Another Hair Regimen Post....

Here's what I've been using lately......

1. After hearing and reading others reviews on Nizoral I decided to try it out for myself. It's absolutely friggin amazing for those who have dry scalp. I thought I was destined to forever see flakes in my hair, even right after shampooing. I use it once a week and it works like a charm!


2. ACV is a girls best friend! Not just for balancing your PH but for deep cleaning your scalp & hair. I've started spraying diluted ACV in my hair after shampooing and conditioning and rinsing thoroughly.

3. Conditioner is a neccessity. Nizoral is a strong product and I can only imagine how harsh it is on my hair, which is why I use the Nizoral on my scalp only and conditioner on my locs. I'm currently using Oyin's Honey Hemp Conditioner. I'm not to gung-ho on the smell myself, it reminds me of the flintstone vitamins I took when I was little. With that being said, it's an amazing conditioner and leaves my locs very soft.


4. I don't know how longed locd people let their hair air dry. When I air dry my hair the locs at the nape of my neck have this smell that I absolutely hate. Now Lando & my Consultant both tell me it's not stinky but I can't stand it.


So first I try to wrench my hair out as much as I can. I then, use a Turbe Twist towel and a Shamwow. Depending on how much time I have I may blow dry for 5 to 10 minutes on medium heat. Granted, my hair is still slightly damp when done but this seems to be the only way I can combat that pesky smell. Maybe when the hotter days come I'll be more likely to air dry. The office I work in can get pretty warm/humid at times, which I'm sure doesn't aid in the drying process. If anyone has any advice on this one please please please leave a comment.

5. Lastly, I've recently discovered my hair does just fine without oil. It's crazy cause yall know I've been living off eo combos with almond or jojoba or olive oils forever. Now I'm only using Greg Juice every other day. I never in a million years thought I'd only be using a single product in my hair....

That's All Folks!!!!

I'm An Official Peach!!!!!!

2011 has started out ineterstingly enough.....

- My bathtub got clogged, by who knows what, and we had to call in the repair man. This guy comes in the apt with all kinds of contraptions and is unable to fix it on the first go round. Next thing we know this fool walks into the bathroom with a cotton' pickin hammer!!! WTF!!!??? So it didn't surprise us to find out their were holes in the tub and it would need to be replaced. 3 days into sponge bathing the apt complex offers one of their models for us to shower in. 5 days after that the tub is replaced and we're clog free...It could have been worse.

- Since my B-day is Monday I decided to get my official GA car registration this past Friday. I know it's bad that it took me so long to finally register but I couldn't find my FL title and really didn't want to pay the $90 for a replacement, not to mention my FL registration wasn't ending until this month anyways.

So, I fail my first emissions test and have to take it to a mechanic. Turns out whomever had the car before me switched the check engine light chord into the abs chord(mind you the car doesn't have abs). 20 minutes and $45 later the car was good to go and the 2nd emissions test was passed. I then go to the DMV for my license and after waiting an hour my number is called...phew...it just so happens that right after she's taken my FL license and my money the machines go haywire. 45 minutes later Lando & I are off to the Tax Commissioner's Office. Strangely enough that part went smoothly, with the exception of the man ahead of us having a flatulence problem.

After all is said and done I'm happy I was able to get everything done before my B-Day. My license picture is insane!!!!!!!! I know I have a big forehead but DAMN!!! LOL!!

On A Brighter Note!

Yall know how I love to crochet right? Well, I can actually wear my crocheted hats and scarves now...WOOHOO!!! While living in FL it was somewhat of a joke to gift someone with a crocheted scarf or hat. But in GA people are more than welcome to wear my stuff, especially since we're supposed to be getting snow for the next couple days. The hat I'm wearing below is a pattern from Afya Ibomu's Get Your Crochet On! Hip Hats & Cool Caps book. I'm actually wearing the one on the cover but I didn't add the brim. I love her patterns, even though I purchased the book specifically for the pattern Erykah Badu is wearing and the patterned brim doesn't seem like the same one Erykah has on. Oh well, there are still some awesome patterns in the book. Since a post isn't a post without a pic I'll be posting pics of the hats I've made or will be making from her book as well as from other sources.

Enjoy Your Week! And Stay Warm!

Long Long Overdue.......4.5 Years!!!

Wanted to make sure I, at the very least, started this post out with an update pic. I can't believe it's been 4.5 years....!!! (The top left pic is 2 years and the top right pic is 3 years, the bottom pic was taken today)

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas!!!!

I want to thank everyone who emailed me and was concerned about my well-being. I don't even know where to begin with all that's been going on. I would also like to apologize to those who sent me emails with questions about Sisterlocks and received no response, I literally just checked my email from the last 1 1/2 years.

1) We finally loaded up the car and made the move to GA late last year.

2) I landed a job in Jan 2010...YIPPEE!!! Yep! Living off unemployment was more than a struggle I wanted to admit to the folks.

3) I work atleast 55 hours a week and come home tired as hell...I'm not complainin though cause I'm so ecstatic to be working during the holiday season. I actually cried when I realized I could buy my family gifts.

4) Since I'm such a hermit and don't really hang with many folk, I sit at home and read and eat.......Not to mention I stress eat at work...eeekk!

5) Which brings me to the fact that I've gained a new location, a new job, and 20 new lbs... I kid you not guys! I didn't even want to post a pic for this post but thought that would have been unfair.

6) Here's another kicker....I'm no longer vegan, not even vegetarian!!! I'll be sure to do another post about this one.

7) I've been having even more dry scalp issues and now that it's longer washing & drying it has become more difficult. I will be sure to post my new regimens and issues.

8. I've really really missed you guys, reading all your inspirational stories and being apart of the Loc'd Family!!

I ask that you guys please forgive my excessive absence. I will try my darndest not to drop off the face of the earth again. Don't know what I'll be posting much of since my digital camera has pretty much died and my hair stories are usually kind of lame....hehehe!

I'M BACK!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sniff Test Triumph & Tagged...

Remember this post by Lakia? I can't recall one time I've been able to do my own sniff test.....until NOW!! WOOHOO!! Am I crazy for being excited about this??!!

I've Been Tagged by Sophia!!!

This was fun!!!!!

Rules:
1.)Respond: answer the questions on your blog.
2.)Replace one question that you dislike with a question of your own invention, add one more question of your own.
3.)Tag eight other people

What's your current obsession? Crocheting...

What's your must have fashion need? Headband (I know it's sad..)

What are you wearing right now? Pajama pants and tee

What's your favorite food? Black Bean Soup

What do you do for fun? Crochet, Read, Hang w/Friends

What made today special? Woke up this morning

What would you like to learn to do? Sew

What's the last thing you bought? Beans and veggies..

What are you listening/watching right now? Nothing..

What's your favorite weather? Freezing Cold (Who doesn't like snuggling weather)

What's your favorite quote? We don't live in a world of reality, we live in a world of perceptions.-Gerald J. Simmons

What do you think of the person that tagged you?
She's an awesome, intelligent, beautiful young woman with an amazing blog.

If you can have a house totally paid for, fully furnished anywhere in the world, where would you like it to be? Vancouver

What would you like to have in your hands right now?
Chocolate Chip cookies

If you could be any animal, which would you choose? Eagle

If you could give one piece of advice to someone wanting to loc or go natural, what would it be? Don't let the negative comments or views of others affect your choice to go natural or loc...

What language would you like to learn? French & Creole

What do you look for in a friend? Honesty, Empathy, & Loyalty

Who do you want to meet in person? Mrs. Obama

What's your favorite type of music? Neo-Soul

What's your dream job? Good Question...

Do you admire anyone's style? No..

Describe your personal style? Comfortable & Outdated..

What's your favorite t.v show? Bones, at the moment..

What's your favorite ice cream flavor? Haven't had any in years..but I guess it would be Butter Pecan

What's your favorite makeup brand? Don't use any...

What's your all time favorite perfume? Pacifica Malibu Lemon Blossom

What's you fondest childhood memory? Age 6, visiting my maternal grandparents in Louisiana..

What is a current life goal you are working on right now? Writing a cookbook..

What is one item in your home you have more of than anything else? Chapstick

Sadly, I've never been good at tagging others but here goes...
Southern Girl
BrownButtahfly
Carmen
Cluizel
Shawna
Disregard if you've already been tagged...

Sandwiches...YUM!!!!

1) Boca Burger w/ Chips - Johnny Rockets has The Streamliner, a vegan burger, that is amazing!!! My wallet doesn't allow me to go often, so here's my version...
2) Black Bean & Rice Burrito - Just black beans and rice
3) Vegan Deli Chik'n Salad Sandwich - I got nothing but good things to say about this recipe..
4) Chik'n Tacos - I really don't think a person can go wrong with tacos. These were made with Morningstar Chik'n Strips and veggies..

Enjoy Your Weekend!!!

Say What??!! 3 Years Already!!!!??

Ok....so I did say in my last post I would post new pics for my 3 year locversary, June 11th!! WOOHOO!! My hair has never, and I mean never (cause you know how when you were a little girl your hair was long when straightened right?), has my hair ever been this long.. WOW!! I know I say this every year, but for those who can't wait for their locs to fall, it's coming! No matter how well I took care of my natural loose hair it would have taken forever to reach this length without straightening. I'm one who's hair was 5 inches straightened and barely an inch after being washed...

I really really detest posting individual pics on blogger but I don't have any software that allows me to do collages. So, I decided to save pics using the Kodak Easyshare Gallery site and see how they turn out. My only complaint is it cuts off some of the pics. Please excuse the blurred images but the CD's that have the original pics are packed away....

I have a friend who's been transitioning from the perm to natural. She recently cut off all her permed ends and flat ironed her hair, made me really miss my loose hair and wonder if I would have loc'd if I was introduced to the "Chi" type products. What was I thinking?! I'm so in love with my locs I can't stand it!

What's For Breakfast....?

1) French Toast - I used soymilk, cinnamon, almond extract, and a little flour for the coating. This has become a family favorite!
2) Breakfast Pizza - Had some extra pizza dough laying around. I used marinara sauce, Gimme Lean Sausage, some leftover Morningstar Chik'n Strips and green peppers. Who says you can't have pizza for breakfast?!
3) Breakfast Scramble Burrito - Tofu, red onion, green pepper, and tortilla..NICE!!!
4) Breakfast Scramble Taco - Same as above just added a taco and some taco sauce...

Enjoy Your Week!!!

More Crochet Happenings & The Fat Smash Detox Recipes Request

Hey Guys!!!

Still nothing going on with me and I figured it would be better to post my 3 year locversary pics in a couple weeks... I apologize for slacking on my posts....

First up.....crochet projects...
1) Baby Blanket
2) Another scarf...I've made so many scarves it's not even funny...
3) & 4) My friend requested baby beanies and booties for her friend. I took the beanie, wrapped a chain around it and placed the booties inside. Kind-of looks like a goodie bag....ha! Pic #2 is the whole shebang..

And as requested from Happiest Nappy, here are all the Fat Smash Detox Friendly recipe's I have used. I can't see myself detoxing again for a long time...but you never know...ok, so I didn't realize I had so many pics of detox stuff...phew... Here's the thing, alot of the recipes were off-the-fly. I will either link to the cookbook used for the recipe, link to the actual recipe, link to a similar recipe, or let you know the ingredients I used.

1) Oat Pancakes (replaced flour with ground oats) & Breakfast Scramble.
2) Breakfast Scramble (minus the cheez sauce) & added veggies.
3) Banana Oatmeal
4) Falafel w/ Spinach - Don't remember if this was the exact recipe I used but I used chickpea flour instead of flour (don't know if that's allowed...
5) Salad w/ Spiced Chickpeas - you can use any spices for this.
6) Lettuce Wraps
7) & 8) Stir-Fries
9) Plantain, Black Beans, & Stir-Fry.
10) Vegetable Stew (exclude the dumpling & cornstarch).
11) Mushroom & Porcini Soup - from Veganomicon.
12) Black-Eyed Pea & Collard Soup - this is close to what I did.
13) White Bean Chik'n Chili - White Beans, Onions, Veggie Broth, Morningstar Chik'n Strips, green salsa, and spices...
14) Mushroom Curry w/ Spinach
15) Pakistani Dahl
16) Asparagus, Yuca, & Portabello
17) Stuffed Peppers - I stuffed the peppers with leftover rice, veggie crumbles, tomatoes, and spices. Or you can use this recipe. I forget if a small amount of cheese is allowed.
18) Sweet Potato Shepherd's Pie - veggie crumbles, veggies, spices, and mashed sweet potatoes.
19) Tamale Pie
20) Baked Tofu, Plantains, & Brown Rice
21) General Tao Tofu (minus the sugar)
22) Eggplant Lasagna
23) Black Bean Soup (minus garnishes)
24) Yellow Split Pea Soup - I think from La Dolce Vegan....?
25) Stuffed Pepper Soup
26) Barefoot Contessa Lentil & "Sausage" Soup - I subbed tofurky beer brats, don't know for sure if detox friendly, but it's just as good without them.
27) Vegetable Soup - Just a whole bunch of root veggies in a pot.

Food & Crafts...

Don't really have much to blog about at this time..But, here are some pics of what I've been doing lately..food and crafts...hehe!

Crafts

1) A hat and scarf for my friend, it was her birthday!
2) A bracelet I made for the same friend..as you can see her favorite color is purple..
3) Lando's friend's wife had a baby boy and he requested I make them a small blanket with the Cleveland Browns in mind...the colors aren't spot on but my choices were limited in the soft yarns.

Food

My eating these past couple months has been horrible. It's as if I've reverted back to my junkatarian days filled with coffee and cookies, so sad. Here are some pics of my healthier choices..

1) Stuffed Pepper Soup - Fat Smash Detox Friendly. This was really good. I love stuffed peppers and this soup took so little time to prepare..
2) Vive Le Vegan's Oat & Apple Pancakes w/ Banana Topping - Fat Smash Detox Friendly. I won't say they were the best pancakes I've ever eaten but they did hit the spot.
3) Eggplant Lasagna - Fat Smash Detox Friendly. AWESOME!!! I've wanted lasagna for some time now and this was perfect!!
4) Yellow Split Pea Soup - Don't remember where I got the recipe from but it was really good.

Enjoy Your Week!!!