Happy 2nd Nappiversary to Me!!!

#21: 30 Day Blog Challenge-How You Hope Your Future Will Be (Like)

*I tweaked #21 a bit for syntax (personal pet peeve)

Near future (within the next 5 years)- I hope to have a fulfilling job as part of a long career of service.  I hope to be in a happy, stable, romantic relationship, and I hope to be in a new home with my dog, Belle.  I want to have earned my Master's degree.

Somewhat distant future (within the next 10 years)- same as above, hope to be married, with at least one child (I want to adopt either way, but definitely if I'm single at this point).  I want to have started my own business at this point, preparing to retire early from my field.  By this point, I want to have earned my Doctorate degree.

Distant future (within the next 15-20 years)- same as above.  Would like at least 2 children if married and both should at least be in grade school by this point!  I want my business to be such a success that it allows me to have lots of time to spend with my friends and family, traveling, and enjoying hobbies.

Biracial Curly Hair Tips-Reading this made me laugh out loud, but I might try it anyway! I

Biracial Curly Hair Tips: "If you have extra time to perfect your hair when leaving it all out and curly, instead of using a plastic cap, dap your hair with a towel after the cream is all applied. Then while you bend forward, put on a large panty hose crotch and stuff all your hair into it. Allow the water to evaporate from the crotch for 1-2 hours and when you take off the crotch your curls will be perfectly formed and bouncy and not looking pulled by gravity. You'll have body, fullness and beautiful curls with no poof."

#20: 30 Day Blog Challenge-Your Fears

My fears: not getting into Heaven, not reaching my full potential (personally and professionally), and not getting married and raising a family.  Also, bad dates!

#19: 30 Day Blog Challenge-Five Items You Lust After

This was a toughie...:

1. A new job
2. A Huetiful hair steamer
3. A meaningful relationship
4. A good vacation
5. A new, green bicycle

#18: 30 Day Blog Challenge-A Problem That You've Had

A problem that I've had all of my life is not believing people when they show me who they really are.  I always believe that everyone is inherently good or misunderstood.  That is my fatal flaw.  But, I'm learning...

#17: 30 Day Blog Challenge-Something You Always Think "What If..." About

I'm proud of a lot of things, but one thing I'm proud of is that I have never used an illegal drug.

#16: 30 Day Blog Challenge-Something You Always Think "What If..." About

Something I think "what if" about: my relationship with my dad.  I wonder what would be different if my dad and I had repaired our relationship before he was dying.  After being besties for most of my life, my dad and I had a falling out and didn't speak for an extended period.  I miss my dad all the time, but especially around Father's Day, his birthday, my mom's birthday (5 days before his and though she was 2 years younger than him, now she'll always be older), my birthday, and at weddings (I hate the father-daughter dance and I really hate when people dance to "Dance w/My Father").  I believe that God doesn't make mistakes and that all things happen for a reason, even when it's not apparent to us. When I miss my dad, I think about what might be different if he were still alive...because of that, I encourage my friends to cherish their loved ones and to maintain good relationships with those they care about because you never know when your last day will be.

#15: 30 Day Blog Challenge-Your Zodiac/Horoscope and If You Think It Fits Your Personality

Pisces Strength Keywords:

- Compassionate
- Adaptable
- Accepting
- Devoted
- Imaginative

Pisces Weakness Keywords:

- Oversensitive
- Indecisive
- Self-pitying
- Lazy
- Escapist

(I Googled this info on Pisceans)

Am I a true Pisces?  I am definitely very compassionate toward others (I'm a social worker, and I don't know how to turn it off at 5 p.m.).  I'm accepting of a lot of things about others (I've had clients with all kinds of backgrounds and all kinds of issues as a result).  I have a hard time being on time, but whenever my family or friends call, I'm up and out before they can finish a sentence.  I can be overly sensitive, but I also have ADHD and being overly sensitive is a symptom (due to being easily overwhelmed and sometimes feeling less capable than others).   I am usually pretty decisive, but I'm also flexible.  I'm not a lazy person-I learned how to read at 2 1/2, graduated from high school and college with honors and extra credits, and regularly volunteer for additional projects outside of work. Honestly, I put more stock in the area of birth order than I do in astrology.  I'm an only child, but not functionally.  More on that later. :o)

#14: 30 Day Blog Challenge- What You Wore Today

I actually wore two ensembles today-a pink round neck, short-sleeved shirt (cut like a t-shirt, but made from dress shirt material) with light khaki bermuda shorts and bronze wedge sandals early in the day (see below)

and...

a light khaki linen shirtdress with a chocolate belt and luggage tan sandals with my a torquoise bag for contrast.

#13: 30 Day Blog Challenge- Your Opinion About Your Body and How Comfortable You Are With It

I'm slender, but not skinny.   I wish I had curvier hips and bigger legs (my Granny is 72 and has Beyonce/Tina Turner legs-genetics isn't always fair).  I used to wish I were taller, but I enjoy my height (my Granny is 5'9" and I'm the oldest and shortest of my cousins.  Again, genetics isn't always fair).  Finally, I wish my feet were a little smaller.  My size 8 feet are what I inherited from my Granny.  Did I mention that genetics isn't always fair?    Overall, I love my body.  My mom and I have the same build (well, she's taller and I'm more, um, busty).  My hips will fill out one day because hers did (yes, I did that).  We both inherited her dad's skinny legs and knobby knees.  I got my dad's chin and my face is a combination of both of my parents.  I have a mole on my finger where my dad had one.  Looking in the mirror is like visiting with my family.  

#12: 30 Blog Challenge-Five Guys Whom You Find Attractive

1. Boris Kodjoe
2. Laz Alonzo
3. Lance Gross
4. Jeff Johnson
5. Robin Thicke

#11: 30 Day Blog Challenge-My Family

I'm the only child of Sharon and Terry Fletcher.  My grandmothers are from Virginia and my grandfathers are from the Carolinas (Maternal grandfather from North, Paternal grandfather from South). My mother is the oldest of 5 kids (2 girls, then 3 boys).  My dad was the oldest son of 4 children (a sister, my dad, then 2 brothers).  I only have 3 first cousins on each side, but  I have a HUGE extended family, as each of my maternal grandparents came from a large family.  Most of my 2nd cousins came to my 30th birthday party last year, including 3 who are over 50!  Unfortunately, my Grandaddy Luther was an orphan and my Grandma Dot was an only child, like me so that side is scarce.  My family is very close-knit and most of my friends say we're like a Southern version of the Cosbys (w/out the money!).  For years we have taken an annual Jones Girls Retreat (my Granny's maiden name) with every woman over 18, including my 90 year old great-aunt Jeannette who drives "little old ladies" to the doctor every day.  I'm blessed with a loving, silly, fantastic family.  We're Baptist, Catholic, and Jewish and we love dancing, good cake, and a dirty joke (my Granny's sisters usually win the contest).   

#10-30 Day Challenge- Put Your Music Player On Shuffle

1. "Are You That Somebody"- Aaliyah
2. "I Like The Way (Kissing Game)"- Hi Five
3. "Kiss"- Prince
4. "You Make Me Wanna"- Usher
5. "Dirty Diana"- Michael Jackson
6. "Pretty Wings"- Maxwell
7. "Iesha"- Another Bad Creation
8. "Turn It Up"- Brandy
9. "Scream"- Michael Jackson and Janet Jackson
10. "The Point of It All"- Anthony Hamilton

I bought an MP3 player specifically for my birthday party last year and loaded it with favorite songs from the three decades of my life.  I haven't added many songs since then and this is a pretty good representation of my favorites.  The only thing missing is a little Craig David, Mario, Common, and MC Lyte.  And some Robin Thicke and Rob Thomas.  Hmmm...

#9: 30 Day Challenge-How Important You Think Education Is

Education is such an important investment in one's future.  I believe that college may not be for everyone, but I do think that everyone should give it a try.  I think that too many people take their free education for granted.  For me, it is part of my responsibility to my ancestors and anyone who ever prayed for freedom from slavery, fought Jim Crow, or died for voting rights.  I enjoy learning and agree with Malcolm X's statement that "Education is the passport for the future".  I just wish more people thought so, too.

Product/Technique Reviews!-Coconut Cream and Darcy's Botanicals Natural Coils Curling Jelly

Natural Coils Curling Jelly

Self-Explanatory

I recently tried Darcy Botanicals  Coiling Jelly ($12) which I purchased at the Natural Hair Extravaganza a few weeks ago.  I tried it three times.  Once exactly according to the directions, a second time with leave-in conditioner, and a third time with added water.  I noticed the best results when I added water the second day.  During the first trial, I noticed that the product dried in my hair and I had a few "hair boogers".  The second day, I added sprayed my hair with some rose water and olive oil (my usual hair refreshing mix).  This seemed to eliminate a lot of the "boogers".  Overall, I noticed good curl definition (the looser curls at the nape of my neck looked like a rat tail).  I will post pictures as soon as my camera acts like it has some sense!


Today, I did my honey-cinnamon-lemon hair hair lightener (featured in a previous post) and deep conditioned with coconut cream (about $1.50).  I've read posts on other blogs and seen YouTube videos that claim that it stretches or silkens your natural curl pattern.  I love my curl patternS (yes, plural, because I have about 3 different hair types), but I have noticed some single strand knots (SSKs) since I did the wash and go style with the Coiling Jelly (see above) and also a protective style with mini-twists.  I try to keep my hair stretched to avoid getting knots.  Again, I want to emphasize that I'm not trying to change my curl pattern.   I just want t try different ways to keep my ends tangle-free.  

#8: 30 Day Challenge- What You Ate Today

So far today, I've eaten a half a peanut butter and jelly sandwich and a bowl of crab-fried rice.  I had a glass of water and a glass of apple juice.  (I woke up late, so there's more to come).

#7: 30 Day Blog Challenge- Five Pet Peeves

1. Misspelled or incorrectly used words (their/they're/there, its/it's, 's/es/s).  What can I say, I'm a nerd. 
2. Bullies.  I try not to beat folks over the head with my opinions .
3. Natural Natzis, Permed Protesters/Relaxed Rebels, or Weaved Wackos.  Your hair is your business just like mine is my business.  I try not to give unsolicited natural hair advice, but nobody with a bad weave or stringy relaxed hair can tell me anything about my natural hair!
4. People who pre-judge people, places, or things before they know anything about them.
5. When I forget who I loaned something to!  

#6: 30 Day Blog Challenge-Your Views of Mainstream Music

I am disappointed in a lot of today's music.  I love old school R&B, hip-hop, and soul music.  I even love alternative music, 80's pop, country, jazz, etc.  I pretty much like everything except the O music: gO-gO,  emO, and technO.  That being said, I'm tired of music that isn't remotely artistic and is hyper-sexualized.  It's a struggle to find a song that doesn't refer to women as property or having the sole purpose of sexually satisfying or otherwise validating a man (whether it's a female artist making this assertion about herself or a male artist declaring this).  There's a big difference between Salt and Pepa's "I'll Take Your Man" and "Bottoms Up".  These days I listen to a lot of oldies because at least I won't need a shower after listening.

#5: 30 Day Challenge-Things You Want to Say to An Ex

1. I wish it had worked out, but apparently, it wasn't meant to be.  
2. It really was you, not me.
3. Your mother is so sweet, but she scared me when she thought that someone shot down the space shuttle.  And said so out loud.  As we drove past the Kennedy Space Center.  Bless her heart.
4. Marrying you would be akin to slavery.  No thanks.
5. I miss your cooking.  A lot.
6. You are probably too smart for your own good.  It is not all the Black women in the world who are the problem.  God bless you and your giant brain.  I sincerely hope you find someone who "gets" you.
7. I lied.  It was absolutely terrible and you knew it!
8. I'm sorry that you're gone.  The good really do die young.  You're my favorite ex.
9. FYI: I was totally prepared to beat your ass to a pulp if your frat brother hadn't shown up.
10. Thank you, for helping me to be who I am today!  

#4: 30 Day Challenge-Bullet Your Whole Day

• Woke up around 10a (aunt was texting/calling)
• Texted aunt, then called her
• Talked to her for 53 mins (according to my cell history)
• Fell back asleep for another 30 minutes or so
• Got up and fed my doggie and myself
• Let the doggie out
• Read the newspaper
• Prepared to go out w/a friend to the movies
• Was late to the movie so we skipped it and went shopping
• Picked up a gift for a friend 
• Talked w/my favorite old client who is now like a member of my family
• Walked around the Towne Center looking for  Charming Charlie's (couldn't find it!)
• Avoided being solicited by a local rap artist pushing his CD (Love to support the arts, but I have SAD)
• Went to Red Lobster and enjoyed daiquiris, fried shrimp, baked potatoes, and Caesar salad w/Nikeia)
• Checked out the waiter and the bartender (cute!)
• Came home and fed the dog and let her out
• Cut coupons
• Talked w/my 19 year old cousin
• Talked w/my mom
• Wrote this post!

Later tonight, I'll:

• Watch "Army Wives" and discuss it via text w/Nikeia
•  Let the dog out twice more before I go to bed
• Pick out an outfit for tomorrow
• Take a shower
• Snore!

#3: 30 Day Challenge-A Book You Love

A book I love...Hmmm...This is such a toughie because I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE to read!  I could be a good Southern girl and say the Bible, but I honestly enjoy listening to the Bible more than I do reading it, except for the book of Proverbs.  As for non-biblical books, my favorite book as a kid was Bridge to Terebithia, which is a great coming-of-age story about friendship and challenges.  I've read it often since I was about 11-12 and it still gets me.  Another favorite book is The Autobiography of Malcolm X w/Alex Haley.  I've read that book a million times, too.  I have always found this book to be inspiring, as both authors had humble beginnings and went on to greatness.  I wish this was on the required reading list in schools.  Finally, I love The Gift of Fear.    I don't know if it's because I was a Psych major or what, but I love this book and I find it very empowering and dead-on.

#2: 30 Day Challenge-Something You Feel Strongly About

Something I Feel Strongly About:

Hmmm...this is a tough one.  I feel strongly about a lot of things.  Our education system needs an overhaul.  I've seen glimpses of hope (service learning in college, brain-based strategies when I taught elementary school, and language application at the pre-school level), but I really think there needs to be some sort of comprehensive, multi-organizational panel that can compile every region's best practices to actually TEACH our children.  Also, parents have got to accept the reality that teachers can't do it all and need their support.  (A childhood friend is a PTA president at her kids' school and she and her husband are extremely active at their four kids' school and have developed positive relationships with all of the teachers at the school).

Bonus:  I think that childhood obesity should be considered child abuse (barring a medical diagnosis). When I taught 3rd grade, I had a student who was 8 years old and weighed 254 pounds!  He was about 5 feet tall, but he weighed more than 3 of his male classmates, combined.  His dream is to become an NFL player, but I worry that he won't be healthy enough or live long enough to play HIGH SCHOOL ball, much less make it through college and on to the NFL.  I want his dream true (and I want him to achieve academically, too), but unfortunately, his mother is sabotaging him by feeding him high calorie, preservative laden food (I've attended parent-teacher conferences with her and seen the lunches he brought to school).  His mother is obese as well, but I don't feel that's a good enough excuse for subjecting your child to a shortened life without the joys of childhood and the opportunity to fulfill his/her dreams.

#1: 30 Day Blog Challenge-Five Ways to Win My Heart

1. Showing kindness toward someone else without expecting anything in return.  True altrusim.
2. Telling someone what's what in a nice way.  Sometimes you have to let someone know, but it's always best to do this as nicely as possible, unless someone has truly earned a fuss/cuss out!
3. Teaching me or telling me about something I didn't know.  Anyone know how to sew or play the piano?
4. Making me laugh.  I mean, a really good, deep down, belly laugh to the point where I can no longer produce sound.  (I usually start to kick my feet at that point).
5. Being either very old or very young.  I love my friends' little people and I love me some raisins (my mama's slang for old people). 

30 Day Blog Challenge

Her Best Hair: 30 Day Blog Challenge: "I came across this 30 day blog challenge on Flawless Mistake and it sounds like fun so I plan to participate. If you plan to play alon..."

Natural Hair Extraganza: Shout Outs and Previews

I attended this event on Saturday, May 21st and had a GREAT time!  I could only stay for an hour and a half, as I had to attend a work function, but boy, did I pack a lot of fun into that time. Upon entering, I was greeted by two beautiful naturals, given a bottle of water and some candy (YAY) and then given my choice of samples-Jessicurl Deep Conditioner or Mixed Chicks conditioner, and a Goody mini detangling comb/pic.  I chose the Jessicurl DC which I gave to a friend on the condition that she provide me with a review.  One of the highlights of the event was meeting one of my favorite YouTube vloggers, Keenya Griffin (aka KinkyKeenya)!! 

I wore my hair in a variation on the Southern Tease Bun (tutorial on YouTube, not by me).  When I got there, there was a live big chop in progress onstage, at least 30 vendors of natural hair products, home accessories, clothing and jewelry (I especially loved Aldoeuri Jewelry and Accessories which featured headbands, necklaces, bracelets, and earrings crafted from recycled materials-I bought a pair of earrings AND a necklace), etc.  I'll include pics of these in a later post!

I met with a young lady from Salimah's House (whose name escapes me :(  who was born with HIV and promotes HIV/AIDS and abstinence education among other things.  By the power of Google, I will contact you!


I won  a 4 oz jar of Crocodile Killer Extra Extra Dry Skin Pudding by Adiva!  The scent is a little woodsy and masculine to my nose, so I will be loaning that out for a review of the product.  On the plus side, the ingredients include water, vegetable oils (avocado, sweet almond, cloves, coconut, soybean), capryllic triglycerides in the first three listed.  Other ingredients include colloidal oatmeal and shea butter, both known for their serious moisturizing properties.

I purchased a beautiful soy candle from Pamper Me Essentials owner, Nakia Austin.  She provided me with a sample of her Brown Sugar Scrub, which I will review later on the blog.  Thank, Nakia!

I purchased some Natural Coils Curling Jelly by Darcy Botanicals from Karen Wilson of Karen WilsonBeauty.com.  I'll be reviewing that product as well.  Thanks for the product suggestion, Karen!

I also purchased some 100% Moroccan oil from Urpurebeaty.  I have tried this oil and so far, I love the scent and the sheen. 

I purchased some really cute, ironic "diamond" post earrings (5 pair) from Brit, the owner of The Mass Production Massacre (massproductionmassacre.com).  I'll feature a pic of the earrings on the blog along with a pic of the rest haul.

I also purchased a "Good Hair" t-shirt which will also be featured in the haul pics.

Whew!

New Findings

Hello all (ok, hi, Ma)!

Here is my hair observation for today:

It is so important to affirm your beauty everyday, especially while you are transitioning.  Yup, that's all I had, but I thought it was important.  A lot of women lose confidence while transitioning and fall for the lye. Sometimes, people aren't ready and other times they are not comfortable styling without training wheels (most of us know our relaxed hair well and our natural hair is a distant memory from around 3rd grade at the latest).  I don't hate on permies, but I do feel that it's important to re-affirm and embrace your beauty at each stage of growth (hair or otherwise).  Ok, stepping down off my soapbox now!

I Used to Love Her...

WTH?

Like most kinky/coily/curly heads (and 80s babies who grew up on Bert & Ernie), I was excited and proud when Sesame Street debuted their brown girl character singing loudly about her hair pride.  My excitement was re-ignited when I saw a post on CurlyNikki about an "I Love My Hair" tank at Forever 21.  I mean, follicle pride and frugal shopping in one.  Be still, my heart.  And then I scrolled down.  I could go along with this newly whitewashed face and wear it proudly as a "light-skinned" (Lord, I hate that word) curly, and consider it accurate.  But what about the little brown girls who live in my neighborhood or who I see out in the greater community who can see their curls in my hair?  What does this character's bleached skin say to them, since the shirt is only sold in this shade (I checked).  I was dealt a double whammy after realizing that this shirt was licensed by Sesame Street and therefore, brought to you by the letter M, for mass marketing.  But wait, aren't young brown and Black girls a major part of Forever 21's market?

Fighting Shrinkage, the Natural Girl's Kryptonite!!

YouTube - How To Get Your Curls To Hang With A Wash N Go!

I discovered this video by Jetgirl747 on YouTube today and will be giving this a try sometime between tomorrow (4/22) and Sunday (4/24).  I have been rocking a wash and go for the last couple of days and while I have pretty good curl definition (I'm not a stickler for uniform, perfect curls), I have MAJOR shrinkage.  I was just looking at various videos and stumbled upon this one.  I like her technique and her results, so I'll be testing it out!

Kemi Oyl Review Follow-up

Sooo...on Sunday, I pre-pooed, co-washed, deep conditioned, moisturized, detangled, and sealed my hair with KemiOyl before creating medium-sized double-strand twists. Here it is Wednesday and I'm rocking a twistout which feels...moist. Honestly, not the most moist my hair has ever been, but it's ok. I love the smell of Kemi Oyl, but I get more shine from olive oil or castor oil. I suggest that if you give it try, don't pick up the GIANT bottle that I did!

Reviewing An Old Favorite-Kemi Oyl

I used to LOOOOOOOOOOOOOVVVVVVEEEE this stuff back in the day. The scent reminds me of evenings spent with my mom at a local salon in Richmond. I saw in the beauty supply store a few weeks ago and have been waiting to test it. I blew out my hair two weeks ago, and just co-washed my hair today. I did my usual routine, but used Kemi Oyl to seal my hair. I'll follow-up with a review of how well my hair stayed moisturized in a few days...STAY TUNED!

Natural Hair Meet-Up in Hampton, VA!!!

The meet-up is at @ BD's Mongolian Restaurant in Hampton from 12-3p. Two locally-based YouTube vloggers, NoLyeJustCurls (real name Courtney) and Naturally Creole (real name Deanna) are hosting the meet-up. In addition to the opportunity to share tips and advice about natural hair care, stylists, etc. with other locals, there will be a product swap where you can bring some products that didn't work for you to trade. I'm bringing a leave-in, a gel, a shampoo, a pomade stick that contains mineral oil, as well as several never-worn headbands. Hope to see you there!

Spring has arrived!!! Pretty soon, summer will be here!

Spring officially began on 3/22 (scientifically speaking), but the weather here in VA is actually catching up to the calendar. I rarely use heat on my hair and never use chemicals, but I do want some highlights and a warmer hair color for the warmer seasons. How can I achieve highlights/a different hair color without chemicals? By combining some simple ingredients and baggying my hair!

You'll need:

Cinnamon***, 5 TBS
Honey, 2 TSPS
Lemon juice, 1 TSP
Moisturizing conditioner, 2 CUPS (I use Suave Shea Butter & Almond)
2 plastic shower caps or bags (typical grocery bags)
24+ hours to baggy your hair or a crocheted/knit cap to cover the plastic caps

Mix all ingredients well (will look like gingerbread cake batter) and allow to sit for one hour before applying throughout clean, detangled hair. Cover hair with 2 caps/bags and allow to penetrate hair for a full 24 hours or more. I usually don't, but you may occasionally mist your hairline or any exposed area that dries. To rinse, spray hair with water and conditioner (50/50) to loosen any clumps of dried mix. Fill a large bucket or bathtub with cool water. Dunk your head 3-4 times, submerging all of your hair. You may continue dunking to rinse, or use a sprayer or faucet to rinse the remainder of the cinnamon from your hair, co-washing your hair. If you prefer, you can go outside with your hair uncovered in full sunlight to speed up the process. Treat hair with this mixture weekly until the desired shade is achieved. Afterward, once a month should suffice to maintain the color.

* It is normal for your scalp to feel warm or tingly after applying the mixture. Cinnamon is a known scalp-stimulating agent, which some attribute to hair growth.

** I have gone to work with this mixture in my hair by covering most of my hair with the caps and a crochet beanie. I push it back off my head, leaving the front part of my hair exposed just like I do when my hair is "normal" and I'm wearing a hat. Most people do not notice the mix, but love the smell. If you want to minimize the appearance of the mix in your hair (it dries reddish-brown), just keep the front moisturized with a little conditioner and water.

***Do not use if you are allergic to cinnamon. If you are not sure if you are allergic or sensitive to cinnamon, test the inside of one arm 24 hrs in advance of using the treatment. If your skin develops a rash or other such symptoms, discontinue use. I have sensitive skin and eczema on my scalp, but have had no problems using this mixture.

***I added these pictures because, well Purplgirl48 requested them and I needed to post some pictures of MY hair...ENJOY!

How to Encourage Growth and Discourage Boredom--Safe loose styles

As a natural I read a lot about a lot of protective styles, I talk a lot about natural styles, and I definitely WEAR a lot of protective styles. My hair pretty much goes into hibernation from September to April, just like bears do. I do this to retain length and moisture. But, while it's safe and has a great purpose, it can be boring!!! I miss playing in my hair (I tend to twirl a chunk or grab a handful when I'm thinking). Solution: styles that are low-manipulation and prevent hair from rubbing on dangerous surfaces such as the collar of your wool or cotton sweater. Basically, hair that is up off of your neck in some way. You can be creative with this idea, but as long as there is no frost or snow outside, you can get away with rocking your well-moisturized, well-sealed hair out occasionally to break up the monotony.

New Direction for CC&C

I've decided after reviewing my own posts and thinking it over. I've decided to shift the focus of my blog to maintaining curly hair (either in its natural state or straightened) and doing so frugally. I'll also start featuring more tips on being a frugal naturalista or a natural frugalista (either way, saving money while keeping it cute and curly/kinky!).

Cheap Dupe for an Expensive Product

A while back, Curly Nikki featured these Hand Dry hair gloves on her blog. These gloves can be used to dry natural hair while avoiding the mechanical damage one might incur using a regular towel. These gloves retail for about $25.95 online. Imagine my surprise when I found microfiber gloves at my local Dollar Tree store (for those who don't know, everything there is either $1 or 2 for $1). So, if you were looking into trying these out, check out your local dollars. I bought three pair (one to try and two to give away). I tried them, and found that they work well for squeezing the water of hair prior to styling.

Do It Yourself Avocado and Shea Butter Deep Conditioning Hair Mask

You’ll need:
1 ripe avocado (it should be a little squishy when you purchase it)
2 tablespoons of olive oil
1/4 cup of melted shea butter


Next:
1. Combine all ingredients and blend well until you get a smooth, thick mixture.

2. Shampoo/co-wash your hair. Apply the hair mask to detangled hair from roots to tips.

3. Cover your hair with a shower cap.

4. Leave the hair mask on for 30 minutes. For deeper penetration, sit under a hooded dryer.

5. Rinse out the mask with lukewarm water and style as usual.

It's My Birthday!!!

Ok, it WAS my birthday on 3/12. I have been busy with work and birthday preparation and getting my dog taken care of. Pretty much, LIFE! I have also agreed to be a bridesmaid in ANOTHER wedding and am apparently the fit model/sounding board for the bride. I believe that brings my grand total to 15. Yes, I have been a member of the bridal party at least 15 times (including my mother's remarriage). I'm like the Black 27 dresses. I even did 2 weddings in one month in 2008! Anywhoo, back to the blog. I've been absent trying to get life under control, but I missed my blog!