My world was shattered this morning

I realized that my favorite conditioner (wash out and leave-in, I use one for both) has silicones in it.  Yes!!!!  Trader Joe's Nourish Spa Moisturizing conditioner has silicones :-(.  This is a sad day my friends.  I've been going silicone free for many months now and was so pleased with the Nourish Spa conditioner.  I'm telling you, I loved this conditioner, I'm talking, I just bought two bottles of this stuff.  So, this morning I'm taking a shower and I just happen to read the ingredients on the bottle and see it.  And it's not like the last ingredient or anything, no no no, it's like number three or four.  Geez.  So, what's my deal with silicones you ask?  

I definitely wouldn't say that silicones are terrible and that other people shouldn't use them, but I've decided to stay away from them.  Silicones are chemicals that coat the hair.  Silicones are often used because they make the hair look smoother and shinier.  Non-water soluble silicones can only really be removed with cleansers like shampoos.  So, since I prefer to not use shampoo I don't use silicones.   Using silicones and not properly cleansing the hair will lead to product build-up.  

So what now?  Well, this afternoon I cleansed my hair with my homemade clay wash and then conditioned with NOT Trader Joe's Nourish Spa.  I think that using my clay wash today, and then using my cleansing co-wash a couple times I should leave me silicone free.

I will say that I'm a little glad this happened.  I have been noticing lately that my hair has been kind of dry.  Well, now I know why.  My hair has been coated by silicones and not allowing any moisture in.  Hopefully after a few weeks of no silicones and deep conditioning once a week my hair will be happy again.  Phew, I thought my hair was dry from the Eco Styler (score, now I can keep using my gel).  

So, tell me, do you use silicones?  Why or why not? 

Until next time…...

Meet my Johnny

Hi there, 

In honor of Valentine's Day I figured I'd introduce you all to my Johnny.  So, John and I have been dating for about a year and a half now.  I must say, this is probably the most interesting relationship I've been in.  For starters, John is 19 years older than I am (Yup, he's 50).  For nexts, John is white.  For thirds (or thrice if your'e a Golden Girls fan) my mother is not a fan (and I mean REALLY not a fan).  I have to say, this has been quite a journey, a wonderful journey.  A journey kind of like a roller coaster ride where you go up and down, and during the down your stomach drops and you hate the feeling and wish it was over until it is over and then you miss it and can't wait for the next drop.

Dating an older man, much older, has been great.  John has had time (and the desire) to see a lot of the world, and that has given him an interesting perspective on life.  I think that John's travels, and maybe just who he is by nature, has given him appreciation for the importance in the simplicity of life that many people, especially people my age and younger, don't have.  Also, John is able to provide a life that most men my age (unless they somehow have the secret to getting all the student loans paid off REAL fast, in which case they should share) can't, and I like that.  Honestly, I haven't found any big cons to dating an older man (we do get the occasional stare, at which time I stare back and then the world is right again).   

Dating a white man, very white, has been great.  Occasionally, I feel like John doesn't get it.  He doesn't know, and never will, what it's like to be a Black person in America.  At these moments, I remember that no man will ever fully be able to understand what it's like to be "me" in America because he won't understand what it's like to be a woman in America.  So, when I feel like John is "race naive" I remember that no one can understand life from everyone's perspective.  Honestly, I haven't found any big cons to dating a white man (again, we do get the occasional stare, but again, I stare back and the world is right again).  

My mom, for many rational reasons, doesn't approve of our relationship.  This has definitely been the toughest thing to deal with regarding our relationship.  It would be nice to be able to have John go to family events with me and have everyone feel comfortable, but I have to accept that that just isn't our reality (at least not for now).  I'm still working on that one, but I know my Mommy, and I know that she'll come around (and then the world will be right again). 

So, overall, I haven't experienced any problems personally or felt any kind of negative way about dating an older white man.  Now, this isn't to say that our relationship is perfect, that we haven't experienced some sideway glances, and that there may not be challenges in the future due to our age and/or race difference.  However, so far, the ride is pretty fun and I'm enjoying it moment by moment.  John's a loving, kind, giving, thoughtful man with an interesting perspective on life and I feel very fortunate to know him.  

I have to admit, I had my reservations about dating an older man (we knew each other for 2 years before I ever even entertained the idea of dating him).  However, in large part due to a book I once read (Marry Him: The Case for Settling for Mr. Good Enough) and the encouragement of friends, I went for it, and haven't regretted it once since! 

Leave comments below on your thoughts about dating a man who is older and/or of a different race than you.  

This is a picture of John and me this past summer when we went to North Dakota to Bob's Farm (that is the farm that belongs to his friend Bob, not an amusement park, don't bother googling it, not that I googled it, awkward silence as I glance sideways hoping no one knows the truth).  A trip to North Dakota, that's a memory, a very fun one, that I probably wouldn't have gotten dating a 31 year old Black man. 

Until next time…..   

What happens in the shower stays in the shower

Hi there,

I feel like there's a lack in the natural hair community describing what to do with your hair in the shower.  I've wondered this for a while, what do people do with their hair while they take a shower? Leave it out, keep it how you wear it to bed, wear a shower cap, what?  So, I figured I'd share with you what I do with my hair when I shower on the non-wash days (non-wash for hair that is, not body).

If I'm wearing a style out (ie. twist out) I put my hair in a ponytail and put a satin scarf on it.  If my hair is straightened I wrap it around my head, put a satin scarf on and then put a plastic shower cap over the scarf.  I feel as though the steam from the shower causes frizz/puffiness if I have a style out or straightened hair, so I'm sure to cover my hair for those styles.  When my hair is straightened I feel like it's extra important to be sure no water slips through and gets to my hair (hence the shower cap).

I put my hair in a ponytail before showering.  I don't worry about where the ponytail is located (high or low) or how it looks (obviously, not cute).  If all of my hair can't get into the ponytail I put as much in the ponytail as possible and clip the rest.

If my hair is in a wash and go I put my hair in a ponytail (no satin scarf or shower cap).  I feel like the steam from the shower moisturizes my wash and go.  I don't worry too much about my hair getting a little wet if it's in a wash and go.  I have found that a little water (just a little) doesn't affect my wash and go.  I've uploaded a video about my after shower for a wash and go.  This is my first video (hooray).  I did it on my phone so don't expect much.

Let me know what you do with your hair in the shower.

Until next time,
Me

My products…for now at least

Hi there,

It's amazing how doing a wash and go brings out the product junky in me.  So, over the past few months I've tried quite a few products and figured I'd share my thoughts on them with you.  I've ranked/written about the products in each category from most to least favorite.

Cleanser

• Homemade clay wash: I LOVE this wash.  After I use this my hair is moisturized, detangled and clean.  I make mine with 4 oz water (or aloe vera juice if I'm feeling good), 1.5oz Rassoul Clay, 0.5oz Neem oil.  I only use this once per month.  I don't think using this more often would be harmful to my hair, I simply don't find it necessary to make (I make fresh for each use) and use this more often.   

• As I am Coconut Co-wash:  So, as the name implies this is actually a conditioner to be used for washing.  I tried this before and didn't like it, but tried it again recently and really liked it.  This conditioner was very moisturizing and I was able to detangle pretty easily.  I also felt like it cleared the build up on my hair well.    

Co-wash conditioner

• Trader Joe's Nourish Spa:  This conditioner is very moisturizing for my hair and great for detangling.  Also, this conditioner is cheap.  The biggest con with this conditioner is that there is not a Trader Joe's in Florence, so I have to be sure to appropriately stock up on it when I go out of town.  

• Tresemme Naturals Nourishing Moisture:  This conditioner is okay.  It leaves my hair moisturized (but not as much as the Nourish Spa) and this conditioner is pretty good for detangling.    This conditioner is also pretty inexpensive and will likely be my go-to option if I don't have the Nourish Spa.  

• Trader Joe's Tea Tree Tingle:  This conditioner is pretty good for moisturizing and detangling, but I don't like the way it smells. 

• Renpure Argan Oil Luxurious:  I've only tried this conditioner once, so I need to try it again before giving it a fair review.  From my first impression it wasn't great for moisturizing or detangling, but again, I need to use it a couple more times before really knowing.  

Leave-in conditioner (I like to leave some conditioner in my hair for extra moisture and then put other products on top)

• Tresemme Naturals Nourishing Moisture:  This is my favorite for a leave in because it provides moisture, I can detangle with it on if need be, it's cheap, and it works well under other products.

• Trader Joe's Tea Tree Tingle: I like this one a lot as a leave in for all the reasons listed for Tresemme, but as stated before, I don't like the smell, so medicinal. 

• Trader Joe's Nourish Spa:  I only tried this as a leave in once and didn't like it at all.  This didn't do well underneath my gel and left my hair with a white coat that did not go away. Yuck 

Leave in product

• Kinky curly knot today:  I LOVE this product.  This is such a great detangler, it provides moisture, and works well with other products.  However, I do wish this was a bit less expensive. 

• Cantu Shea Butter for Natural Hair Moisturizing Curl Activating Cream:  I really like this product, this product is moisturizing and has a nice smell (although it is strong if you are sensitive to smells).  I do wish this product was better for detangling, it's just okay for detangling.  This product is moisturizing works well with other products and isn't expensive.

Gel/holder

• Eco Styler Gel Krystal (Clear):  I love this product.  I get great hold and definition and this product isn't as drying as some gels.  The eco styler gels are also quite inexpensive.  

• Cantu Shea Butter for Natural Hair Shine and Define Custard.  I like this product a lot.  The only reason I like this less than Eco styler is because it takes a long time to dry and doesn't keep the definition for as many days as the Eco Styler Gel.  However, this is more moisturizing than the gel so it's a very close second and sometimes I do like to use it just because.  

• Eco Styler Gel Protein (Brown):  I like this product.  This product gives hold and definition (although not as much as the clear) and leaves my hair softer than the clear.  However I like the clear better because this brown gel is protein heavy and protein heavy products aren't good in my hair.

• Eco Styler Gel Argan Oil (Yellow):  I like this product because it gives good hold and definition; however, like the brown this product is protein heavy and that doesn't work well for my hair.  

• She Moisture Curl Enhancing Souffle:  I absolutely don't like this product for wash and go (although I do think it's probably good for twist/braid outs).  This product does not give me good definition.  Also, this product is hard to use because you have to use a very VERY small amount or it leaves your hair sticky and disgusting.  However, I may just need to figure out how to use this product.  

Deep conditioning conditioner

• Naked Honey & Almond Moisture Whipped Conditioner:  I LOVE LOVE LOVE this.  My mom's hair stylist gave a sample of this to her for christmas, what a tease.  I left this on for 30 minutes under heat and my hair was SO SOFT afterward.  I think this would be good as a co-wash conditioner too but since I only had a little bit I didn't want to waste any of it.  

• Trader Joe's Nourish Spa:  I like this a lot as a deep conditioner.  I haven't tried this with heat, only on my hair overnight.  The next morning my hair was left soft.  I don't doubt it would be good too with heat.  

Second day hair using Tresemme Naturals (as leave in), Cantu Shea Butter Curl Activating Cream, Eco Styler Clear 

Leave a comment and let me know what you use and/or if you've used any of these products what are your thoughts on them?  

Until next time…..

And…..we're back!

Hi there, 

Recently I have rediscovered my love of the wash and go, which has reinvigorated my love of hair and desire to share with you all.  However, I must say that this go round I want this blog to be more than just hair.  So, although I'm not going to rename it, this blog is now about life, love and other stuff.  But first things first…..the wash and go.  When I first went natural I wore my hair in a wash and go all the time and I LOVED it.  However, as my hair got longer my go to became twist-outs.  Well, I've recently started watching MahoganyCurls on YouTube and have been re-inspired to wear a wash and go.  Why do I love it you ask?  Well, I'll tell you.  The major reason is FREEDOM.  Wearing a wash and go I don't have to worry about sweating my style out, getting caught in the rain, waiting until wash day to wash my hair, foregoing going out because I just washed my hair (now y'all know you have been invited out and wanted to go, but those twists were not dry so you stayed home, sadly), and the list could continue.  

My current hair routine (which is ever changing) is to co-wash (conditioner wash) my hair every 2-3 days.  At night I usually do nothing (but I do always sleep on my satin pillow case, even if I go out of town.  I might forget to pack panties, but I always remember to pack my satin pillow case) and then the next morning I fluff my hair.  Here's more detail about what I do. 

1. I wash with conditioner  
2. I let the conditioner sit on my hair while  I do my "shower stuff (ie. wash the body and shave)
3. I detangle with my fingers only (from this point on I work in sections of four) 
4. I rinse the conditioner out
5. I put more conditioner in
6. I remove excess water by running my hands down my hair (I don't wash out the conditioner)
7. I pin each section of my hair up with a clip (I get out of the shower at this point)
8. I put in leave in conditioner (about a quarter size for each section, don't overdo it on the product), 
9. I put gel in, and let air dry 

So, as you can see, a wash and go is not a wash and go.  A wash and go is a wash, put a bunch of different product in, and go.  All in all it doesn't take long, and definitely takes WAY less time than twisting for a twist out.   

So, this is my gentle nudge to any natural haired woman who doesn't believe in the wash and go to try it, and to those who do to keep on keeping on. 

Leave comments.  If you do wash and gos tell me your thoughts on it, if not, leave a comment as to why not.  

Until next time…..

Stuck

Who hasn't been in that place where you feel stuck?  You know the place, that place where your hair is your best friend growing like weeds and then all of a sudden one day you realize that your hair has been the same length for months!!  Everyone has had this experience at some point or another (and if not, just wait it will come).  I recently went through this and thought that I would share.  I know that for me, when this happens first I get frustrated with my hair, then I get angry with my hair, and then I move into that place of feeling fed up and out of control being a slave to whatever it is that my hair decides to do day in and day out while I fume about the fact that my hair isn't long enough for me to just put in a couple of braids and roll out without looking like Celie.  

When you get to a place of feeling stuck, and you will get there at some point, the first thing that I would like to say is chill out this happens to everyone and that in due time it will pass.  Take a step back and assess the situation.  Is your hair really not growing or is the growth just not evident to you?  I know that personally, until my hair gets to a certain length (about bra strap length) it seems that as my hair grows I get more shrinkage.  So what right?  Well, by having more shrinkage it makes it seem that my hair is staying the same length while in reality my hair is growing but I just can't tell when my hair is styled.  

So maybe that scenario isn't you, well perhaps your hair isn't growing anymore.  Why?  Well, there are several possibilities.  Perhaps you need to trim your ends.  As ends become frayed and split it makes it easier for them to tangle and interfere with the hair that is healthy hindering growth.  So, take a look at your ends and determine if it is time to trim.  Perhaps you need to change up your routine.  Just like pretty much everything else in life your hair gets use to the routine that you are doing and perhaps you need to try something new, at least for a little while, to revive your "bored" hair.  Lately I have been rotating my conditioners and this has been doing my hair well (I keep about 4 around that I like and then when I wash my hair I just pick one).  Lastly, perhaps you are not keeping your hair moisturized enough.  Moisture, moisture, moisture is the key to healthy hair. 

Whichever category you fall into just remember that this is a part of growing your hair and that this is only a phase that too will pass.  

Tootles for now.......

Rain and natural hair

So today I was walking to my car and it started raining lightly.  As the rain was coming down I began thinking about all the natural women out there who eagerly state how happy they are to now be able to go out in the rain and not have to worry about their hair.  Now isn't that a beautiful thought?  Well, as beautiful of a thought as that is I am here to burst that bubble.  When it started raining on my head my first thought was, "my hair is not waterproof."  That's right, going natural does not turn you into "rubber woman prepared to stand up to the rain in all her natural glory with no umbrella."  Honey, when I have a fly twist out working for me, as I do today, I am not even trying to ruin it by getting caught in the beauty of God's rain without my family sized umbrella that is just big enough for me.  Wow, I feel like mythbusters.  Fact or myth, once a woman begins wearing her hair natural she has no concern about being caught in the rain without an umbrella.  MYTH!!!!

Share your thoughts on this.

Tootles for now.......

Hump day happiness.....

Here we are and on time :-)

1. God woke us up this morning

2. Two snow days 

3.  Fun plans for the weekend

4.  Feeling inspired to sew some things

5.  I was able to catch up on some work on my two days off

6.  I didn't lose power

7.  Food to eat

8.  A new book (The Noticer by Andy Andrews)

9.  Miles for company

10.  Blessings that are headed my way

Leave a little happiness in the comments section.

Tootles for now.....

Oh the mishaps of a natural

Image Source

This evening I was at the store purchasing some leave in (my handy dandy Cantu) so that I could wash my hair.  The lovely clerk rings me up and tells me my total.  I pull my wallet out to pay, open it up to get my credit card out and onto the credit card machine flies a bobby pin.  I think that the most interesting thing about this scenario is that it really didn't surprise me that a bobby pin randomly flew out of my belongings.  I have bobby pins EVERYWHERE.  I can't tell you how many times I have begun to wash or style my hair and found an erroneously placed bobby pin hiding in my hair.  I am actually more amazed when I don't find bobby pins in random places around the house, car, office, classroom etc.  

Anyhoo, that gave me a little chuckle tonight as I was checking out.  What are some strange hair related things you either keep with you and/or have had made an appearance at an inappropriate time?

Tootles for now....

I'm turning into a pineapple head

Okay.  So I took this picture with my iPad which doesn't have an awesome camera, but I promise you my hair is cute after a pineapple (I'll work on a better pic)

Me before bed.  This pineapple is a bit tighter than I usually do.  I typically like a twisty that is looser than the one I used that night.  However, I was tired, hence the semi-scary pic taken on the iPad.

Next morning.  You can see that the pineapple is preserved pretty well through the night. 

Hello there lovelies~

Lately I have been doing the pineapple method.  The pineapple method, which I so nicely dismissed in this post, consists of placing your hair into a high ponytail at night.  I have tried the pineapple method before and did not like the results.  However, one night about a month ago I was too tired to braid my hair so I pineappled it.  Oh....my.....goodness......my hair was so cute the next day.  The next day my hair still had definition, but also had body and movement.  I suppose the pineapple method allowed the curls to separate some?  Whatever happened I quite liked the results.  I do still braid my hair at night with my water, but I now alternate that technique with the pineapple method.  Thus far, the longest I have gone doing pineappling is two consecutive nights.  When I pineapple I don't use any type of moisturizer so I don't like to go too long pineappling (y'all know I like my water sprayed on my hair at night).  Sometimes if my twist out isn't as defined as I want it, but I don't want to do my entire normal process I will flat twist the very front (the hair that frames my face) with a little water and then pineapple the rest.  I am so excited that I have begun pineappling my hair.  I still wouldn't recommend this method for anyone whose hair is not at least shoulder length in a twist out (at least the back) and/or whose hair is not well moisturized.  When I do a really high pineapple the back of my hair actually doesn't reach into the pineapple, but I still get great results in the morning.  Also, if I can't find a ponytail holder to use for the pineapple I use a satin ribbon.  I try to use fairly loose ponytail holders for pineappling and also those that have some type of cloth material around the elastic (of course satin or silk is the best material to reduce loss of moisture).  I find that pineappling works best on a good twist out (if your twist out did not come out do not try this at home kids) and hair that is well moisturized.     

So, disregard my total slam of pineappling and give it a whirl.  If anyone does the pineappling method or has tried it let me know about your experiences. 

Tootles for now.....

Hump day happiness.....

Here we go (on time).......

1.  God woke us up this morning!!

2.  I drove through downtown tonight and there were cars, lots of cars, parked.  I know this doesn't sound big but anyone who has been to Florence knows that it is HUGE for there to be people out, downtown, during the week, when it's cold.... I'm still excited

3.  My wonderful parents gave me a Nutribullet for Christmas

4.  A new boutique opened up downtown

5.  Yesterday was the first day of classes and that went well (I would have taken a first day hair pic, but things were wild, big and cute, but wild)

6.  We had our first planning meeting for FMU student research day (we are looking for a good acronym for this event so if you think of one let me know)

7.  Florence has a new minor league basketball team, we are coming up y'all, BIG TIME

8.  I heard from Rima for Christmas

9. I had a wonderful holiday season with my family and friends (December was a wonderful month)

10.  Zoe's in the beginning stages of walking, lookout world, here she comes (and probably in designer shoes knowing her mama, I love you Shunta :-)!

Bonus:  I remembered to do hump day happiness

Double Bonus:  I remembered to do hump day happiness on hump day!!

Tootles for now.....

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......