Just Had to Share

Eating Tips for The Holidays

1. Avoid carrot sticks. Anyone who puts carrots on a holiday buffet table knows nothing of the Christmas spirit. In fact, if you see carrots, leave immediately. Go next door, where they're serving rum balls.

2. Drink as much eggnog as you can and quickly. You can't find it any other time of year but now. So drink up! Who cares that it has 10,000 calories in every sip? It's not as if you're going to turn into an "eggnog-aholic" or something. It's a treat. Enjoy it!!!! Have one for me. Have two. It's later than you think. It's Christmas!

3. If something comes with gravy, use it. That's the whole point of gravy. Gravy does not stand-alone. Pour it on. Make a volcano out of your mashed potatoes. Fill it with gravy. Eat the volcano. Repeat.

4. As for mashed potatoes, always ask if they're made with skim milk or whole milk. If it's skim, pass. Why bother? It's like buying a sports car with an automatic transmission.

5. Do not have a snack before going to a party in an effort to control your eating. The whole point of going to a Christmas party is to eat other people's food for free. Lots of it. Hello???

6. Under no circumstances should you exercise between now and New Year's. You can do that in January when you have nothing else to do. This is the time for long naps, which you'll need after circling the buffet table while carrying a 10-pound plate of food and that vat of eggnog.

7. If you come across something really good at a buffet table, like frosted Christmas cookies in the shape and size of Santa, position yourself near them and don't budge. Have as many as you can before becoming the center of attention. They're like a beautiful pair of shoes. If you leave them behind, you're never going to see them again.

8. Same for pies. Apple, pumpkin and mincemeat - have a slice of each. Or, if you don't like mincemeat, have two apples and one pumpkin. Always have three. When else do you get to have more than one dessert? Labor Day?

9. Did someone mention fruitcake? Granted, it's loaded with the mandatory celebratory calories, but avoid it at all cost. I mean, have some standards.

10. One final tip: If you don't feel terrible when you leave the party or get up from the table, you haven't been paying attention. Reread tips: Start over, but hurry, January is just around the corner.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS EVERYONE and here's to a new year of lockdom!!!!!!

Same Style, Slight Variation

Honestly, this is where my sister wanted to leave off initially. She started complaining how my hair was too thick and probably wanted to call it quits anyway. I'm sure my, "Not too tight, not too tight" every two seconds didn't help either. But I wanted to go for the more conservative look having the back braided up. Assuming you consider a mohawk conservative, lol. Plus I told my sister a few days later I could take the back down and have two hairstyles from one. So that's what I did. Voila!

Mohawk Do

Last night I attended a business gala and of course I pondered what to do with my hair. As I gave it some thought there was a set of requirements that I needed which included:
a) preferably an updo and something different
b) not doing it myself cause I'm too darn lazy
c) not going to the salon because I don't feel like putting forth the time or money
So I'm going over in my mind, how in the world do I satisfy this list? Thursday night I finally had my Eureka. Ask your little sister to style it for you! So thanks to my 19 year old sister, my Mohawk do came alive.



So as my sister is doing my hair and her, my mom, and I are talking, my mother tells me she ran into a lady I met about Sisterlocks. At first I thought Linda, but she said that name didn't sound familiar. Then my mom says, "I think you met her at Sam's Club." Now to jog you all's memory, I did the post about the lady I met at Sam's Club and I was so excited that she came up to me and asked if I had Sisterlocks.

So of course I asked my mother how did this connection happen. My mom told me they met at the doctor's office and as they were talking she told the lady that she gets her hair done in Detroit and the lady says:
Lady: You are the second person I met who gets their hair done in Detroit.
My mom: Well that's probably my daughter.
Lady: Tanya?
My mom: OMG! Yep.


All I can say is wow!

Out of Sweater Retirement

I can't be 100% sure, but I do believe this sweater may have been a major cause of the lint build up in a couple of my locks at the nape of my neck. That happened eight or nine months ago and I am still just a wee bit traumatized. In my obsessive efforts to avoid future lint buildups which included many of Leighann's suggestions, I had to retire this sweater to the drawer for many many months. But when the lint topic surfaced again on LockItUp, I made a mental note of the suggestion to wear the locks up when you want to wear "lint breeding" sweaters or fabrics. Now that the chilly temps are back, I couldn't avoid my sweater any longer. Putting my locks up in the back was perfect. I can have my sweater...and wear it too!

Addendum - 11/28/2006
locizm said...
my locs are not long enough yet but thanks for re-posting the suggestions on how to stay away from lint. Oh, and I must say your sl's rock!

When I saw this comment, I knew that it is worth an addendum. As I continue on my loc stalking, I'm starting to see soooo many ladies start with their TWA's and I just feel so proud of you all : ) So for the record: your locks are never too short to attract lint build up. Actually Locizm, my locks were about the same length as yours are now when I got my lint episode.

It doesn't matter what your length is or what your hair texture is - nobody is immune. Just stay proactively attentive, and you'll be just fine!

More Buddies in the Flesh

When Paulette told me she was having a second Sisterlock Meet & Greet, I told her I had to invite my blog buddies in the area. I was doing cartwheels when both Ree-C and Tnappykinky said they could attend. Once again, I was feeling like Miss Celie--reunited with my long lost sisters. Ree-C is so pretty and sweet beyond words. Tnappykinky is so lovely and full of so much energy. She had everybody rolling on the floor laughing. Thanks again ladies. It was my pleasure to meet you both! Additional pics in my Fotki album as well.

I Had a Ball Yall

Whenever I get the opportunity to fellowship with other Sisterlocked ladies and friends, it is a real special treat. Paulette hosted her 2nd Sisterlock Meet & Greet and I had such a wonderful time. Thanks Paulette!

Making Some Adjustments

Almost fifteen months into my journey, it is about that time for me to make some adjustments. Although I have no slippage issues and the shaft of my locks are encasing pretty good, my ends aren't sealed enough to my satisfaction.
So here's my plan of action:
-Shampoos are to be spread out 2.5 to 3 weeks instead of 7-10 days.
-Use a shampoo mixture of both the Sisterlock Aloe and Green tea shampoos diluted with water of course.
-After about a week and a half after shampooing, use a cotton swab to clean my scalp with my tonic for dandruff recipe.
-Hold off on using the SL Reconstructor for the next few months.
-Continue to use Carol's Daughter Khoret Amen Leave-in conditioner diluted with water once every two weeks. I love that it gives my hair a non-oily sheen and does not prevent my ends from sealing.
-Because I am going longer between shampoos, I may have to start spritzing with the SL Moisture treatment. I use 90% water, 10% solution. But I don't see a need for any more than once every few weeks, if that. I rarely spritz now.
-I'm bracing myself for a grooming in April. I've already discussed with Paulette that it is strictly for trimming the fuzzy hair among the lock shaft. No fatty or unruly ends are to be messed with. We are in agreement.

So this is my plan. As long as I can stick with it, I'm anxious to see my progress in the next 6-8 months. Wish me luck.

14 Month Progress Report

My locks are 14 months old and since I am freshly retightened today, what a perfect time for an apples to apples progress report. I'm so thankful to everyone who blogs and shares their journeys because it no doubt gives me something to look forward to. But also makes a sista filled with an abundance of lock envy. This comparison keeps me grounded and helps me to see where I came from. So given the length I started with, the many many photos I've stalked, I am right on track. Despite having a new appreciation for the word patience, I certainly do love my Sisterlocks!

Workplace Diversity

I am so happy to write that at my job there are a few other ladies sporting natural hairdos. Since all of us happen to work on the same floor in the same building, I absolutely love the naptural diversity. What a statement we make and I love it!!

Charity's Big Fro

Sonya's Lil Fro

Bridgette's Traditional Locks

Somebody Caruso'd Her Hair

Yep ladies. A few weeks ago I bought a caruso set and decided to make a debut while having lunch with Linda yesterday. The gadget was way more easier to use than I was expecting. Since it was my first time, I dedicated an hour to get my curls. Unfortunately, I needed more time. But I didn't want to be late meeting Linda so I had to leave a small corner near the top unrolled. Plus I was getting very frustrated that it was taking me so long. I said screw whether this is healthy for my locks everyday...ain't no way in the world I'm going to dedicate an hour to curling my hair everyday. I figure if I had more small rollers, that might shave off 20 minutes or so. But even 30-45 minutes daily is too much maintenance for me. Two minutes a day has spoiled me rotten! Despite my griping, I did enjoy the bumped look very much. But I'll definitely need some curls that will be able to go the distance. Soft Spikes here I come...............................

Before

After

Lunch with Linda

Today was such a beautiful day here in Cleveland. An Absolutely perfect day for a lunch outing. Fellow blogger Linda and myself met at the Cheesecake Factory. DFW ladies, talk about a coincidence. I was about to fall out of my chair when I saw you all's invitation. So I guess when you visit somebody's blog everyday you must start to think like them.

Of course Linda and I immediately recognized each other in the waiting area. We talked while we waited for our table. We talked when we sat down. Took some photos and talked. We ate and talked. We talked and talked and talked. Nothing like being in the presence of good company and a genuine good spirit. Linda and her Sisterlocks are so pretty. I had such a good time meeting with her. We definitely have to do it again. Perhaps more ladies will be able to join us next time.

The Renee

Again, not in the mood for freestyle. I do that all week for work. I needed an updo. Chic, but not necessarily fancy. I tried a black headband I bought from Target six months ago. Back then, I didn't think my locks were long enough for it because it made me look crazy. Today, the headband gave me what I call the "wild child" look. I was sooo in the mood to work this look today. But something was still missing from the look. I needed more uumphf. Why not go for a hair tie? So I traded the headband for the Renee and voila! A little wild, unique, and chic. I absolutely love it.

I'm About to Pass Out

I'm so happy I stumbled on Sunsail's blog and took a minute to browse around. Her blog has a link to Renaissance Hairtopia in Brooklyn, New York. The styles on this site are so drop dead gorgeous I'm about to pass out. Now this is why I'm always moaning and groaning about wishing I had more length. I am beyond inspired. I hope you all are too. Thanks for sharing!

Excuse me, Are those Sisterlocks?

Why yes they are!!! I was waiting in the customer service line at Sam's Club yesterday and a lady walked up to me. She asked if I had Sisterlocks. Inside I was doing cartwheels. I guess there really is an extra sense of elation when strangers recognize that they are Sisterlocks. And please don't misunderstand me. When folks tell me I have nice dreads or locks, I'm very modest and thankful. I don't by any means feel the need to correct them to being Sisterlocks or go off on some Sisterlocks rampage. But I coudn't help feeling overjoyed.

Photo Disclaimer: It's from when my locks were seven months. The digi needs a new battery.

Breaking up the Boredom

Don't get me wrong. I love my freestyle. But it gets a bit boring for me sometime. That's why I crave for longer hair so I will have more styling options. So today I was off to the salon. My hair is long enough for me to experiment with a braidout or caruso set. But if I don't get over my laziness, God only knows when I'll be wearing them.

Ode to the Original Rastas

I browsed through Tai's photos from his trip to New York via Brunsli's blog and I felt extremely proud for two reasons. For one, I was definitely in touch with the Ode to the OR's (Original Rastas) which made me very aware of the evolution that has taken place within the dreadlock circle. One one side of the spectrum, you have the organic locks that require no extra manipulation to the other end of the spectrum with the manicured locks, locks that are meticulously crafted to be very neat and precise. My conclusion is that up until the manicured came along, most folks are probably somewhere in the middle of the spectrum. But whatever one's style or preference, how could he or she have got there without the organics paving the way? Without Bob Marley paving the way??? So that's one major point I took away after looking at the slide show.

The other is, I'm apart of the new evolution to manicured locks. I absolutely love my locks and I wear them ever so proudly everyday. I don't regret a damn thing about my Sisterlocks decision. So for any OR's who think that these aren't real locks or not truly representing, that's a crock of you know what. I think of it as an evolution that was bound to naturally take place based on cultural and market demands. Manicured locks represent a niche that was just waiting to be tapped! Manicured is to dreadlocks what Hip-hop is to music ---> not going anywhere. I am so proud to be right in the heart of this upswing take off. Perhaps in ten years I'll be in somebody's slideshow with admirers from afar.

My Latest Hair Accessory

Yesterday I made a very fun, rewarding and impromptu trip to Paramount's King's Island near Cincinnati, Ohio with my cousin and her son. So for $5 and a guess of October instead of April for my birthday month, I've got a new fashion hat. I think little bit of couture every now and then is good for the locks.


And one more thing, thank goodness I no longer have to be afraid of the water rides when I go to amusement parks. My cousin wouldn't stop about how she just couldn't get her hair wet and yadda yadda yadda. The more she ranted about this through out the day, the more I said to myself, "Thank goodness that's a ship I'm no longer sailing."

Me and the Toni

Hooray. My hair ties from Brunsli arrived today. They are soooo pretty. I love them. I was definitely afraid that the hair ties would be out of my league because of my short length. But not so with the mini and super lightweight Toni. With the blazing summer temperatures we are having right now, the timing is perfect. Brunsli, thank you thank you thank you!!! I love you and your creative talents my sista. Otherwise, me and anybody's ponytail would be many many months away. Although I am usually drawn to more flash and pizazz, you can now consider me a fan of Toni's simple simplicity.

Finally Retightened

Whew! After an eight week stretch, I am finally glad to have my roots tightened. Thus far, this is the longest I've waited and not by choice. I got a referral from a fellow Clevelander on LockitUp. In June, I scheduled my appointment a few weeks in advance. But when it came time for my appointment, the consultant had to reschedule because of a death in the family and some other personal reasons. I didn't want to bother resheduling for a 3rd time. I really sensed that this consultant is going through some personal matters right now and not really able to take on new clients at the moment. Hopefully things will work out for her. But in the meantime, I can't stand being this vulnerable, especially now that I am truly truly in love with my hair. So what is a girl to do? Join the DIY club. Paulette told me she's going to be giving training classes very soon so I'm looking forward to taking the class within the next few months.

Before Sisterlocks

This photo was taken in July of 2004, about 1 year prior to my mother and I getting our Sisterlocks. It was my mom's birthday and I figured taking her on a dinner cruise onboard the Nautica Queen would be something fun and different. We had a good time and enjoyed the ride very much.

Where is the Customer Service

My second Sisterlocks magazine arrived last week and of course I was very pleased with it. Unfortunately, I cannot say I was happy with the amount of time it took to arrive, especially since I paid for an annual subscription in January for February. After perusing the responses on LockitUp, it turns out I was not the only one to receive my magazine late. In fact, some folks who also paid for an annual subscription were still waiting for their magazine to arrive. To add insult to injury, some people who had just ordered the 2nd magazine within the past two weeks were getting their magazines before the prepaid folks. This is no way to do business and maintain a faithful customer base.

Even if there was a problem with getting the magazines out on time, the very least Dr. Jo et al could do was use their database software to query out the prepaid folks and make sure their magazines got sent out as soon as the shipment arrived.

CycleBeads

Here is one of my natural product finds I thought would be good to pass along. CycleBeads are an innovation in family planning. They are easy to use, highly effective, inexpensive, cause no side effects, and can be used to either plan or prevent pregnancy.

Summer Heat

The summer temperatures this past week have been terrible. Ninety-plus degrees. It was three digits in some cities so I probably can't complain too much. But in Cleveland, 90+ degrees don't happen that often and when they do, oh how miserable. At least for me anyway. I'll take mid-seventies any day of the week. So how did my locs fair in all this heat? I did make a couple of adjustments. For one, I did not bother to wrap my hair up at night. I was actually pleased with the more fluffed out look compared to the ultra smashed look from having it covered. Second, I didn't care to have my hair on my face in this heat wave so I finger combed my front locks going to the back. I like the look and I think it gives me a pseudo caruso curled look. Other than a little sweaty, my locs and I are making it through the heat quite well.

Small World

I know it is a cliche but when folks say "It's a small world" they are not kidding.

My mother and I got to meet Detra's mom Carnella at Sunday's dinner. Carnella lived in Cleveland initially but moved to Columbus when Detra was a little girl. Carnella told us about two of her first cousins Bobby and Percy Womack. Well Percy was a bus driver for the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority and guess what...so is my mom. It just so happens that my mother knew Percy and even told us a story about the time she was about to be late for work and Percy gave her the keys to his Cadillac so she would make it on time. Sadly, Percy is now passed and he was Carnella's favorite cousin. Whew, talk about a tear jerker moment.

People come in and out of our lives for many reasons. I've learned to cherish these reasons for both the good and the bad.

I don't know if it's just me or not, but I swear Detra's mom reminds me of Alice Walker. Or maybe I still have too much Color Purple on the brain.

Dinner in Columbus, OH

On Sunday night, the three C's of Ohio (Columbus, Cleveland and Cincinnati) got together and had a ball! We ate dinner at the Brownstone on Main restaurant located in downtown Columbus. The atmosphere was very chic and trendy with a bit of soul added. Our waiter delivered fantastic service and the food was quite tasty.


When Virginia, my mother (Rose) and myself arrived at the restaurant, Connie was already in the lobby waiting. Connie drove from Cincinnati. Her three year old locks are simply breathtaking and she is such a warm and kind spirit. I am so delighted she joined us.
Columbus native Cne arrived next. Her 13 month locks are just too cute.
Can you believe she's about to be a grandmother? She practically looks like a teenager herself.

And last I got to meet another one of my fellow Blog Queens in the flesh...Detra. It was Detra who inquired about a Columbus gathering on LockItUp since she was home visiting from Dallas. Thank goodness she did. I enjoyed meeting her and her mom Carnella very much.

Updo For The Weekend

I got my hair styled in this updo on Saturday by my lovely stylist Andreda Forte. I feel like Miss America. What makes it even more special for me is sporting the beautiful jewels that LaChanda got and brought to me in New York. But now I'm spoiled and I want more of them. Fortunately, a different stylist in the beauty salon recommended a local beautique for me to try.

I love updo styles and I feel I look better in short styles and updos anyway. I guess I always have. So more length equals more creativity. Creativity by somebody else that is. I have made a promise to myself to do my own braidouts and some roller sets when the time is right. Might even experiment from time to time. But overall, I love the magic hands of somebody else giving me that million dollar hairstyle that I know I wouldn't be able to achieve on my own. Just like the Loreal folks say, "I'm worth it!"

Val & Nadine Merchandise

The very first time I saw the Val & Nadine comic strip, I was beyond impressed. Me being quite the product junkie I am, I just had to have some of the merchandise. I ordered a tee shirt and two coffee mugs. It was nothing short of an impeccable buying experience. Cafepress.com was very easy to navigate, offers excellent customer service, and good quality products. Ms. Diego2Memphis did her homework when she chose this vendor to distribute her goods and services. I am in awe of this kind of creativity, talent, and entrepreneurship.

Do I Look Like Me??

After our initial afternoon stroll around Times Square, my mother's feet got the best of her because she thought a low heel would be sufficient enough for walking. Not so! So off we were on a mission to find my mother some comfortable walking shoes. She settled on a pair of plastic black clogs and claimed they did the trick. I was happy I didn't have to hear her complaining about her feet anymore.

During our shoe shopping mission, I get an offer to have my picture drawn for five bucks. For that price I couldn't pass it up. So I sit down and let my lady drawer go to work. Next thing I know, folks are stopping to take a peak and formed a small crowd. Now I'm wondering to myself, "What is this woman drawing of me?" To top it off, my mother bursts out laughing. I was really paronoid at that point. A lady watching the drawing assured me that I would be pleased. Well when I saw the finished drawing, I was very pleased indeed. Can you figure out what made my mother start laughing?

NY Sistah Love Gathering

I went to New York over the weekend with the beautiful ladies of GRITS from Dallas. I was accompanied by my mother. I absolutely loved the Broadway Color Purple Musical and especially enjoyed meeting my fellow Sisterlock Divas live and in the flesh. It was simply marvelous.

The other day I was back on Mia Simone's site going over some items I ordered but haven't received yet. Imagine my surprise when what did I see...my blog. I couldn't believe it. For a split second, I felt like a movie star. Oh yeah, from the looks of this photo, I think my hair is having a mini Brunsli phase. But since I love volume, bring it on!

Hair Clips Anyone

A little bit of length feels oh so good. So I bought some hair clips and a few headbands to celebrate. I also ordered a bottle of Khoret Amen Herbal Shampoo with Sea Moss by Carols Daughter. I'm hoping it will help with the dryness. Otherwise, I'm still in love with my
locks. I can't think of any other hairstyle where the older it gets, the better it looks. Oh yeah, I'm getting very excited about the Color Purple trip.

Virginia - New SL Convert

Hey folks. Virginia is my latest Sisterlock convert. She's been at the company I work at for about 6 years. She told me she was considering Sisterlocks a year ago but chickened out. Since Virginia was already half way over the fence, of course
I gave her that extra push into hair freedom that she needed. The rest is history now!