Wash day again due do the 'Itchies"

Today I washed my twistlocs. It's a true process for me. Normally when I decide to wash(since my hair hasn't loced yet ) I usually braid and then band my hair to cut down on the unraveling at the root. I normally band near the root and again near the end of the plait. This method works great for me but I have a hard time removing the rubber band from the end of the plait. It usually gets tangled in my ends and is becoming a real hassle. Since I really don't have a problem with my ends unraveling, I decided to skip the braiding and banding at the ends and just band near the root (sort of mini puffs all around).



The last time I washed, I used my prescription Loprox shampoo. I think it left a scab in my hair so this time I used baking soda , water and apple cider vinegar. I also used a drop of Dr. Bonner's Peppermint Castille Soap. (I need to see bubbles what can I say *shrug*) Anyway, I love the way my hair turned out. I still had some problems removing a few bands despite my not having banded the ends but my scalp feels wonderful. (I still get the occasional itch) but nothing like before. I really think my itchiness was due to dryness. If anyone knows of a sure fire way to combat dryness without hindering my locing process...I'm all ears. I know folks like to.... make spritzes with essential oils, carrier oils and water but that only works for me until it drys. By the next day, my hair has usually soaked up anything that was put on it and I'm back to being dry again.

Anyway, after I rinsed for a while to make sure I got everything out, I rubbed some jojoba oil in my hands and lightly oiled the puffs. I then removed the bands and oiled my scalp(very lazily I might add because I didn't feel like going through all of the parts) with my Jamaican Black Castor Oil. I can't believe how soft my hair is. Thats odd because personally, I don't think oils really work for me. The softness that I'm feeling today, I think has more to do with the baking soda/ vinegar wash than anything I did afterwards although I do believe it made a huge difference with my scalp. I tend to think of oils as more of a sealant than an actual moisturizer so if you know of any moisturizers(preferably creamy) other than glycerin or something that will cause product buildup....HOLLAAAAA! But anyway, I just sat there and played with my twistlocs for over an hour I believe. lol I can't wait until my hair starts to loc, I'm curious to see how they turn out. I'm sure I'll be combining some near the crown because that's my thin area and I don't want to experience any breakage due to weak locs. I took some of the twists, that I believe to be weak, out and braided them to give them a bit more strength. We'll see how it goes which is one of the reasons why I wanted to make them small ...this way if they don't turn out the way I envisioned, I can always marry them and make them bigger.

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Parabens, Petroleum and Mineral Oil Oh My!

Disclaimer: First Let me start off by saying that this is MY opinion and My Opinion only!!!

This posts stems from a question regarding a particular hair product. Someone was interested in trying it out, loved the ingredients and loved the price but then saw parabens listed way down on the list of ingredients and then said "Those ingredients sound lovely but oh it has parabens, Oh Well, I have to find something else." Now I don't know if this person has had bad experiences with parabens, her hair hates them or she's just going by what she's heard which brings me to this little ditty, If it works for you, by all means keep doing what you're doing.

I personally am not one to buy into the all the hype about no petroleum, mineral oil, and blah blah blah. I will try the product regardless of the ingredients if I think its something my hair might like. If it works for me then great, if it doesn't then time to find something that will work. When I was younger, I had my scalp greased, semi regularly and my hair never looked better, was thick, full, natural hair. While I did get my hair straightened as a child, I never had any chemicals in my hair until I was about 11 or 12 years old.

Anyway, my hair was healthy and strong back then. It amazes me that someone can get a slew of compliments on their hair, raves about how healthy it looks, how much and how quickly it grows and how shiny it looks. The person can say that they grease their scalp with Blue Magic Hair grease and then all the hoopla about how bad petroleum is for your hair starts. Never mind the fact that you.... just complimented the hell out of this person's hair and the fact that its thriving. Now this person who has seen nothing but great results from incorporating this into her regimen automatically stops using grease because of the hype. Why? If its working for you keep doing it. Everyone's hair and scalps are not the same. What works for one may not work for the other, I don't care if you are hair twins.

Case in point. My hair loves creamy anything, leave-ins, conditioners you name it. I read rave reviews about Giovanni Direct Leave-in. Ran out and got a bottle and it did nothing for my hair besides make it hard. Worked wonders for other folks but did nothing for me. YOU are the best person to determine what is GOOD for your hair. You know your hair and what it responds to better than anybody else. If Petroleum works wonderfully for your hair by all means use it, If mineral oil is your things, don't stop. This may not be the popular thing to say but I just thought I'd share.


DISCLAIMER: I am by no means advocating the use of these products if they have not been proven useful in your regimen so don't run out and buy some Vaseline on account of me

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I Want Locs Already

I really need to stay out of my hair(and leave the photo animation alone haha) I had to redo quite a few of my twistlocs because I wasn't satisfied with the parting. (looked extremely crooked to me) Anyway, Some had progressed as well as can be expected for me having put them in on Thanksgiving or the day after. (I have to check to make sure) I still am not totally satisfied with the parting so I may do a thorough inspection when time permits so I won't have to redo anymore.

I did them really tiny because I was trying to get them sisterloc size, Besides, It will be easier to combine them if later on down the road, I decide that I want them bigger. rather than to start off big and later decide that I want them smaller. So you can have an idea of how small I'm talking, here's a few photos.

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Product Junkie Alert: Miss Jessies BOGO is Back

Yes My Fellow Product Junkies. It's that time of year again. Miss Jessie's is once again having their annual BOGO (that's buy one get one free event) so now is the perfect time for you to stock up. The sale actually started the beginning of this month and will run until Dec 31st so make sure to make your purchases before then. I know some of you have been wanting to try Miss Jessie's products but the price was just to steep for you. Well now is the perfect time to get more bang for your buck and sample those products that you've been wanting to try. Happy Shopping!

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For all You Product Junkies Phyto & PhytoSpecific Friends and Family Sale

The Sale begins Monday December 15 at 9 A.M. EST and ends December 18th at 5 P.M. Thats 4 days only people so if you are a product Junkie and you need to re-up on hair products, vitamins, shampoo and the like, or you just want to fatten up your stash, check out this friends and family sale.

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I'm loving my Twists/Locs so far

As I've said in previous posts, I am seriously considering locing my hair. I have had twists in for about 3 months so far off and on. I plan to see how long I can leave them in without redoing them or wanting to wear my hair out. Anyway, I wasn't quite satisfied with the way my twistlocs turned out so I redid them on Thanksgiving (or the day after) to a size that I'm happy with. I've washed them quite a few times because I can't deal with the itchies and while I have had some unraveling near the root, the base tends to stay put. I am in the process of retwisting now (been at it for 3 days now because I do a section at a time lol (yeah I know I'm lazy but I don't have too many more left to do.) They look kind of scalpy in the crown area because that's where I had my scalp issues but hopefully they will thicken up a bit so the scalpyness won't be much of an issue. They were also newly twisted so that's part of it as well.

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Wash Day For The Kid and I

Today is Wash day for the kid and I. Lawd I dread it for the kid because she has a mountain of thick hair. Her hair is easy to style when its wet but once it dries, whoo chile! Not to mention that no matter what time of day I wash her hair, without fail she is soo sleepy and needs to lie down. Doesn't matter if I do it at 8 A.M. after she wakes or 6: P.M. when she's in the middle of watching TV or online. Without fail I get the "why do you have to do it now , I was just getting ready to lie down because I'm sleepy" She's not fooling anybody. I love the kid's hair though. She has the perfect length that I'd love to achieve. She's also in need of a trim.




When I'm done washing and conditioning her hair, I'm more often than not hard pressed to find a hair style for her. Most times I like to..... cornrow it or do some type of style that will last her two weeks or more because trying to do some hair every morning, early in the morning is just not the way to go for me. I usually just do the same old tried and true styling with her. I've run out of ideas though. If anyone has any ideas for childrens style please leave comments. (we love comments hint-hint!)
Currently she's rocking box braids that I did extra big to save on time.

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Star Style: Amel Larrieux Shares Her Beauty Secrets

Amel Larrieux has a look as eclectic and ethereal as her voice. The neo-soul singer's smoky eyes and thick tresses are her trademarks along with a unique sense of style. It's as hard to pigeon-hole her style as it is her music. Half of the former duo Groove Theory and break-out solo artist with the soulful Infinite Possibilities.

Her creative spirit, passion for music and self-defined sense of beauty come from the same place, within…and she shares it with the world.

"We all have different ideas of what is beautiful," Larrieux says. "It's not just what is on the outside, the way your hair flows a certain way or the color of your eyes. It's what you have on the inside that makes you like no other person. That is beautiful."

Amel on Skin
"I use Cetaphil on my skin as a cleanser. I've used it for years," Larrieux confides. "My grandmother looked 70 when she was 90 and she swore by Noxema and Vaseline, and sometimes I fall back on them too."

Larrieux says she has very sensitive skin prone to dryness and breakouts. She uses a product that her husband, Laru, found during a recent facial: Murad Perfecting Day Cream SPF 15. "It works well for both of us."

Larrieux also uses Essential Element's Joie de Lavender body lotion. "It's organic and very healing. The lavender smoothes my skin and doesn't break me out and it calms me before bed."

Amel on Hair
"I wear my hair natural and I have to stay on top of it. I am very much into lubricating my hair. I use different hair oils and pomades and I only wash my hair every two to three weeks," Larriex says.

One of her favorite hair products is.... Monoi de Tahiti, a coconut oil with coconut extract directly from Tahiti, which she uses to oil her hair and scalp. She also uses Indian hemp as a pomade.

Larrieux has a hair care routine that she recommends for women with natural curly, wavy, and/or frizzy hair. She encourages them not to wash their hair too much. When you do wash, use a hot oil treatment once a month. She also swears by using a leave-in conditioner like Nexxus Humectress, her favorite. She says it's great for the thickest of thick hair.

"I try not to use the word nappy because I don't like the word nappy," she says. "I think we can look for ways to redefine our hair."

Larrieux also likes to use Pro-Line's coconut oil, which she finds light enough to use in her hair of several different grades. She also uses a pomade that her grandmother used, Clairol's Vitapointe Creme Hairdress and Conditioner.

After washing her hair at night, she oils her scalp, puts a bit of oil on her hair, then sections and braids her hair in two, four, sometimes six braids. She says the process protects and sets the hair. In the morning she takes out the braids and runs her fingers though her hair to create a wavy effect.

"It's as simple as that," she says. "When I go to shoots I tell the stylists not to touch my hair because it is the way I like it."
Amel's Favorite Make-up Trick
"I like kohl under the eyes for that smoky look. You can look punky, like you are from the 1920's, or like a desert dweller. That's the kind of look I like."

Amel on the Go
"I don't go anywhere without my Evian mister. I spray it over my face five to six times a day. I spray it in my hair to get tangles out of my hair. It's much gentler than tap water.

Monoi de Tahiti. It's so fragrant. It makes you smell like an island girl.

I never leave home without concealer and Smith's Rosebud Salve. It's the best lip balm ever. It smells like my mom. She always smelled like tea rose and you can even use it on your elbows and feet."

Larrieux says an eyelash curler comes in handy too.

"It's good to carry anything that gives what you have a little umph, whether that's an eyelash curler or something that smells nice."

Amel on Beauty Eating Habits
"I believe my outer beauty suffers when I don't take care of my inner self," Larrieux says. "I drink tons of water even when I don't want to because I feel I suffer so much if I don't. I don't eat red meat. I'll do it if I'm craving iron in my diet, so once in a while I'll have a steak. I eat lots of proteins and drink soy milk"

Amel on Beauty Fitness
"I run two miles on the treadmill everyday. I took ballet for 12 years so I do barre work everyday. It helps to elongate my muscles and helps with flexibility."

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My Journey into Nappturality

I realized that I haven't mentioned anything about my own journey into napturality so here is a little question and answer session about my journey. (and no the photo to the right is not me!

How long have you been natural?

I really can't even remember but if I had to venture a guess, I'd say since about 2002 or 2003.


Why did you decide to go natural?
Well, it really wasn't a conscious decision that I made. I, of course, had been a permie until the emergence of braids and micro braids. I had been wearing braided styles since about 1991 or 1992. Occasionally, when I would take them out, I would relax my hair if I was wearing it out for a while or sometimes just the edges if I wanted my braids to look nice. Most of the time I was in braids anyway so becoming natural just kind of happened. I realized that because I was just going to re-braid it anyway, why bother relaxing. I turned to braids because I liked the growth factor. My hair grew so much when I was pregnant and in braids and I wanted to keep the momentum going so to speak. During that time, I was the hair board queen, I started looking at photos of natural hair and all of a sudden relaxed hair seemed less and less appealing to me.

Did You have a long or short transition?
I guess while I was...
wearing the braids, I was actually transitioning without knowing it or at least without planning to so I would have to say long. My plan was to stay in braids but the more natural heads I saw, the more curious I became about my own natural hair.

Did You Big chop?
Not really but I do remember the day I cut off my relaxed ends. I had talked my mother into getting braids, (her first time ever and she had a really cute cornrowed style) After taking them out, she washed her hair without combing it out first and was met with a head full of matted, tangled mess. She then got out the scissors and cut her hair down to a TWA and a week or two later I followed suit. (not down to a TWA mind you,because I had some length from wearing braids for so long) I remember that day like it was yesterday. I had just stepped out of the shower and just decided to cut off my relaxed ends. (a month or two before I had taken down a braid and cut the relaxed ends off of that section) I still wore braids for a while after that until scalp issues and a bald patch made me ditch the braids for good. I didn't totally miss out on the Big chop though as I was forced to do it 2 years ago after a bad dye job left me with broken edges around my hair line to about an inch back.


What Do You Love about being natural?
I love the versatility that I have now that Im natural. I love that my hair is big and beautiful and stands up straight and salutes people as they pass by. I love the fact that water is now my friend, raining out? No problem my hair loves it? No more talk of sweating my hair out, no more swimming without getting my hair wet, no more burns from the curling iron and sitting in hair salons for hours on end.( although that was a rarity for me because I have always been a do it yourselfer as far as my hair is concerned.) I love everything about being natural, I mean really, What's not to love?

What types of styles do you wear?
I mostly wear twists,and twist outs. I ,on occasion when I can get it right, wear wash and goes and puffs (although I haven't worn a puff in a while now). Currently I'm contemplating locing so I've been in twists now for about a month or so. I'm the type that likes to stay playing in my hair and I love to change it up and experiment with products a lot so right now I'm just trying to see how long I can stay in twists without touching them and I'm finding it hard as hell.


What's so hard about it?
Well the most difficult thing for me is to not re twist my hair when they start looking fuzzy and lose. As a matter of fact, after a month or more of twists(I think some even began to bud) I took them down and re-twisted them two days ago in an attempt to make them smaller.

So have you decided to loc for good?
I think I'm just about 99 percent there. I really love the look of sister locks but my mind just cannot rationalize me spending upwards of $600 to have them done. I also like the look of braidlocs and that is something that I would be able to do myself since I was the micro braid queen ( and yes I did my own) but I figure if I somehow changed my mind, un locing a braid would be too difficult to do so for now, I'm settling with my twists. They aren't as tiny as I want them but they'll have to do. I did happen to meet someone who inquired about my hair and told me that her niece had just gotten locks. Of course I talked her ear off and she told me that her niece had gotten sisterlocs for $100 bucks. Now that is definitely doable with me but unfortunately, her niece wasn't with her at the time so I couldn't see if they were actual sisterlocs and how they were done.

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Infomercials Are The Debil: WEN Hair cleansing System

As I may or may not have mentioned before, I am a true infomercial junkie. I probably have anything and everything that has been advertised on an infomercial including the dreaded Perfect Pasta(which didn't work the way I thought it would or should. I used it as soon as I bought it and my pasta was just as hard as it was when I took it out of the box. Anyway, The latest infomerical product that I'm hoping to try is the Wen Hair Cleansingsystem. Fortunately for me, My mom has got the infomericalitis just as bad as I do and she informed me that she ordered it for herself. Now my mother and I are both natural so I'll have to beg her to see if she'll let me try a bit of it to review. If you've seen the infomercial, they do state that the Wenn cleansing cream works on all types of hair and they even had an African American model in the commerciaal as proof. Her hair type seemed to be a 3B or 3c from what I can tell. Mine however is predominately a 4B so I'll have to see how it works for me.

Okay, I begged and pleaded and my mother relunctantly let me borrow some. I washed my hair first with my Neutrogena because I had too much product in it. Since the Wen doesn't lather, I figured this would be the best thing to do (besides, the models on the infomercial had all washed their hair before with a regular shampoo before using the WEN....of course they only did it to show the differences between regular shampoo and WEN but oh well.) Anyway, I applied the WEN to my hair(it also comes with instructions that tell you how many "pumps" of product you should use for your particular hair length and type.) Since my hair is coarse, it suggested I use 8 pumps for the front, 8 for the back, 8 for the crown, and 8 each for the right and left side for a total of 40 pumps and as I mentioned before, I am a little heavy handed so I like my hair saturated but because this wasn't mine, I stuck with the reccommended usage. I kept the product in while I showered and then rinsed out. I have the sweet almond mint. It smelled a little mentholated but not terrible. I loved the fact that it had a tingling sensation as well. It did make my hair rather soft(at least while it was wet.) I applied a little as a leave-in and then twisted before it became totally dry so I don't know how my hair would feel after it was dry had I not twisted. Since I've only used it once so far, and I'm quite sure that that is not enough for me to give it an unbiased review. I'll hold off until I use it a few more times. I will have to purchase some first because as I said this was borrowed. The kit also came with a styling cream (which smells heavenly... totally different scent than the cleansing cream)

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Star Style: Tanika Ray Dishes ABout Her Mane

Its no secret that Tanika Ray, host of TV's Extra has gorgeous hair. If you're like me, I'm sure you have a million questions about it, Is it real? Is she natural? Texturized? What's her regimen? What products does she use? Well Tanika finally dishes about her lovely locks: Psssst....She confirmed that it is her real hair when Barbara Walters did the unthinkable and asked her about it.

Tanika on her hair:

Well, here it is ... my hair is naturally curly -- that's the basis of my hair style. I love sticking to what works but it's still imperative to experiment with numerous products. I have met soooo many woman with sooooo many various types of hair and one product does not fit all, but here are some to try ...

Products:

- Citre' Shine (super affordable shine and drugstore find)
- Bumble and Bumble Styling Crème
- Miss Jessie's (anything by this sister team)

Tips:

- only comb hair when in the shower and under the water
- let your hair air dry without touching it (seriously hands off)
- once dry use only your hands to loosen up the curl

Warning:

When wearing your hair curly and natural be prepared for an unpredictable outcome. Everyday my hair takes on it's own personality. If you're type A ... this is not the style for you.

Definitely useful tips. maybe Next Time Tanika will go into a step by step process of how she styles her hair for various appaearances and events.

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It's Official, I'm Bored

I have been in twists for about 2 or 3 weeks now off and on and I'm officially bored. I bought some new products yesterday (well actually, I revisited an Old , Old friend) yes, the PJ in me has struck again.

Anyway, I was just itching to try out my old friend, which required a fresh wash, but I couldn't because I'm in twists. I didn't want to waste my Qhemets which I just used to refreshen my twists so I unraveled about one or two in the front because I just couldn't wait to try it out. Yes, I'm very excitable like that. Anyway, I don't know what to do. I guess this is just a vent because I just want my hair to grow so I can experiment with a variety of hairstyle instead of my old, tried and true, twistout, WNG, braid front/twistout back, twist, and that's about it. My hair is not yet long, enough to do a puff... Well that's not true, I can get a pretty nice puff but I haven't worn my hair like that in a while now. Anyway, yeah, that's where my head has been lately.

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Lovin My Natural Tee

I'm not ballin' like Star Jones just yet but I did purchase this T-shirt. Ain't it purty? It says "Au Naturél"

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I Like Her Style: Star Jones

Star Jones looked great in her crisscross tank dress from Herve Leger. I think this dress is perfect for her as it is made of material designed to hold it all in. From Head to toe, Star looksgreat! Even the Boobies are perky and sitting up high. Did Miss Jones get her some implants or does she owe it all to Herve?




Currently out of stock but was available here: Herve Leger CrissCross Tank Dress

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All My Maryland Ladies, You're in luck

A New Dominican Salon is coming to Landover for all you Maryland ladies that Absolutely cannot live without your blowouts. Sintias is having their grand opening August 29 thru August 31 From 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM daily. "Join us for a major hair and beauty event as a VIP at Sintia's. We'll treat you to a free deep conditioner, 10% of any hair care products,refreshments, champagne, music and give-a-ways but most importantly, Dominican Style" If You bring two friends, Your hairstyle is free (wash, set, deep conditioner only) and oh yeah, Appointments are needed for this event.

Sintia's
Landover Crossing Shopping Center
8581 Landover Road
Landover, MD. 20721
(301)685-5787

As always, If any of you ladies decide to check it out, please feel free to write a review (positive or negative) and we'll post it up.

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New Product Alert: Miss Jessie's Shampoo and Conditioner

I knew it would only be a matter of time before Miss Jessie's would come out with a shampoo and conditioner line as well. Well, that time has finally arrived as Miss Jessie's has introduced its Crème De La Curl Cleansing Crème and its Crème De La Crème Conditioner. A price hasn't been yet but the PJ in me is just itching to try this. In addition to loving things that moisturize, I'm also a sucker for creamy products and although I'm not a big shampoo person,(I tend to stick with my Neutrogena and if I'm not using that, it really doesn't matter much what shampoo I use) I absolutely love creamy shampoos.

Crème De La Curl Cleansing Crème

Finally the ultimate ultra conditioning super soft daily curl wash especially made for us - dry, parched, damaged, used and abused, chemically treated, color treated, natural, kinky, curly hair. Creme de la Curl was specifically formulated for the dry, coarse, tightly coiled curl, but any hair type longing for a super moisturizing curl wash will benefit. You can never wash your hair too much with this carefully formulated non-sudsy cleansing crème. Excellent for curlies who want clean freshly prepped supple tangle free hair that’s ready to receive any Miss Jessie’s styling product.

Crème De La Crème Conditioner

A must have follow up daily conditioner to the Crème de la Curl Cleansing Crème. Finally this ultra creamy super rich conditioner for your natural, dehydrated, naturally curly, color and chemically treated hair. Crème de la Crème moisturizes, protects and detangles dry hair like nothing else. It eliminates tangled strands and leaves hair slickety smooth. Crème de la Crème restores moisture balance to your hair and scalp. A softening conditioner Crème de la Crème allows you to retain all your hair growth by banishing dry and brittle strands forever. Experience this creamy luxury.

That Conditioner sounds lovely but I know as with anything from Miss Jessie, I need to get out my check book, Credit cards and first born haha because you know its gonna cost you. Don't fret though, there is hope for all of you PJ's out there. Miss Jessie's is offering a sale where you will receive $10 off the duo from August 25th through September 7th while supplies last. If anyone tries these products before me and would like to review them. Please feel free to send your review to me and I will post it on the site.

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I'm Going to Buy Something Dammit

I finally got around to picking up some more products (Like I really need another product ) but I really wanted to try Qhemet Biologics and I was still trying to find the Transitioners Tonic that was out of stock at my local boutique. Well I made one mistake, I forgot to call first to make sure that the product that I wanted was even in stock. Yes, I called last weekend when I had plans to go and they said they had it in but when I got there this week guess what? Nary a Heavy Cream in sight!(you see the big old Heavy Cream Healthy Pick Tag but if you look behind it, the row is empty, nothing but a tester)As a matter of fact, the sales girl told me that I was the fourth person that day that had been in looking for the Amla heavy cream. Because I was determined to leave with SOMETHING.... ANYTHING, I picked up some of the Burdock root Butter Creme. I initially was going to try some of the Kakardy tea but after sampling some (thank God they had testers for all of the products)I decided against it. While the ingredients seemed good, when I sprayed some on my finger, I found that it was really glyceriney (is that a word haha) and most likely something that I could make myself at home. I also didn't like the smell which smelled somewhat like maple syrup to me. The Burdock Root Butter Creme on the other had was something that I thought I might like. It's much lighter than the heavy creme so I'm sure it won't do much in weighing down these naps but if I can get some good moisturization from it. It will have been well worth it.

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Please Follow The Rulez Of Fashion

This Morning, I went to the grocery store to pick up a few things for the week and I just could not believe what I saw. Now I don't normally do this but I just had to take a photo. I couldn't get the front because that would've been a little too obvious but lets just say that the front was much worse than the back (use your imagination people) and the reason why her bootay is noticeably absent was because it was all in the front. Hot Mess. I mean she had people in the store walking past her with the WTF face. She was with at least 4 other people and I know they knew that the shorts she had on was too small but they obviously didn't bother to tell her or she just didn't care. Oh How I wish I could've taken a front and side shot so that you all could get the full effect.

Fashion Rule number 1: If It Does Not Fit, Get rid of IT!!!

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Definition, Definition, and Mo' Defiition!

I did a twist out a few weeks ago that I loved. I mean I had so much definition and I'm sure that I hadn't had my hair in twists for more than 2 days. I found that the secret to a fabulous twistout, which I can finally say that I've managed to master is the products used during twisting. I have had gorgeous TO's using, Mrs. Jessies buttercreme, Shea butter, Proclaim gel activator, Avacado butter, shealoe butter, and I'm sure a few other products (not all at once mind you)but I have the bestest TO's from Miss Jessies. For this one I used the proclaim and Avacado butter. I used the procalim because I had just washed my hair and it was dry by the time I started to twist. so the activator gel was for moisturization purposes only. But anyway here is the resulting twistout.

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Philosophy's Gelato For the Lips, That Won't Go To Your Hips

Summer isn't quite over yet so if you haven't already, now would be the time to indulge yourself in Philosophy's trio of Lip Gelatos ($25).

Non-sticky and hydrating, they provide a transparent shine in three tasty flavors: Pomegranate, Grapefruit &Tangerine. Available at Sephora.com.

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Product Review: Ped Egg

I am a certified, home shopping Junkie. I have just about everything that can be sold on an infomercial, or shopping network. I had been seeing the commercial for the ped egg and being that I'm the type to always want my feet to look nice,( I will even work on them before I get a pedi because I'm not about to have those Korean chicks talking about me and not be able to understand) I couldn't wait to order this. It just so happened that on one of my trips to Linens and Things, I saw that they had them available to purchase, What? No ordering and waiting for them to ship, You know your girl was on it. Anyway, I've had this for at least 6 months now and am just getting around to trying it out. I usually use my spa pedicure foot spa first and towel dry my feet and then use the ped egg on them. Some people don't like to use it on wet feet, some don't mind.. Its really up to you.
If you have any crust on your feet... you'll know it.

I know ya'll have seen people with ashy, crusty, cracked heels and then have the nerve to be wearing some sandals. I was at my Gynecologists office last week and this lady came in for her OB appt. White lady with the crustiest feet. I'm talking cracked, dry, and ashy. Don't let nobody tell you that white people can't get ashy because thats a damn lie. Lawd, if it wouldn't have been so obvious, I would've taken a picture because those feet you would have to see to believe. I was thinking "I know she isn't going to let the doctor see her feet looking like that" but then I remembered that she was an OB patient so no stirrups for her anyway, but still.

Anyway, I digress, the Ped Egg does fit perfectly in your hand and resembles something of a cheese grater. I had some crust because I had been walking barefoot ouside. Yeah, I do walk Barefoot Outside and what? (haha just kidding but I really do, I love it too! ) I scrubbed my heels and my entire foot for about 2-3 minutes and then washed them again. I decided to use my bag balm( since it was the closest to me at the time) and I slathered it on and threw on a pair of cotton socks . I woke up with buttery, baby bottom soft tootsies. I mean suckably soft! Ain't no shame in my game so I even took photos, If I had been thinking, I would have taken a shot of me emptying it. It really wasn't that much that came off. My feet are still soft as hell, just like butta. Now all I need is to get a pedi because my polish is chipping like a mug.


The Ped Egg Gets:

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I'm ready for some length NOW!

I've been washing my hair everyday this week and last night I finally decided to redo my twists. (Got a compliment on them too but I'm really not feeling them because of the length). I used the olive oil hydrating creme by bioinfusion to twist with. I also called myself trimming my ends. I know I really need to visit a salon and get a professional trim but I know that most places usually blow dry your hair straight first and because of my scalp issues, I am not quite ready to risk that. I've been natural now...Ummmm...I'm not even sure how long I've been natural. I guess I'll keep it on the safe side and say since 2003 or 2004 and Heat has never touched my head not even once.... no straightening, no blowdryer, no rollerset, flat iron, no hot anything.


Back Of twists

I really want it cut into a shape because right now my hair is varying lengths, the back middle and my sides are the longest, my crown is playing catch up from the little setback and my front is a little above the tip of my nose. I really want to get the back shaved so I can have some semblance of a shape. A friend of mine, well she's texturized, but she has a bob haircut. It's shaved in the back and sort of an asymmetric bob. Looks nice but I'm not trying to be that daring, I just want a nice little bob, but I know it wouldn't look right on me until I gain some length.
I gave myself another big chop, I think it was last year and I really liked it. No hassle what so ever, it was a real wash and go style and I got so many compliments but I want some length now dammit! haha! I just want a nice shoulder length, or even ear length all around (including shrinkage, style. Something that I can twist up, or rock in a puff,yeah,that would be cool. I'm not really into the whole vitamin, thing to encourage growth but I may just have to get on it or at the very least start taking my centrum again!

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Event: Carol's Daughter Celebrates It's Ninth Year Anniversary

On Friday, August 15th join Carol’s Daughter founder Lisa Price in celebrating nine-year anniversary of the Carol’s Daughter store at the Heritage store in Brooklyn, NY. and the Carol's Daughter Store at the Westfield Wheaton Mall in Wheaton, MD. To commemorate the nine-year birthday, Lisa will personally greet customers as they arrive at the store.

To celebrate the Carol’s Daughter tradition of homemade products with a natural touch, Lisa will do an exclusive product demo of her Rose Milk Bath, giving customers a firsthand look at her handmade, loving approach to Carol’s Daughter’s nourishing, rich formulas.

Please RSVP in advance to celebrate the store’s nine-year anniversary with Lisa in person.


Who: Lisa Price and Carol’s Daughter

What: Meet & Greet and Product Demo with Lisa Price for the
Heritage and Wheaton Mall Stores Nine-Year Celebration

When: Friday, August 15th from 5pm-8pm &Saturday, August 16th from
2pm-5pm



Where: August 15th          August 16th
Carol’s Daughter          Carol’s Daughter
Heritage Store          11160 Veirs Mill Road
1 South Elliot Place         Wheaton, MD 20902
718.596.186215th          301.949-1231


For All you Brooklynites and Marylanders that decide to attend this Event, Don't forget to take plenty of pics and please feel free to send me a few so I can post them. Thanky!

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Style Spot Light: Bantu Knots

Bantu Knots , also known as Zulu Knots,are tiny buns secured with elastic. The Key to rocking fierce Bantu Knots lies in the parting. You need to get very detailed with the parting. Square, diamond, and assymetric parts are really funky and modern. And it's great for summer, because the air can pass through your hair!" Not only does this style last for up to two weeks, when you take it out of the buns, your hair has a crinkly textured look, which is a style unto itself. Bantu Knot out.
Bantu knots are created when the hair is sectioned off and twisted or braided into knots. The shapes of the sections depend on how the hair is parted.... the possibilities are endless. This hairstyle can be worn on any hair type and any hair length, although it is popular amongst people of African descent. Bantu knots are a way to wear the hair so it is protected form the elements and close to the scalps beneficial oils. Follow these steps to fashion beautiful Bantu knots of your own.

1. Detangle your Hair
This style requires smooth detangled hair. Wash and condition your hair beforehand if you have a lot of tangles to work out. Use shea butter( or whatever works for you) on your hair before creating this style for soft and shiny hair that is easy to manage.

2. Part your Hair into Sections
Parting the hair into 1 x 1 inch sections is a popular size, but there are no rules. Try larger sections for longer hair. Be creative with the shape of your parts. Start with a diagonal part to make triangle or diamond shaped styles, and start with a part at the nape of your neck for a symmetrical shape. The larger you make the section, the larger the knot will be.

3. Twist Hair and Fashion it into a Knot
Working with one section at a time, take your hair and twist it. Spritz water from a spray bottle on each section as you go, or use gel or hair oil for shine. Twist the hair firmly. Consider braiding your hair, or double twisting the section before making your knot for a textured look to your knot.

4. Fashion Hair into a Bantu Knot
Take the twist and wrap it around itself in a circular fashion to form what looks like a knot. Do not actually knot your hair because it may be difficult to get the knot out. If you have hair extensions or dread locks, simply divide your sections by how big you want your knot to be, and twist your locks into a knot.

5. Secure your Hair
Tuck the hair under itself or use a cloth hair tie or hair rubber band to secure each Bantu knot. Do not use a tie that is too tight because it could break your hair, and choose something that is not too noticeable or can be hidden under the hair. Try using hair-ties made out of pantyhose for comfortable wraps that can usually be hidden underneath hair.

6. Add Accessories
For unique and dressy Bantu knots perfect for prom or any other formal evening, add shells, hair beads or hair jewels to the knots.

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My Latest Discovery: BioInfusion Hydrating Hair Creme

I've been eyeing this product for quite some time now. It's rather on the "pricey" side at 7.99 for the amount you get but I've paid 5 times that amount for hair products before. I went to drop off my prescription and as I usually do, I just had to stroll down the hair care aisle to see what they had. My eye was drawn back to this product and since it was on sale for $5.99 I decided to grab some. I haven't used it yet but I love the fact that its a hydrating creme, as I said before, anything that moisturizes is alright with me. I tested a little bit on my hand and it isn't greasy at all, as a matter of fact, it is actually pretty watery which is weird for a creme and it smells heavenly. I wll be reviewing this product as soon as I get a chance t0 try it out.


Description:

A blend of science and nature.
Daily moisture renewal with essential nutrients for hair and scalp.
Olive oil has been recognized throughout the ages as a naturally nourishing therapy believed to have rejuvenating power.
Rich in natural conditioning agents, olive oil infuses moisture to hair and scalp on contact.
BioInfusion is a blend of science and nature that has combined olive oil and other natural ingredients with new technologies to create the finest quality products for relaxed and natural styles.
Safe for color treated hair.
BioInfusion olive oil hydrating hair cream is an excellent daily moisturizer for all hair types.
The lightweight creme aids in elasticity, hydration and shine.


Ingredients:
Water - Aqua , Soybean Oil - Glycine Soja , Propylene Glycol , Steareth-20 , Petrolatum , Polyquaternium-37 , Steareth-2 , Dimethicone , Fragrance - Parfum , Olive Oil - Olea Europaea , Lanolin Oil , Propylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate , PPG-1 Trideceth-6 , Trideceth-6 , Cetyl Alcohol , DMDM Hydantoin , Propylparaben , Methylparaben , Bee Balm Extract - Monarda Didyma , Carrot Extract - Ducus Carota Sativa , Sunflower Seed Extract - Helianthus Annuus , Wheat Extract - Triticum Vulgare , Blue 1 - CI 42090 , Yellow 5 - CI 19140

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What to Do what to Do?

I don't know what to do with my hair. I went out of town for a a week to my reunion and because I didn't want to do my hair on the daily, I twisted it up for about 2 or 3 days until I arrived. I then rocked a twist out for the duration. It held up really well considering I clubbed non stop the entire time. I rocked a head band for about 3 days and then put some cornrows in the front and wore the back out. I did look cute if I must say so myself.

The only problem that I had was scalp issues that started to flare up again. My head was itching something fierce and when I finally washed (after I arrived home) I had two scabs in my hair. I think it's from me ferociously scratching and I know better than that, I really do! I try to do the rubbing thing and the patting is not an option(I know, y'all have seen chicks slapping themselves in the head or patting especially with weaves) I've never understood the patting thing. Why pat,tap, hit and smack when you can just scratch. I hate to see people doing that, its my pet peeve. But anyway, back to the matter at hand, I just cannot help but scratch and I believe it is doing damage to my scalp. I also realize that I need to go back to my daily washing routine at least until I get these itchies under control. I may just have to take a trip back to the derm and see what's really going on. The last time I had a flare up like this, it resulted in bald spots and that was back in 2006.

Anyway, I did an overnight deep conditioning treatment and then followed up with a moisturizing conditioner (which I ended up leaving in for two days) because I just didn't feel like doing anything. I think I'm going to do some twists and leave it in for about a month or two but first I need some products. I want to try Kinky curly transitioners tonic but apparently its hard to come by. The boutique in my area doesn't have it in stock. She called me when she got her shipment in but she received everything but the tonic. I have also been hearing some great buzz about Qhemets products and being that I can also get that locally, I might drive down and pick up a few products to review. My main thing is moisture, moisture and more moisture so anything that will keep this head 'O' mine, moisturized, I'm absolutely, Loving IT!

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To Loc or Not to Loc, That is the Question?

I have really been toying with the idea of locing my hair (although I doubt that I'll ever go through with it) but I absolutely love locs. I find myself ogling loc'd heads whenever they pass my way. I think I'd look cute with locs and besides, I'd be sure to get some awesome growth which is my number one priority. I just want shoulder length natural hair including shrinkage which is about 95% for me. I've been viewing some natural hair albums and I think if I ever were to get them, I would go with the sister locs. They look beautiful, are about the right size/width, and seem to be more versatile as opposed to regular locs. I tend to like them shorter and thinner. I even thought about twisting my hair and just wearing it like that for a few months to see how much growth I get. I like to switch up my looks a lot and the fact that locs are for life(or until I cut them off) is what scares me most. While I have seen some people who have successfully "Un loc'd" their hair without cutting, I seriously doubt that would work for me. Unraveling my twists after a week or two is hell for me so I couldn't even imagine what trying to un loc a loc would be. I know some people decide to get dreadlocs for spiritual reasons but believe me, it isn't that deep for me. I think they look fly (peep the pic and tell me those locs are not fierce!) and I like the growth factor. That's it, that's all.

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Staple Products? We've found a winner.

I think I've found ...no, I'm sure I've found my staple products and you just might be surprised to know what they are. Let me start by saying that I am definitely a C-napp.( y'all can tell I've been on Nappturality Haha) meaning I have some Nappy hair. lol. The hair typing somewhat confuses me and while everyone's hair is different, I'm sure some hair types can fit into other categories as well. I've heard that C-Napps have nappy hair, no curl pattern when dry, zigzag pattern with no possibility of getting any curl definition using products aside from the twist out, coil out, etc. While I consider myself a C-Napp, I am able to get a bit of definition with products depending upon what they are. Of course I'm not getting big bouncy curls or cute little spirals and ringlets but what I do get at times is okay with me and I owe it all to my staple products which happen to be conditioners. Curious huh? Keep checking the product reviews because I will be reviewing them shortly.

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It's All About the Brows Baby

I went to get my eyebrows threaded yesterday and the chick jacked me up. When she handed me the mirror afterwards I was not a happy camper. I asked her if she took too much off my right side and she said no it was like that, it was thin. Lying heifer! My child asked me if I liked it and I said NO! Loud as hell. I thought about not paying but I forked over the dough anyway. My eyebrows are funny. My right brow is tres' unruly (according to my mama, it's been that way since birth) the part above my inner eye just sticks straight up, I mean I can brush it until the cows come home and that brow will not lay down for anything. I was told to invest in some mustache wax ( you know the kind that men use to curl their mustaches) and that should do it but I haven't been able to find any. I did run across a man that had a handle bar mustache and jumped at the bit to ask him where he purchases his wax from. He confirmed my suspicions and told me that it is indeed hard to come by. He said he found some at a drug store and stocked up when he had the chance.

Let me get back to my story before I get side tracked. A little background history first. I'm a recent brow groomer and by recent I mean within the past 2 or 3 years, if that long. When I do get them done, it's only once or twice a year. My place of choice was the local Korean nail shop. I would get a pedi and then get my brows waxed but once the korean lady acted all stank because I insisted that she use a fresh stick to apply the wax. Can you believe she wanted to charge me for a little popsicle stick? Bish please...but anyway, I had always been interested in the threading. I would watch as people got their brows done and finally last year (after talking to the threader about the pain and so forth I decided to get it done. By the way, she told me that it's less painful than waxing (the bish lied) that shat hurt like hell, my first time had me damn near in tears and this time wasn't much better. I loved it after the first time I had it done. They looked great but this time not so much. Aside from my right brow (on the left if you're viewing the pic) being a little thinner than the left, Upon closer inspection, I noticed that my left outer brow( above the corner of my eye) doesn't extend as far as my right...meaning they are uneven. I wanted to knock that chick out. Not only was she unfriendly but she fugged up my brows!

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