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Afro Love

Afro Love

Lauryn Hill breaks her silence


See the story here: CNN



Lauryn Hill breaks her silence


See the story here: CNN



Fros on the Fourth


Will you be wearing your fro on July 4th, 2010, I will!

If this is your first time wearing a fro (not a wash n go) the idea may be a little intimidating. I am working on a tutorial to hopefully make the process easier for you.




Afro Independence Day logo by Mook

Fros on the Fourth


Will you be wearing your fro on July 4th, 2010, I will!

If this is your first time wearing a fro (not a wash n go) the idea may be a little intimidating. I am working on a tutorial to hopefully make the process easier for you.




Afro Independence Day logo by Mook

Rockin Bobbie Pins 4th of July

Follow the steps from the link below on how to get the hairstyle done.  The only difference is I pulled her ponytail into a messy bun because of our heat.  The summers are really hot here and she likes her hair up.

The Rockin Bobbie pins and how to make them came from http://www.mom-stuff.com/public/245.cfm.  I love these for accessories.
The picture below is showing how I put them in. 
The top view of her head.

Update: Kimmaytube Leave-in

I did my hair on Saturday afternoon...it is now Monday night and my hair is STILL soft and moisturized. I am so impressed!

I have not even spritzed my hair..... with anything!

Update: Kimmaytube Leave-in

I did my hair on Saturday afternoon...it is now Monday night and my hair is STILL soft and moisturized. I am so impressed!

I have not even spritzed my hair..... with anything!

Toddler Pull Thru's to Ponytail


This style was so simple and turned out so cute.

I started just above her ear and made a small ponytail then twisted it thru itself.  I then made a 2nd ponytail including the first ponytail and twist it thru itself too.  Do this on both sides of her head. 
On the very top center I made a poof and added the ends from each side. 
A finished side view of her head.

My hubby is the greatest!


I feel so loved. This was totally unexpected and made me cry. If you know me you know that I don't cry - so that is big!

The plaque reads:
My First Dollar
June 1, 2010
I.M.I.
I Made It
Tia Blount, Owner
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future"
Jeremiah 29:11

My hubby is the greatest!


I feel so loved. This was totally unexpected and made me cry. If you know me you know that I don't cry - so that is big!

The plaque reads:
My First Dollar
June 1, 2010
I.M.I.
I Made It
Tia Blount, Owner
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future"
Jeremiah 29:11

Question #12

Ahas left a new comment on your post "Ringlet Curling Iron":


where did u get it? what is it called?

It is called a Conair Instant Heat Spiral Styler Curling Iron.  I bought my at Walmart I put a link under the picture.



http://www.walmart.com/ip/Conair-Instant-Heat-Spiral-Styler-Curling-Iron/3999274?wmlspartner=GPA&sourceid=44444444440281551375


Original Curling Post http://thewrighthair.blogspot.com/2010/02/ringlet-curling-iron.html

Sunday Style: another Cornrow-Twist Updo

This style was inspired by a loc style that I ran across while Googling styles one day:



Sunday's Message:
Man Up
1 Kings 2:1-2
Note: Sunday was "Men's Day"
If you are wise you will listen to the wise counsel of those that have "been there done that." In today's text David was telling Solomon how to be a man.
To be a man:
1. You must be disciplined - Discipline yourself to walk in a Godly manner.
2. You must be decisive - A double-minded mind is unstable (James 1:8)
3. You must be determined - When you do what the Lord says folks may laugh at you but they won't be laughing when your reward comes
*When you are disciplined , determined, and decisive the Lord will recognize that and the Lord will respond by decorating you.

Sunday Style: another Cornrow-Twist Updo

This style was inspired by a loc style that I ran across while Googling styles one day:



Sunday's Message:
Man Up
1 Kings 2:1-2
Note: Sunday was "Men's Day"
If you are wise you will listen to the wise counsel of those that have "been there done that." In today's text David was telling Solomon how to be a man.
To be a man:
1. You must be disciplined - Discipline yourself to walk in a Godly manner.
2. You must be decisive - A double-minded mind is unstable (James 1:8)
3. You must be determined - When you do what the Lord says folks may laugh at you but they won't be laughing when your reward comes
*When you are disciplined , determined, and decisive the Lord will recognize that and the Lord will respond by decorating you.

Question #11

A has left a new comment on your post "Sponge Curlers":



i love the look, but where can u get the sponge curlers?

I buy my sponge curlers at stores like Kmart, Walmart, or Target.  They have all sizes but I prefer the larger sponge curlers because they don't make the curls too tight.  I do use the smaller ones on my toddler since her hair is so short.

Be a Money $aving Product Junkie


If you can't help but become a product junkie there are ways to go about it with a decreased feeling of guilt.

1. Don't jump on bandwagons! Seriously - a bandwagon almost ruined all my hard work. I have learned (the hard way) to let others experiment and then wait for the results.

2. Request samples. There are so many companies out there that will provide samples to potential customers that there is no need to go out and purchase full sized full priced products just to "try" them.

3. Shop the travel aisle. If a company does not provide samples try the travel aisle in your local retail/discount store. Those items are constantly changing so keep your eye on them to see if the product you are curious about makes the shelf.

4. Use coupons. The funniest thing to me is to be line behind a person that just paid full price for a product and then they hear my total being about 50% less...all because I used a coupon. Here is the trick: purchase the item only when on sale and use the coupon at the moment. Also, if the store has a VIP/MVP card, get one and use it.

5. Swap, Swap, Swap. When you RSVP "yes" to attend a meet-up, GO! (no one likes a slacker). Usually at meet ups there are product swaps and someone just might bring the product that you have been wanting.

Be a Money $aving Product Junkie


If you can't help but become a product junkie there are ways to go about it with a decreased feeling of guilt.

1. Don't jump on bandwagons! Seriously - a bandwagon almost ruined all my hard work. I have learned (the hard way) to let others experiment and then wait for the results.

2. Request samples. There are so many companies out there that will provide samples to potential customers that there is no need to go out and purchase full sized full priced products just to "try" them.

3. Shop the travel aisle. If a company does not provide samples try the travel aisle in your local retail/discount store. Those items are constantly changing so keep your eye on them to see if the product you are curious about makes the shelf.

4. Use coupons. The funniest thing to me is to be line behind a person that just paid full price for a product and then they hear my total being about 50% less...all because I used a coupon. Here is the trick: purchase the item only when on sale and use the coupon at the moment. Also, if the store has a VIP/MVP card, get one and use it.

5. Swap, Swap, Swap. When you RSVP "yes" to attend a meet-up, GO! (no one likes a slacker). Usually at meet ups there are product swaps and someone just might bring the product that you have been wanting.

Scalp Massage


I love a good scalp massage and I love them even more when I am not the one doing it - that is what husbands are for :). In addition, as it turns out there more benefits to a scalp massage besides just the good feeling.
scalp massage.

Sources say that a scalp massage is a great way to ease the mind and the nervous system. Scalp massages increase blood circulation and increase root health and strength. They can also be done with the oil of your choice but be careful not to use an oil that is recommended to be used with a carrier oil (i.e. peppermint oil). A key thing to keep in mind is that scalp massages should be done with the pads of your fingers - not the tips, especially if you have long nails. Check out the resources listed below for more detailed information.

Resources
Hair & Scalp Massage Oils

Scalp Massage


I love a good scalp massage and I love them even more when I am not the one doing it - that is what husbands are for :). In addition, as it turns out there more benefits to a scalp massage besides just the good feeling.
scalp massage.

Sources say that a scalp massage is a great way to ease the mind and the nervous system. Scalp massages increase blood circulation and increase root health and strength. They can also be done with the oil of your choice but be careful not to use an oil that is recommended to be used with a carrier oil (i.e. peppermint oil). A key thing to keep in mind is that scalp massages should be done with the pads of your fingers - not the tips, especially if you have long nails. Check out the resources listed below for more detailed information.

Resources
Hair & Scalp Massage Oils

RAVE!: Kimmaytube Leave-in


I always thought this chick was awesome (because of how she does her research) and now she has gone up another notch for me. This leave in concoction is fabulous!

In Kimmaytube's recipe she uses Kinky-Curly Knot Today but since I did not already have that in my stash I substituted that KC Knot Today for Giovanni Direct leave in. While styling my hair had so much slip and was so easy to manage.

Hours later....

My hair has dried and still feels great! I am impressed. If I (I probably will) continue to use this recipe I wouldn't mind splurging for one of the more expensive leave in conditioners.

At first glance at the amount of each ingredient I didn't think that 1 oz of conditioner would be enough for my hair. But I made the amount indicated anyway and I am so glad that I did not double that recipe because it was exactly enough. I may have had about 2 tsp left after I finished styling my hair. I will admit that I was not fond of the smell but I used Organics Clove & Olive oil to seal and that left me with a scent that I could handle. Another plus....my fingernails feel great (smooth and strong) - I think its the Jojoba oil that contributed to my nails.

This leave in is a definite "keep" for my product line up and regimen. I want to try a wash n go with the leave in, I feel like I may like the results.

Recipe
1oz Kinky Curly Knot Today (about 2 tbs)
2 tbs Castor Oil
2 tbs Jojoba Oil
2 tbs Aloe Vera juice



edited 06/27/2011 to add recipe

RAVE!: Kimmaytube Leave-in


I always thought this chick was awesome (because of how she does her research) and now she has gone up another notch for me. This leave in concoction is fabulous!

In Kimmaytube's recipe she uses Kinky-Curly Knot Today but since I did not already have that in my stash I substituted that KC Knot Today for Giovanni Direct leave in. While styling my hair had so much slip and was so easy to manage.

Hours later....

My hair has dried and still feels great! I am impressed. If I (I probably will) continue to use this recipe I wouldn't mind splurging for one of the more expensive leave in conditioners.

At first glance at the amount of each ingredient I didn't think that 1 oz of conditioner would be enough for my hair. But I made the amount indicated anyway and I am so glad that I did not double that recipe because it was exactly enough. I may have had about 2 tsp left after I finished styling my hair. I will admit that I was not fond of the smell but I used Organics Clove & Olive oil to seal and that left me with a scent that I could handle. Another plus....my fingernails feel great (smooth and strong) - I think its the Jojoba oil that contributed to my nails.

This leave in is a definite "keep" for my product line up and regimen. I want to try a wash n go with the leave in, I feel like I may like the results.

Recipe
1oz Kinky Curly Knot Today (about 2 tbs)
2 tbs Castor Oil
2 tbs Jojoba Oil
2 tbs Aloe Vera juice



edited 06/27/2011 to add recipe

Still on the diet

My postings have been slow because I am still doing the cornrow challenge and still on the hair diet. The combination of those two make for a very boring hair story.

This week my cornrow style was inspired by CurlyNikki.com Glam Hair Idol Catrina. She has some fierce cornrow styles in her FOTKI albums.

This weekend I will be washing my hair with Dudu Osun Herbal Shampoo. I am really starting to like this shampoo and this diet just might cause me to make a permanent switch. Then I will deep condition with Giovanni Smooth As Silk(SAS). I like SAS because it gives me results that are similar the results I get from using Herbal Essences HH.

The only downfall of this diet is the fast frizzes. I read on someone's blog this week that it's the silicones that keep our hair from frizzing so quickly. I usually take what I hear and read on the web with a grain of salt but I am starting to believe this theory.

Happy Friday!!!!!
-Tia

Still on the diet

My postings have been slow because I am still doing the cornrow challenge and still on the hair diet. The combination of those two make for a very boring hair story.

This week my cornrow style was inspired by CurlyNikki.com Glam Hair Idol Catrina. She has some fierce cornrow styles in her FOTKI albums.

This weekend I will be washing my hair with Dudu Osun Herbal Shampoo. I am really starting to like this shampoo and this diet just might cause me to make a permanent switch. Then I will deep condition with Giovanni Smooth As Silk(SAS). I like SAS because it gives me results that are similar the results I get from using Herbal Essences HH.

The only downfall of this diet is the fast frizzes. I read on someone's blog this week that it's the silicones that keep our hair from frizzing so quickly. I usually take what I hear and read on the web with a grain of salt but I am starting to believe this theory.

Happy Friday!!!!!
-Tia

A share....

I read this the other day and just had to share:

I want to know my hair again, the way I knew it before I knew that my
hair is me, before I lost the right to me, before 1 knew that the burden
of beauty - or lack of it - for an entire race of people could be tied up
with my air and me.
- Paulette Caldwell, "A Hair Piece" (2000: 275)




A share....

I read this the other day and just had to share:

I want to know my hair again, the way I knew it before I knew that my
hair is me, before I lost the right to me, before 1 knew that the burden
of beauty - or lack of it - for an entire race of people could be tied up
with my air and me.
- Paulette Caldwell, "A Hair Piece" (2000: 275)




You Asked...I Answered

You Asked:
Hey Girl!
I found you on Curly Nikki after watching your tutorial.
I am so inspired by your lovely hair.
I've been natural for 2 Months and 19 days and I'm loving my journey.
How long have you been natural?
I Answered:
I have always been natural but it was only a few years ago that I started on my healthy hair journey and stopped wearing a press-n-curl.


You Asked:
hello u have absolutely stunning hair but what has me really intrigued is your skin i could not take my eyes off it ( no homo lol ) . Woulod you be willing to share your skincare and diet regimen with me thanks for your time.
I Answered:
I don't know if what I do would be considered a regimen but here goes...I only use two soaps African Black Soap (liquid) and Aveeno Oatmeal Soap. I wash with one of those every night and every morning. For a moisturizer I use Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion. That's it, very simple. Wash and moisturize. I used to have some scars and a few pimples when I was trying a more complicated regimen. Simple has best for me.
As for my diet. I love salads and snacking on healthy foods that taste great. I don't eat a lot of fried foods - I may fry something 1-2 times a month. I do eat out more than I like but that is something that I am trying to cut back on.

You Asked...I Answered

You Asked:
Hey Girl!
I found you on Curly Nikki after watching your tutorial.
I am so inspired by your lovely hair.
I've been natural for 2 Months and 19 days and I'm loving my journey.
How long have you been natural?
I Answered:
I have always been natural but it was only a few years ago that I started on my healthy hair journey and stopped wearing a press-n-curl.


You Asked:
hello u have absolutely stunning hair but what has me really intrigued is your skin i could not take my eyes off it ( no homo lol ) . Woulod you be willing to share your skincare and diet regimen with me thanks for your time.
I Answered:
I don't know if what I do would be considered a regimen but here goes...I only use two soaps African Black Soap (liquid) and Aveeno Oatmeal Soap. I wash with one of those every night and every morning. For a moisturizer I use Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion. That's it, very simple. Wash and moisturize. I used to have some scars and a few pimples when I was trying a more complicated regimen. Simple has best for me.
As for my diet. I love salads and snacking on healthy foods that taste great. I don't eat a lot of fried foods - I may fry something 1-2 times a month. I do eat out more than I like but that is something that I am trying to cut back on.

Post henna

I stated that I was nervous about doing a henna treatment on top of blue-black dye but it turns out that I had nothing to worry about. The only thing is I lost my dark color and I am back to brown and my gray's are copper. Do I care? No not really, because color doesn't scare me.

Here's how my hair looked in the sun after the henna:


I did a simple henna mix with using only a strong black tea.

1 box Jamila Henna
2 Cups of black tea (2 reg size tea bags used in 1 quart of water)

I used Giovanni TTT was the condish to rinse out the henna and Giovanni SAS for my deep treatment.

**UPDATE**

Mini tutorial of my henna process:



Post henna

I stated that I was nervous about doing a henna treatment on top of blue-black dye but it turns out that I had nothing to worry about. The only thing is I lost my dark color and I am back to brown and my gray's are copper. Do I care? No not really, because color doesn't scare me.

Here's how my hair looked in the sun after the henna:


I did a simple henna mix with using only a strong black tea.

1 box Jamila Henna
2 Cups of black tea (2 reg size tea bags used in 1 quart of water)

I used Giovanni TTT was the condish to rinse out the henna and Giovanni SAS for my deep treatment.

**UPDATE**

Mini tutorial of my henna process:



French Braid Headband



I started by making 2 very small french braids on each side of her head.  Shown below
Then make a poof in the front middle of her head.
Next I made a fifth french braid that started just above her ear and makes a headband across her head.  *Note when I got to the poof ponytail I left this hair out of the braid because it will make the braid too thick.*
Top view of her head.

Sunday Style: BBA!

BBA = Big Beautiful Afro
I wore this style to the NC Natural Hair Care Expo, the Triangle Meet-up, and then the next day to church. So what you are seeing is Day 2 hair. I refreshed by spritzing with water and fluffing with my fingers.

Sunday's Message:
It's Time To Grow Up
1 Corinthians 3:1-2, 13:11
Just as babies are supposed to grow and develop, we as Christians should grow and develop. So we should experience two births -- physical birth and spiritual birth. Some people think they are spiritual grown because they have connections or can quote a scripture. Some churches are full of babies because they birth folks (spiritually) but don't help them grow.
To be the head of your house (men):
1. Be the prophet of your house - instruct your house by what "thus says the Lord"
2. Be the priest of your house - intercede for and make provisions for YOUR house (not the one down the street)
3. Be the king of your house - set the tone and rules
If you are going to grow up you need to:
1. Grow in knowledge - you can be educated and still be a fool (Hosea 4:6)
2. Know about the kingdom of God - 1 Cor 6:9-11
3. Know the Lord for yourself - not what someone told you, have a relationship with Him for yourself


Sunday Style: BBA!

BBA = Big Beautiful Afro
I wore this style to the NC Natural Hair Care Expo, the Triangle Meet-up, and then the next day to church. So what you are seeing is Day 2 hair. I refreshed by spritzing with water and fluffing with my fingers.

Sunday's Message:
It's Time To Grow Up
1 Corinthians 3:1-2, 13:11
Just as babies are supposed to grow and develop, we as Christians should grow and develop. So we should experience two births -- physical birth and spiritual birth. Some people think they are spiritual grown because they have connections or can quote a scripture. Some churches are full of babies because they birth folks (spiritually) but don't help them grow.
To be the head of your house (men):
1. Be the prophet of your house - instruct your house by what "thus says the Lord"
2. Be the priest of your house - intercede for and make provisions for YOUR house (not the one down the street)
3. Be the king of your house - set the tone and rules
If you are going to grow up you need to:
1. Grow in knowledge - you can be educated and still be a fool (Hosea 4:6)
2. Know about the kingdom of God - 1 Cor 6:9-11
3. Know the Lord for yourself - not what someone told you, have a relationship with Him for yourself


Toddler Knot Ribbons

I hope I can explain this hairstyle in a way you can follow. 

First pull the front hair forward.  This is to place the ribbon around her head. Picture below gives a visual.
Once the ribbon is laying across her head you start tying knots.  Because of how thin her hair is I tied the knots across the ribbon and then pulled once side to the opposite knots elastic as shown below.
The picture below shows the knot being pulled to the opposite elastic.
I continued tying them along the front of her head 2 on the very top and 2 on each side.

The Updo After 1 Week

Prior to doing my henna treatment I was still wearing my updo. This is how it looked after one week:

To turn this into a second style you can remove the twist to achieve the look of a curly updo:

Tutorial Here: Updo Twist out

The Updo After 1 Week

Prior to doing my henna treatment I was still wearing my updo. This is how it looked after one week:

To turn this into a second style you can remove the twist to achieve the look of a curly updo:

Tutorial Here: Updo Twist out

Central Children's Home Day

Oxford, NC

On Saturday my husband and I rode his motorcycle in the Central Children's Home (CCH) Day parade in Oxford, NC. CCH is a black orphanage in Oxford that was established August 1882. It felt great to do something for the kiddies and plus WE HAD FUN!

As for hair....I washed and conditioned my hair then put it in two low ponytails so that I could easily put my helmet on and take it off. Nothing fancy - it was too hot for that plus I was planning to rock an afro later at the NC Natural Hair Care Expo. I also wore a silk scarf on my hair to protect it from the friction of the helmet.

I also got on a horse for the very first time, take about SCARED!

Central Children's Home Day

Oxford, NC

On Saturday my husband and I rode his motorcycle in the Central Children's Home (CCH) Day parade in Oxford, NC. CCH is a black orphanage in Oxford that was established August 1882. It felt great to do something for the kiddies and plus WE HAD FUN!

As for hair....I washed and conditioned my hair then put it in two low ponytails so that I could easily put my helmet on and take it off. Nothing fancy - it was too hot for that plus I was planning to rock an afro later at the NC Natural Hair Care Expo. I also wore a silk scarf on my hair to protect it from the friction of the helmet.

I also got on a horse for the very first time, take about SCARED!

Question #10

A has left a new comment on your post "Sponge Curlers":


is the hair supposed to be wet or damp when first starting?
 
I always do sponge curlers with her hair all wet such as just after getting out of the bath tub.

Lauryn Hill

Looks like Lauryn has leaned toward rocking the straight look:


It looks like it maybe a blow out or maybe a pressing comb. IMHO, I prefer Ms. Hill with textures styles or locs. I think they bring out her beauty. However, I am so glad to see her on stage that I will take it how I can get it. We still love you Lauryn!

So, what do you think?