Shampoo Day!

First thing first....I needed to file my nails. I had some little ridges that I know would have sliced right through my strands.

Prepoo: I separated my hair (with my fingers only) in four sections and applied coconut oil to the entire length, starting about 1/2 - 1 inch from my scalp. Then I braided each section. I left this on overnight. I wore a plastic cap under a hat(for going out in public) until I was ready to wash. I love hats :)

Shampoo: I shampooed once focusing on my scalp with Suave Tropical Coconut Shampoo. I used my Roots Only applicator to apply the shampoo directly on my scalp. After shampooing I noticed that my hair was a lot softer than usual. I think the coconut prepoo had a lot to do with that.

Deep Condition: I like to do an Oil Rinse after shampooing but since I am starting the Castor Oil Challenge I didn't want to overdo it with the oils so I deep conditioned with Lustrasilk Shea Butter Cholesterol that was mixed with Olive oil, Rosemary EO, and Peppermint EO.

Right now I have my hair in two braids just resting, I didn't do anything special to it.

Just apply some conditioner prior to braiding and left it alone to air dry.

Styling: I have been wanting to try this style I saw on Essence.com for a long time. I think that is will allow me to reach my scalp with oiling this week so I gave it a shot. Pics coming...

Shampoo Day!

First thing first....I needed to file my nails. I had some little ridges that I know would have sliced right through my strands.

Prepoo: I separated my hair (with my fingers only) in four sections and applied coconut oil to the entire length, starting about 1/2 - 1 inch from my scalp. Then I braided each section. I left this on overnight. I wore a plastic cap under a hat(for going out in public) until I was ready to wash. I love hats :)

Shampoo: I shampooed once focusing on my scalp with Suave Tropical Coconut Shampoo. I used my Roots Only applicator to apply the shampoo directly on my scalp. After shampooing I noticed that my hair was a lot softer than usual. I think the coconut prepoo had a lot to do with that.

Deep Condition: I like to do an Oil Rinse after shampooing but since I am starting the Castor Oil Challenge I didn't want to overdo it with the oils so I deep conditioned with Lustrasilk Shea Butter Cholesterol that was mixed with Olive oil, Rosemary EO, and Peppermint EO.

Right now I have my hair in two braids just resting, I didn't do anything special to it.

Just apply some conditioner prior to braiding and left it alone to air dry.

Styling: I have been wanting to try this style I saw on Essence.com for a long time. I think that is will allow me to reach my scalp with oiling this week so I gave it a shot. Pics coming...

Snowed In!

I hate when NC gets snow because it shuts the entire state DOWN. I am glad that it happened on a weekend in which I had no where to go. Everything I need to do is right here in my house :)

If you are snowed in....stay in! If you have to go out please be careful. Have a great day!

Snowed In!

I hate when NC gets snow because it shuts the entire state DOWN. I am glad that it happened on a weekend in which I had no where to go. Everything I need to do is right here in my house :)

If you are snowed in....stay in! If you have to go out please be careful. Have a great day!

Make it or Break it Another Lauren Hairstyle Braid to Bun

Lauren's hair on Make it or Break it TV show is one of our favorites. We love braids and she always has the cutest braids. So here is another one of our replications of her hair.

I started by making a french braid that started by hugging the front top of her hair and curved around her hair and ended just below the opposite ear.

The picture below shows the braid from the back.

Now pull the remaining hair into a low pony below her ear and include the braid.

Then just make a cute messy bun.

Castor Oil Challenge: My Planned Routine

Castor oil is really thick and some even say that it smells (I don't smell it *Kanye shrug*). You may find it beneficial to mix the Castor oil with a carrier oil. Carrier oils include:

Sweet Almond Oil	Kukui Nut Oil
Apricot Kernel Oil	Macadamia Nut Oil
Avocado Oil	Watermelon Seed Oil
Meadowfoam Oil	Jojoba Oil
Borage Seed Oil	Sunflower Oil
Seabuckthorn Berry Oil	Hemp Seed Oil
Tea Tree Oil	Sesame Oil
Peanut Oil	Hazelnut Oil
Cranberry Seed Oil	Pecan Oil
Evening Primrose Oil	Pomegranate Seed Oil
Coconut Oil	Grapeseed Oil
Rose Hip Oil	Olive Oil

You can find the majority of these oils in any health food store. Olive oil will probably be the easiest to find-it is in almost every grocery store. From previous information I have read-the greener the olive oil the better. But to be honest, my hair response the same way to olive oil no matter the color.Mixing the olive oil with a carrier oil can be tricky.

If you look at some homemade hair product recipes out there you will notice that when Castor is used, the same amount of carrier oil is used. Some people apply the Castor oil straight with no chaser. The choice is yours. Listen to your hair and give it what it asks for.

The rules of the challenge say to apply at least twice a week. Castor oil has anti-fungal properties so if you have a serious dandruff problem you may want to consider a few additional days a week. The challenge will be going on for a while so feel free to start off slow and adjust your application if needed.

My plans for this challenge (and some things you may want to ponder):

Participation time frame: 2 months (Feb 1 -Apr 1)

Brand used: Walgreen’s Castor Oil and then Home Health Castor oil for the rest of the challenge

Mixing: Castor Oil and Avocado Oil (equal parts of each oil)

Application: Twice a week. Sundays and Thursdays, Sunday is my wash night.

Overall goal for this challenge: Healthier scalp, I put a lot of care into my strands but don’t really pay a lot of attention to my scalp.

I have pledged some serious dedication, I hope I can stick to it. Hold me accountable!

Castor Oil Challenge: My Planned Routine

Castor oil is really thick and some even say that it smells (I don't smell it *Kanye shrug*). You may find it beneficial to mix the Castor oil with a carrier oil. Carrier oils include:

Sweet Almond Oil	Kukui Nut Oil
Apricot Kernel Oil	Macadamia Nut Oil
Avocado Oil	Watermelon Seed Oil
Meadowfoam Oil	Jojoba Oil
Borage Seed Oil	Sunflower Oil
Seabuckthorn Berry Oil	Hemp Seed Oil
Tea Tree Oil	Sesame Oil
Peanut Oil	Hazelnut Oil
Cranberry Seed Oil	Pecan Oil
Evening Primrose Oil	Pomegranate Seed Oil
Coconut Oil	Grapeseed Oil
Rose Hip Oil	Olive Oil

You can find the majority of these oils in any health food store. Olive oil will probably be the easiest to find-it is in almost every grocery store. From previous information I have read-the greener the olive oil the better. But to be honest, my hair response the same way to olive oil no matter the color.Mixing the olive oil with a carrier oil can be tricky.

If you look at some homemade hair product recipes out there you will notice that when Castor is used, the same amount of carrier oil is used. Some people apply the Castor oil straight with no chaser. The choice is yours. Listen to your hair and give it what it asks for.

The rules of the challenge say to apply at least twice a week. Castor oil has anti-fungal properties so if you have a serious dandruff problem you may want to consider a few additional days a week. The challenge will be going on for a while so feel free to start off slow and adjust your application if needed.

My plans for this challenge (and some things you may want to ponder):

Participation time frame: 2 months (Feb 1 -Apr 1)

Brand used: Walgreen’s Castor Oil and then Home Health Castor oil for the rest of the challenge

Mixing: Castor Oil and Avocado Oil (equal parts of each oil)

Application: Twice a week. Sundays and Thursdays, Sunday is my wash night.

Overall goal for this challenge: Healthier scalp, I put a lot of care into my strands but don’t really pay a lot of attention to my scalp.

I have pledged some serious dedication, I hope I can stick to it. Hold me accountable!

Another Not Hair Related but Cute

I believe in the tooth fairy

I believe in the Easter bunny

I believe in Santa, too

My Grand daughter ask me this year, "Grandma do you believe in Santa Clause?" I replied without hesitation "Yes Kaylee I do believe."

I believe in all things good. You might ask how the tooth fairy, the Easter bunny and Santa are good. In my experience they teach us at a very young age to believe in things we cannot see, touch or smell. They can lay the foundation for believing in greater unseen things as we mature. They help children to believe in their dreams. They help children to have faith in things they can not see.As we realize that the tooth fairy, the Easter bunny and Santa are not as we perceived them, we are old enough to learn that their gifts were real and that the love they were given with was also real. By this time we have learned much more about life, relationships and values. If you believe, make someone special a tooth pillow to leave out for the tooth fairy. Help them to believe in their dreams.

Brought to you by http://www.mom-stuff.com/

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Healthy Hair Care on a Budget

I have noticed a lot of so-called "quality" hair care items can be on the pricey side. So what is a girl on a budget to do? Get creative and put those brain cells to use! Many products can be made right in your own kitchen. I know buying products is more of a convenience...but when you make your own, just make a lot-the amount you would pay for anyway. Additionally, you can make the product just like your hair likes it.

You want a good moisturizing quality shampoo...
Dr. Bronner's Castile Soap, because you have to dilute this soap-it lasts quite a while. Search the web for mixing/dilution options

You need a conditoner for cowashing...
VO5 & Suave are two brands that always affordable, sometimes less than $1

Deep conditioners are only good when then cost a lot....NOT!
Get a cholestoral conditioner (Lustrasilk, LeKair) and add some oil (olive, coconut, jojoba, etc) to it. I like to mix 1 cup of conditioner with almost 1/2 cup of olive oil and some essential oils.

Styling Aids....gotta have 'em
Organic Aloe Vera Gel....make it into a spritz, add it to a pomade, or use it to make a holding gel. The options are only limited by your creativity
Sweet Almond oil...a little goes a long way and gives awesome shine

So there you have it wallet friendly cleansing, conditioning, and styling. All it takes is a little research.

Healthy Hair Care on a Budget

I have noticed a lot of so-called "quality" hair care items can be on the pricey side. So what is a girl on a budget to do? Get creative and put those brain cells to use! Many products can be made right in your own kitchen. I know buying products is more of a convenience...but when you make your own, just make a lot-the amount you would pay for anyway. Additionally, you can make the product just like your hair likes it.

You want a good moisturizing quality shampoo...
Dr. Bronner's Castile Soap, because you have to dilute this soap-it lasts quite a while. Search the web for mixing/dilution options

You need a conditoner for cowashing...
VO5 & Suave are two brands that always affordable, sometimes less than $1

Deep conditioners are only good when then cost a lot....NOT!
Get a cholestoral conditioner (Lustrasilk, LeKair) and add some oil (olive, coconut, jojoba, etc) to it. I like to mix 1 cup of conditioner with almost 1/2 cup of olive oil and some essential oils.

Styling Aids....gotta have 'em
Organic Aloe Vera Gel....make it into a spritz, add it to a pomade, or use it to make a holding gel. The options are only limited by your creativity
Sweet Almond oil...a little goes a long way and gives awesome shine

So there you have it wallet friendly cleansing, conditioning, and styling. All it takes is a little research.

Puffy Braids to Pigtails

Start by making a center part all the way down her head. I put the left side in a holder to keep out of the way while I work on the right side.

Make a small part at the bottom and secure with an elastic (I am making 2 puffy braids up her head)

Make a 2nd puffy braid

Then secure all the hair on the right side into a ponytail.

Do the same thing to the left side.

Then I took another elastic and made sure I didn't pull the ponytail all the way through.

Castor Oil Challenge

Recently, I have came across a few videos on YouTube regarding a Castor Oil Challenge upon further investigation I discovered that quite a few of the ladies got this Challenge from Black Hair Media (BHM). The claims from the challenge include growth, healthier scalp, and less split ends. Sounds interesting huh? Well because I am more about maintaining length the healthier scalp and less splits intrigued me. So I decided it's worth a shot. I am going to follow that same rules posted on BHM. Once again, curiosity is getting the best of me. However, this challenge utilizes products that I already know that my hair loves. Therefore, I assume that no harm will be done.

I plan to try this starting on Feb 1 and going until April 1. The ending date also happens to be the date I plan to slow down on protective styles. The air should be moist again-April Showers :)

If you want to join me, I hope this gives you enough time to purchase your Castor Oil and your mixing oil.

My previous post highlight all the other benefits that can be gained from using Castor Oil.

Castor Oil Challenge

Recently, I have came across a few videos on YouTube regarding a Castor Oil Challenge upon further investigation I discovered that quite a few of the ladies got this Challenge from Black Hair Media (BHM). The claims from the challenge include growth, healthier scalp, and less split ends. Sounds interesting huh? Well because I am more about maintaining length the healthier scalp and less splits intrigued me. So I decided it's worth a shot. I am going to follow that same rules posted on BHM. Once again, curiosity is getting the best of me. However, this challenge utilizes products that I already know that my hair loves. Therefore, I assume that no harm will be done.

I plan to try this starting on Feb 1 and going until April 1. The ending date also happens to be the date I plan to slow down on protective styles. The air should be moist again-April Showers :)

If you want to join me, I hope this gives you enough time to purchase your Castor Oil and your mixing oil.

My previous post highlight all the other benefits that can be gained from using Castor Oil.

Castor Oil

Since using Castor oil on my hair I have noticed that it has been a lot softer and maintaining moisture better after my moisturizing and sealing regimen. Depending on who I talk to about using this oil-there is potential to get the yuck face, LOL. But it doesn't make me feel bad because they just don't know...there are tons of people out there that use Castor for their hair and not for....you know :)

A few facts I found about Castor oil:

• it is typically found in the laxative section in most stores
• Castor oil contains fatty acids that aid in maintaining hair moisture and prevents drying of the hair and scalp
• Castor Oil is a humectant
• Protects the hair and scalp from infections
• helps to thicken hair (eyelashes, eyebrows, and hair strands)
• Castor oil helps keep the scalp clean between washes
• Castor oil comes from the castor bean and is a vegetable oil

Resources

Wikipedia - Castor Oil

eHow - Castor Oil Treatment

Castor Oil for Hair

Castor Oil

Since using Castor oil on my hair I have noticed that it has been a lot softer and maintaining moisture better after my moisturizing and sealing regimen. Depending on who I talk to about using this oil-there is potential to get the yuck face, LOL. But it doesn't make me feel bad because they just don't know...there are tons of people out there that use Castor for their hair and not for....you know :)

A few facts I found about Castor oil:

• it is typically found in the laxative section in most stores
• Castor oil contains fatty acids that aid in maintaining hair moisture and prevents drying of the hair and scalp
• Castor Oil is a humectant
• Protects the hair and scalp from infections
• helps to thicken hair (eyelashes, eyebrows, and hair strands)
• Castor oil helps keep the scalp clean between washes
• Castor oil comes from the castor bean and is a vegetable oil

Resources

Wikipedia - Castor Oil

eHow - Castor Oil Treatment

Castor Oil for Hair

Two Strand Twists Bun

I was looking for a new way to wear my twists and decided to try a bun. I didn't think it would work so I was really surprised with the outcome.

This style was so easy and quick. It took probably less than five minutes to put up once I realized what I was doing. I take the bun down at night, moisturize, seal, and wrap. Then in morning up goes the bun.

Two Strand Twists Bun

I was looking for a new way to wear my twists and decided to try a bun. I didn't think it would work so I was really surprised with the outcome.

This style was so easy and quick. It took probably less than five minutes to put up once I realized what I was doing. I take the bun down at night, moisturize, seal, and wrap. Then in morning up goes the bun.

About Me

Excuse my rudeness, where was my introduction?

Currently, I am employed full time in customer service, a full time student pursuing my master's degree in Community and Social services, and a wife. I love God, He's the center of my joy, I have a furbaby named Tyson (he's a pit but doesn't know it). In my opinion he acts more like a cat or a small lap dog.....60+lbs in your lap is not fun.

I am natural and have always been my entire 27 years on this earth. When I was younger I was influenced by many sources to feel ashamed of my curliness. As a result I wore press-n-curls consistently. When it was time to wash my hair I would hide from everyone for three days until I could get it under control. I probably would have gotten a relaxer but that was something that did not fit in our family budget at the time. I was persuaded to embrace my coils one day when my boyfriend (now husband) saw my hair on was day. He kept touching it and complimenting it and suggested that I wear curly. I took his advice, I was nervous, and have not turned back since. He has been my greatest supporter and motivator.

Not everyone is happy about my hair...mainly family. But guess what? I don't care. It's my head and my hair and I finally feel like myself. There is nothing wrong with me and "what God gave me is just fine."

Even though I have always had natural hair, I never took care of my hair properly. I used products that the relaxed girls used, I loaded my hair and scalp with hair grease, and consistently used extreme heat on my tresses. Upon discovering the many hair care sites out there I decided to start treating my hair like I it should be treated. Keeping this blog is a way to "check myself" and keep track of styles, regimens that works, and products my hair loves and hates. Now, I am finally happy with my hair.

About Me

Excuse my rudeness, where was my introduction?

Currently, I am employed full time in customer service, a full time student pursuing my master's degree in Community and Social services, and a wife. I love God, He's the center of my joy, I have a furbaby named Tyson (he's a pit but doesn't know it). In my opinion he acts more like a cat or a small lap dog.....60+lbs in your lap is not fun.

I am natural and have always been my entire 27 years on this earth. When I was younger I was influenced by many sources to feel ashamed of my curliness. As a result I wore press-n-curls consistently. When it was time to wash my hair I would hide from everyone for three days until I could get it under control. I probably would have gotten a relaxer but that was something that did not fit in our family budget at the time. I was persuaded to embrace my coils one day when my boyfriend (now husband) saw my hair on was day. He kept touching it and complimenting it and suggested that I wear curly. I took his advice, I was nervous, and have not turned back since. He has been my greatest supporter and motivator.

Not everyone is happy about my hair...mainly family. But guess what? I don't care. It's my head and my hair and I finally feel like myself. There is nothing wrong with me and "what God gave me is just fine."

Even though I have always had natural hair, I never took care of my hair properly. I used products that the relaxed girls used, I loaded my hair and scalp with hair grease, and consistently used extreme heat on my tresses. Upon discovering the many hair care sites out there I decided to start treating my hair like I it should be treated. Keeping this blog is a way to "check myself" and keep track of styles, regimens that works, and products my hair loves and hates. Now, I am finally happy with my hair.

Aloe Gro Treatment REMIX

Recall the Aloe Gro Treatment video that I found on YouTube. Well, I really liked it but because of lack of proper ingredients, I had to get creative when I mixed up the next batch. It still feels awesome!! So now I believe that as long as you have the water and organic aloe-you can substitute the essential oils to suit your hair care needs.

Here's what I mixed:

1.5 Cup Organic Aloe Vera Gel

1 Cup Water (distilled)

6 Drops Rosemary EO (Pregnant women should not use this EO)

10 Drops Peppermint EO

5 Drops Tea Tree EO

Aloe Gro Treatment REMIX

Recall the Aloe Gro Treatment video that I found on YouTube. Well, I really liked it but because of lack of proper ingredients, I had to get creative when I mixed up the next batch. It still feels awesome!! So now I believe that as long as you have the water and organic aloe-you can substitute the essential oils to suit your hair care needs.

Here's what I mixed:

1.5 Cup Organic Aloe Vera Gel

1 Cup Water (distilled)

6 Drops Rosemary EO (Pregnant women should not use this EO)

10 Drops Peppermint EO

5 Drops Tea Tree EO

The Truth About Haiti Relief

I really get annoyed when people makeup rumors or abuse people's willingness to help during bad situations. I looked up some of the things I have been hearing and this is what I found.

Check out: Snopes for more detailed information about rumors and truths.

The Truth About Haiti Relief

I really get annoyed when people makeup rumors or abuse people's willingness to help during bad situations. I looked up some of the things I have been hearing and this is what I found.

Check out: Snopes for more detailed information about rumors and truths.

Make it or Break it Lauren's HairStyle

This hairstyle was taken from one of my daughters favorite TV shows Make it or Break it. This is our version of Lauren's hairstyle from the last episode.

We started by making a poof in the center of her head.

Then I split the remaining hair in half. I french braided the hair starting above the ear. Keep the braid up high because it is going to end up in a ponytail. Do the same to the other side.

You will have what looks like 3 separate ponytails. The center poof and the 2 french braids.

Then take the 3 ponytails and put them into one ponytail in the center of her head.

Sides up with Twist

Take just the sides of her hair and pull back to the center of her head. The center hair is left down under the elastic.

Take the hair in the ponytail and pull it through to give the twist.

Then we make loose ringlets in the rest of her hair.

Martin L King Jr. Day

I admire Dr. Martin L. King, Jr. because he worked tirelessly towards something he believed in. His courage cost him is life and many of us would not be willing to take that same risk today.

Think about how amazing it would have been for him to live to see the first African-American president elected into office. Honestly, I didn't think I would see it in my lifetime. There are still a lot of hating racist folks out there.

How are you spending your day of service?

"I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear. "

-Martin Luther King, Jr.

Martin L King Jr. Day

I admire Dr. Martin L. King, Jr. because he worked tirelessly towards something he believed in. His courage cost him is life and many of us would not be willing to take that same risk today.

Think about how amazing it would have been for him to live to see the first African-American president elected into office. Honestly, I didn't think I would see it in my lifetime. There are still a lot of hating racist folks out there.

How are you spending your day of service?

"I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear. "

-Martin Luther King, Jr.

Praying for Haiti

When I first heard about the natural disaster that Haiti suffered, I was speechless. I love that so many people are ready and willing to help and I remember that country in my prayers daily. It was touching to hear that people were in the streets praising God. I would have been doing the same thing. Also with this situation we should all keep in mind that no one is promised tomorrow and we should all live each day to the fullest and worship God like it's our last chance. This song has been on my heart every since the news of the Earthquake broke:

For those of you that have loved ones in Haiti, you are also in my prayers. Losing or close to losing loved ones is a pain that only God can heal.

Complete list of ways to help:

Impact Your World

Praying for Haiti

When I first heard about the natural disaster that Haiti suffered, I was speechless. I love that so many people are ready and willing to help and I remember that country in my prayers daily. It was touching to hear that people were in the streets praising God. I would have been doing the same thing. Also with this situation we should all keep in mind that no one is promised tomorrow and we should all live each day to the fullest and worship God like it's our last chance. This song has been on my heart every since the news of the Earthquake broke:

For those of you that have loved ones in Haiti, you are also in my prayers. Losing or close to losing loved ones is a pain that only God can heal.

Complete list of ways to help:

Impact Your World

Pin Curl Tutorial

By request:

This style is so easy to do and is actually a two in one. You can do the pin curls and wear them that way and/or remove the hair pins and let your curls cascade.

When I was wearing my press n curl all the time I would do pin curls across the top and wear them with a bun in the back. A few days later I would take my hair down and I would have some awesome waves going on....the best part - NO HEAT.

For more pics of this style please visit my FOTKI

Dedicated to the awesome and lovely ChrsLvsBks !

I Am A Kept Woman

I received this in an email today....I had to share with others.

You see, there were a few times when
I thought I would lose my mind,
but GOD kept me sane. (Isa. 26:3)

There were times when I thought I could
go no longer, but the LORD kept me
moving. (Gen 28:15)

At times, I've wanted to lash out at those
whom I felt had done me wrong, but the
LORD kept my mouth shut. (Psa. 13)

Sometimes, I think the money just isn't
enough, but GOD has helped me to keep
the lights on, the water on, the car paid,
the house paid, etc. (Matt. 6:25-34)

When I thought I would fall, HE kept me up.

When I thought I was weak, HE kept me
strong! (I Pet. 5:7, Matt. 11:28-30)

I could go on and on and on, but I'm sure you know!

I'm blessed to be 'kept.'

You are also kept .......Let's bless other 'kept' women?