Loving Accessories

Greetings everyone!! Length + maturity = I really get to enjoy my accessories to the fullest. Pictured above I'm wearing the Betty Davis Tomoka Twist. Sensational is all I have to say about this collection. As a matter of fact, it describes all of the pieces on the site. More sets are definitely in my future.

Below are a few pics of me wearing my Loc Soc. A different variation of how I wore it here in the summer. Versatility is so great.





As for washing, I took advantage of Chosenvessel's Komaza product post by going to the site and purchasing a few samples of the shampoo with emu and tea tree oil. Since it helps alleviate the itching and dandruff, I've splurged on a full bottle purchase. I have absolutely nothing against the Nizoral, but I would like to stick with natural remedies if possible. I will admit that I really don't look forward to washing my hair anymore. But that's just another one of the growing pains I guess.

At first I just knew I would keep growing my hair until I could at least sit on it. Strictly from a maintenance perspective, that probably won't happen. I'm pretty confident no hair cuts up until I hit my 4th year. After that, I'll just have to go with whatever feelings are driving me when that point in time gets here. In the meantime, I'll keep looking at Audrey's gorgeous Sisterlocks to help keep me motivated.

Self-retightening is still in the works. Despite the $250 for the SL training, I definitely have no regrets on taking the class in July of this year. Initially it's tedious but still liberating. Life happens and you never know when a situation is going to arise prompting you to have to give it a go yourself. My first try was over 30 hrs, the second was in the neighborhood of 20. I only have ambitions to get down to 10-14. In a couple of weeks, I'll have another try to see how close I come to getting there.

Class or no class, knowing that you can touch up your locks if needed is truly no understatement.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS HAPPY HOLIDAYS HAPPY HOLIDAYS HAPPY HOLIDAYS HAPPY HOLIDAYS HAPPY HOLIDAYS

2 Year Growth

Muslimahlocs said...
Happy lockiversary! Your sisterlocks look fabulous. They have grown so much in the past two years. How have you grown with them?

Getting Sisterlocks have allowed me to truly fall in love with my hair. This is a feeling I never had prior to having them. As far as I can remember, I was brainwashed to believe that my was so bad that it needed to be fried, tamed and broke down to do right. I was so miseducated that I actually believed my hair wouldn't even do right when locked. That belief is one factor that played into why it took me so long to start locking in the first place. Due to reprogamming from the past two years, I accept and love my hair in all its glory. It may not be as soft as other people's, I don't care. It's not as thick as somebody else's, I don't care. I may have to go through a few extra steps for pretty curls to hold, I don't care. I am not longing for anybody else's hair texture. I love my hair for what God blessed me with.

I'm done judging and being judged. Everybody doesn't wear locks for the same reason nor do I believe they should have to. Everybody isn't going to lock their hair the same way I did and I don't feel they should have to. Am I biased? Of course!! But at the end of the day based on my circumstances from two years ago, I feel good about my hair decision to lock and how I chose to lock. Right now, nothing is broke so I don't need to fix it.

If I ever have to cut my locks off and sport my loose hair texture, I am now ready. To sum up my overall reflection of how I feel about my hair....I am at peace. This also means being tolerant of other people's hair decisons regardless of whether they are good or bad from my point of view.

The Take Down

I wore the updo plaits for five days and received many compliments on it much to my delight. Turns out it was quite a hit and I had nothing to worry about in the first place. I'm even more pleased with my crinkly braidout result. Funny it kind of reminds me of my jeri curl do from back in the day. If it holds a little past the weekend then I will consider it a definite success. Since I did not use any setting lotion, I guess it will be interesting.

2 Year Update

I am over the blog lazies long enough to do my two year update. Yeah baby! The below collage is my two year growth compared to my day one installation.

Next are photos of this years growth compared to my one year growth.

Despite the ups, despite the downs, you all know the speech - I love my hair! To all the newbies, keep toughing it out. The growing pains don't last forever.

At first tonight was just a wash. Then I wanted to do something different so I decided to single plait for a crinkle look. I did this back in January and loved the volume but the style was gone the next day. Therefore I wanted to keep the plaits in for at least 2-3 days, but then there is work. I thought about wearing a Loc Soc but only as a last resort. After putting in the plaits, I remembered some advice I gave Chosenvessel a while ago and I started to pin up the plaits. It's a bit on the eclectic side but hopefully I can pull it off. I'll take my Loc Soc with me to work just in case. I'll wear this up style until early next week and maybe my crinkles will have a fair chance.





A little bit of length does come in handy. Whoohoo!

A Visit With Paulette

Yesterday I was in Detroit visiting with the very lovely Paulette. Her new shop Locks4Life is now open. The product junkie in me just couldn't resist buying a couple of Loc Socs from her new display. I've been wanting to try one for a while but the website has been under construction. Last I heard, some folks were still having trouble with the site so I'm not sure of its status. I guess it would be safe to send an email to the owner before making a purchase. They are advertised to be very very versatile.

Let's Talk

I can't wait to hear from everyone. This should be fun.

Interview From Cluizel

1. Three wishes that you can use on yourself...what are they?
a) I really need some height. In another life, at least six inches should do.

b) To have been smarter in math and science.

c) No more debt. Please just make it go away.


2. Stilettos/flats/sneakers?
Flats - I must have comfort over beauty, unless I can get both in a perfect world.


3. Favorite condiment?
That would depend on what I'm eating. If it's fries...ketchup, a hotdog....mustard, and grilled meat....bring on the barbecue sauce!!


4. Sisterlocks...any regrets? Would you do anything differently?

For the most part, I've had a pretty good journey and I have very few complaints in regards to Sisterlocks. In lieu of previous posts, perhaps I would have gone with bigger hairline locks.


All of my other issues were due to me having to come to terms and love the hair texture I was born with. I still have not given my loose natural hair a fair shot until this day. One of these days, I hope to rectify that.

5. If you could wave a magic wand and make an ex disappear would you? Why?

No, I don't think I would want to make any of my ex's disappear. I think they were good guys for the most part, just had some problems. And until a sista ties the knot, you never know.........

If you want to give your interview a shot. Feel free to let me know.

Lock Repair

After having my locks retightened two weeks ago by new consultant, I had a WTF moment when I saw one of my front locks had a bunched knot right near the root. I'm saying there's no way she didn't know she did this. It feels like a hot mess! Urghh. And it is one of my front locks. So everytime my hand-in-hair-itis struck, of course my finger landed directly on the bunched knot. This unkempt lock was really irking me.


So each day as I would say to myself the least she could of done was try to fix it. I mean just take a comb and...... well that's it! I knew at that moment what I had to do. I found one of my rat tail combs and started combing at the bunched knot. When it was loosened enough, I finger rolled it back into place with the rest of the lock. No more bunched knot and my lock is back to looking all perfect again. I'm learning from this locking experience, sometimes you just have to take matters into your own hands.

Don't be afraid to trust your own judgement.

Thinning Locks

I asked Muslimahlocs if she has micro micro locks and her response was, "Compared to your picture definitely."



While those super micro SLs are gorgeous, I knew hands down they are not for me. First off, I would have to forget about ever doing my own retightenings and second, the tiny locks I do have, have me so paranoid that they are going to break off. I've already combined some of them but they are still much to little for my own personal liking. I really don't want to do anymore combining if I don't have to. So I'm hoping the roots will grow in thicker.
Of course these problem locks are at my unstable front hairline.

Perhaps it wouldn't be so bad if my locks started out that way. But I suspect some of my locks have thinned due to natural hair thinning and/or retightenings done where the tension of the lock was done waay to tight.

In this pic here, note the difference of the lock I'm pointing to versus the other locks around it.

I guess I will have to do what's necessary and hope for the best.

Tagged...here goes

1. I'm the oldest of 3 siblings. I'm 5 years older than my brother and 12 years older than my sister. That's why you see my mother and I hanging out so much. Lil sis isn't even old enough to drink yet.


2. The reason I haven't blogged about my husband or kids is because...there aren't any. It's just me.


3. I got my BS from Ithaca (across from Cornell). It was the only school I applied to outside of Ohio and they happened to give me the best financial aid package. The first time I ever stepped foot on campus was for the start of class. I have a long history of making blind faith decisions. Mom was happy I was far enough away from NYC.

4. I use to run the 200m and 4x200m relay for track and field in junior high. One day I told coach I wanted to try my hand at 100m hurdles. For someone being 5'0", it was an interesting experience but I didn't keep it up very long. I'm sure I was shorter than that back then.


5. My favorite ice cream is pralines and cream and butter pecan respectively. Haagen-Dazs makes wonderful flavors of these.

6. My passion for Sisterlocks stems from a) I am such a wannabe entrepreneur. I hold the utmost respect and admiration for Dr. Jo et al for taking on the entrepreneurial challenge of providing women the benefits of Sisterlocks. b) I had to put up with that nappy hair does not equal good BS for so long, it really feels good being on the opposite end of the spectrum with my SLs.

7. My favorite quote in this year's Sisterlock calendar is from March:
Who can deny the beauty I behold?

I am the beholder!

Tagged......Hmmmm

I'm still pondering what other tidbits of information I'm willing to share. It took me forever to come up with the responses I shared last time. But in an effort to keep the good spirits of the game, I will tag:

Onyxcherry
Cashana
Mrs Dee
Still Waters
Ja Stu
Detra
Jeri

Here are the rules: Each player starts with 7 random facts/habits about themselves. People who are tagged need to then report this on their own blog with their 7 things as well as these rules. They then need to tag 7 others and list their names on their blog. They are also asked to leave a comment for each of the tagged, letting them know they have been tagged and to read the blog.

How sweet of you Kim, Mel, and Locsuluv.

On the Hair Front

1. I was retightened over the weekend by a local consultant here in Cleveland. She is very sweet and I am quite pleased with the results of her work. To find somebody who won't jeopardize the integrity of Paulette's foundation is more than a notion. But I do believe this new consultant may be a keeper.

2. I am finally scheduled to take the retightening class on June 30th. I'm anxious, scared, nervous, and excited all at the same time. I'm still appalled that the price doubled since two years ago.

3. Check out the two new baby locks! Like many others, my hairline suffered something terrible from the braids and relaxer damage. I was almost starting to believe the damage was irreversible. Nearly two years later, better late than never sure is the truth. I'm still hoping to gain enough peach fuzz on the other side to form some new locks.

4. The dandruff and itching was getting the best of me and I had to try something new. I went back to Sunsail's blog and decided to try her Nizoral shampoo remedy. I ordered the 2% solution from a Canadian pharmacy website. From reading over some product reviews, I learned that in the US you can only get the 2% solution with a prescription and it cost a pretty penny. The Canadian pharmacy sold it for a fraction of the cost and no prescription needed.

I diluted it with water because heck, I dilute almost everything nowadays that I use in my hair. After two weeks and just one time of using the shampoo, I went from 100% filthy, McNasty head full of dandruff to maybe 10% dandruff. I suspect that as I continue to use the shampoo, the dandruff will go away even more. It's so nice to not have my shoulders and pillows buried in dandruff. Girl, you know I'm kicking myself for not trying this stuff earlier when you wrote about it.

5. Last but not least, I love my Sisterlocks!

Growing Into My Hairties

I couldn't be more excited that I'm able to sport the true pineapple look with my Brunsli Hairties. Today I wore the Amy for the first time since I bought it however many moons ago and decided to compare these photos against my Renee hairtie photos taken eight months ago. You can really see in the back how I can pull up the back locks so much higher and they are not constantly falling out of place.
When I wear my hair in a hairtie, curls or some other style and the implication of how come I don't wear it in these styles everyday really irks me. Of course
I shake it off but the nerve to imply my freestyle isn't good enough for daily wear does strike a bad nerve in me.
Oh yeah, I am 100% over my post-grooming freestyle jitters. It's on and poppin once again.

Movie Quote

The greatest trick the Devil ever pulled was convincing the world Goodnapps didn't exist.

Which movie was this quote from?

Get your own quotes:

Back Down Memory Lane

Over the weekend I attended a fantastic natural get together here in town hosted by Linda. I can't say enough of how awesome it was and I even got to meet fellow local blogger Mali as well. It made me realize that I've met a lot of good wholesome folks doing this LockItUp and Blogging thing. Gals who live in California, New York, Philly, Detroit, Miami, Dallas, Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati, etc., etc. The fun is no where near over. I know I still have plenty more folks out there to meet. But I couldn't resist the opportunity to go back down memory lane.

So What Am I Free From?

When we all made the decision to go with Sisterlocks, I'm sure there were plenty of reasons that motivated us to do so. We wanted to be free but free from what? Some say Sisterlocks are too costly and time consuming to offer any kind of freedom. But I think until you've been in a person's situation, you are in no position to pass judgement.

But for me, my #1 and #2 reasons to go with locks and subsequently Sisterlocks was to be free from that chemical damage of the relaxer. Not because I hated wearing my hair straight. Not because I never wanted to spend another penny paying for my hair to be done. Not because I never wanted to step foot in another beauty salon. Not because I look forward to doing my hair myself. Not because I was looking for a new fad hairstyle. Not because I was looking for some inner spiritualness of being black or to be a rebel against conformity and the white man. Do I receive some of these benefits? You betcha. But they weren't my primary motivators.

I WAS TIRED OF THE RELAXER DAMAGE AND GOING BALD BECAUSE OF IT.

Some of my other motivators in order of importance are below.

3. I didn't want to deal with my hair on a day to day basis.
4. I didn't want anymore combs going through my hair.
5. I want hair that's past my shoulders, healthy and mine. Not fake, glued or sewed in.
6. The same styling versatility that I received from wearing a relaxer.

I can't speak for anybody else, but I got the freedom I was looking for and a lot more extra.

Things On My Mind

1. I just got my 4th Sisterlock journal in the mail yesterday. I absolutely love reading through the magazine. I'll probably renew my subscription with the expectation that I am being promised 4 magazines, not when I'm going to receive them.

2. This morning I noticed that a couple of my locks still look pretty fuzzy. I think they were missed since we really had to rush at the end of the session. I'll be buying a new pair of trimming scissors this week. So much for my comment to Brenda about not being a chronic groomer. I'll make the trade off for volume, just give me the perfect dreads!!! "Perfect Dreads" ---what an oxymoron.

3. The layers just aren't my friends anymore. I've reached that stage where my length feels like it's all over the place with no definite direction. Long here, short there. The grooming makes it so much more apparent. I never knew my hair grew so slow at the top. Was it always this way? Wearing that famous Halle Berry cut for so long I never noticed. Keeping the back and sides faded down was a must back then. Some bunching from those first couple months was a setback as well for growth in the top. Recall I never braided or banded.

But anyway, freestyling just isn't the same anymore and I'm not as confident about the gawking and judging. It's probably all in my head, but I can't help feeling this way. So I have to protect them. I'll be sporting a lot more hairtie and lockscrunchie styles for a little while.

4. My concessions to get my ends to seal more paid off!! The ends are so much more hard and sturdy it's a night and day difference. I will keep up the regimen a bit while more.

20 Month Update

Yesterday was quite a lengthy session since I combined my retightening with a much needed grooming. It took me many many months to work up the nerve to do the grooming for fear of the skinned cat look. I would by lying if I said I didn't feel and look that way at least a little bit. But I am so pleased with the outcome and I love my new Nice Dreads look. It will be awhile before I work up the nerve to do it again.....say in two years perhaps.

Top Left: Post groomed and retightened back corner section.
Top Right: Front fully groomed and retightened.
Bottom Left: One lock pre-groomed.
Bottom Right: Lock after groomed.

Another Sleep Cap

Even though I don't feel the need to cover up my locks at night like I did in the early months, it's still nice to have something just in case. About a year ago I ordered the Dreadsock and as soon as I put it on Dr. Phil's, "What the hell were you thinking?" immediately came to mind. Naive little me didn't know that medium in the lock world takes on a whole different meaning. I figured I would keep it anyway and grow into it. God only knows how many years that will take.


Recently, I was happy to read Meikmeika's positive review of the Ayana Loc Pocket. Since I was in need of a new lock cover, I ordered one for myself. Good thing this time around I was warned that the small size would be just enough. I like it because it is a good fit, not too tight and I still have some growing room in it even though it's a small.

Napptural Gathering in Cleveland

Whoohoo! A Napptural gathering where I only had to drive 20 minutes to get there courtesy of Ms. Cheleskilove. Everyone is so beautiful and down to earth. I loved seeing our natural diversity of hair and common bond that brought us together....self love to a higher power. When you're in the company of folks who know who they are, what they want and are on a mission to get it, I don't see how you can go wrong. I send much love and blessings to all of my new napptural buddies.

Love These Curls

From tight curl to loose curl, I love it either way. These curls are like the energizer bunny - they just keep going and going and going. Blaq honey, I finally see why you love your curls so much! I was looking in the mirror and told myself I could definitely do a curl set at least once a month. Prior, I was thinking every few months. Now that I've fallen in love with these curls, it's time to up the stakes.

I'll continue to stretch wearing my curls for another week by doing some flat twists in the front and then capping it off with a curly pineapple in a hairtie. You all know I've been waiting for this moment. I hope you can feel the excitement. I rejoice!

Soft Spike Curls

Recently, I finally ordered another pack of small Soft Spikes. My first roller set was in October and I really liked the way it turned out. My curls were going pretty strong for about a week and a half - with no setting lotion. But when I ran out of soft spikes, I was really scrounging around. I found a few sponge rollers and still didn't have enough of those. I had to make a couple foil rods to finish up the last sections.

But this time around, I was able to make smaller sections and frame my face much better without the stress of running out of curlers. It took me about an hour and a half to roll my hair and I did use Crinkles and Curls setting foam. Then sat under the dryer for about 40 minutes as an insurance for it to be dry in the morning. When I unrolled it in the morning, I didn't finger comb the curls or anything. I don't mind the Miss Poodle America look since I have serious issues with spending hours on my hair and having nothing to show for it the next day. I won't have to worry about that this time around.

I don't think the pictures have the best clarity, but with my hair texture - it is what it is. Thank goodness I can finally appreciate it.

18 Months

I wonder how many times can we say, "I am so in love with my hair!" before it sounds like a broken record. I never would have dreamed in a million years that everyday I am more in love with my hair than I was the previous day. I will also add freshly tightened roots is a nice pick-me-up as well.

After perusing the 3 year updates of Brunsli and Katika, I am doing the Maryee happy dance more so now than ever because I am half way there. The time is flying by so fast one day at a time. Feet don't fail me now.

They asked and Now I Tell

1. In another life I would be a gymnast. When I was five years old, I thought it was fun to swing on the shower rail instead of washing my ears. One day the rail gave way and that was the end of swinging in the shower. Of course mom was not a happy camper about the ordeal.

2. I still have my wisdom teeth and no cavities.

3. I'm determined to become a millionaire within 10 years. I feel like I have two jobs at the moment; day job and chasing the next stock pick. I'll give an update in six months; laughing at the bank or crying in bankruptcy court.

4. The tattoo on my left arm says "Sexy." My personal motivation to not let things get too out of hand if you know what I mean. I've had it for nine years now. I also just remembered, when I wore a tank top to class one day - one of my professors made the class guess what the tattoo said.

5. I collect shot glasses of the places I've visited.


Given the fact that I rarely talk about myself outside of my hair, you would of thought this would have been easier for me. It wasn't. Go figure. Stepping outside of myself on my blog is a nice change of pace. Who shall I tag?
How about....

CloudNine
Maryee
Lashaune
Quietspirit
Tra

Oh yeah, I'm not sure what happened to my blogline subscription but I noticed it got dropped. It could of happened when I upgraded to the new blogger. If you were a previous or would like to for the future, please resubscribe. Thanks so much.

Addendem 2/4/2007
Since I was technically tagged twice:
6. I was in the labor room when my sister gave birth to my niece and front row at the birth canal. I almost got put of the room by the doctor because my knees started to wobble when he reached for the scissors. We just celebrated my niece's 2nd birthday January 16th.

7. I did a two week stint in London and went to Paris for a weekend via the Tram in May of 2003. I was taking a marketing research class toward my MBA. That's where I got my subway riding skills from which came in very handy during the Color Purple trip with you ladies. My mother swears I didn't know what I was talking about each time I told her she was about to send us in the wrong direction.

8. I had Lasik done three years ago.

9. I use to be a wanna be rapper back in the day. My best friend and I formed a rap duo Sugga and Spice. Yep, I was Spice.

10. I have about 50 pairs of shoes in my living room. I'm taking full advantage of my bachelorette lifestyle.

Cheers to the New Year

2007! I cannot remember a year where I have been so excited about starting fresh and new. This is my year to take back some of the riches that life has to offer: love, money, spiritual growth, etc. Rewind back to 2005 - I walked off my job, ended my relationship and started my Sisterlock journey.

That set the stage for 2006 being the year to regroup and get grounded again. In February I got a new job, in June I got to fellowship with a wonderful group of Sisterlocked ladies and by September I lost 14 lbs which I have kept off to date.

I am sending a special THANK YOU to Lashaune who gave me that final bit of encouragement to do Weight Watchers as soon as I got back from New York. I have always believed that God sends everybody in and out of your life for a reason. By the end of the '06, I got some loc length, a new love interest, and
re-established my trading account.

What a way to roll into 2007. My list of goals keep growing and growing - but that's a good thing. When you all set your goals for the year, make sure they are specific, measurable, and in writing.

One of my favorite quotes. "Keep doing what you've always done and you'll keep getting what you've always got."

Make that change happen!

Mom's Locs

A few weeks ago mother and I got our hair retightened and I took these photos to show her progress. Mom started with permed ends in October of 2005. 90% of her permed ends are gone and she's definitely looking more locish now. This is quite an accomplishment for her since she has that "soft" textured hair. No where near the super coily stufff I have.

So 14 months later - Mom is so much happier with her locs and that is what's important.

***********************************************************************

Day One Sisterlocks (October 2005)