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Monday, December 29, 2008

What Will You Purpose To Do In '09?.....




Hi Beautifuls!

2009 is quickly approaching and I was wondering.. Have you considered/planned for your new year?.. I have.

Here's what's on my list:

1. Take up yoga
2. Run/walk the Peachtree Road Race
3. Get passports for my daughter and I
4. Do a juice fast and purpose to do a fast each quarter
5. Take a raw foods class
6. Reunite myself with consistent work outs
7. Continue to seek personal growth
8. Continue to embrace life and living
9. Continue to seek to understand more & not judge
10. Continue to learn/accept/embrace who I am & hopefully inspire others to do the same
11. Community service
12. Definitely get a side hustle

Gosh, this seemed long as I was typing it up but it's really not. Half of these I've already started working on. What can I say.. I'm always on this continuous journey of self-improvement of physical, mental, and spiritual. I suppose I see learning and improving myself as a lifelong journey that I've come to embrace. Sometimes I really enjoy it. Other times I want to run from it. Nevertheless, I embrace it.

Either way, I'm really looking forward to the new year! Wish I could tell you that I'll be celebrating at church or at some cool,swanky party somewhere (hell, maybe just a party) or something exciting. Not. I'll be fundraising at the Dome (Chick fil a Bowl). It's cool. It's all for a good purpose.

However you choose to bring in the New Year, be safe! Live life fully and love completely! And definitely "do you".

See ya next year!
Much Love..
ChocolateOrchid

Have you made a list or plans for yourself for 2009? If so, what are yours?....

Post Title What Will You Purpose To Do In '09?.....

Sunday, December 28, 2008

My Sew-In Weave Experience

Good Morning Beautifuls!

I hope that your holidays have been well. As I mentioned the other day, I’m going to share with you my experience with a sew-in weave. Not to deter you but to educate and possibly help you, if needed.

First off, let me say that I do feel that sew-in weaves can be a great means of protective-styling that you can also have fun with. Do I think that it’s for me? … Right now, not so much. Being my first time, I didn’t realize that a tight weave does not make for a good one. My ignorance of this fact resulted in tiny bumps around my edges, pulling on my back edges and an overall scalp tightness that subsided very little, if any, over the course of almost two weeks. Once I noticed a white bump, I was hellbent on getting the weave outta my hair and did so. (I’m not doing an ate up hairline!)

That process was easy. Find the thread. Snip it. And remove the hair. No problem. Except my hair was either in shock or had not been moisturized enough. (I’ll get to that later.) I then heavily lathered my hair with a cheap condish (Suave Naturals ) and proceeded to take the braid down. Having completed that, I washed my hair with Suave Daily Clarifying shampoo. Then conditioned with my beloved Elucence Moisture Balancing Condish (great product that isn’t expensive!). Did an Aphoghee 2-Step protein treatment and then deep conditioned with Jessicurl Weekly Deep Conditioning Treatment. Needless to say, my hair seemed lifeless, weak, dry and somewhat brittle. Definitely not what it was before I got the weave. Which left me disappointed because I did this to protect my hair & allow it to rest.

Anyhoo, I’ve been babying it all weekend. I’ve been spritzing with water and adding butters & oils to it. I even baggyed it overnight on that Friday (and will continue to do so) and ,at first, it was still knotting up and drier than normal. It’s not shedding like it was when I first washed it, and it has improved much since then however, I want MY healthy hair back. I wonder if I was not adding enough moisture to my hair under the weave. I really thought I was. I would recommend to anyone with a weave or considering one to use an application bottle to oil your scalp & hair under it.

This is my day-to-day log of what I did and some thoughts:

Saturday Regimen:
I pretreated with oils. Then I conditioner washed with Elucence MB Condish. I did a rough finger detangle. (I really feared this because I didn’t want to see most of my hair on the floor but I knew it had to be done. It wasn’t so bad). I rinsed a little of the Elucence out and then added the Miss Jessie’s Rapid Recovery Treatment (hair felt like buttah. Thank God!) and seriously detangled. Again I used my fingers and a comb only when absolutely necessary. And voila! Knots were gone. I covered my head with a plastic cap and sat under the dryer for about 15 minutes. After this, I did a cool rinse. I probably rinsed out maybe 60 to 70% of the product. Then I gently twisted my hair with Qhemet’s Burdock Root Buttercreme. I topped the twists with a little bit of her Olive & Honey Hydrating Balm. Treated my scalp w/her Tea Tree & Grapeseed Oil Pomade. Then I sealed with Qhemet’s Indian Macassar Oil. I then wrapped my hair in a scarf and called it a night!

Sunday’s Regimen:
In the morning, I sprayed my twists with a little water and topped it with some Qhemet ‘s Burdock Root Buttercreme. I sealed with her Indian Macassar Oil.

During the day, I surfed the web for some info. It really pays to read the hair threads, blogs & websites. I’ve learned more from them than anywhere else. They are great sources that come honestly from folks not trying to push a product to just to make some money. Now, if I had really been up on my game I would have found the information about a weave being too tight, but that’s in the past. I’m focused on getting my hair right at this point. And I do believe that I will. I’ve been checking out Chicoro's fotki and her tutorial on moisturizing. Also, here is her tutorial on sealing the hair shaft. I’m not saying that I will follow it to the tee. (As with anything, blog, web, forum, etc. I think you can only take what applies to or works for you and leave the rest. My own blog included.) But I’m definitely taking notes and using what I feel works for me. Hopefully, you can find something for you somewhere in here.

Before bed, I sprayed lightly with water and topped with Elucence MB Condish. I followed that with the Indian Macassar Oil and then topped it with the Burdock Root Buttercreme. I covered my head with a plastic cap and then wrapped it up with a scarf. This is baggying.

My hair is feeling better everyday. However, I will continue to wear twists through next weekend. I feel that I have to give my scalp time to recuperate. It’s still a little tender. And that’s not normal for me because I’m not a tender-headed person. I will continue to baggy each night and lightly moisturize in the a.m. . When my scalp asks for it, I will either treat it with some more Tea Tree &Grapeseed Oil Pomade or Komaza Hair Nourishment Oil.

Either way, I hope that something in here may help you, enlighten you or give you an idea. I was a bit upset and determined on Friday so I honestly was not thinking about blogging about this until a friend of mine told me that I should share my experience to help someone. She brought me to my senses. I’m hoping this does just that.

Please understand that I’m not trying to push any particular products. The hair products mentioned are simply the ones that I know, trust and had on hand. Something else may work for you. Please believe, this natural hair walk is a trial and error thing—pretty much like life. You gotta do you! And what works for me and my hair may not do it for you. So by all means do ya thing!

** These are the personal hair sites that I look to and am using information from to get my hair where I want it be. Chicoro’s fotki (she has a blog that I’ve linked to) and Teri’s biracialhair.org (linked also). I've also included a link to a youtube page for Ms.Buttahfly. I'm a visual person and she has some great how-to videos and a beautiful spirit to match.

If you have any information you’d like to share, please do. As I see it, we are all here to help one another.

Post Title My Sew-In Weave Experience

Saturday, December 27, 2008

Just Droppin' Some Laughs on Ya!!



Hi Beautifuls!

Had to drop in and share this vid w/you all. It is hilarious! I needed a laugh! I had to take my sew-in weave out b/c it was too tight. I was starting to see bumps around my edges. And that's a big NO-NO! (I'll share the details w/you on Monday.)
Anyhoo, lol.

See ya on Monday!

Post Title Just Droppin' Some Laughs on Ya!!

Friday, December 26, 2008

Kwanzaa





Kwanzaa is an African American and Pan-African holiday which celebrates family, community and culture. Celebrated from 26 December thru 1 January, its origins are in the first harvest celebrations of Africa from which it takes its name. The name Kwanzaa is derived from the phrase "matunda ya kwanza" which means "first fruits" in Swahili, a Pan-African language which is the most widely spoken African language.

The first-fruits celebrations are recorded in African history as far back as ancient Egypt and Nubia and appear in ancient and modern times in other classical African civilizations such as Ashantiland and Yorubaland. These celebrations are also found in ancient and modern times among societies as large as empires (the Zulu or kingdoms (Swaziland) or smaller societies and groups like the Matabele, Thonga and Lovedu, all of southeastern Africa. Kwanzaa builds on the five fundamental activities of Continental African "first fruit" celebrations: ingathering; reverence; commemoration; recommitment; and celebration. Kwanzaa, then, is:
a time of ingathering of the people to reaffirm the bonds between them;

a time of special reverence for the creator and creation in thanks and respect for the blessings, bountifulness and beauty of creation;

a time for commemoration of the past in pursuit of its lessons and in honor of its models of human excellence, our ancestors;

a time of recommitment to our highest cultural ideals in our ongoing effort to always bring forth the best of African cultural thought and practice; and

a time for celebration of the Good, the good of life and of existence itself, the good of family, community and culture, the good of the awesome and the ordinary, in a word the good of the divine, natural and social.

Peace and blessings to observers and non-observers of this holiday tradition.
Have a wonderful weekend!

Post Title Kwanzaa

Wednesday, December 24, 2008

Tuesday, December 23, 2008

"My Big Beautiful Ass?".....Really.

As I've said before, last week was "ultra" busy for me. There were end of semester projects and programs for my daughter, dinner party to prepare for & work at, cheerleader practice, and purchases to be made all on top of my regular 9 to 5 job. I finalized my hectic schedule on this past Saturday with the coordination of getting my daughters new bed. She had been sleeping in her same converted toddler "twin-size" bed that she had had since her birth. Yes, I do realize that this was an overdue purchase but it was at least twin-size. Either way, I had to coordinate her salon appt. along with her cheerleading practice while leaving enough of a window somewhere in there to pick up and get the bed home. And then have it put together. Needless to say, I was running all day long.

Anyhoo, while running between her salon appt., scheduling the pick-up/drop-off of the bed & impending practice, I stopped into a Wally's to get a chocolate colored bedskirt to coordinate with her pink-hued bedding. Whilst hastily walking towards the entrance of the Wally World I heard a man yell, "Better get that big beautiful ass across the road for you get hit!" I kept walking thinking, "Surely this muhfuggah is not talking to me." Oh, but he was. (Breathe in. Breathe out.) He then decides to pull up beside me. Mind you, by then I'm giving him the WTF-is-wrong-with-you-you-can't-be-serious look. I mean really! WTF!! And he says (after checking the aforementioned look on my face), "You so pretty. I was just giving you a compliment."

blank stare along w/the sound of crickets

Are you frickin' serious?!!.. Has it come to this?!...
(breathe in. breathe out)

Needles to say, I had neither the time nor the energy to school him on proper pick-up line etiquette. I went on into the store wondering, "What da hell has happened to people's thought pattern and the singles scene." I mean really.

Is this ish really acceptable these days?....
What are your thoughts on this?.....

Post Title "My Big Beautiful Ass?".....Really.

Sunday, December 21, 2008

Breathe In.... Breathe Out.....




Good Morning Beautifuls!

I hope that all is well in your world. Mine was a bit chaotic but I managed to work with it. Fortunately, I was able to do everything without losing my head. One thing I did begin to notice, amongst all my ripping & running, was my breathing. I know this may sound strange but can we talk about this for a moment..

During this past week, I especially noticed that I was not fully breathing all the time. In other words, my breathes were short and shallow. I know that this can be a sign of stress/anxiety. Not a good thing. So this is part of the reason that I've put "Take up yoga" on my 2009 To Do List (future post). I happened upon an article regarding this very topic in a recent issue of Jewel magazine. It stated the following:

Experts tend to agree that breathing can be a very effective way to make a noticeable change in your state of mind. "With just a few healthy, deep breaths, the stress chemicals in your body begin to disappear", says Dr. Gay Hendricks (author of "Conscious Breathing: Breathwork for Health, Stress Release, and Personal Mastery"). "On the negative side, unhealthy breathing can turn on the stress chemistry in your body very quickly." Conscious breathing is a cheap, quick and effective de-stressor.

Here are a few pointers for those of you who may want to give "Conscious Breathing" a try:

First, fold a firm blanket into a pillow about a foot wide and three feet long.

Lie on your back w/your butt on the floor and support your head on the blanket.

Simply observe your breathing without trying to change it, says Richard Rosen (author of "Pranayama Beyond the Fundamentals"). Pranayama is literally defined as "life force extension" or sometimes, "breath control".

Your breathing (and stressed mind) should slow down and smooth out.

Now slow your exhalations. "Count the length of your exhale, then increase that time by three or four counts.

At the end of the exhalation, extend the natural pause by about three or four counts, paying attention to what happens in the mind when the breath stops.

Here"s where I tend to struggle at first.."Be sure not to "grab" the inhalation by tensing the throat or belly or "explode" the exhalation by pushing out the breath with a sudden burst.

After about 10 to 12 minutes of this practice, remove the pillow and finish by lying with your torso flat on the floor for about five minutes.

For those times that your on the go:

Try Dr. Hendricks two-minute "reset button" technique. This can be done in traffic or when you're out and about trying to meet a deadline of some sorts. Or just when you just need to.

First, slowly and gently exhale. When you're finished, pause until your body tells you it needs a breath. "You might wait 30 seconds or more, but don't wait so long that it feels effortful, " says Dr. Hendricks. This "centering breath" will allow your oxygen/carbon dioxide ratio to balance itself. When you're ready, inhale gently and breathe normally for a few cycles. Repeat this process two times. In the end, you should have done three centering breaths in total.

This has really helped me. If you do this or something similiar, do share your experience. Given the current economic state of affairs on top of daily living, we need all the stress relieving help we can get.

Post Title Breathe In.... Breathe Out.....

Happy Hanukkah!!




Tonight marks the beginning of the Jewish celebration of Hanukkah. This is a celebration of Jewish national survival and religious freedom. Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights, is known as the winter holiday when Jewish people light the "menorah" and exchange gifts. Hanukkah (also spelled "Chanukah" or "Hanukah") commemorates the victory of the Jews over their Greek rulers in the mid-second century B.C. Many, however, prefer to shift the holiday's focus away from military-victory celebration, in favor of the commemoration of the "Miracle of Lights." According to the ancient story, when the Jews re-dedicated the Holy Temple, there was little oil remaining to light the Temple menorah (or candelabra)-- as the bulk of the lamp oil had be3en polluted. But the oil that was only enough for one day, miraculously lasted eight days. This is considered to be the origin of the eight-day celebration of Hanukkah.

Happy Hanukkah..Peace and blessings to all my Jewish brothers and sisters!
With respect and love...
ChocolateOrchid

Post Title Happy Hanukkah!!

Friday, December 19, 2008

Happy Friday!!

Good Morning Beautifuls!

I just wanted to drop in and give you a little something since I've been away. I hope that you have a wonderful weekend! I'll be back on Monday!

Peace..



Gettin Up - Q-Tip

Post Title Happy Friday!!

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Be Back Soon!!




Good Morning Beautifuls!

I apologize for not being around but life has and is extremely busy right now. After my Friday for me, the floodgates blew open and I've been running ever since. Between end of semester/holiday projects and activities for my daughter, my mother's upcoming dinner party and managing my own household it's been a bit crazy.

Will try to post on tomorrow or Friday.

Smooches...

Post Title Be Back Soon!!

Friday, December 12, 2008

Happy Friday, Beautifuls!!

I just wanted to drop a quick post in. This time of year can be crazy stressful between the workload, holiday season, gifting pressure and so forth, let alone the overall state of the economy. So I wanted to remind you to take some time out for yourself. Carve a couple of hours or more, and have yourself a spa day in your own bathroom, give yourself a mani or pedi, buy that CD you've been wanting,lock yourself in & crank it up and dance. Do something to refresh your body, mind and spirit. After all, you're worth it! Of course you are... You're the caregiver, the counselor, the on-call nurse, mommy, the loving wife or lady-friend, the chef, the hard worker, etc. etc. With a long list of titles, all of this can be overwhelming and taxing. So take a deep breath and cater to yourself so that you can continue being that person you are...simply beautiful.

2008 BET Awards Maxwell - Simply Beautiful -

Peace and Much Love,
ChocolateOrchid

Post Title Happy Friday, Beautifuls!!

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Happy Hump-Day Beautifuls!




Well...you know how I mentioned that I wasn't gonna be able to try the Miss Jessie's products cause I would be bunning my hair up until I get a weave on next week. Sike! I fooled ya! Well, at least I fooled myself. It's Wednesday and I have yet to bun anything. Puh-leaze, I had to play around with my new goodies!

Let me recall for you. I purchased the Miss Jessie's travel pak and got the 2nd one free (Miss Jessie's holiday promo). Let the records show that I am eating every ill word I've ever spoken and banishing every negative thought that has crossed my mind about Miss Jessie's products. I don't know if it's because my hair is longer or if it's just that I understand how to apply products to it. Who knows. Who cares. What I do know is that I'm loving this stuff! This love is stemming from the fact that these products are anti-shrinkage. I've tried the Curly Pudding and the Stretch Silkening Creme. I like them both! The only difference that I can tell between the two is that the pudding is heavier and the SSC is lite and seems to dry quicker. And I most definitely used the wonderful buttercreme under both to counter any possible crunchies.

And call me strange but I love that "grapish" scent of the pudding. This guy told me that I smelled good. I thanked him, all the while thinking, "Oh, it's my hur! It's my hur!" The Stretch Silkening Creme also has a nice tropical-like scent. As far as definition, I can't see much of a difference except that I'm hard pressed to find any frizz. Hence again, my bottom line is still that you can achieve the same thing w/cheaper products. Check out biracialhair.org where Teri uses the same shingling type method coined by Miss Jessie's owners. She just uses other products. I've also seen/read on other hair threads about other people using this same styling method w/different products. So it is doable. It simply comes down to personal choice.

I haven't tried the Meringue yet but I'm looking forward to it. And I did cowash w/the Elucence Moisture Balancing Condish and it was absolutely great!

My Conclusion: I do like the Miss Jessie's products however, due to cost I will only be purchasing them during their buy 1, get 1 free promotion.

Post Title Happy Hump-Day Beautifuls!

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

Combating Winter Dryness




Good Morning Beautifuls!

How's the colder weather treating you? Has Jack Frost nipped at your lips, yet? Is your skin ashy, flaky, cracked or d. all of the above? What about your hair? Does it stay on "crispy"? Has your eczema gone full-blown? Trust me... I'm right there with you.

When the temperature outside drops and the temperature inside rises, our skin is under major assault. Low humidity, coupled with heavier clothing and longer, hotter showers and baths can leave your skin feeling dry & itchy. Slathering on lotion is a good start but there are other effective ways to combat winter dryness like the following..

1. Continue to drink water. Normally, I'm the person who loves downing water. Now, I find that I'm having to force myself to drink it. Remember, water hydrates the skin from inside out.

2. And about that long, hot shower (or bath if you like)...it is recommended by Hillard H. Pearlstein, M.D. (professor of dermatology at Mt. Sinai School of Medicine), to take a 15 minutes soak in "lukewarm" water. He also feels that bathing everyday is unnecessary. ..*side eye* I beg to differ. At least for me. However, shortening my shower time and lowering the water temps, I can do. If you're into baths you may want to try adding oils to your water.

3. Use a mild soap to bathe and/or wash your face and hands. Try soaps that contain glycerin, which traps & maintains moisture. Or try fatty, moisturizing body washes.

4. Once you're finished washing your face, hands or bathing - dab yourself to the point where you're almost dry. Just a little damp. Then apply your moisturizer so that you trap the water in the upper layers of the skin, thereby sealing in moisture.

5. Try adding oil like vitamin e, jojoba, etc. etc. to your moisturizer.

6. Shave using lotion or hair conditioner instead of shaving foam.

For Your Hair...
7. Apply a leave-in conditioner to your hair daily. This is a must!

8. Avoid using excessive heat on your hair.

9. Deep condition regularly. Hot oil treatments are also great.

10. If you hair get too dry, opt for a hair repair mask.

11. Shield your hair with a cute hat, cap or scarf, slightly loose to allow scalp circulation to protect your hair against the wind chill. If you choose to do this, shoot for silk or satin-lined to keep away hair snags.

And most important...

Invest in a humidifier. This will put moisture back into the air that's been dried out by your homes furnace-heated air, which can reduce the humidity level in your home.

Hope this helps!
Let me know if you have any great suggestions...

Post Title Combating Winter Dryness

Sunday, December 7, 2008

What Role Are You Playing?.....

Hi Beautifuls!

Last Thursday was a ridiculously rough day for me. I woke up to a horrible session of female "issues". Doped myself up in order to get to work so that I could make a retirement luncheon being given for one of our senior officers. Then got a surprise when I checked my banking account only to see a miniscule balance. I was livid! Pissed! Hellbent on blaming the bank for trying to make money off of me. (Something that I already understand banks do.) I called. I visited them only to realize (after calming down) that everything that had occurred w/my account was by my own doing. ..I screwed up. As I reflected on this event over this weekend, I realized that I had been playing the role of "the victim". Dun dun duunnn! You know...the person that everyone is conspiring against. The person who's always getting f*cked over by somebody else. The one whom the world and all the events there in (physical and metaphysical alike) are synchronized to constantly screw up their everyday existence. Supposedly jinxed by God himself, they're always (or mostly) in a combative or defensive state of mind. An Eeyore or a Rabbit.(C'mon folks. I know I wasn't the only kid into Winnie the Pooh) The sourpus in the bunch. The angry bitch. Basically, the one you hate to see coming. Okay, I wasn't to that degree of it but you get my point. I was definitely in that place.

You know... it always amazes me how I always seem to get what I need. No. Let me rephrase that. God never ceases to amaze me by supplying me with what I need. And I'm not talkin' material stuff. I was surfing the web in more detail, as I usually do during the weekend and was checking out one of my fav. raw vegan sites, We Like It Raw. Philip McCluskey happened to write a post that included a video entitled "Reclaiming Your Power". In his video, he touched on things I felt I already knew but actually didn't because I wasn't 100% consciously living it... Case in point #2. I had the opportunity to go to a celebration of life for someone I knew. I chose not to go because I didn't want to deal with the people at the church where it was taking place because of this, that & every other reason. After checking out Philip's video, I knew that I had not totally reclaimed the power that I had given to them. Again..I was playing the role of "the victim". Dun dun duunnnn!! Well, all is not lost because I am now very much aware of this thought pattern.

In his post, he also touched on some other points which I have partially included.

*Be your own guru, doctor, and lover. Self-love and empowerment is key. When you capture the true essence of loving yourself you will discover magical perfection in every moment.
*The Universe is always conspiring on your behalf. There is nothing that could ever happen that could go "wrong". Don't judge events, just be in the moment & recognize them as growth opportunities.
*Be the change you want to see in the world. Do you love and accept everyone, even those living lifestyles you don't agree with? Do you see God in everyone's eyes you meet or are you looking for faults or things to compare yourself with?


Talk about a positive thinking and energy! I'd love to meet this guy!

I've attached Philip's video. It's a little more than 9 minutes long and every bit worth it.


By the way, he has a very positive site, LovingRaw! Check him out when you get a chance. His story is amazing!

Peace..

Post Title What Role Are You Playing?.....

Friday, December 5, 2008

HAPPY FRIDAY!!



**UPDATE** This is my masterpiece! My first raw recipe.

Good Morning Beautifuls!

And Happy Friday! I hope that all has been well in your world. Yesterday was a bit rough for me (I'll post about that next week) but all is well.

I am so happy! I tried my first raw foods..living foods..whichever-title-you-wanna-attach-to-it recipe. For whatever reason, I had been craving avocado. Although I couldn't imagine eating it by itself, I could definitely envision eating it in a nori roll. I wanted to try one already made however I didn't want one w/any type nut butter in it. Just wanted it a little more simple. Anyhoo, I combed a lot of online recipes and decided to just wing it off of my taste buds. So I picked up some untoasted (the black ones) nori sheets, an avocado, a cucumber, sprouts and green onion. I already had some carrots and some Bragg's amino's. I successfully scooped the avocado out (Yay me!) and cut the carrots and cucumber into strips. I also marinated the carrots and cucumber in the Bragg's amino's for about 15 minutes. I layered all ingredients on the nori roll and proceeded to roll it up. I admit it was a little messy but very delicious. I ate one last night and made one for my lunch today. I'm so proud and happy!! I accomplished my first raw food recipe! I'll have to attach a photo of my success later. Ran out of time.

Also, on yesterday I received my Curlmart order. Let me tell you about Jessicurl WDT. I put some on my hair this a.m. and talk about soft. And it smells so good. I purchased the Lavender & Citrus scented WDT. ..Heavenly.. I don't know if I will try any of the other products before I get weaved up cause after today, my hair will be back in a bun. Just had to let you know about that one.

I hope that you all have a wonderful weekend! Amidst school projects and cheerleading practice, I plan on it.
Be sure to do something for yourself. And as always, "Do You."...
Peace

Post Title HAPPY FRIDAY!!

Wednesday, December 3, 2008

PJism in Full Effect


Good Morning Beautifuls!

A while ago, I posted about Kinky-Curly products being carried at Whole Foods. I was so excited ( the operative word here is "was"). Needless to say, I've been in 3 of the Whole Foods down here and much to my disappointment it wasn't at either of them. I thought, "What's up w/that?". Anyhoo, I went to the Kinky-Curly site to look up the retail locations and none of the Whole Foods in Georgia are carrying their line of products. I'm not happy about that. So I looked for the customer service contact info. and tried to email them but my attempt failed. The email came back to me unsuccessful. Tried to call the number listed on the site but was redirected to the email contact(which I verified w/the operator). I will try again and will let you all know the outcome.




Either way, I ended up going over to Curlmart.com and got a few things like the Jessicurl Weekly Deep Conditioning Treatment, Elucence Moisture Balancing Condish., Miss Jessie's Travel Pak (cause you know the 2nd free one is coming) and I almost forgot... Kinky-Curly Knot Today. Seriously. I almost forgot to buy it. Now I believe that my pjism (product junkie-ism) stems from the fact that I'm still enamored w/my hair and getting to know it. It's been a year and 3 months and I still like to play with it. I honestly thought that I'd calm down by now. What's really funny about this purchase is that I'll be getting a weave in a couple of weeks, thanks to my girls InstantVintage and Bohemian Bookworm (Awesome bloggers! You must check them out!) **side note. I'm doing this to combat my HIH (hand in hair) disorder and to hibernate my hair for the Winter. Basically, protective styling.** I know this purchase may seem ridiculous... I'm still trippin' on myself. But you know what?..This gives me something to look forward to at the end of my "weave season". I'll definitely let you all know how the new products work out.





Oh!..I could not exclude this. The other night, my daughter requested a twist-out pontail (w/braids). After braiding the top front section of her hair, I put the rest in a slightly high ponytail. I used Qhemet's Burdock Root Buttercreme as the moisturizer after spritzing her hair w/some distilled water. I then twisted her hair in 1/2 inch sectons w/Devacurl AnGe'll ( a light-weight moisturizing gel) and topped that w/DevaCurl Set It Free ( a moisture lock). Then I rolled about an inch of each end (left untwisted) on some satin-covered sponge rollers and some on rod rollers. OMG!! I wish I had taken a picture the next morning! Her twist-out pony came out beautiful and incredibly soft. No crunchies!
** insert proud momma/pseudo hairstylist smile**

What products are you trying?....

Post Title PJism in Full Effect

Tuesday, December 2, 2008

In The Raw




Good Morning Beautifuls!

Just had to share... I'm always on the lookout for organic foods when in local grocery stores chains, since they are more convenient to my home. I actually stopped by Kroger Grocery to pick up a few bags of frozen organic fruit for my smoothies. Now let me say that I must commend this grocery chain on their Natural Foods Section. They have really impressed me with the amount and the selection of natural and organic foods they offer. First of all, I appreciate that they sell their frozen fruit for around $4 as opposed to $5 and $6 that I've seen in Publix. Sometimes the 10 oz bags will be on sale for around $3.50- $3.70. Although, not as good as Whole Foods, which typically sells the fruit for around $2.99 to 3-something, I still say that is pretty good for a chain store price. So to everyone if you didn't already know, price comparison is vital. Unless you just got it like that. If so, I ain't mad. Do ya thang!

Now, I also noticed some raw foods bars in Kroger. This really pleasantly surprised me! Kroger really is steppin' up their natural foods game! Or they could just be trying to expand another capitalistic opportunity but I digress... (I know. I'm over-thinking.) I am happy that I was able to pick up a few bars. They are crucial to me at this point in my raw foods journey.

Post Title In The Raw

Monday, December 1, 2008

OVER RE-MIXES!!

I am so frustrated w/the music industry right now! I just heard a damn remix of Beyonce's "If I Were A Boy" with R."damn" Kelly screwin' it all up!! I was already pissy about them adding Bey to Justin Timb's song "Until the End of Time". I am so sick of this!

Why must every song be remixed? Can't you just allow a song to be enjoyed as it was originally made??!!

C'mon people!...

Speak on it....

**UPDATE. ATLANTA DID SHUT THIS ATROCITY DOWN!! THE RADIO STATION CAN PLAY THIS NO MORE. THANK GOD!**

Post Title OVER RE-MIXES!!

World Aids Day



Despite HIV awareness now reaching nearly all areas of the globe, infection rates are still happening 2.7 times faster than the increase in the number of people receiving treatment.

Worlds AIDS Day began in 1988 when health ministers from around the world met and agreed on the concept of the day as an opportunity for all to come together to demonstrate the importance of universal access to comprehensive prevention programs, treatment, care & support for the disease.

Now let's take a refresher course:

HIV is a virus that attacks the immune system (the body's defense against infection). It uses healthy white blood cells to replicate itself, breaking down the immune system and leaving the body more susceptible to illness. Without treatment, the body becomes less able to fight off germs that we are exposed to everyday. AIDS is the late stage of HIV infection, where the immune system is so weakened that it is no longer able to fight off any infection, thus leaving the body more vulnerable to infections such as pneumonia & various forms of cancer.

HIV is transmitted from person to person thru the exchange of the following bodily fluids - blood, semen (including pre-cum), vaginal secretions & breast milk. The modes of transmission are unprotected anal, oral or vaginal sex, sharing any type needles, child-birth, donor products, job injury, sharing sex toys and blood transfusions before 1985. It is not transmitted through casual contact like hugging, kissing, using public toilets, sharing eating utensils, pools or coughing.

Since discovered, AIDS has killed more than 25 million people. In many developing countries, women have few rights and choices in life, including choices that could protect them from HIV. Women often don't have the power to decide whether or with whom they have sex. They lack the power to negotiate condom use, to avoid sexual violence, or to feed their children without entering prostitution.

In this country, we do have that power. If you haven't already, take leadership of your life and your body. Get tested. Know your status and act accordingly to the results. Use protection.

And ladies..if you're sexually active or thinking about it, know that it is a good & right thing to have your own condoms.

Peace.....

Post Title World Aids Day