Tuesday, December 24, 2013

School has really cramped my life...

 Nearing the end of nursing school has never been more welcome. I've wanted to really get this blog up and going, however since the beginning of nursing school, things have not worked out as well as planned.

 Now, I'm in the home stretch (the last eleven weeks, starting January 6th), and I couldn't be more thrilled. I will be able to get back to my regularly scheduled life. I have wanted to discussed my  natural hair journey in this blog, as well as the more awkward and different aspects of my interesting and at times, too adventurous life.

 For now, the new project for me, other than finishing school, is trying Jamaican Black Castor Oil. Let me back up a bit.

 Way back when I was a teenager, I briefly had a relaxer, from the ages of thirteen to about fifteen, I had a relaxer. Well, my hair DID NOT like relaxers at all! This was evident by the fact that a certain area on my head would just completely revolt by my hair breaking off at the new growth. I started wearing braids, because I went on a week long trip to Florida with some friends, and since then, I've never went back to relaxers and was in and out of braids up until about two and half years ago.

 Well, that certain area on my head is still the most fragile area as far as hair growth is concerned. Its not horrible, but I have tell, because it feels different than the rest of the hair on my head. So, it was recommended that I try Jamaican Black Castor Oil on that area. And that's what I've started to do this week. I've decided to try it for three months to see how it goes. Since its winter time, I figure I'll give the oil several months before deciding on whether it works or not.

 I hope to keep up this blog, now that school is nearing its end, and also to update about my results with the Jamaican Black Castor Oil.

 Until next time!

Sunday, June 10, 2012

Dry Hair...

Well, I guess this isn't an issue as much in the summer as it is in the winter, but I've had a several naturals from work ask me what I do to keep hair moisturerized. So we compared notes, and here were some things we discussed and shared with each other.

1. Humidifier -  one of the girls at work uses a humidifier at night, because he apt is dry period, however, her hair texture doesn't necessarily need anything past humidifying at night, and misting in the morning.

2. Leave hair out while in the shower, or even drench hair in shower -  after getting out of the shower, gently remove excess water with an old t-shirt or hair towel, then seal with oil.

3. Use plastic hair caps - after misting, or drenching, etc, seal hair with oil and wear a plastic cap for a few hours to help keep hair moist.

4. Enjoy humidity - sunmmer is great for natural hair, because of the humidity. twists and comb twists will help lock in moisture as well, also if your hair likes it, use glycerin products during the summer months.

 Hope this help!

:D

Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Summer concerts...

The one thing I love about summer, are the concerts that are going on all over the city. The first concert for the summer for was Victor Wooten at the Beachland Ballroom last night. I went with my Dad and brother.

 For those of you that don't know Victor Wooten, here's his website: http://www.victorwooten.com/


 My Dad is an amateur bass player and so going to see acts like Victor Wooten are right up his alley. Dad insisted on taking his Nikon Digital SLR camera, an I have to say, that he actually got quite a few good shots, considering that the floor was pretty crowded (standing room only), and that there was a three hundred pound, six foot four guy trying to edge his way directly in the front of the crowd, as if he were made of glass and we could see right through him.... but I digress.

 The show was very nice. I was pleasantly surprised, as I have never seen Victor Wooten in concert before. His band consisted of Krytal Peterson, Singer. JD Blair, Drummer, Steve Bailey, Bass player - he played a six string bass... I had never seen one, until last night, Anthony Wellington, bass player, Dave Welsch, Trumpet player and Derico Watson, Drummer.

 The show started forty-five minutes late, yeah I know artists can be a bit weird about concert start times, but I felt this was a bit much.

 Krystal Peterson has a great voice, nice renditions of classic funk and R&B songs, however I don't feel she has the voice to sing Deniece Williams. The attempt at "Let's Hear it for the Boy" left much to be desired. However her version of "Overjoyed" by Stevie Wonder was very well done.

 I thoroughly enjoyed the solos by Victor Wooten himself and Steve Bailey. The song sung by Dave Welsch was very good, and its driving me crazy that I cannot remember the name of the song. On the whole, the concert was very good. Too bad I can't say much about some of the audience members.

 This concert was also my first time at the Beachland Ballroom venue. Its a small venue, but I thought it was nice. A typical concert dive sort of feel. I would definitely return.

 One the way out, as we were walking back to the car, we noticed that the bar side of the venue had another show going on. The band playing in there was called "She's my sister, he's my brother". We peeked in on one of their songs, and we were pleasantly surprised. We definitely agreed we would look them up and try to catch them the next time they were in Cleveland

 until next time!

Sunday, May 27, 2012

 So my comb twists are holding up well, and I have to say that they still look really good. Speaking of my comb twists, I went to a dance party tonight, where I saw an old family friend. One of her hands casually found my twists and proceeded to stretch some of them in order to assess how long my hair is. Once she realized my hair was shoulder length, she let them go, and didn't say anything.

  Now, I know that individuals can get curious about hair length, but why not just ask? I was rather annoyed and so I just made an escape afterward and didn't go back over to speak. I did tell my mom, who was at the same party (yeah I know, but sometimes telling mom makes me feel better), and she shook her head in disgust.

 I cannot understand for the like of me, why anyone would want to just put their hands in someone's hair, just to see how long their hair is. There are just somethings I will never understand about how people view Black women that have decided to go natural.

 On a high note, the dance party was a lot of fun, unfortunately I had to cut it short, because I have to be at work tomorrow morning (time and half pay rate :D ). So, until the next episode...

Friday, May 25, 2012

Summertime recipe # 2

I was out today enjoying the 90 degree weather were I live... The humidity can be unreal here and so I put my a/c on to cool my apartment (which is on the third floor). Interestingly enough, the one thing I couldn't get out of my mind on a day like this, is my taste for a summertime dessert that I make occasionally. Its called Million Dollar Pie and its delicious

 Million Dollar Pie

 This recipe will make two pies (when my mom makes it, she usually give me one and vice versa) and its easy to remember as it basically one of every ingredient

 1 container of Cool Whip
 1 Cup of crushed or chopped Walnuts
 1 Can of Sweeten Condensed Milk
 1 Tblsp of Lemon Juice
 1 can of crushed pineapples
 1 1/4 cup of coconut
 2 baked pie crust

 Bake up the pie crust and let cool. Then mix all the other ingredients in aone bowl. Once mixed well, divy out the mixture between both pie crusts. refrigerate for at least 4 -6 hr and served chilled.

 Enjoy!

:D


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  As far as my hair, I think this summer, I will be trying out lots of styles with scarves. I got the inspiration to do this from Naptural85's youtube channel, so I went down to the beauty supply store to pick up a few scarves, and the store I went to had a nice selection of satiny scarves. I purchased three and will probably go back to purchase a few more next week.  Also once I get my new camera, I will attempt to post pictures... we'll see how that goes.


Thursday, May 24, 2012

natural hair care books...

 Rummaging around my closet, I found the book  "Good Hair: For Colored Girls who've Considered Weaves when the Chemicals Became too Rough", by Lonnice Brittenum Bonner.

 I stopped what I was doing and started to reread this book. There's not much to the books, really brief and to the point and hilarious. I forgot how funny this book was, and how it has helped me laugh at myself with some of the issue about having natural hair. The author tells her hair horror stories and how she learned to love her natural hair and of course she included styling tips that I've tried and really liked.  This book is one of the first I've ever read of its kind and I thoroughly enjoyed it. i definitely suggest swinging by your local library and checking it out.

                                                                    ~~~~~~~~

  summertime recipe #1

  The Avocado Sandwich

 I personally love this recipe, and I'm not afraid to say, this may be a hit or miss with people, but here goes.

 lightly toasted wheat or multigrain bread
 3-4 avocado slices
 2 slices of tomato
 alfalfa sprouts
 romain lettuce
 mustard (optional. I know a few people that prefer mayo...)
    this recipe is supposed to be vegetarian, but for those that quiver and shake at the idea od a veggie sandwich, I've tried this with thinly sliced turkey breast or even bacon. I've enjoyed both results. ENJOY!

:)

Wednesday, May 23, 2012

Going to the salon as a natural..

Ok, so yesterday was the first time I went to a beauty salon to have my hair styled. Not the regular press and curl, but to get twists... well specifically small hand rolls. You the know, the little mini sized shirley temple curls that people considering locks get to start their locks?

 I have to say, my experience was very pleasant. The stylist that did my hair was a very nice girl that is a natural herself. She wears her hair in a soft bun, has a good sense of humor and excellent technique. The number one thing I loved about this stylist, is that she doesn't tear through your hair. She takes her time. She doesn't pull and tug on you strands. She takes time to detangle and she very detailed so my hand rolls looked perfect. Interestingly, the shop owner is also a natural, that wore her hair in a medium sized soft afro. Noth women were very encouraging, as far as maintaining my natural hair. Before leaving, my stylist reminds me to wash out my hair before a few weeks, so my hair won't lock.

 I have to say the results were great. People were pulling me aside, asking where I got my hair done and who did it, and how much did the style cost. I think she'll be surprised to have a few new clients so quickly after doing my hair. The style itself was inexpensive. $40 isn't bad, well at least for me, considering that relaxers, braids and weaves usually cost much more. I'm very happy to have found a stylist knows how to care for natural hair. Also its nice to have a stylist on hand, for the times when I simply need a break from doing my own hair.  So Pro-Style on Euclid gets an A+ as far as service and excellent hair care.