit too long)
• Wash conditioner out (leaving twists in)
• Twist for twist-out as normal

I would make a pros and cons list for this conditioner, but I really don't have any cons.  The conditioner works well and is easy to access (buy at Target).  I will say that the smell is pretty strong, pleasant, but strong (and lasts for days on your hair) so if you are sensitive to scents this conditioner may not be awesome for you.   

Let me know if you have tried this conditioner and/or what your deep conditioner of choice is. 

Tootles for now..........

Hump day happiness

Here we go.....

1.  God woke us up this morning

2.  I am actually doing hump day happiness on hump day!!

3.  I'm going home tomorrow

4.  I get to have family time this weekend

5.  I got to spend the whole day yesterday doing research

6.  I was re-inspired about research Saturday at a meeting

7.  The semester is basically over (last day of classes is Monday)

8.  I had amazing students this semester.  I really, overall, enjoyed the students in my classes this semester

9.  My buns are back!!!!!!!!  In my hair that is. 

10.  I went for a run Sunday at a wonderful little spot here in Florence.  I just may have found a new running spot. 

Happy hump day.  Have a safe and wonderful Thanksgiving Day!

Tootles for now......

Length check!

This is a high messy bun on a semi-old (3 days) twist out.  It looked better this morning but I forgot to take a picture then so this is a re-created bun after wearing a hood (it was 45 degrees today y'all) while walking Miles and while running.  

Hello there lovelies~

Those of you who know me know that I don't do real length checks, but instead I do milestones.  And as you probably guessed since I am writing this post I have reached another milestone.  I can finally put my hair, all of my hair, up into a bun!!!  Now, it is no secret that I love buns, so this is a big milestone for me.  I have been able to put my hair into a faux bun for a couple of months now (a faux bun consists of pulling my hair up into a high puff using a ribbon to secure and then using bobby pins to secure the ends of my hair into the shape of a bun), but I have yet to be able to put my hair into a legitimate bun until this week!  

So, feel free to go ahead and plan the celebration for me reaching another milestone on my hair journey.  I have to admit, I am quite enjoying this second (really third) natural hair grow out journey. 

***something to try- When putting moisturizer/leave-in conditioner on your hair for a twist out there is no need to put the moisturizer on the roots of your hair.  Once you have separated the section of hair that you plan to twist only put moisturizer on the bottom one-half (for short to medium length hair) or two-thirds (for longer hair) of your section.  There is no need to put moisturizer on the roots of the hair because sebum (oil) from your scalp will naturally moisturize that region.  Moisturizer is only need on the bottom portion (ends) of hair because the twists and turns of our hair make it difficult for sebum to travel down the hair that far to provide moisture.  By not putting moisturizer on the roots of your hair you are less likely to get moisturizer on your scalp which can cause build up on the scalp (this may clog pores and potentially inhibit growth), irritate the scalp, or cause dandruff.  Just a little something to ponder and potentially try.  I never put moisturizer on my roots, at least not intentionally, and my roots are always well moisturized.  

Tootles for now....

Hump day happiness

Yup, I'm late again, but here we go......

1.  God woke us up this morning

2.  A great time back at FU for homecoming

3.  I got to meet Zoe while I was in Greenville

4.  Made a good potential business connection tonight

5.  It's almost Thanksgiving

6.  During lab on Monday my students told me that my class is their favorite and that they have learned a lot :-)  that really made me feel good

7.  Finally getting some things done to clear my plate off a bit (and saying no after this!)

8.  Found some nice yoga practices on YouTube to do in the mornings

9.  I am going to try out a new running spot this weekend that someone told me about

10.  The student presenters did a wonderful job at the PURE (program for undergraduate research experience) symposium today when they shared their research

11.  My research students brought me back a souvenir from Nashville (they went to a research conference there, how sweet of them to think of me)

12.  I had a great nap at work today, but shhhh...don't tell anyone :-) 

13. Friday is just around the corner and I am ready

14.  I get to have some of Aunt Jackie's cake soon (my fav cake and one of my favorite foods)

15.  My hair is long enough again to fit into a bun (I wore a bun today and completely forgot to take a pic, but take my word for it)

16.  I could go on and it makes me happy that I have so much happiness in my life

I suppose that's all for this week.

Tootles for now.....

Hump day happiness

1.  God woke us up this morning

2. I have time to do hump day happiness

3. I met with a student interested in research. Not just any student this guy reads his textbooks for fun. I am excited!!!

4. I had time to take Miles on a short walk this morning before work

5. I'm going to Greenville Friday!!!

6. I saw Charon this weekend

7. Avis and I went to the Panthers' game Sunday (and they won:-)

8. I finally get to meet Ms. Zoe this weekend

9. It is almost Thanksgiving

10. Watching The Cosby Show on TVLand at work

It has a while but hopefully I am back for good!!!

Tootles for now....

Hump day happiness...

I know, it's Thursday, but I am so busy these days we will all have to take what we can get.  So here it goes...

1.  God woke us up this morning

2.  Tiffanie was accepted to two medical schools!!!!

3.  I am going to Columbia this weekend

4.  Research is going well

5.  I have a new challenge for you all (details to come this weekend)

6.  I am enjoying the process of re-figuring my hair routine.  Now that my hair is longer I have to revamp the routine

7.  I had a great weekend in Ga with my family

8.  Micah (the nephew) scored 5 goals at his soccer game on Friday night

9.  Busted this kid for smoking on campus yesterday and was proud of myself for speaking up for what is right

10.  This one is a secret but something made me smile yesterday :-)

Leave a little "hump day" happiness below in the comments section

Tootles for now........

And the list grows.....

Today is Ada Lovelace Day.  Celebrating women in science, technology, engineering and maths....

So, as my hair gets longer the list of things that my hair does get/has gotten stuck in continues to grow....

• Earrings (all the time)
• Sunglasses (only the ones with the little nose clip like things)
• Sweaters 
• A hanger (yeah, that one happened in the mall one day when my Mommy asked me to hold a dress she was thinking of buying.  I held the hanger over my head and the next thing I knew I was saying "help" because I was stuck.  My mother came to my rescue and freed me...amidst her laughing of course)
• A wall (yeah, I went to a soccer game at work recently and decided to sit in the back row. Unfortunately, I had to move because my hair kept getting stuck to the wall)

I can already see the day that my hair gets caught in a door...ouch.....

Let me know if you too have experienced any of these or hair being stuck in any other items.  

Tootles for now......

And I'm back.....

A slightly old pic, but my hair looks good :-) 

Hello there lovelies~

Yeah, so I've been gone for a little minute, but now I am back.  I have been SO busy at work lately that I just haven't had much time for blogging. However, I am back!!  So, I know I'm a little late, but let's do some hump day happiness!!!

1.  God woke us up this morning

2.  I think Miles is feeling better (he was constipated :-( )

3.  Breana has great news!! (I'll let her share)

4.  People have missed my blogging :-)

5.  Zoe had her first flight

6.  I am feeling great about the business

7.  I had an amazing weekend last weekend

8.  I made some Zucchini bread last weekend that was eaten up fast at work

9.  I have discovered "Kitchen Nightmares"

10.  I met some new people last week

So stay tuned for upcoming posts!!!

Tootles for now......

Hump day happiness

I know it's not hump day yet, but I just have so much happiness to share I couldn't wait!!!

1.  God woke us up this morning

2.  I had a wonderful family reunion in Fayeteville, NC this past weekend

3.  Charon is moving to Charlotte, NC (why you ask)

4.  Charon got engaged this weekend!!!!!

5.  Conrad and I are friends again (just to catch you up to speed, Conrad and I have been friends since middle school, about 4 years ago we had a bit of a falling out which resulted in me telling him I didn't want to be friends anymore and we hadn't talked until he texted me for my birthday)

6.  I had an amazing birthday on Sunday.  What better way to celebrate my birthday than with family!

7.  My family stopped by to see my house Monday on their way back home

8.  I joined a Spanish group

9.  I joined a book group

10.  So happy for my friends and family.  I love you all SO MUCH!!!! <3

I think that's enough happiness to make up for my lack last week.

Tootles for now......

Hump day happiness......

First day of class :-)  My hair was a mess y'all.  Can we say twist out gone wrong, but don't worry, I worked it anyway!

1.  God woke us up this morning

2.  My first day of fall classes today

3.  Peeks of sunshine through the fog and clouds

4.  Four students wanting to do research

5.  Happier

6.  Alicia may be coming to homecoming!!

7.  An evening of rest

8.  Making progress on the article I'm working on

9.  Did a little yoga

10.  Finished a little sewing project (I think my machine is fixed :-)

That's all folks.....

What do you all think? Let's talk about it

This picture has nothing to do with the post, but is this not an adorable outfit?!?!? My hair is in four day old twist out.  A close up pic soon to come.  I co-washed with trader joe's tea tree tingle conditioner and used shea butter leave in for the twists.

I was watching Millionaire Matchmaker re-runs recently and saw this scenario.  I am a bit torn on the scenario so I thought I would ask you wonderful people for your opinions, just out of curiosity.  

The millionaire was an ex-football player with a daughter.  Of the women the matchmaker chose he selected a lady who was a single parent.  They had a pretty good first date until...... dramatic pause.......

She told him that she googled him and found that he had been in some trouble for non-payment of child support and that she wanted to hear his side of the story.  He was upset that she brought that up and said that he felt it was none of her business and decided not to see her again.  

I have mixed feelings about the situation.  What do you all think?  Chime in.....




Below are my hump day happinesses :-) 

1. God woke us up this morning
2. Getting geared up for work
3. Pookie got the job
4. Awesome things happening at work (hopefully getting a neuroscience track in place soon)
5. Great news from an old professor 
6. It is beginning to feel like autumn
7. One of my happier moments was featured on the "discover" section for all to be happy about
8. My brother came to see me Sunday :-) I love that guy!
9. I hung christmas lights in my office
10. Making new friends

Mini twists trial number 457

While I had my mini twists in I wore my hair mostly in updos.  I always enjoy the twists for a little while, but then I miss my hair :-(

Yeah, they're not for me.  That is all.........

For more information as to why I should just STOP putting my hair in mini twists please refer to any of the posts listed below.  This PSA has been brought to you by Lady Shay.  Thank you.

Random Updates

Quick mini twists updated

Hump day happiness.....

1.  God woke us up this morning

2.  Made it back to Charleston from NYC safely

3.  Had a wonderful time in the city

4.  A friend recently got engaged

5.  Excited about going back to work 

6.  Been reading "Seriously...I'm Just Kidding" by Ellen Degeneres (and loving it by the way)

7.  Miles is back with me (I miss that little face when I'm away)

8.  Shunta had a wonderful hump day happiness spending time with her daughter

9.  Lots of friends on Happier

10.  Micah started school today... oh my goodness, when did he become old enough to go to kindergarten?!?!?!

So much to be grateful for, life is awesome!!

Hump day happiness......

1.  God woke us up this morning

2.  I get to see Sloka and Leah (Grad school friends) tomorrow

3.  Adorable pics of Zoe on Notabli (when you're cool, you're cool)

4.  Charon and I are friends on Happier (if you haven't downloaded this yet you really should...Avis)

5.  It's almost my birthday

6.  Saw my Granny today (and she's doing well :-) 

7.  Had a great workout this morning (what better workout motivation than potential beach trip for my birthday)

8.  Feeling great

9.  Great drive home today

10.  My life-knowing that I am exactly where God wants me which is exactly where I want to be

Share some happiness in the comments section

Tootles for now.......

Kudos.....that's not so extra ordinary

Okay, so I know I'm a little late, but I didn't have anything to write on Friday (you all really need to tell me more stories of the great things people are doing).  However, this morning someone did something that I felt was really kind and just the right thing to do.  

My neighbor has been having water from my air conditioner leak into his house. We took a look at it yesterday evening and discovered that the solution was going to require a little home repair. However, neither of us had any idea who to call to fix the problem so he suggested I call Bruce, the home owner's association president.  Bruce came over and took a look at things, and while he was looking he noticed a wasp nest next to my air conditioner unit thingy.  He asked if I had wasp killer, and considering the fact that I didn't even know such a thing existed of course I did not.  Well, this morning I got a knock on my door while I was finishing up breakfast.  As I walked over I grumbled all the way there (because at 9:30 in the am I was getting ready for work like all good employees and of course my hair was not in presentation mode yet).  And you guessed it, it was Bruce who had come back with a can of wasp killer stuff.  Oh my goodness, how sweet (and to think, I grumbled walking to the door).  So not only did he come back to kill the wasp, but before he sprayed he turned to me and said, "you better go back inside just in case they get testy."  Awwww, he killed the wasp and risked himself getting stung even though he wanted to be sure I didn't.

So, kudos to Mr. Bruce for being a good neighbor (even though he doesn't actually live in the neighborhood, but that's a story for another day)........

Hump day happiness.......

1.  God woke us up this morning

2.  Saw Breana today

3.  Saw a rainbow this evening

4.  Signed up on happier today (happy social media, check it out if you aren't familiar)

5. Started a new bible reading plan on YouVersion today

6.  Last day of online summer classes today

7.  NYC next week

8.  Enjoying summer

9.  Getting some research stuff moving

10.  Loving life

:-)   It's amazing how much happier life is when you focus on the positive.  I love hump day happiness.  Share some happiness in the comments section.

Tootles for now......

Hump day happiness......

1.  God woke us up this morning

2.  Going to Columbia this weekend (I'm going to the concert in the park if anyone cares to join)

3.  A wonderful (really beyond wonderful, but I don't know a word befitting) weekend at home

4.  Water time over the weekend

5.  Great adjustment this morning at the chiropractor

6.  Made a quite tasty raw soup yesterday (tomato soup, let me know if you want the recipe)

7.  Grateful for the place I'm in in life

8.  I get to see Kandy this weekend!!!!  

9.  Happiness of a friend

10.  Bibleway this Sunday

Share your happiness below in the comment section.  Also, I will be putting mini-twist in my hair and if anyone wants to make me REALLY happy you can volunteer to come help (or take out). 

Tootles for now......

Hump day happiness.....

Here we go.....

1.  God woke us up this morning

2.  A church member is hosting an exchange student next year

3.  A wonderful trip to Florida!

4.  A great family reunion (in Fl)

5.  Almost finished making this online class!!!!!!  Praise break......

And we're back

6.  Family and beach time this weekend

7.  My sissy's birthday this week (boy you're getting old ;-)

8.  Feeling better

9.  Stacy Dash will be on "The Exes" tonight.  Oh the days of movies such as "Clueless" how that movie shaped my life and sense of fashion

10.  I had some yummy quinoa for dinner....thanks Christina's mom

That's my happiness for today.  Leave comments below sharing your happiness

Tootles for now.....

....Girl look at that body, I work out....

Me after my workout today, please don't hate on the muscles.....

 I am always amazed at how influential hair is in our daily decisions, especially our decision to work out.  I have heard many women state that Black women's concern with their hair keeps them from exercising.  Of course, this then gives the illusion that once a woman goes natural she will then be able to work out without concern for her hair.  Well, I would like to say that people who think that way are WRONG.  I think that as far as working out goes I take my hair into consideration more now than I did when it was relaxed.  Of course this isn't a problem when I do a wash and go, but honey when I have a good looking twist out I am not trying to destroy it with sweat.  So, what's a natural beauty to do?  Well, there are a couple of options for preserving a style-out while working out.  

1. If working out in the morning, leave your hair in the style that you wore to preserve it at night.  I braid my hair at night and it is not cute so this option does not work out for me unless I work out at home.  However, if you put your hair in cute braids at night, a puff, or pineapple then this option may be suitable for you fellow gym goers.  
2. If working out once you have styled your hair for the day, where your hair in a high ponytail, pineapple or puff.  This is the option that works best for me.  I usually go to the gym in the afternoon/evening so that I can be less concerned with my hair.

 

The goal of both of these options is to keep as much hair as possible away from your scalp.  Your scalp is where the sweat will be; therefore, the less amount of hair that comes in contact with your scalp the less amount of hair you that will be exposed to sweat.  By keeping your hair from coming in contact with the sweat you will decrease the chance of frizz and ruin of your style-out.    

My preference for preserving my twist outs during sweaty workouts, and boy do I sweat, is to wear a headband and my hair in a high ponytail.  Until my hair grows back more I use a ribbon to hold it up in my high ponytail until I can use a hair twisty.

Whichever option works best for you there are two additional things that you should do to help preserve your style.  It is important to preserve the edges of your hair.  I like to do this by wearing a sweatband, headband, or scarf which will absorb some of the sweat.  The second important thing to do, and this is crucial, is to be sure that your hair dries COMPLETELY, or as close to completely as you have time for, before you take your hair out.  By take your hair out I mean removing your hair out of whatever style you have done to preserve it during your work out.  For example, for me, I wait for my hair to dry completely before I take my high ponytail down and before I remove my headband/sweatband/scarf.  

 

If you find  there to be too much frizz around the edges try flat twisting the edges, especially the front, ans again be sure to leave this in until your hair has dried.  

 

Once your hair has dried you are good to go to style as usual.  

 

I hope this helps.  

Tootles for now.......       

Kudos......that's not so extra ordinary

Okay, I know I'm a day early, but this happened today and it made me smile so I had to share.  I came home from work today to find that someone had brought my trash bin and recycling bin back to my house and placed them outside my back door.  When I got home and saw this I was reminded of how important it is to do little things for people because you never know how those acts will impact that person.  I stayed up late getting work done, had a long day at work and was so tired when I got home.  To have one less thing that I had to do after arriving home just made me smile inside and out.  

So, actually, I think that was pretty extraordinary of my secret knight and shining armor trash man/woman.

Tootles for now......

Hump day happiness.......

Here it is.....

1.  God woke us up this morning

2.  Family reunion next week

3.  Mini Charleston trip next week

4.  Almost finished designing the online class

5.  Great blessings for Erica

6.  Cool chiropractor.  He had to touch my coconut oil (Vatika really) filled hair this morning and didn't even mind. 

7.  Florence after five this Friday (if it doesn't rain)

8.  Sea world next week

9. Oprah's next chapter with the black women of Hollywood

10.  Beach time next week..........

Tootles for now........

Hump day happiness.......

1.  God woke us up this morning

2.  An amazing vacation last week

3.  The beach

4.  A wonderful evening with Elton last week

5.  A new vacation spot (are you all seeing a theme with my happiness :-)

6.  A new chiropractor

7.  Church tonight - I missed last Wed and Sun it feels like forever

8.  Doing a closet purge

9.  Got new glasses yesterday

10.  I got a post request - I really like when people ask that I write about specific topics on here

That's all I'll give for today although I am grateful for SO many more things

Tootles for now.......

My hair is so cute today, now what do I do with it at night?

This is a 5 day old twist out.  I maintained the style as I do for all my twist outs.  How is my modeling?  I watched Master Class Cindy Crawford yesterday and was feeling inspired :-)

Hey there lovelies~

Today someone inquired about maintaining a twist out.  Maintaining a style is something that heavily depends on your hair and your time commitment willingness.  The most common techniques that I have heard of for maintaining a style out is to pineapple, low bun, multiple puffs, braid.  Whichever method you choose it is imperative that you moisturize every night or every other night at the very least.  Common moisturizers are leave in, oil (jojoba and coconut are popular ones), Shea Butter, or water.  I will go through each of these options below.  

• Pineapple: this is the method that curly nikki uses to preserve her hair styles.  Basically, in order to pineapple you take all of your hair, bring it forward, loosely secure it with a ponytail holder and sleep with all of your hair in a super high ponytail (I'm talking almost on your forehead high).  I have tried the pineapple back in the day when my hair was longer, but didn't like it.  When I tried to pineapple, the next morning the ends of my hair were fine and the front was okay but the back was all flat and mushed.  Of course it is completely possible that I did something wrong, but as of now the pineapple is not for me.  I do however like to pineapple (when my hair is long enough) when I work out.  If you want to try pineappling check out this video.   
• low bun: this is the method that naptural85 (she does a low bun at about 5:20 of this video) uses to preserve her styles.  As the name implies you take all of your hair and place it in a low bun at the nape of your neck.  I have also tried this method, but I didn't like it.  I find that when I put my hair in a low bun the definition of my twist out goes away.  If I am tired I will do this, but I try not to do that more than once a week if at all (it is rare for me to do this).  
• multiple puffs: this method is essentially the low bun for those whose hair may not be long enough for one bun.  I have also tried this and don't like it for the same reason as above.  
• Braids: ding ding ding, we have a winner.  Each night I braid my hair.  I put the very front into flat twists (one flat twist on each side) and then I braid the remainder of my hair.  Right now with my hair shorter I usually end up with about 6-7 braids (just regular braids).  When my hair was longer I would usually do 4-5 braids or if I was being lazy I would just do 2 french braids (I always do my two flat twists in the front. As long as the front looks good the whole hair looks good).  In the morning I loose the braids, fluff a bit at the roots, and voila.  This may sound like a lot of work, but I usually spend 10-15 minutes braiding at night (the time decreases with longer hair due to less braids). 

I just took this picture tonight so this isn't exactly how I maintain my hair, but the two front flat twists are my staple regardless of what I do with my hair to maintain at night.  The remainder of the twists that you see in this pic would typically be braids were I maintaining a style (I washed my hair tonight so they are all twists tonight, but you get the idea).  I usually try to part my hair however I think I'll want it the next day and then do the placement of my two front twists based on that part.  I put the ends in bantu knots because I find it easier to keep the twists from unraveling that way.  If you don't want to bantu knot you can bobbi pin the ends 

Moisturizing

• Leave in: I personally only use leave in as a night time maintenance moisturizer if I haven't been taking care of my hair and it is really dry.  However, unless your leave in of choice is really lite adding leave in to your hair every night could lead to build up.  
• Oils: a lot of people like to use oils in their hair for moisture retention.  Typically, those who use oils only apply the oil to the ends of the hair.  I don't typically use oil every night because then my hair gets too oily; however, if you have normal or high porosity your hair probably won't get oily or at least not as quickly as mine does.  In the past when I have applied oil I have used jojoba, grapeseed, almond, coconut and castor.  I liked all of the oils I tried as far as oil in my hair went.
• Shea butter: applying Shea butter to hair at night is similar to applying leave in.  I personally don't like Shea butter on my hair because it leaves my hair oily, but I know that a lot of people LOVE what Shea butter does for their hair.  
• Water: ding ding ding ding ding, we have a winner.  I spray my hair with water every night.  I began spraying my hair with water based on naptural85's routine of spraying with water every night and morning (I don't spray in the morning and don't feel like I need to).  At night I take a section of my hair, the section I am going to twist or braid, and I spray the ends of my hair with water.  I work a bit of the water in by running my hands down the ends of my hair and then running my hands down the entire section.  Next I twist or braid and then that's that.  Now I don't drench my hair, I give about 3-4 pumps of water from the spray bottle for each section; so my hair is wet enough that I can tell I put water on it but not soaked and barely even damp.  

I usually tie my hair down with a satin scarf at night, but I don't think that you absolutely have to do this.  I feel like my hair is shinier in the morning if I tie it with a scarf.  

So, that's what I do with my hair.  I find that spraying with water each night keeps it moisturized and braiding keeps the definition going.  Using this method allows me to keep a twist out for a week easy.  

I hope this was helpful.  If you have any night time routines or preferences that may provide insight for others please leave a comment below!

Tootles for now......    

Hump day happiness.......

Here it is......

1.  God woke us up this morning

2.  Visiting another wonderful US city (hooray for Kure Beach)

3.  I get to see Elton

4.  Mini shopping spree yesterday

5.  My family

6.  Fresh insight

7.  Potential new leave in for twisting....is it just me or is Cantu leave in getting harder to find?  There is one walmart that I can never find it at anymore :-/

8.  My hair growing back healthier and better than ever

9.  My church family

10.  This year will be our 10 year Rho Zeta "ladies of intrigue" reunion....oh the college AKA days

That's all for today

Tootles for now.......

  

Do you know what today is?......It's my anniversary

Me having fun on my couch.  My hair is an old twist out.  I used my usual products of Trader Joe's Tea Tree Tingle Conditioner to co-wash and Cantu Shea Butter Leave In to twist with.

Hello there lovelies~

Today marks my two year anniversary since the last time I straightened my hair.  I have thought about straightening my hair a couple of times since then in order to trim or for something a little different, but I am glad that I didn't.  I love my hair and am so happy to be able to embrace what God gave me.  As is the case with anniversaries, I think that this is a good time to reflect.  So, I think that I will mention my favorite thing thus far about being natural.  Hmmm.....this is tough. No more scalp burns (just one of many of course).  

What is your favorite thing or things about being natural?

Tootles for now.......

I didn't go natural I just returned.....

My hair today.   Day 2 of a braid out.  Now let me just take this time to say that I don't like braid our results necessarily, but they are much easier to do than twist outs with my hair at this length.  

Yesterday I visited a library co-worker, and she commented on how she loved my hair.  For some reason I think that a lot of people didn't realize that I was natural until I cut my hair last year :-/  Anyhoo, she said, "you love it don't you?"  I replied, "yes." Then she told me that when people ask her how long has she been natural she tells them that she didn't go natural she just returned to it.  I LOVE it.  People don't "go" natural, they simply return their hair to the way it was created.  Recently, a student asked me why I went natural.  I told her that I went natural because I didn't like getting relaxers.  Sometimes I think that people are a bit disappointed in my response as to why I returned to natural.  People expect some deep political health conscious reason for women wearing their hair natural, but nope, sometimes we just want to return our hair to the way it once was.  

What inspired you to return to natural?  

Tootles for now......

Hump day happiness............

Here it is.......

1.  God woke us up this morning

2.  There is no such thing as a bad hair day (and good thing because if there were I would have had one today, but I got two compliments so clearly bad hair days don't exist)

3.  Healing

4.  Feeling inspired by a library co-worker, she's just so full of life

5.  Zoe visited Furman

6.  I have my house back (although I am still finding cereal on Miles, thanks Micah and Taylinn)

7.  Making friends at church

8.  Church tonight, this month we are having bible study and I'm excited

9.  VACATION!!!!  NEXT WEEK!!!  ALL WEEK!!!! 

10.  Just found out that a Psychology co-worker used to be a personal trainer, HEY!

That's all for today, share some of your happiness in the comments section.

Tootles for now........

Kudos......that's not so extra ordinary

Here's a kudos from a reader......

A young man opened the door to a business for his mother.  Then the comment was made to him that he should open all doors for his mother, including the car door.  The young man replied, "I do." His mother simply nodded in agreement.

Keep on doing the right thing.

Tootles for now........

Hump day happiness....

1.  God woke us this morning

2.  An awesome mid-week service tonight

3.  Great time had by all kayaking on Sunday

4.  Healing

5.  Vacation soon, vacation soon, vacation soon, vacation soon

6.  Received a "just because" card from a friend

7.  Ga for the weekend

8.  Get to go to Dr. Merritt's church Sunday!

9.  Yum (my niece) turns 3 on Monday

10.  No work on Friday.  I love that the university is closed on Fridays during the summer. 

I hope you had a wonderful hump day!!!

Can you name 5 different.....

Co-washed my hair last night and twisted with Cantu leave in.  Just pinned it up this morning.  The front is flat twisted and the back is two strand twisted. 

Protective hair styles?

Hump day happiness

I kind of missed last week, but don't confuse that for a lack of thankfulness....

1.  God woke us up this morning

2.  My research students are doing well

3.  Great family time at home over the weekend (home Charleston that is, there was rice involved so it had to be great :-)

4.  Going kayaking this weekend

5.  The weather has been simply beautiful this week

6.  Countdown to vacation time is well underway

7.  Enjoying my James Merritt media items

8.  Sherika left me a comment!  (Uh, but I accidentally deleted it so would you please leave it again :-)

9.  The Greek festival is this weekend

10.  Sneezing up a storm, but happy to be alive

That's all for this week peoples.....leave a comment below with some things that you are thankful for. 

Tootles for now.....

Trader Joe's Tea Tree Tingle Conditioner

My modified short hair version of an infinity twist.  I did this on a horrible twist out that was done on dry hair.  If anyone is up for listening to a good rant please contact me at 888-ANNOYED.  I did a last minute dry twist out the night before this picture so that my hair would fit under the cap that morning for our graduation.......

 

On April 20, 2013 a life changing event occurred, I bought Trader Joe's Tea Tree Tingle Conditioner.  Oh my goodness y'all, why didn't someone tell me about this stuff before?!?!?  I am quite fond (so far at least) of this conditioner.  Oh where to begin?......Once upon a time I was in search, in search of a conditioner.  This conditioner is amazing, I repeat AMAZING for detangling.  I have used this conditioner as both a co-wash and a leave in (and a shaving aid, but that's a story for another day) and have enjoyed the results in both cases.  The conditioner, as the name implies, is meant to tingle a bit on the scalp.  I have to say, I don't typically feel much tingling unless I leave the conditioner on for a while, but I'm okay with that.  The conditioner smells like mint, has a nice consistency (not too thick or too thin), is made of natural ingredients and is an awesome price ($3.99/16oz.).  I feel as though my hair is moisturized after I wash and style.  Now I don't necessarily feel as though this conditioner gives the best moisture I've ever felt in my life, but the amazing slip given by the conditioner outweighs any other mediocre feelings and cons that I have about the conditioner (and I actually don't think I have any real cons).  Not to go on about the detangling, but I can detangle with just my fingers with exceptional ease (insert choir music here)!

So as for now this is my conditioner of choice.  I will continue to use the Cantu leave in as my leave in of choice, and update you all if any changes occur.  

Pros: 

• Great for detangling
• Natural
• Price
• Provides moisture
• Versatile (I can use this for co-wash, deep condition, and leave-in)

Cons:

• We don't have a Trader Joe's in Florence (But there is one in Cola, so not a real con)
• Smells a bit medicinal (But I don't have a problem with mint smell so it doesn't really bother me)  

So I give this conditioner two fros up!

Tootles for now........

Kudos.....that's not so extra ordinary

Today in the buffet line at lunch a man allowed me to move ahead of him in true kindhearted gentleman fashion, as he should have. 

Hump day happiness....

Phew, Y'all, I almost forgot

1.  God woke us up this morning

2.  I have submitted all my grades for FMU classes

3.  Working from home today

4.  Have been very productive today

5  Watching Designing Women (I love this show, classic)

6.  Feeling like decorating

7.  Fun family circle on Sunday

8.  New friend from my family circle (Yeah, she's old enough to be my mother, we'll probably be best friends by next week)

9.  Still liking my new conditioner

10.  Going out to eat tonight, Breana's in town!

That's all I have today.  You all need to send me some of your happy news so I can post it.

Tootles for now.......