MY DREADLOCK JOURNEY

It is over! The wedding is over!

2011-10-14T02:29:00.006-04:00

My mother and I went to bed at 5am on my wedding day. I manage to get 4 hours of sleep. I had a break down and locked myself in the bathroom. My best friend prayed me out of the bathroom. I was 1 1/2hrs late to my wedding. I discovered that the church was very warm when I entered. The air conditioning system broke down the night before.The ceremony was beautiful! It went according to plan!

I tell you! Planning this wedding was the most stressful year of my life! The last month was a killer! I had planned my wedding and had a wedding planner apprentice by my side! Not! I had to call her up to find out what happened? I said" honey? What happened to you?" The apprentice: " I thought you did not need me anymore! You did not leave me anything to do! Me: Did you read your book? Did it not say that for the Day of the wedding services, you are needed the month before?"

A few years ago, I wanted to be an event/wedding planner. I read books and took some courses. I knew what to do. I did not need her to plan because I interviewed my vendors, negotiated my contracts and had signed on the doted lines! But girly girl, I still needed help with my details!

On my wedding day, my girls and I went to the venue to set up a table so my apprentice would visualize what I wanted. Months prior I had set up my kitchen table so she can get an idea of what I wanted! By the time she unloaded her truck with some of the decor, my niece, my best friends and I had already placed covers on 120 chairs, placed pink overlays and centerpieces on 12 tables before she came in with the boxes. I thought she went to Timbuktu. All she had to do is set up the candy station, put the framed menus and the favors on the tables. Tie the pink bows on the chairs.

Well when I got to the reception hall from the church, there were no bows on the chairs! I nearly had a fit! what! You just wasted $70! The bows went with my cake!
I should hired a professional wedding planner!

Our DJ was playing some kind of crap! My son, Music Mystro had to take over. Do you know he got mad and said this was a setup! My husband said " what the hell do you care? You are the one who got paid! Someone did not do his job and I`am fixing it!

My husband song "You Are So Beautiful, his band played, Everyone enjoyed themselves. They are still talking about the wedding and oblivious to what`s going on behind the scene!

I told my apprentice to stick to teaching and planning birthday parties. She does not have what it takes to be a wedding planner!
I decided to launch my event planning business the first of the year. No one should be as stressed out as I was!

I`am planning my nieces wedding, a baby shower and some church banquets. As long it is not my wedding, I can handle it! Thank God it is over!

Three and a half years and counting!

2011-08-02T21:19:00.010-04:00

OMG! I have not posted in a long time! I`am soooo sorry!
I have 31 days until my wedding day! I have been crazy busy! I picked up my head piece today, but I have not the slightest clue on how I`am going to wear my hair! My hair is long! All that talk about styling my hair when it became long, went out the window! Free style, braid outs and an occasional high pony are what I wear!

I really need to make an appointment at Turning Heads in Harlem. I want an updo! I had my locs in a french roll. The style was really nice. I`am determined to have an updo just like the permies!

I love these styles above! The main reason I decided on small locs is to achieve similar styles.
One of my staff nurses ask if I was going to cut my locs off for my wedding. I looked at her as if she were crazy! I asked her what gave her that idea? She was speechless.
Come on girly girl! That is why my hair is thick and natural. Miss, you wear a wig! At 50, I`am locked for life unless God hs other plans!

Blessings!

MY SECOND BRAID OUT!

2011-02-01T16:46:00.004-05:00

With my demanding job and my wedding planning, I have had not a lot of time for me! My hair is growing so fast, I can`t keep up with it! I`am constantly re tightening. It seems like I`am constantly trying to cover my grays. Now that the holidays are over, I`am trying to give it a break from the coloring until April when I turn 50! WOO! WOO!

Mrs Menopause is trying to take over! I have notice that I`am gaining weight around the middle and thighs. I have been between a size 10 and 12 for years! When I fit into a size 12 pants, it`s time to work out! As I stated in my blog, I`am recovering from bilateral knee injuries. I had not worked out other than PT since May. Sunday, I went to the family room to work out! I bought the Pussy cat Dolls workout. It was fun, but it was an equivalent to a warm up. I needed a step work out! Thank God for Kathy Smith step Workout! My old Flo-Jo workout still does the trick too!

It been HELL in New York! It seems like every 2-3 days, we have snow! The cold weather and the dry heat in my house has been drying out my locs! I really do not like covering my locs other than when I `am at work. If I`am going to keep them healthy, I better take some intervention. I have increased my intake of water and I keep them under a satin cap when I`am home. I have been shampooing and conditioning my hair every two weeks instead of three weeks. Between shampoos I spritz with an leave-in conditioner and water!

I love how curling my locs look, but it takes too much time to roll. Anyway, since my locs grew, the curl does not last long. After I wash my locs, I braid them. I then get underneath a cool dryer for 20 min or until they are a little more dry than damp. In the morning, I take them out. The braid out last until I shampoo my hair again! The braid out gives my locs more body!

Having 300 locs can be a pain. The reason I got SLs is to have versatility. To tell you the truth! I have done nothing with them now that I have some length. I have to experiment with up dos for my wedding. I guess that will be my next post!

Thank you all that have subscribed to me on Youtube and blogspot! May God bless you all!

"Blessed are those hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled." Matthew 5:6

Nubian Locked Princess is Now The Nubian Bride

2010-12-05T18:30:00.006-05:00

Hello all! As some of you may know, I`am getting married next year! I thought I was going to get a tummy tuck for my 50th birthday! Instead, God has blessed me with a God fearing man and a Future dear husband. Never thought this would happen to me. Me getting married at 50. I never knew he was coming. I believe my obedience has paid off. I have been blessed by God. He sent me an angel to take care of me. A lot has happened this year. I was in a motor vehicle accident in May. I was unable to walk. I had ruptured and torn ligaments in both knees. I had a deep wound laceration and a hair line fracture in my left knee. I was done! God sent this angel to me one month before my accident. He has been with me ever since.

Things happen for a reason. I never questioned God for what happened. I know the lord took care of me mentally, spiritually and financially. That is all I needed to know. I`am back to work and still healing! I`am in 3" heels now without knee pain. LOL!

I`AM BLESSED AND FAVORED! ALL OF YOU BEAUTIFUL WOMEN WHO ARE STILL LOOKING FOR A MATE, STOP SEARCHING! PRAY TO GOD TO FIND YOUR MAN. CONTINUE TO BE OBEDIENT! LAST BUT NOT LEAST, HUMBLE YOURSELF! GOD IS IN CHARGE!

COUNT DOWN TO THREE YEARS LOCKED!

2010-10-11T22:38:00.009-04:00

Hello all! I`am back! Thirty four months locked! December 1 is my three year anniversary locked. I finally let my locs become what they are. No more stressing and fighting. I have accepted the unsealed curled ends and non-uniformed locs. I have stucked to a simple regiment. I shampoo every two to three weeks with Black Earth shampoo. I condition with avalon Keracare Humecto conditioner. I heard Avalon was an excellent conditioner. So I decided to try it. I tell you! As soon as that conditioner hit my locs, they felt like silk in my hands. My locs swell and became so moist! I love natural products, but I have to make an exception with this product. This one is a keeper! P.S. For those who have loose curl texture like me, leave in for one minute. Your ends may unravel!

Along with a conditioner, You should use a shampoo that paired with a conditioner. I`am going to purchase Keracare no sulfate shampoo. Thank you, Camille! ( Loc Doc from lovinlocs yahoo groups)

This summer I did a lot of swimming. To neutralize the chemicals, I used Mizani neutralizing shampoo, followed with KeraCare conditioner. I purchased Crinkles and Curl styling lotion to curl my locs. My curls last only a few days, but I had body until I shampooed my locs.
I notice as my locs get longer, the curls last less.

I purchased Jane Carter No sulfate shampoo with the conditioner. My hair felt dry after shampooing and the conditioner did not condition my hair well. It left a filmy residue. I never used it again. I continue to use her leave-in conditioner as I have used since day one of my baby loc stage. I love how soft it makes my locs without the oily feeling!

July 2010

Oct 2010

I still have not styled my locs much! I remembered when I was a new lock head that I said when my locs grow long, I will start styling. I will need you to refer me to websites to style locs. I have met a wonderful God fearing man who will become DH next Labor day weekend. I NEED STYLES THAT I CAN USE FOR MY WEDDING!

I will begin a wedding blog posting my journey towards wedlock. I have designed and created my own wedding invites, place cards, table numbers, save the date cards, etc.

Faith and obedience was my prize. All God wanted me to do is.. " Be still and know I`am God"!
Psalm 46:10 Keep love , hope, and faith alive!

Blessings!

Keenons Graduation

2010-07-17T07:28:00.003-04:00

I know it is been a while since I posted. My life has been blessed and busy! I wanted to share this video so you can get an idea of how my locs are progressing.I `am currently writing a review of products that I have tried. I will be posting regularly very soon! MAY GOD CONTINUE TO BLESS YOU ALL!

This is clips from my youngest son`s graduation from high school! I `am spending it with my three sons and my niece. As you can see, my locs have matured and have grown. My middle son, Brandon has cut his locs short. I `am still trying to convince my youngest son Keenon, to transition from braids to locs. He is still against it. I`am still praying!

Sons are a heritage from the Lord, children a reward from him.
psalm 127:3

Locs and Motorcycles... Meet Ninja Girl!

2010-04-05T07:00:00.010-04:00

Craigslist is not that bad. There, I found my girl! I decided to look on craigslist for bikes. I really did not want to spend full price for a first bike, but I did not want to get stuck with a hot mess!

As you know from my previous post, I went to the international motorcycle show in New York to narrow down my choices. The Yamaha FZ6R is fairly new. There was a very slim chance that I would find this bike used other than a dealership. I had a difficult time finding anything decent in the my tri state area from 2008 other than the 2009 Kawasaki Ninja 250. It`s a beautiful bike, but I have a problem buying something that I will have to get rid of next spring because I would grow out of it as soon as I develop and feel more confident in my motorcycle skills.

I was browsing craigslist in South Jersey, when I stumbled on a listing: "2008 Kawasaki Ninja 650R-$4000" I almost had a fit! The bike was the same bike on my screen saver. It was red, it had sliders (sliders are knobs that protrude out from the side of a bike to prevent or minimize damage to your bike, Mainly the fairings, the plastic molding on sports bikes), and a fender eliminator.

I immediately responded to the ad. After two days of not getting a response from the seller, I sent another response and inquired about a 2009 Kawasaki ninja 250 for $ 3500. The Ninja 250 guy was prompt with his response. I wanted to hear from the Ninja 650 guy!

On the third day, I received an Email from the mike, the Ninja 650 owner! YES!!! I asked Mike why was he selling the bike. He said he needed a car. He told me he took long to call because he had a car trade offer that fell through! He also told me that he had a hard time finding the Ninja 650. He had to go to a Philly dealership to purchase this bike.With this said, Ninja Girl was a God Send.

Mike gave me the VIN #. We made arrangements to meet so my friend and I could inspect the bike! Andre, a brother in Christ had a bike trailer. Leland, my brother in Christ picked it up, hitched it to his car and we were on our way to Toms River, New jersey to check out the bike!

It rained like cats and dogs! That did not rain on my parade! When we finally got to the seller`s home, he had the garage door open and the Red Ninja Girl was winking at me! She was in mint condition! I mean brand new! Not a scratches! Everything chrome gleamed. The tires still had nubs on it. She only had 657 miles on her. After we inspected her and signed the title and filled out all the DMV papers, Leland and the seller, Mike, rolled Ninja Girl into the trailer and secured her. Mike threw in a magnetic tank bag, three quarts of synthetic oil, and a filter. He said Ninja Girl needs her oil changed! What a nice young man!

When I arrived home, Leland placed Ninja girl in my garage. I thanked him and he went home to have dinner with his lovely wife, Lisa. I did not want to touch her until I got insurance on her. That took 20 minutes! I could not ride her because she was not registered. That Thursday, I got her registered. That weekend, it rained. It was two weeks before I tried her out :-(

When the day came to ride her, I has nervous as heck! I had not rode since last August! My Ninja is a sports bike. The bike I rode was a cruiser. This is a different feel all together. My bike has an upright position, but the seat height is higher. My feet was not planted firmly on the ground. I had to buy a pair of Icon hella motorcycle boots. They have a 3" wedge heel which helps that problem. My legs are in the sports bike position instead of being forward as it is on a cruiser. I had to adjust to my foot position on my bike. It was very strange at first, but I adjusted. She rides well. The bike is very centered and balanced. She is very controlled and predictable. That is a plus for a newbie! She hugs the curves well too!
She will be suited well for her mission to help me spread Gods Word with other fellow Christian riders!

I`am completely happy with my Ninja girl! She is all what the Kawasaki engineers made her to be! I pray that she will be my friend for many years to come!

Trust God for deliverance from evil and temptation (Luke 11:4)

Meet Zion

2010-02-08T21:43:00.010-05:00

Zion is my three month old Bichon-poo. He is a cross between a Bichon frise and a toy poodle. Bichon-poos, Bichpoos, or Poochons are considered one of the popular designer dog breeds. I choose this breed because of it`s "hypo-allergenic" coat. The poodle coat grows continuously and shedding is almost non existing. They produce minimal dander, making this breed mix an excellent choice for people who suffer from allergies!

My first dog was a Toy Manchester Terrier. I loved manny! I was devastated when I had to find a new home because of my allergies to him. I had minimal response to him, when I first got him. As time went on, I had full blown symptoms: Watery itchy eyes, sneezing, and wheezing.

After a year, I was still yearning for Manny. I did my home work and settled on this breed. Poodles are very intelligent dogs and easy to train. Bichons have cheerful temperaments and love to please their human parents! I drove three and a half hours to meet my boy. The breeder released all the dogs from the Bichon-poo liter. All of his other siblings were all over the place. This puppy walked up to me. When I picked him up, he stretched out his paws on me and began to lick me. I know he was going home with me! I had no allergic reactions. No watery eyes, no sneezing!

I had him for one month. At three months old, my boy is wee wee pad trained and follows basic commands that I taught him: sit, come, and stay.

I love my Zion as I love jesus! His name means Land of Israel or Jerusalem. In the Rastafarian religion, Zion stands for place of unity, peace and freedom. I feel at peace when I`am with him!

"By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down, yea we wept, when we remembered Zion." Psalm 137:1 KJV

The International Motorcycle Show in NYC

2010-01-24T18:15:00.025-05:00

I belong to a motorcycle ministry, called The Rapture Ready Ryderz. Our doctrine is to serve God, minister the word, and do good will for the disadvantage.
We ride together, fellowship together, and went to the International Motorcycle Show in NYC together!

Everyone except me, own their own bike. I `am a newbie. I started riding last June. I decide that I would purchase one this year after attending the show. All of the major bike manufacturers bring all of their bikes. You can mount the bikes to get an Idea of what works for you. I went to some dealerships and planted myself on the bikes I was interested in, but a lot of dealerships may sell one or two brands and not all. It`s hard to compare all the bikes at the same time. That is why going to a Motorcycle show is so great!

I love sports bikes, but I do not like the racing position. I narrowed down four bikes with 500 - 650cc. I`am a novice, so I would never buy a bike higher than 650cc. I will be 49 yr in April. I`am not looking for speed. I want a sporty looking commuter bike that is in a upright position, get me up hills without a struggle and is able to handle twisties, especially up route 9W!

The first manufacturer we checked out was Kawasaki. Kawasaki discontinued the Ninja 500, so my only choices was the Ninja 250 and the Ninja 650.The 250 was not an option. I practiced on an 800cc bike! I sat on the Ninja 650 and fell in love! Its narrow for a women`s frame, I was in a natural up-rite position with a comfortable reach to the handle bars. With 3" heels, my feet were planted firmly on the ground. Footless, only the balls of my feet touched the floor. I` am 5' 6". I still have to have the bike lowered or buy a pair of Icon 3" heeled Hella riding boots! Last but not least, the bike felt lite! I did not feel a struggle to keep the bike up with the kick stand up. Wet weight: 449 lbs. That`s important when you are coming to a stop.

Ninja 650R

Rickey Gadson and I

Rickey Gadson`s Monster

Kawasaki ER-6n

The next stop was Honda. My brother in Christ, Andre, was trying to get me on a Honda CBR600RR. He has to be crazy! That`s a super sports bike. I think he is trying to kill me! Yeah, he has one and is looking to purchase a Gold Wing touring bike!

Andre and the Gold Wing

Miguel and the Honda Shadow

Next stop is Yamaha! The Yamaha sports bike, FZ6R, was one of the bikes I had on my list. It`s a sick looking bike. I researched this bike. I liked that it had an adjustable seat and handle bar. It`s geared towards women and newbies like me. This was perfect! WRONG! When I mounted this bike, it was too wide and felt too heavy! I actually struggled to keep it up. This is funny, because it` s only 18 lbs more than the Ninja 650R. I believe the wideness of the bike is an issue for women, especially newbies! I really Love this bike. I have to test ride this and the 650R before I make my final
decision!

Yamaha FZ6R

I remember when I returned home from taking the MSF class, I felt I was run over by a mac truck! Trying to hold up and walk a 400+ lb bike is no joke. It`s easier to ride a bike than to ride a motorcycle. I have the slightest Idea why it`s a criteria for riding a motorcycle. The two do not compare! Learning to balance a 400+ bike is HELL in the beginning. Trying to keep it straight at very low speeds was a challenge! This is the gear that I purchased before I took the class.

The Suzuki GS500F was the next on my list. Again too wide and uncomfortable. The bike felt a little heavy, which is strange. This bike`s curb weight is 439 lbs. As I said earlier, I think since the bike is wide, the center of gravity seems off, but once a bike starts moving the weight is not so noticeable because it is balanced. The bike is kind of antiquated. No fuel injection and not liquid cooled. Carburetor? I don`t think so!

Elliot on the Suzuki VStrom

The International Motorcycle show even had a section for women riders, At the welcome desk, there was information about women motorcycle clubs and associations. They had gear just for women by Joe Rocket, Icon, Shift, and other brands. They let you try on various apparel and helmets.Then they give you a record of the brand, model, and size of the garment you tried on, so you can make a purchase at a store or online. This was awesome.

My sons think that I`am crazy and going through a mid-life crisis. I wanted to ride since I was a late teen. College and then children happened. My sons are grown now. It`s my turn to do what I want to do. Yes, riding a motorcycle is a very dangerous sport. So is bungee jumping, car racing, and rock climbing! If I allow everyone to scare me with stories, I will be too afraid to do anything. Yes, my odds of injury is greater than driving a car. No, I do not think I`am invincible! I wear my guardian Angel pin and prey to God to cover me and deliver me to and from my destination safely! When it`s my time to be with God, there is nothing I or anyone will do to prevent it. Prayer is first, safety is second. Enjoy life within reason. Life is not a rehearsal!

"Do not be afraid, Abram. I`am your shield, your very great reward." Genesis 15:1

Happy Birthday Locs! You Are Two Years Old!

2009-12-07T16:26:00.009-05:00

Happy Birthday Graphic Comments

December 1, 2009, marked my second year of locdom! Was it easy? No! Was it worth the time and aggravation? Yes! All I can say is that I`am locked for life!

My first year, I had major issues! I had mad slippage, unraveling, and bunching! There were days when I got the loc envy bug. I would visit SL lock blogs and admire the mature locs. I would get angry because mine was not long enough to style and not perfect. I would go into the mirror and critique each of my locs. When I found a loc that was not perfect, I would unravel it and restart it or cut the imperfect portion off. Four of my micro locs in the front of my head broke off at six months. I was devastated! That was my cue to combine all of my micro and small locs. I have one micro loc. It reminds me how small my micro locs were.

My locs in the back of my head were the first to loc. They were my gauge for the rest of my locs. They locked and sealed with minimal problems. Maybe they locked because I laid on them and roughen them up. Maybe the texture is different? I do know when I combined my locs, they locked faster than when they were tiny.

The locs on the top of my head gave me the most problems. I had major bunching and over matting tip issues. I don`t know how many times I took the locs down and restarted them. Bunching I discovered was a problem for my hair type when it begins to loc. So, I allowed it to do its thing and when they matured, I cut the bunched or over matted tips off and sealed the tips with a tiny bead of crazy glue.
Yes, Crazy glue! My consultant used it to prevent my locs from unraveling when she locked up 1 1/2" long hair. It worked! My glued tips looked naturally sealed.

I also got traditional loc envy at 22 months. I love traditional locs! They are so beautiful and cylindrical. I almost took my locs down and restarted then with two strand twist. What stopped me was two factors. The time and money I put in my locs . The second was my experiment: I took a lock down and palm rolled it with gel. The next day, my loc had unraveled :(

There was a point where I was going to pick my locs out and be done with it! My LovinLocs buddies and blog buddies, gave me lots of support! Now I want to encourage newbies that locking is not easy, but it is a truly enlightening and healing experience.

Don`t give up! think of the rewards that come with locs. There is a sisterhood and brotherhood of loc heads on the net that will help you over the hump! I never thought in a million years that I have a head full of dreadlocks! When I look in the mirror, I see the true me. When I come into the presence of perm heads, they look and stare because my natural presence demand respect! I`am not perpetrating a fraud. I`represent the true reflection of natural beauty.

I have grown to love and accept my locs with their curled ends and other imperfections. They are truly unique to me. I can go to the gym, swim, walk in the rain and best of all, be intimate without worrying whether my hair is going to revert to its natural state!

This is the first time in my life I have wash and wear hair. No hot combs. No electric rollers, No blow drying. No waiting long hours in the salon to get my hair did! I have no negatives even with the rocky start! I wish I had the mentality to loc much sooner! I would have saved myself lots of stress and pain!

"Listen to advice and accept instruction and in the end you will be wise" Proverbs 19:20

MAC COMPARISONS

2009-11-01T18:52:00.016-05:00

As I mentioned in my last makeup post, I became addicted to make up when I was not happy with my rebellious locs. It was either take down my locs and be regretful or deter my mind to another part of my body! I wore make up in college, but when my sons were born, the only thing I had time for was lipstick and mascara!

Now a middle aged woman ( 48yr. 5mo) , I`am very conscience of my appearance and my health. I was before. Now I`am a fanatic. I suffer from no health aliments and I would like to keep it this way for as long as I could. So, three to four times a week, I attend Zumba, step aerobics, and Nautilus weight training to keep within my healthy BMI and in my beautiful clothes! In a menopausal woman, that can be a challenge!

Looking in the mirror, I inspected my face. Not a wrinkle or crow feet at the eyes! Oooh I love my oily skin and DNA! I do not like the dark spots from the pimples. The large pores and inflamed and redden spots on my cheeks. How do I get a uniformed color to my complexion and hide the little imperfections? MAKE UP!

Two weeks ago, I had to get some winter make up. Reading, I discovered that you have to change the color of your foundation to ascent the darker color of your skin, tanned in the summer by the sun. For my summer foundation, I had some Mac liquid foundation: NW45 from the day that I first went to Macy`s to get matched for foundation.

The sales associate looked at my face and said I needed NW45. When I got home to apply the make up, I realized it looked red and a shade too dark. I was so angry! But, I was more angry with myself! For 26 bucks, I knew that I should have placed the makeup on my jaw line for 10min then go out side and look at the color in the mirror! DON`T TAKE THE SALES ASSOCIATES WORD FOR IT. THEY ARE THERE TO SELL PRODUCT. PLACE THE COLOR ON YOUR JAW LINE. GO OUT SIDE IN THE LIGHT! If YOU CANNOT TELL THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE COLOR OF YOUR SKIN AND THE COLOR OF THE FOUNDATION. IT`S THE RIGHT COLOR! I went back to Macy`s two weeks later and purchased Mac select 15 FPS foundation:NC50. My correct color match.

Iman Earth 2 cream foundation

I also bought Iman`s second to none cream to powder foundation in Earth 2. It`s the equivalent to Mac`s NW45. I loved how it glided over my skin. It covered my flaws well and kept my skin moist. I felt like I had no make up on!

On that note, I went to Macy`s to purchase my winter foundation.Since I loved Iman`s cream foundation so much, I decided to try MAC`s Studio Tech foundation:NC50. LOVE IT! It glides on smoothly, covers well and keeps my skin moist all day! I purchased Iman`s cream foundation in Earth 1. MAC`s NC50 color equivalent.

MAC Studio Tech:NC50

Watching you tube, Coloured beauiful had a comparison of a mac finishing powder and a Revlon ColorStay mineral finshing powder. I loved the Revlon mineral powder in Suntan matte. It left a slight shimmer without looking shiny. I had a little glow going on. I normally use MAC `s select sheer powder in NC45 or Cover Girl professional loose powder in 125 translucent tawney. Revlon`s finishing powder is my number one.

Coloured Beautiful also reviewed Revlon ColorStay foundation. Since she never used Mac, she could not give a Mac comparison. So here is my review. Revlon Color Stay is inferior to MAC. It`s not even a close second. It glides on thin. It does not cover well. It`s very drying. I feel as if I was wearing a facial mask. It`s tolerable! MAC Select SPF 15 foundation (liquid) glides on smooth. Covers dark spots and inperfections without using a concealer. It keep the skin moisturized through out the day, So I forget I have it on.

MAC is the winner! You get what you pay for here! Iman is my second runner up! Revlon is a distant third.

MAC Studio Tech:NC45 and Revlon ColorStay: Caramel

What is your favorite cosmetics? Why does it work for you? Drop me a line!

He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end. Ecclesiastes 3:11

The Journey to Healthy Locs

2009-09-30T09:50:00.018-04:00

I have received many E- mails of newbies disappointed about their newly locked hair or skills of their locktian. I can empathize with them because I too like others, have been down this road. As I have mention in a previous post, One`s hair is unique. You can see another beautiful locked head and fall in love with his or her locs. You decide to get locs like the person you saw in a picture or in the street, just to realize that your locs are not looking that way!

What most people do not realize is the type and texture of your hair determines the locking technique and the look of your locs!

Once you determine your hair type, you can research the different locking techniques and the textures that work best with it.

Do not hesitate to look at other peoples locs. Pay attention to the texture of the hair by observing their new growth at the hair line and around the loc.

Don`t forget to ask questions. If their texture mirrors yours, they may be able to share problems they had so you know what to expect during your journey!

Type 3

FIA`S HAIR TYPING SYSTEM

FIRST CLASSIFIER - Your curliness (or lack thereof)

The straight ones

1a - stick straight

1b -straight but with a slight body wave, just enough to add some volume, doesn't look wavy

1c - straight with body wave and one or two visible S-waves (e.g. nape of neck or temples)

The wavy ones

2a - loose, stretched out S-waves throughout the hair

2b - shorter, more distinct S-waves (similar to waves from braiding damp hair)

2c - distinct S-waves and the odd spiral curl forming here and there

The curly ones

3a - big, loose spiral curls

3b - bouncy ringlets

3c - tight corkscrews

The really curly ones

4a - tightly coiled S-curls

4b - tightly coiled hair bending in sharp angles (Z-pattern)

SECOND CLASSIFIER - What (most of) your individual strands look like

F - Fine Thin strands that sometimes are almost translucent when held up to the light. Shed strands can be hard to see even against a contrasting background. Similar to hair found on many people of Scandinavian descent. You can also try rolling a strand between your thumb and index finger. Fine hair is difficult to feel or it feels like an ultra-fine strand of silk

M - Medium Strands are neither fine nor coarse. Similar to hair found on many Caucasians. You can also try rolling a strand between your thumb and index finger. Medium hair feels like a cotton thread. You can feel it, but it isn't stiff or rough. It is neither fine or coarse.

C - Coarse Thick strands that where shed strands usually are easily identified against most backgrounds. Similar to hair found on many people of Asian or native American descent. You can also try rolling a strand between your thumb and index finger. Coarse hair feels hard and wiry. As you roll it back and forth, you may actually hear it.

THIRD CLASSIFIER - Your overall volume of hair Put your hair in a ponytail with as much hair as possible in it. Don't bother with the way it looks - the goal is to have most/all of your hair in there. If it means it sits smack dab on top of your head, put it there.

Measure the circumference of the ponytail. If you have bangs and/or you can't get all of your hair in there adjust according to how much of your hair you have measured.

i - thin (less than 2 inches/5 centimeters)

ii - normal (between 2-4 inches or 5-10 centimeters)

iii - thick (more than 4 inches/10 centimeters)

LOCKING METHODS

1. Free-form - Locs are started by washing your hair and leaving it alone to bud on its own.Once the hair develop buds, the buds are separated by hand.

2. Comb Coils - are made with a rattail comb on short hair (1"- 3")

3. Palm Rolling - With aleast 3" of natural hair, the hair is placed between the left and right palm and rolled. This method brings all the loose and stray hair together to form a cylindrical loc.

THE METHODS ABOVE ARE BEST ON MEDIUM TO TIGHT CURL PATTERNS.

4. Two Strand Twist - You part two sections of hair, then cross each strand over the other .When you get to near the end, separate the two strands to three to braid to the end.

5.Braids - with this method, you can determine the size of your locs by the size of your braids. Apply loc gel and braid to the tip. You can either palm roll or interlock the new growth.

6. Interlocks - Is a technique where the hair is interlocked or intertwined into a pattern. The loc is interlocked 1" above the tip to the scalp. This is the method used by SisterLocks and NappyLocs.

THE METHODS ABOVE ARE BEST WITH LOOSE CURL TEXTURES. SL`s was TM for tight curled hair and works well with loose curl textures that may not loc well with comb coils or palm rolling.

* WARNING! LOOSE CURL TEXTURES THAT INTERLOCK OR BRAID MAY NOT LOOSE THE INTERLOCK OR BRAID PATTERN. YOU MAY ALSO EXPERIENCE BUNCHING IN THE MIDDLE OR AT THE TIP OF YOUR LOCS AS THEY BEGIN TO LOC.

DEVELOPMENTAL STAGES OF A LOC.

1. PRE-LOCK ( BABY) STAGE: The loc is soft and in a loc pattern. The hair with in the coil or the pattern ( interlock and braid ) has not yet begun to intertwine or mesh. In this stage, interlocs look thin. They will expand and fill in!

2. SPROUTING AND BUDDING STAGE: You shampoo and your coils stay in tact! Your SL or interlocks do not slip anymore! Congrats! Your hair has began to lock! The hair begins to interlace and mesh. The loc begins to puff up and expand in size. Little bulbs or knots begin to form in the middle or at the ends of the locs. Hair balls of hair begin to hang off the ends on the loc. Do not remove! They will fall off on their own! The loc will look frizzy and unkempt. Avoid over manipulation at this phase. Let the hair do what it do!

3. LOCKING (TEENAGE) STAGE: So your baby locs look more like locs! The loc begins to shrink and firm up. The buds begin to expand throughout the length of the loc.

3. MATURATION STAGE: The loc has a tight rope-like appearance and firm to touch. The end of the loc has totally closed or sealed. In loose curl textures, a curl or wave may exist at the end of locs giving the appearance of open or unsealed ends.

I have these issues. My some of my ends would not seal at the tip.They would loc right above the curl. If I let the curl be, the hair would over mat around the curl leaving a large and ugly matted ball of hair at the end of my loc. I cut the curl under the locked portion of my loc. With time, that portion matted and sealed without over matting!

4. ATROPHY STAGE: Usually in 5-10 years, the loc may begin to thin and break at the ends. Small locks are more prone to atrophy because they are more fragile than larger locs. The locs at the hairline are more prone to this. The deterioration can be decreased by checking your locs for age. Trim ends as needed! Thinning and breakage at the ends is a part of the locs life cycle. Excessive dryness will accelerate this process!

Remember, as your ends get further from your scalp, it is dificult for sebum to get to the ends of your locs. It is important to keep your locs conditioned and moisturized! Think of a dry rot rope. If a rope looses its moisture, it will dry out and break!

LOCKTIANS

There are skilled and not so skilled lockicians as there are skilled and not so skilled physicians. Would you allow a physician to treat you without researching his credentials or checking out his references? I would not!

After you decide what type and size locs you desire, begin researching natural hair salons. Ask questions about the products that they use to loc and shampoo your hair. Ask how long should you wait after your initial lock session to get your locs re-twisted or latched? Your locktian should have the skills to handle any complications you have with your locs. Most important, observe your locktican at work and speak to her clients and observe the look of their locs. Most of all, your visit to your salon should be pleasant and not cost you a arm and a leg! For any reason you become disappointed with your natural hair care provider, speak with him or her about your problem. If you don`t have any resolution, then find another loctician that will met your needs!

"During the entire period of his vow of separation no razor may be used on his head. he must be holy until the period of his separation to the Lord is over; he must let the hair of his head grow long" Numbers 6:5

The 2009 West Indian American Day Carnival

2009-09-07T22:38:00.019-04:00

I `am an Bajan-American. I was born in NYC to a American mother and a Bajan father. I have best of two worlds! My paternal grandmother kept my siblings and I culturally grounded. I remember as a child when I visited my aunt, uncles, and cousins, they played dominoes, danced to "fun music" (calypso) as I called it, and ate delicious food( fried flying fish) and chatted strangely (patois) .

My mother introduced her children to many ethnic cultures. Every Friday, in the summer, we would meet her at the job to have lunch. We would enjoy an international dish. She had friends from many cultures, so we would have play dates and enjoy other cultures customs and foods!

When I entered high school, I met and dated a Jamaican who took me to a West Indian club and introduced me to Dance hall.( My mother had already introduced me to Reggae) SOB`s and Club Caribe became one of my homes. I could let my hair down and dress the way I wanted to.

I could not deal with American clubs. Everyone was trying to out dress the other. The women would talk about other women if she came to a club to dresses too provocative. The men would profile and hold up the wall. If you were lucky, you might even get a free drink! That was rubbish to me! I was taught to work hard and play harder because life is too short! Any way, R&B did not move me like soca and reggae. The music is in my soul!

Brooklyn, NY, is a blend of all the West Indian cultures. You can get the food, the music and dreadlocks here! My baby never went to the parkway! He was submerged in the history, music, and food of Barbados, Jamaica, Trinidad growing up. I thought the parkway was too much for him as a child. He will be 18 in two months and I thought it was time for him to experience Brooklyn`s carnival and J`Ouvert!

My Baby

My Baby and I

First Rapture Ready Riders: Part 3 "On the Road"

2009-08-13T00:17:00.002-04:00

On the road and meeting friends !

First Rapture Ready Riders: Part 2 "The Ride Begings"

2009-08-10T17:39:00.002-04:00

Rapture Ready Ryderz Motorcycle Ministry of Solid Rock Church of God, New Windsor, NY.

First Rapture Ready Riders Part One

2009-08-10T00:22:00.002-04:00

My Locs Do Not Like Condish!

2009-08-03T02:03:00.015-04:00

My locs do not like conditioner, Everytime I use it, a few of my locs soften and unravel at the tips. I have three locs that are in the baby and teenage stage after 20 months! I use Black Earth conditioner. I dilute it in 8oz of water and I leave it on my locs for one minute. I use to condition every two weeks. I figured this is too much and I started using conditioner after a color, once a every six to eight weeks.

I discovered some comments on the internet and on youtube about Oyin Handmade products. Based on the good reviews, I decided to order some products: Frank Juice, Grand poo shampoo bar, and Shine and Define. I was not impressed. My locs did not soften with the Frank juice. I did not experience the softness everyone raved about! The smell was to be desired! Frank juice left my locs feeling tacky and sticky.

The grand poo shampoo bar did not do anything for my locs. It produced very little suds even after the second wash. My locs did not seem to absorb the water. I did not get the feeling of cleanliness with this product. I did not get that softening effect with the grandpoo that I received with Black Earth shampoo and Knotty Boy dread shampoo bar.After nil results with the Oyin shampoo bar, I grabbed the Rosemary mint shampoo bar by Chagrin valley soap.com. This shampoo is all natural. it produced creamy suds, leaving my hair feeling clean and moisturized without stripping the color from my locs. I bought the sample size. I will be adding this product to my hair regime!

After I shampooed, I used some Zum oil on my locs. I found this great oil mix in the health food store. The fragrance of Frankincense and Myrrh was a big factor for my purchase. The scent was so sensual! I scanned the ingredients and I was so happy to discover that it had all the ingredients that I mixed with my raw shea butter to make my body butter. Zum oil leaves my hair soft and moisturized. I mix this with vegetable glycerin, tea tree oil, and peppermint oil.

Zum oil ingredients: Sweet almond oil, shea butter oil, meadowfoam oil, organic sunflower oil, avocado oil, fractionated coconut oil, hemp oil, essential oils, fragrance oil, vitamin E, and rosemary extract.

Oyin Shine and Define gentle styling serum is a winner! I applied this to my damp locs before I rolled my locs with soft spikes curlers. When my hair dried, I had some moisture rich and soft curls!

I decided to use conditioner sparingly and use natural vegetable and fruit oil.

Natural Moisturizers and Conditioners: SWEET ALMOND: Has excellent moisture retaining properties similar to sebum.It is an emollient. It is best known for softening and conditioning. It has vitamin E, essential fatty acids, zinc, copper and protein. APRICOT OIL is similar to sweet almond oil. it is more suitable for sensitive and premature aged skin.

AVOCADO OIL: Stimulates hair growth, softens and moisturizes It contains Vitamins A, D, E and potassium, sulfur, chlorine, fatty acids and amino acids.it is recommended to people with sensitive skin, problem skin, such as eczema and psoriasis.

COCONUT OIL: Moisturizes and conditions.

JOJOBA OIL: Is similar to sebum and is a liquid wax not an oil. It contains amino acids, silica, B complex, Vitamin E, chromium, iodine, copper and zinc.

HEMP SEED OIL: Has anti-inflammatory, healing, regenerative and anti-aging properties.It is an emoillent and a moisturizer.

SHEA OIL: Is a light oil. It protects, moisturizes and soften hair and skin. Raw SHEA BUTTER is known for its healing properties. It stimulates cellular activity, fights aging nd repairs rough dry skin.

MEADOW FOAM OIL: Moisturizes, and rejuvinates skin and hair.

REMEMBER! When locs are healthy and clean, they will exhibit a beautiful luster and sheen! Locs will not shine when we were permed or wore our hair loose! Your locs will absorb oils that they need.Applying large amounts of oils will only attract dirt and lint! When caring for your locs, less is always best!

As a former product junkie, it was hard not to try out different products. What keep me from products is I fear buildup in my locs! Twenty months locked and I have never had a lint issue!

BLESSINGS!

"God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble" Psalm 46:1

The Apollo` s Memorial For Michael Jackson.

2009-07-12T17:46:00.008-04:00

I live in the suburbs of NYC and if you want certain things, you have to drive to the city to get it! I had a quarter size of my shea butter mixture left. I have not used commercial lotion on my skin since I made a decision to lock my hair. After discovering the ingredients used to make hair and skin products, I decided to make my own body butters and purchase my shampoos and conditioners from the health food store or from my fellow locked sistahs that make natural hair products.

It was my turn to chaperoned my son and his girl friend. I needed raw African Shea butter to make my body butter. The best place to get it is in Harlem, at 125th st! My friend and I decided to kill two birds with one stone and visit Michael Jackson`s Memorial in front of the famous Apollo theater!

There were vendors selling Michael Jackson t-shirts, CD`s, buttons, and pictures. There was a makeshift memorial, as well as a signatures filled fence with pens available so you can write a thought.

What attracted me to this wall was this image that a fan had added to this wall. This was from the smooth criminal video. One of my favorite videos!

This image appears large, but as you can see from the photo below, it was quite small!

My youngest son

My son and his girl friend

We all had a great time! We bought a few t-shirts and buttons. I saw some friends and ex- co workers. ( I worked in The Harlem community for 13 years! ) I bought a large tub of raw African Shea butter and Nubian Heritage mango butter soap with Shea and cocoa butters. These soaps are great! I purchased this for $3. If you purchase two, it`s $5. The Nubian Heritage products are all natural.

MJ, you will be missed!

RIP: MICHAEL JACKSON

2009-06-29T00:22:00.012-04:00

I was driving, listening to Michael Baisden, on 98.7 Kiss, when they had received news that Michael Jackson had suffered a massive heart attack. By then, everyone was scrambling to get confirmation that he had passed away. I was in shock! I prayed at that point, that he would be alright.

Thirty minutes later, It was official! Michael Jackson was gone! Immediately, my son, and mother had called to inform me of the news. I received text messages from friends. I felt as if I had lost my brother all over again. I felt so empty and helpless. When I arrived home to confirm the news for myself, I turned on the news and went on the net. Sadly, he was gone forever. But his music and my memories for him live on.

For my 14th birthday, my mom surprised me with three front seat tickets to Radio City Music Hall to see the Jackson Five. My mother` s friend was a tailor at Bloomingdale's. He had made me a pink tuxedo as a birthday gift like the one the Jackson five have in the picture below.

Like other young girls, I was crazy in love with first African American teen idols of my time. Mike and his brothers were one of the fore fathers of music that would cross racial boundaries and truly make their music a universal language! Michael had humanly touched the world. He paved the way for other entertainers . As quiet as it is kept, he has helped more people than any other entertainer!

Michael had issues like any other person. Unfortunately, when it comes to our people, the media never fails to emphasize the negative points.

Michael is the King of Pop. No one will ever replace him. He is our Elvis and the Jackson Five is our Beetles. I will always remember the effect his music has on me and the rest of mankind!

Michael Jackson - Remember The Time
Uploaded by hushhush112. - Watch more music videos, in HD!

My First Loc Up Do

2009-06-22T18:23:00.014-04:00

I`am getting very bored with my locs. When I was creamy crack addict and became bored or unhappy with my hair, You better watch out! No one knew how I was going to look when I came to work the next day. If I saw a fly hair style in a book, I found a stylist that could give me that look.

One day at a new job, I saw a woman with a fierce short hair cut. I told the woman, she had a beautiful hair style and in the same breath, I asked her, who did her hair? She gave me Virginia`s card and that Saturday, I went from hair that surpassed my bra to a Halley Berry short cut. I wore my hair short for three years. When I wanted long hair, I would add hair. That was not the same as having naturally long hair, so I began to grow it back. That's when my problems began and one of the reasons why I` am locked!

In the past weeks, I have been having traditional loc envy. I really love the smoothness and cylindrical look of traditional locs. I hate the idea of keeping the interlocking pattern of my locs. Every one who I saw who had Sisterlocks had not lost their pattern unless they had a very kinky hair type. I latched by son`s traditional locs. He has a tightly coiled texture. After six months, I could tell the difference between the palm roll technique and the interlocking technique. (2pt rotation) I really did not like the look. So I will resume palm rolling his hair. As for me I`am tittering on whether I`am going to take down my SL and begin a new loc journey with palm rolling in December.

I began to re-ti my hair using the 3pt rotation, because it is a loose pattern compared to pt4 and it is suppose to yield a loc that has more volume. I`am noticing that the 3pt re-ti looks more like locs compared to the 4pt re-ti, at the ends of my locs. I presume that the shedded hair can settle naturally, without being choked up in the loc.

A friend of mine suggested that I take two locs and begin palm rolling them together. If I like the results, I could combine the rest of my locs and begin my new loc journey with palm rolling. I thought that was a great idea. So, as soon as I get some new growth, I will begin palm rolling and posting my results!

To prevent me from doing something, stupid like taking down my locs, I had to color my hair with Natural instincts:20B, Cinnamon Stick ( medium warm brown) and Kumina`s Gray Magic.

After, I dried my hair under a cool dryer, I began to experiment a little. My locs have different lengths so I`am still limited in what I can do to style my locs. I began playing with the locs in the back and this is what I came up with.

I spritzed the rest of my locs with water, then I rolled them with soft spikes. This is the end result!

Well, I accomplished my first loc style! Maybe that will give me some incentive to discover new loc styles. I want long locs, but I need to work with what I have. People with long locs had to begin from some where too! After all, I have to do my time too!

Blessings!

OMG!!! WHERE IS MY NAPPY LOCK TOOL?

2009-06-02T17:54:00.001-04:00

OMG!! Where is my Nappy Lock Tool? On Memorial day, I was lounging on my chaise tightening my locs. BF was in the garage securing the steps leading into the house. Before he starts any project, he has to get my seal of approval or else he will be sent home with his tail between his legs! LOL! He calls me for the seal of approval ,which is blissfully granted! I attempt to continue my re-ti. I can not find my tool! I look under the chaise, under the cushion, on the fireplace mantle. I run up stairs to the bedroom. I look on the dresser, on the night stand, and on the vanity in my bathroom. No tool!

I always misplace my tool and then find it in a few days. I usually have my plastic yarn needles as a back up! I looked in the vanity drawer and no more yarn needles! At this point, I`am crazy! The next day after work, I go to walmart to purchase some plastic yarn needles. They had none! By now, I `am desperate! so, I go down the road to Michael`s. I hate shopping at Michael`s. They are too darn expensive! I only go to michaels when they have a fierce sale on beads.

I go into michael`s to find the yarn needles. They have two in the pack for $ 1.49. That`s crazy! I usually get four needles at walmart for the same price! Well like I said before, I `am desperate!

I go home and begin to make my loc tool. I like these needles!The eye is very pliable. Usually, when I buy Walmart needles, I break at least one before I get one made. I did a re-ti! Now I`am very happy! I made a video for you who lost your Nappy Loc tool. Don`t get me wrong, I love my NL tool, and I will purchase another one! For now, this works very well for me. Any way, it is an inexpensive alternate and it`s readily available!

KREATIV BLOGGER AWARD!

2009-05-29T18:15:00.000-04:00

I have been given the Kreative Blogger Award by Kumina and Nubian1

My lock buddy Kumina graciouly gave me the award last week, but I had a busy week and did not have the time to blog. I` am so sorry, Kumina! Please forgive me! These are for you!

Kumina and I started out loc journey a month a part! We bonded on Lovinlocs and sisterlock_ look_ for_ less. Even though she is braidlocked and I `am SisterLocked, we have similar hair textures and had similar loc issues. Because of her and my lovinlocs family, I `am still locked!

Nubian1 has a great blog! She is very creative! She even had a creative way to display her seven loves, which I truly love and borrowed . Thank you, Nubian1. This is for you!

I had to edit my post because I just discovered that Phe-Phi had presented me with the Kreativ Blogger Award too! I`am one that gives credit where it is due! Phe is two months locked via braidlocs! She love to read and write short stories! Please check out her blog!

Phe-Phi, these are for you!

THE RULES....

Now the recipient of this award has to share seven loves and give seven blogger this award! They too, have to share seven loves and give seven awards!

MY SEVEN LOVES :

1. My GOD!

With God, all things are possible!

2. My sons

Thats my nephew with thr white cap!
My sons are the God sends of my life!

3. My parents

They are the loves of my life!

4. My Locs

My locs are 18 months old! I can finally wash and go!
Who knew they would help make my life so easy!

5. My Shoes!

I have a shoe fetish! I`am obsession for shoes!

I have over 50 pairs.

6. MY BEST FRIEND!

Thats my co-worker with the OR hat on. My best friend is to the right. She keeps me grounded when I` am out of line! She is as close as I can get to a big sister! She is my spiritual adviser, my psychologist, shopping spree partner!

7. The Gift Of Life!

So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. Genesis 1:27

Every day that I wake up, I praise and thank my the love of my life, my provider, my healer and my friend. He had made all of my loves 1-6 possible! Without life, I`am unable to enjoy the people, the things, nature, and reasons he created it.

Psalm 150

Praise the Lord

Praise God in his sanctuary

praise him in his mighty heavens.

Praise him for his acts of power,

praise him for his surpassing greatness.

Praise him with the sounding of the trumpets,

praise him with tambourine and dancing,

praise him with the strings and flute,

praise him with the clash of cymbals.

Let everything that breath praise the Lord.

Praise the Lord.

I GIVE THE KREATIV BLOGGER AWARD TO...

Kalia-Dewdrop

Carmennc

Justlocscharlott

luvlockd

All naptural

NaturallySophia

QuietSpirit101

BLESSINGS!

GET OFF THE BACK!

2009-05-10T22:00:00.000-04:00

KAWASAKI NINJA 500R

I decided that I was going to "Get Off The Back" of someone else bike, get my own and learn to ride it!

I always wanted to learn how to ride a motorcycle since I was a teenager. Riding a motorcycle represented to me, sexiness, living on the edge, and freedom! Between managing a demanding job and being mommy to three young son`s, I had no time to pursue my dreams.

I never believed that just because I` am a women, that I could not have manly hobbies. I do carpentry, basic plumbing, and electrical work. I own an array of power tools and I use them better than most men! I get under my truck hood and actually know whats under it and how it works. I have no problem changing a tire, changing the oil, and replacing the breaks, if needed. Yes! I love golf! I learned over two years ago. Another sport, I wanted to learn!

Motorcycling is a very dangerous sport! It requires a lot of concentration and skill. It is a hobby or a sport to not take lightly! As an Operating Room nurse in a level 1 trauma center for many years, I have seen devastating injuries mainly involving young men. Usually motorist does not see the motorcyclist. There are times when the motorcyclist has no respect for the road or the motorist. That`s one reason that I was not so Gun Ho about learning to ride!

Now, my curiosity has raised its head. I` am ready to ride!

1. LET`S GET STARTED!

1. Get a motorcycle manual and STUDY!!!

2. Take the written test to get your permit.

3. Take the motorcycle safety program taught by the motorcycle safety foundation.
In NYS, If you possess a driver`s license and take the motorcycle safety program, you do not have to take the DMV`s road test.

4. Get that License!

2. SAFETY EQUIPMENT

ICON AIRFRAME REGAL FULL FACE HELMET

Motorcycle Helmet is designed to prevent serious injury or death. A full face helmet provides the best protection! It should be snell and DOT certified. Your helmet should be comfortable and fit properly. Make sure the helmet has vents. In the summer, you do not want your visor to fog up on the road. Your helmet should be able to filter out wind noise. Choose bright colors so you are visible to motorist! Make sure you go to a motorcycle shop to try on different helmets. Each brand of helmet fits differently. Wear it for at lease 10-15 min. It should fit snug, but comfortable! Measure your head. I settled for a Icon Airframe regal. Retailed for $330 in the bike shop. I found it on line for $265. I know, you must be saying, "Damn. that's expensive!" The helmet fit like a pillow and it was light compared to the other helmets I tried on. Any way, You get what you pay for and my brain is worth it!

2. JACKETS

POWER TRIP WOMEN`S STILLETO JACKET

The purpose of a motorcycle jacket is to protect you from the wind, rain, bugs, road debris and most importantly, the jacket protects your skin! Most motorcycle jackets come with shoulder, elbow, and spine plates. This is called "Body Armor" The "Armor" helps to protect you in case you take a fall! Your jacket helps to protect you from road rash.

Biker jackets come in different materials and styles. If you ride in the winter, leather is the best choice. It acts as a barrier from cold and rain. Choose jackets that are made from Buffalo or Cowhide.

Motorcycle jackets made out textile materials are becoming very popular! These jackets are light weight, comfortable, and take less time to dry out. These jackets are breathable and cooler in warmer weather. Mesh jackets are cooler in the summer!

Look for a jacket made out of high density nylon such as Kevlar, Cordura, and Lycra.

3. MOTORCYCLE GLOVES

ALPINESTARS WOMEN`S STELLA SP-3 GLOVES

Motorcycle gloves protect your hands in case you fall. They have padding at the knuckles and palm pads. The gloves also help provide grip in the throttle.

4. MOTORCYCLE CHAPS OR PANTS

First gear women`s kwik-dry sport tour leather over pants

Motorcycle pants and chaps, protect your from road rash in the event you are in an accident or fall off of your bike.

You should choose a good quality leather such as cowhide or buffalo. These leathers are known for their toughness and abrasion protection.

Remember, your pants should not fit very tight. buy them one to two sizes larger than you jean size.

5. MOTORCYCLE BOOTS

ICON WOMEN`S BOMBSHELL BOOT

Motorcycle boots should be made out of leather. They should have good ankle protection and have reinforced shift pads. They should come right under the calf. This protects your ankles against heat, road debris, and injury.

WHAT MOTORCYCLE IS RIGHT FOR MY FIRST BIKE?

Remember, that women are shorter, lighter, and have a shorter reach span than men. When you mount a bike, consider the heaviness of the bike. If it tips over, you have to be able to pick it up! Are your feet flat on the ground? Can you reach the foot controls? Can you reach the hand grips comfortably? Are you in a comfy position?

When I entered a motorcycle shop, all these questions were answered when I mounted the Yamaha YZF-R6R. The bike was too wide and the seat was too hard. My inner thighs were very uncomfortable! Only the balls of my feet touched the ground.The sales associate told me they had a kit to adjust the bikes height. That was OK, but what about the seat? He said I can up grade the seat too. Hell to the NO!

He had a used Kawasaki Ninja ZX-14. It fit me like a glove! 1352cc of horses? can`t do that right now. I`am just a newbie! I settled for a Ninja 500R. 498cc of horses is more than enough for me right now! In the motorcycle safety program, you learn to ride on a 250cc motorcycle! My Mama told me you have to learn how to walk before you could run!

NOW THAT YOU GOT THE BASIC LOW DOWN, YOU CAN "GET OFF THE BACK AND GET YOUR OWN RIDE!

UNITED NATION LOCS

2009-04-27T22:05:00.000-04:00

Unfortunately I do not have "GOOD HAIR" for dreadlocks. The Ideal hair texture for locs are tightly coiled or grade 4 hair texture. My hair is in the grade 3 family. My hair is a loose curl texture. When my hair is wet, it becomes bone straight! DAMN!!! I had and still have bunching issues with a few locs that are not yet fully locked. I have to stretch out my locs, separate them and get under a cool dryer, so they will plump up and not tangle! I have stray hair that do not stay in the loc.

Instead of that tight coil at the tips, I have a loose Shirley Temple going on! How many times did I considered cutting my locs and giving up? Many! I considered starting all over with tst
(two strand twist) and maintain my re tightening by twisting. But to start all over, I don`t think I could stand another journey. Who says that I will not have other types of issues with that method! As I see it, it`s another type of method with the same type of hair!

When I first decided to get locs, I searched different websites and SisterLock blogs for the locs that I wanted. I fell in love with this woman`s locs. I took this picture to my consultant. I told her this is how I want my locs. Did I get her locs? Hell No! She has over 400 locs and I have 300 locs. She has tightly coiled hair, I have loosely coiled hair! I was so disappointed.

My locs will never look like hers or anyone else. My locs are a characteristic of my lineage. As I learn to accept who I`am, I have to accept that my locs are a representation of my family tree. I represent West Indian ( Barbados), East Indian ( India), American Indian ( Cherokee), Irish, and Africa. When I look at my reflection, I see many nationalities who make up who I`am. So, my hair is no different!

So when your hair begins to bunch, go to Dewdrops blog and learn how to fix them. If they are already locking, you can either take the loc down or wait until they loc and cut the bunched section off, as I had done. If you have over matted tips, you can either, pick out the matted tips and then braid or back comb and roll the tips. You can do what I did, allow the loc to lock and then cut the over matted portion off. The locs sealed nicely without over matting. If you have curly Q`s like mine, you can back comb the tips or braid the tips.

Bottom line! our hair represents who we are! Most people who embark on this journey, discover who they really are. Most of us have perpetrated a fraud by relaxing our hair trying look like someone we do not see in the mirror, but see on the telly and in our everyday life!

God accepts us for who we are! Why can`t we accept our selves?

GOD IS LOVE. WHOEVER LIVES IN LOVE LIVES IN GOD, AND GOD IN HIM. 1 JOHN 4:16

48 years young!

2009-04-20T17:45:00.000-04:00

Yeah! I`am 48 years old young! Saturday, April 18th, I celebrated my 48th birthday! I spent the day with my youngest son and my two nieces. I had an out pour of text, cards, and phone calls, but I decided to celebrate with the people who make me the happiest!

Yes, it`s my birthday, but decided to give back to my son and nieces. What makes them happy, makes me happy! I `am so blessed to have them in my life! My family meet with another family, and together we all had a blast!

We dined and then we all went to a place called Crazy City. There were rock climbing, go karts, mini golf, rides, and video games, all under one roof!

We did not arrive home until after 10pm. I was tired, but very happy! This was one of the best birthdays I had ever had!

" A happy heart makes the face cheerful, but a heartache crushes the spirit." Proverbs 15:13

What is Lent?

2009-03-21T09:54:00.000-04:00

Lent is a time of soul- searching, discipline, and repentance for the celebration of Christ`s death and resurrection. Lent begins on Ash Wednesday and ends the day before Easter. Lent consist of 40 days before Easter, not including Sundays. Sundays are not counted because Sunday is a celebration of Jesus` resurrection.

Lent represents the 40 days Jesus spent in the wilderness, fasting and being tempted by the Devil (matthew 4:1-11 )

Ash Wednesday is the first day of lent. On this day, Christians are to focus on their complete sinfulness and the necessity of Christ suffering and death to insure our salvation.

Ashes are referred as signs of sorrow, mourning, humility, and repentance. On Ash Wednesday, ashes are used to remind people of their mortality!

" you are dust, and you shall return" ( Genesis 3:19 )

Palm Sunday or the Sunday of passion begins Holy Week. This is the last week of lent. Good Friday represent the imprisonment, trial, and death by crucifiction of Jesus.

There are Three main Practices of Lent

1. Fasting: Give something up for God!

2. Prayer and Meditation: Reflect on your own sin and what it cost him!

3. Give to the poor: Show your love of Christ to others!

" A Prayer for Lent "

lord, at the beginning of this Lenten sesson, I sense my need to you; yet I am not quite sure how to reach you.

I heard someone say, " Read you Bible.' But too often the words are like bullets that ricochet off my brain.

I heard someone say, "Pray." But my prayers, hurled heaven ward, fall back to earth like lifeless stones.

I heard someone say, " Meditate." But my wandering mind was lost in a desert of random thoughts.

Lord, speak to me through your WORD and let it penetrate my mind and my heart.

Lord, speak to me through PRAYER, and turn my lifeless stones to bread.

Lord, speak to me in my Meditation, that I may see, amid life`s wilderness: The way, The truth, The life....... AMEN!!!

Designer Bag Addict!

2009-03-16T21:15:00.000-04:00

I Love shoes and designer handbags! My favorite are Coach, Louis Vuitton, and Dooney and Bourke. I like Gucci, but their bags are not made well. Twenty three years ago, when I received my first pay check as a nurse, I went straight to Bloomingdale's to buy a Gucci. Matter of fact, I bought two. One tote bag and one drawstring (which I still have today). The tote bag`s snap, incised its self right through the bag! I had a perfect circle where the snap use to be!

Two years ago, I went to Gucci . I purchased a black signature bag. Three months later the handle separated from the metal hardware that bridged the bag to the leather cord-like strap.I had a fit! I drove right to Gucci and handed over the bag. It was under warranty and they repaired it and sent it to me. Who wants to buy a bag that you have to repair? When you spend over $ 300 for a bag, It should last a life time!

I have a Louie that is 23 years old. That bag aged gracefully! You can`t tell it is that old! I love the old Dooneys. That pebbled weatherproof leather ages so well! I do not wear them often because the bag is heavy by itself!

The new Dooneys are too childish! Seems like Dooney had lost its quality and sophistication to bag the younger women. I did manage to buy one that I liked! It was the right price! Did you know every so often, TJ ma xx and Marshall`s purchase Coach and Dooney? Yes they may be from past season, but who cares!

http://www.dooney.com/

I`am a Coach freak! I`am sorry to tell you, Coach has some issues! They seem to be cranking out different bags every three months! I will go to the website, I may see a bag and put it on my wish list. Three months later, It is unavailable!

Last Friday, I visited a premium outlet, 25 minutes from my home. Since I moved to my town 9 years ago, I only visited the outlet less than five times. I`am a bargain hunter! I will not spend full price for anything if I do not have to! Folks come to this outlet and think they are getting a deal! Looking at some of the prices, I shake my head and move on

http://www.coach.com/

This day, I hit the jackpot! I went to the Coach outlet. I bought, two bags, one change purse, one umbrella, and a ponytail tie for $311! Yes I said it! $311!!! That was a bargain. I treat myself twice a year! When I get my income tax return and on my birthday! Last year I did not treat myself. There were too many things that were more important! This year, I had the privilege of a shopping spree that saved me some money!

I want this Louie, but I cannot justify spending $800 for this bag! I read and heard on the news that the money that we spend on a fake Louie goes to terrorist. I`am sorry! If the Louis vuitton company was so concerned about that, they would have made a collection that is affordable!

I love coordination. I had to find a new case for my Blackberry Storm. I searched the net and I found this website! I found my case at a local mall! I bought this Coach wrist let at the Coach outlet!

www.thefaceplatestore.com

ADORE SHINING SEMI-PERMANENT HAIR COLOR

2009-02-21T08:47:00.000-05:00

"Adore" shining semi-permanent hair color is "DA BOMB! In the past, I have tried permanent, demi-permanent, and semi-permanent hair coloring and they all failed to totally cover my resistant grays. I had givin up! I had actually started letting my grays grow out.

I was reading a post on Lovinlocs yahoo groups, on semi-premanent hair color. Camille, our resident loc doctor and owner of Noire Design Concepts in MD, had recommended two semi-permanent hair colors that are good for covering gray.

"Adore", by Creative Image and "VIA NATURAL", by Universal beauty products,Inc.

When I went to the beauty supply store, I saw Adore, but I did not see Via Natural. Adore has a semi-permanent hair color that has jojoba oils, panthenol, and the whole nine, called "Adore plus". Its in a purple bottle. They did not have the color I wanted on the color swatch, so I decided to use the Adore in the white bottle.

This morning, I decided to give this hair color a try. I used Mahogany #106.

DIRECTIONS

1. Shampoo and towel dry.

2. Use a protective cream around hair line.

3. Apply hair color 1/8" fron scalp (I`am still trying to figure out how to do that!), comb through thoroughly. (I have locs can`t comb, but I can squeeze into locs thoroughly!)

4. Cover with a plastic cap, and process with heat for up to 15 minutes.

5. Rinse and shampoo completely.

I bought two bottles. I only had to use one bottle. My locs are not long. Those with long locs, I suggest that you use two. I shampooed my locs with a claryifing shampoo to get it squeaking clean. I applied the color to the areas where I had the most grays. Then I concentrated on my roots, then my locs. I squeezed the hair color into my locs. I took plastic wrap to cover my hair. This helped to confine the color. For extra protection, I covered my hair with a plastic cap.

I have resistant gray, so I stayed under the dryer for 15 minutes, then I let the color sit for an additional 15 minutes. I rinsed my hair until it was clear, then I used a gentle shampoo of fear that if I used a claryfing shampoo, I would strip the color! I used a natural "Rosemary Mint" shampoo bar from http://chagrinvalleysoap.com/ . They have nice shampoo and body bars!

I conditioned my hair for 1 minute. Then I spritzed with Jane carter leave-in conditioner. To seal the moisture, I used a Jojoba oil, sweet almond oil mixed with peperment, tea tree, and rosemary essential oils.

I rolled my hair with my soft spikes, sat under a warm dryer for 45min. LOC MISSION COMPLETE!

P.S. I ordered Via Natural from the internet, Color review coming in 6-8 weeks!

CLEANSE AND HEAL THYSELF

2009-01-19T13:34:00.000-05:00

"Do you not know your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own: you were bought with a price. Therefore honor your God with your body." 1 Corinthians 6:19-20

Even though this scripture pertains to sexual immorality, it also pertains to how we choose to care for our bodies. I began my second phase of healing when I made a commitment to go napptural. The first, was when I allowed God to reign over my life!

I discovered that the ingredients found in hair and skin products that I was using pre-napptural, was damaging and polluting my skin and scalp.

http://www.nappturality.com/modules/wfsection/article.php?articleid=22

I began to research and rediscovered natural products. I began using natural oils, butters, and essential oils on my scalp, hair, and body. I enjoyed making shampoos and skin butters. I had no idea through my loc journey, that I would be so enlightened.

http://motowngirl.com/content/natural-hair-recipes.html

I started strengthening my hair two months before I locked by drinking wheat grass smoothies. I found the recipe when I was lurking on Blaqkofi`s blog. At first, it taste like grass. After I adjusted the recipe, I drink it every morning!

Wheat Grass Recipe

8oz. organic soy milk

1 banana

1/2c wild blueberries

4 strawberries

1tbs powdered protein

1tbs lecithin granules

1tsp wheatgrass

1tsp spirulina

1 packet of stevia

I`AM A VEGETARIAN!

In October of 08, I decided to become a Lacto-Ovo Vegetarian. ( A vegetarian who on occasions eats dairy and egg products) I chose to transition to lacto-ovo, because I love cheese and ice cream. I `am not an egg person, but I use them mainly in recipes.

I was not a red meat eater. I ate chicken, turkey, and fish in very small portions. It was easy for me to drop meat. As a result, in six weeks, I had dropped 10 lbs!

As a vegetarian, I have prepared and eatened vegetables that I would not consider, Spaghetti squash. Who knew? I stay in the kitchen, now. I was not a kitchen person. I love a beautiful and large kitchen.I used it for everything except to cook. Now you can`t keep me out! Who would have known that vegetarian food taste so good!

Every Sunday, I pick two new dishes to prepare. I freeze one for the middle of the week. I can`t cook every day! My sons love the dishes that I cook and they do not miss the meat. They told me as long as I continue to cook, I can make what ever I wanted. Since my baby boy is still growing, I prepare a meat dish for him every Sunday.

Transitioning to vegetarianism is a health choice, but you have to eat the right combination of food to curtail protein, iron, and calcium deficiencies.

I bought a vegetarian book, and three vegetarian cook books to help me with my vegetarian diet!

BODY, MIND, AND SPIRITUAL CONDITIONING.

Regular exercise help to tone up your mental, physical, and spiritual senses! Exercise helps to firm and tone your body, burn calories, digest food, and de-stress, and unclutter the mind. Everyone should exercise at least 30 minutes a day.

I`am a step aerobic freak! I had to recently modify my aerobic routine to prevent knee injury. I do low impact aerobics followed by Nautilus weight circuit training. I also practice Hatha yoga and Tai-chi to help channel my spirit to the "Almighty Creator".

By keeping our spirits, souls, and bodies in tip top shape, then, we can truly do God`s work!

My New Hobby: Makeup!

2009-01-02T22:04:00.000-05:00

I wait until I become almost 48 years old to play with makeup! I never cared much about makeup as a teen or a young adult. In college, I wore fashion fair and Flori Roberts cosmetics. I wore lipstick, blush, and mascara. I alway admired how some women took time in the morning to flawlessly place makeup on their face.

One woman I worked with, would come to work with her face looking like a super model everyday! I`am saying to my self, how in hell does she find time to do this? It looked like she spent at least an hour to look beautiful. I work in a operating room. We wear mask. The damn makeup wears off. Any how, who has time to put a full face of makeup and met the high demands as an operating room nurse?

When I locked my hair a year ago, I began to experiment with eye shadow. My locs were short and I did not have long hair anymore to accent my face. I began experimenting with eye color. My BF and my co workers loved it. When I did not wear it, my co-workers would notice right away! My OR mask did not get in the way of my eye makeup.So this became my trade mark!

Last month, in December, I celebrated my first locaversary. I was so excited about my milestone, but I was so bord with my hair. Twice I almost took them down. To distract me from my locs, one day I was reading More magazine for women over 40.

A light bulb went on! I`am not a spring chicken anymore! I will be a half of a century in 2 years, if God allows it! I have been blessed with oily skin, no wrinkles and great genes. How long will that last? I`am perimenopausal and I have noticed that the skin under my neck is thinning. Time to get a skin care regime in place!

Twice a month, I give my self an At-Home facial followed by a mud facial mask. After I rinse my face with lukewarm water, I use a clarifying herbal astringent containing witch hazel. Daily, I use earth science clarifying facial wash followed by earth science clarifying herbal astringent, completed by earth science almond-aloe moisturizer with sun protection. My skin care products are by earth essentials. They are hypo-allergenic. http://www.earthessentials.com/

I learned before I was to experiment with make up, I needed to do my home work! I watched youtube videos, read books for women of color, and surfed the web. I discovered that before I bought my makeup, I needed to purchase tools of the trade, makeup brushes and wedge sponges!

HOW TO USE COSMETIC BRUSHES

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-iZLAmBUB7U

I bought:

1. Powder brush : To dust loose powder or bronzer.

2. Blush brush: To apply and blend blush or bronzer,

3. Concealer brush: To apply concealer.

4.Wedge sponge: To apply and blend foundation.

5. Shadow brush: To highlight, accentuate, and sweep color over the eye.

6. Lip brush: To apply lipstick or gloss

FOUNDATION
Shelf life: 6-12 months/6 months for liquid and Creams.

The easiest way to finding a foundation color for you, is to visit a cosmetic counter. The young man at the MAC counter quickly identified my color by looking at me. He applied a cream to powder foundation to my face. I did not like it. I looked too made up. (Cream to powders offers medium to maximum coverage). He then applied a liquid. It looked more natural. (Liquids offers light to medium coverage).

I did not believe that the color he chose was the color for me so I made him do the classic steps for trying on foundation:

1. Pick three shades: One that seems just right, a lighter color, and a slightly darker one.

2.Place each on your jawline.

3. The shade that disappears or matches your skin color is the color for you!

I waited for my skin to absorb the color. When I looked in the mirror, MAC Select SPF 15 Foundation:NW45, was the color that the young man had picked for me!

I wanted a neutral color for my blush, the young woman behind the MAC counter recommended, SheerTone Shimmer Blush, Sweet As Cocoa

http://www.shopwiki.com/wiki/foundation

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wlaIxP_MFAg

FOUNDATION PRIMER

Foundation primer is the new craze. Apparently it has been used and praised by makeup artist, and has been recently introduced to the cosmetic world for mass production. Foundation primer acts as a barrier against your skin and your makeup. Since the main ingredient is DIMETHICONE, a silicone, It allows your makeup to glide on with ease. The primer fills in any lines or large pores giving you a smooth, fresh finish. You use less makeup. I was happy to read that! My MAC foundation is $26 a bottle, so that works for me!

http://make-up-products.suite101.com/article.cfm/why-you-need-a-foundation-primer

http://monkeysee.com/play/1535-cosmetics-applying-a-foundation-primer

Foundation primer is expensive! The price is about $30 for a 1oz tube! The best primer is Smash Box, MAC, and Laura Mercier.

Makeup addicts are raving about MONISTAT CHAFING RELIEF POWDER-GEL. No its not associated with yeast infections. Its a skin protectant. The same ingredients used in the #1 primer, Smash Box Photo Finish Foundation Primer.

http://review-monistat-face-primer.uncensoredguides.com/

I did my research. As a nurse, I always compare ingredients in health and beauty products. Why pay for a name brand product, unless consumer report says its superior and it works! Reading reviews, a minority of people said it cause them to have cystic acne.

I have oily skin. I tried the monistat for a few days.I had no problems! I use products that contain salicylic acid, an acne treatment. I use a blemish concealer on areas on my chin where I`am prone to breakouts. Again, I had no issues.

The monistat works very well! I will continue to use it until I have problems! I`ll keep my Smash Box in the drawer and use it for special events!

CONCEALER

Shelf Life: 4-8 months

Concealers are used to hide dark under eye circles, pimples, and dark marks.

You should choose a concealer one shade lighter than your natural skin color.Use a yellow- based concealer. It is the most natural looking on skin of color.

Use a concealer brush to apply the concealer. Apply some concealer to the back of your hand to warm it up. It will glide and blend very well!

http://cosmopolitan.co.uk/beauty/How-to-apply-concealer-video/video

POWDER

Shelf life: 8 months/8-12 months for loose powder.

The purpose of powder is to set your foundation and to control shine. If you want to control shine, Use loose powder. It is sheer. If you need more coverage to even out your skin color, use a pressed powder. It is opaque.

SHELF LIFE

Eye Shadow

6-12 months for powder and cream.

Mascara

3 months

Lipstick

3 years

In my opinion, foundation, concealer and powder are the most important when it comes to makeup. If you get those wrong, you will look jacked up!

Here are some makeup books that are a must!

The Beauty of Color by Iman

Essence Beauty basics & Beyond

Making Faces by Kevin Aucoin

HAVE A FUN AND BLESSED NEW YEAR!

CROCHET HATS!

2008-12-30T23:21:00.000-05:00

http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/70779AD.html

It`s been one whole year and my hats do not fit! I went to every store I could think of to find tams and news boy hats. I found a black knit news boy hat, but I could not find a brown hat anywhere! I went into the attic to find my crochet hooks and searched the internet for tams and newsboy hats.

Lion Brand Yarns had the most tam hat patterns and they were free! I spent $2.50 on a news boy pattern at their site, but I did not like how it was coming along. I found a web site that had nothing but free crochet hat patterns. I also found some patterns on small website.

http://fifthavemag.com/crochet

My mom taught me had to crochet when I was between 9-10 yrs old! She would crochet up a storm! She would make a hat and a scarf in a few hours. That was one of our private times together. One of those precious times when we bonded. Today, she is still making hats ,scarves, afgans and etc. Thank God For Mothers!

HOW TO CROCHET!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hVBnFHGbeK4

http://learntocrochet.lionbrand.com/

How To Crochet a Hat

http://www.expertvillage.com/video/111305_how-start-crocheting-hat.htm

Free Crochet Hat patterns

http://www.crochetpatterncentral.com/directory/hats.php

http://www.crochettoday.com/pdfs/septoct08fp.pdf

Taliah Waajid Black Earth Products

2008-12-14T00:20:00.000-05:00

I read on numerous blogs about Taliah Waajid`s Black earth products. Before I locked, I was a hair product junkie. I used nexxus to mizani. To tell you the truth, they all worked for a hot minute before I had to switch products again!

Since I have been locked. I have used minimal products. I use only natural products on my hair and skin. One to ten months, I used Knotty Boy Dread shampoo bar. I love that shampoo! It lasted one year, until one of my sons mistook the bar for a regular bar of soap. Their body must have been tingling all over!

I use Aubrey organics green tea clarifying shampoo once a month. This shampoo is very drying! Since I could not use conditioner yet, I would have to do a second wash with the Knotty Boy. Ten months to present, I would use BWC ( Beauty Without Cruelty) tea tree, mint, and rosemary shampoo scalp and hair treatment. A very good product. My scalp would tingle! I would follow with the BWC conditioner.

When I was surfing the net to research the ingredients in the Black Earth products, I found a beauty supply site that was offering the products for $3-$4 of the original price.

I purchased the Total Body Black Earth shampoo for $4.99, the Enhancing Herbal conditioner for $7.00, and the Herbal Strengthener $3.99. With the S&H the total was 23.65. Not bad compared to the original prices on Taliah Waajid`s website.

When I received the products, I was not happy with the ingredients in the herbal strengthener. It is based in petroleum. I gave the product away! What a waste of money. You can not get a total list of the ingredients on her web site or on any that sold her products.

Child! When I opened the shampoo, I was surprise to see black goo drip out the bottle! I said " WHAT THE HELL ?!!! Well that black goo is da bomb! My locs never felt so good! My locs usually tangle after I shampoo them. This stuff made them soft and manageable! I followed with the conditioner ( as Doc Camille said to do!). I`am very happy with Black Earth Products. I`am very careful of what I place in my locs. Yeah, the shampoo has a little SLS , but I think its worth the over site! Any way, it smells delicious!

Total Body Black Earth Shampoo

Ingredients: Pure Distilled Water, Natural Herbs, Indian Hemp, Olive Oil, Wheat Germ, Yarrow Root, Sodium Laureate Sulfate, Rosemary, African herbal Complex, Sea Salt, Sage, Silk protein, Corn Oils, Corn Silk, Vitamin E, Fruit Bio-flavoniods, Bay Laurel, Cocomide ( Coconut- Bio-Flavonoid).

Enhancing herbal Conditioner

Ingredients: Pure distilled Water, Anise, capsicum Oil, Olive Oil, Wheat Germ, Bees Wax, Aloe Vera, Walnut Oil, Cherry bark, Calendula, Thyme, Kiola, Quine seed complex, Vitamin E, Silk protein, Apple extract, lavender Extract, balsam canada, Bay laurel, fruit Bio-flavonoid.

The Strengthener

ingredients: Pure Distilled Water, Petroleum, Natural Herbs, Indian hemp, yarrow Root, Rosemary, Chickweed, nettle, Herbal complex, Burdock, Coltsfoot, sage, Chamomile, Vitamin E, Bio-Flavoniods, fruit Fragrance, bay Laurel.

My Locs First Birthday!

2008-11-29T19:34:00.001-05:00

Its my locs first birthday! I never thought I would ever be locked! I loves seeing dread heads including my son! I just needed non-traditional locs for a non-traditional woman. I saw small locs for the first time in my life, a year and two months ago. Maybe before that, I was not paying attention to locs. Living in a city, where locs are abundant, I `am not sure why I did not have a small locs sighting.

When I first locked, my co-workers could not believe their eyes! I never wore one particular hairstyle for more than two weeks. I have braided, flat twist, dyed, weaved, french rolled, finger waved, and everything else you can do to hair! One co-worker said " No! Not the Diva! " My co-workers made a bet that I would not last three months! Here I`am! Locked for one year!

There were times that I was not happy with my locs. I had slippage, unravelling, and bunching issues! I almost took my locs down twice. The last time, my family at lovinlocs came to my rescue! Thank God, I came to my senses. I would have been very disappointed sistah! My dreadlocks journey has humbled me. It has made me develop patience. In this instant gratification world, I have literally slowed down to smell the roses!

Even though I do not agree with the cult like practices of sisterlocks, I do have to give them credit for my decision to lock. If it were not for those small locks, I would probably still be addicted to the creamy white crack!

Truly love my locs! I would not trade my journey for my locs for nothing in the world!

I have been Tagged By New2Locs

2008-11-08T21:06:00.000-05:00

I have been tagged by http://new2locs.blogspot.com/

THE RULES!

1. Link the person who tagged you.

2. Post the rules on your blog.

3. Share 6 non important facts/habits/quirks about yourself.

4. Tag six random people at the end of your post by linking to their blog.

5. let them each know they have been tagged by leaving a comment.

ABOUT ME!

1. I love to watch Project Runway, Kimora, Life In The Fab Lane, and the HouseWives of Atlanta.

2. I have a shoe fetish! I own about 100 pairs of shoes and boots.

3. I love soca and reggae music, especially dancehall!

4. I dislike ignorant people who are judgemental, arrogant, and self-centered! JUST GET OVER YOUR SELVES, WHY DON`T YA!!!

5. I`am a vegetarian.

6. I`am an Aries. I`am down to earth, straight foward, and motivated.

YOU HAVE BEEN TAGGED!!!

http://kimanisknapps.blogspot.com/,

http://lilydot.blogspot.com/,

http://thebroomsexperience.blogspot.com/,

http://queenlilocjourney.blogspot.com/ ,

http://justlocscharlotte.blogspot.com/,

http://locjourneyii.blogspot.com/

Interlocking Patterns

2008-10-10T06:08:00.000-04:00

The most common locking patterns: Pattern 4- Used for tightly curled hair 9, 6, 3, 12

Pattern 3- Used for loose curled hair 9, 6, 9, 12

The least common locking pattern: pattern 4 reversed- Used for excessive slippage 3, 6, 9, 12

Part squares : 1/8" to 1/4" - Micro to small locs Small locs in the front

Part squares: 1/4" to 3/8" - Medium to large locs Medium locs in the mid-section

Medium and large in crown and back

For interlocks : Braid and band when washing hair. Wet hair and with medium water pressure. Place shampoo on scalp and on each braided bundle. wash hair gently from scalp to ends of locs. After washing, Remove braids and bands and separated locs to prevent crawling of locs.

1. Use shampoos with out conditioner until locked.

2.Do not use oils on hair in the baby stage.

3. wash hair before retightening. Sippage occurs the most after shampooing.

Enter the loc at 3`o Clock to 9` o clock

Enter the loc at 6` 0 clock to 12` 0 clock

Enter the loc 9` 0 clock to 3` o clock

Enter the loc at 12` o clock to 6` o clock

Always enter the loc at the scalp. As you pull your loc through, always push loop down towards the loc to eliminate gaps in your lock. Repeat until you are at the scalp and cannot complete another rotation. Your retightening should resemble a fishtail and feel like a tight cord.

The Sisterlock Hype

2008-10-10T03:53:00.000-04:00

Having Sisterlocks was a challenge. I had a lot of slippage and some unravelling. During my first month locked, with the blessing of my consultant, I dyed my hair. My nape unravelled. I was so distraught! I had to wait two weeks to get an appointment. it really was not an appointment. It was a wait until other clients with an appointment finish and I will take care of you. It took two squeeze in "appointments" to get my hair re tightened and my locs reinstalled.

My consultant is excellent. Her clients have beautiful locks and she has a huge following. No parking and waiting to get my hair re tightened was not my vision. That reminded me of my permed days. Any way, that was my cue to take things into my own hands!

I searched the internet for some clue of the "secret sisterlock pattern" The pattern was all over the internet, but how to carry out the "secret' was still a mystery! One day I was conversing with a sisterlock friend about my sisterlock experience. We met and she taught me the technique. I learned how to re tightened and restart my locs if they unraveled. For the first time I felt like I was delivered from bondage! I was free to do my own locs and keep on top of my own maintenance.

I was compelled to share my knowledge after experiencing Sisterlock snobbery in person and over the internet. On the yahoo group site, lockItUp, there was so much snobbery. The moderator and members attacked other members who did not follow the "norm". On four occasions, I wrote a post that never appeared on the site. What kind of crap is that? I never said anything that would go against the grain. If you did not use the sisterlock tool or you took your hair care into your own hands without taking the re tighten class, you no longer have sisterlocks! That bull crap!

I paid $600 and sat for 15hrs to get these locs installed upon this head! I dare Ms Thang or anyone else to tell me that the locs in my hair are not sisterlocks!

I see sisterlocks more as a cult than a sorority. Sisterlocks is another alternate way to lock hair and gives the user more versatility of styling options. Its another way of going natural. It is a business. They do not make the person! Girlfriends! Its only hair!

I`am Getting SisterLocks!

2008-09-27T10:58:00.000-04:00

Shortly before the big chop, I went to visit my parents. My step mom and I were conversing. All the years I known her, I really did not pay attention to her hair. She always had been natural. She wore a press and curl, an Afro or braids.

I was a diva, so I was not into the natural hair thang! That day, I became enlightened! I noticed one loc that had released itself from the loc tie. I never saw tiny locs before. I asked her was that a loc? She said, yes. They are called SisterLocks. All this time, I thought she had micro braids that became fuzzy from neglect!

I never saw SisterLocks until I saw my step mom`s. Living in NYC and seeing so many locked heads, you would think I would have seen them.

I always admired dreadlocks. I even started my son`s dreadlocks. I did not want traditional locs because I wanted style versatility!
Base on my hair texture and desire for small locs, sisterlocks would be the best lock method for me!

December 1, 2007 my SisterLocks were born!

loc count:325

time: 15hr

pattern: 4

Leading To the Big Chop

2008-09-22T13:40:00.000-04:00

I know we have all gone through more than two hours in the beauty salon. I was not immune.

My problem started when I found a job 40 minutes from home vs 75 minutes. I applied my own relaxers because a few years ago, I allowed a "professional" to place creamy crack in my hair. When I left the salon, I had less than 5" of hair on my head!

You see, my stylist went to the Dominican Republic to visit his mom. I needed to get my hair did! When I worked up the courage to visit him again, he said, "thats what you get for not waiting!" He proceeded to cut off my hair to the new growth. I wore finger waves for three months!

After a few years, my stylist went back to the DR for good and I had to search for another stylist.

I decided I wanted to go short. I spotted this chick with a fierce hair cut! You know I had to stop her to get her hair story! that weekend, I meet my Puerto Rican Barber, Virgina. She used to work for Vidal Sasson salons. She could cut her but off! She said she made more money as a barber than a stylist. I could see why. She could not style a lick! if you have a great cut, you will always be able to maintain the style.

After I grew tired of the Halle Berry phase and following my barber all over the bronx, I begain to style my own hair. I got so tired of so many stylist who seem to never get it right!

The last straw, was when my friend recommended a stylist who had relocated to my county from NYC. Since she was a home girl and my friend`s hair looked good, I decided to give her a try.
I asked her to trim my ends. She cut three inches of my hair off! Ok!, it did look a little better. Any way, its just hair. It will grow back!

The next appointment, I requested that she layer my hair. I showed her a picture of what I wanted. of course my hair did not look like the picture! I told her about it! She had the nerve to tell me she did not appreciate me telling her what to do! Well, I had to go South Bronx on missy girl! I dish out $40-60 every two weeks , walk out the salon not totally happy and the next morning, I can`t get the same style from the day before? She must have thought I was stupid!

#1. Virgina has to teach her how to "cut" hair!
#2. I think she has been doing so many white client`s hair, she forgot how to hook up a sista!
#3. She forgot who she was speaking to!

TO MUCH HAIR DRAMA!

SHE JUST GOT PINK SLIPPED!

I went to my old neighborhood in the boogie down Bronx to seek out my old stylist. She hooked my hair up in my twenties and thirties. My only problem with her was, she came to the salon on thursdays. Only if she felt like it. I guess those are the perks when you are the owner! I grew tired of that too!

One sunday, instead of going to church, I went in front of the mirror with a pair of scissors and began to cut! When I was finished, I had one inch of curly hair. I had not seen my hair in twenty seven years!

After my big chop, the test of my self esteem began. My crown and glory was gone! The only thing that I had to hide behind was my self. It is so disheartening when you discover how physical and superficial the world really is. In my natural state, no one of the opposite sex would look at me. When I wore my long wig, I could not get men out of my face! I cannot do the wig thang! If a man is going to be attracted to me, I want him to be attracted to me for the person that I `am!

As India Irie states, " I`AM NOT MY HAIR!"

The year of Transition

2008-09-14T20:04:00.000-04:00

2006 was the year of transition. I thought I had to dress and wear my hair a certain way. I thought I could not enjoy myself anymore. I thought I had to give up my selection of music and my friends. little did I know, the only thing I had to do is surrender my life to the Lord and he would take care the rest! My life has changed. I have humbled myself in such a child like way! I still drive a luxury car and carry LV and Coach, but I see material things as a blessing and not a necessity!

I thank GOD for my health, my children, and for the air and the water that he provides for our existence. I always wondered how can anyone believe in the air that they can`t see, but knows that it is there. But, they cannot believe that there is a GOD!

Based on what is happening in the world today, people need to believe. Life is not going to get any better!

Serving the LORD is a BIG DEAL! I attended church as a child, but I had no idea what serving Christ was all about. I would read the Bible and had little comprehension of what was going on. When you are not saved, GOD does not give you total understanding. I was very afraid of the book of Revelations. Being a non-believer, I had every right to be.

Its so ironic that when I became a Born Again Christian, Revelations was the first book that GOD led me to study. God also led me to the Christian-fiction series, Left Behind, By Tim La Haye & Jerry B. Jenkins. This series gives an overview of what may happen to non believers after "The Rapture". The series scared me to death and re enforced what could happened to me if I`am not a practicing christian. Oh yes, in the book, prophets, pastors, and priest were left behind too!

For false Christ and prophets will appear and perform great signs and miracles to deceive even the elect-if that were possible. matthew 24:24

When you turn on the television, you will see quite a few. Get in a Bible based chruch! Know the word(Bible). Praise and worship is great, but what you pastor teached you should be in one accord with the Bible!

STEPS TO A CHRISTIAN LIFESTYLE

1. Make time for God`s word.

2. Pray. Prayer is the channel through which all good flows from God to man: forgiveness, healing, power, and love.

3. Tithe. The purpose of tithing is to teach you to always put God first in our lives. Deut 14:23

Fellowship. Attending chruch encourages us to enter and enjoy relationships with other belivers so we may strengthen and encourage one another.

A christian lifestyle: Our devotion to Christ is lived out in our daily christian walk. "Christianity should be perfectly visible to all men"

When we accept Jesus as our savior, we are crucified with him in a spiritual sense. Our old unregenerated life dies and we are spiritually resurrected to a new life in Jesus Christ.

The Events Leading To My DreadLock Journey

2008-09-14T17:21:00.000-04:00

2005 was a turbulent year. There were many factors that had led to my decision to lock. Before then, going natural was not a thought in my mind! I was happily addicted to the white creamy crack! Little did I know that 2005 would dictate my dreadlock journey!

My woes began when my employer hired a new associate director with no experience in the area that I managed. I`am known as a people`s person. i can work with the most difficult personalities, but this woman made "The Devil Who Wore Prada", look like an angel!

Aside from the woman Lucifer, April 2005, a motorist ran a red light. he hit my suv on the passenger side, causing the truck to spin in a complete circle before stopping facing opposite trafic. Minutes before, I dropped my son at the train station. Thank God, the moterist and I were not hurt. His front end was totalled. My truck had cosmetic and alignment issues. I was able to drive my truck to the garage and go to work.

In July, my dreadlocked son decided he needed to take time off from college and enlist into the Navy. I tell you, I almost had a heart attack! Thank God he had six months to dwell on his decision. The breaking point was when I gave him a party in his honor on Thanksgiving day. After that day, he was singing a different tune! His sleeze ball recruiter told him he could not back out. My smart dreadlocked son found a clause on the web. He is back in school!

Late August, my youngest son and I, planned to spend the weekend at the New Jersey shore. When I arrived home, he was in the bed with a sheet over him. ( He would always pretend to be sleeping when I arrived home) He told me he had fell off his bike and landed on his knee! When I pulled the sheets back, his knee was three times it`s size! I knew something was broken. His dreadlocked brother placed him on his back and we went to the emergency room. I was through! I had just left work from a hospital to visit another hospital featuring my youngest son! Well, he had a tibial spine fracture that slightly missed his growth plate! Again, thank God! He spent two months in a cast. he missed only two days of school. The school district provided him with car service for two months!

By December, I was stressed, destraught , and depressed! This was the worst year that I had experienced in a long time. I do not recall separating from my sons father being this bad! I believe that GOD was preparing me for GOOD WORK!

When I was stressed, I would drive the long way home to destress. I would pass this church. I was looking for a church home. I knew I needed to give back to GOD for what he gave to me, but GOD was not my priority yet.
One friday, I took the long way home. As I passed this church, it seem to be calling me! The next day, I googled the chruch for the address and stumbled on their web site. I listened to a sermon that was posted on the site. I attended the church that Sunday!

The rest is history! On December 25, 2005, I gave my life to Jesus. I have not looked back!

http://solidrockcog.com/