So, I won big over on Sandra Rose...

Things are really picking up for me right now! Considering all I've been through during this year...I can't believe that my year is going out with a bang.

I actually won tickets to Jingle Bash up there in ATL!!! Wooo-Haaah

...unfortunately due to circumstances beyond my control (to put it nicely) I can't go. (womp womp womp)

Yeah, I have a feeling the suprise guest is gonna be T.I. and that makes me feel no better. Ya'll know I stans for Tip and now Nikki Minaj. (wink wink)

*sigh* So, hopefully the next person in line will get a chance to go and enjoy..no need to hog the tickets for nothing! Thanks to Sandra for hosting such wonderful things on her blog and allowing us to participate!

So...I won big over on Hairlicious!

Sending a big thank you out to Sunshyne over at Hairlicious,Inc.!! I won a gift card at Honey Fig and I'll be blogging on the items that I chose.

I've been looking already and I've got my eye on some of the Miss Jessies products since they are BOGO!!! This is the perfect time to try. So keep tuned for that.

Oh, and none of my posts have labels right now since I'm changing everything around. I may delete some of them...not sure yet. TTYL!

Ready for the new year!

I can't wait to come back for the new year. I won't be as busy and will be focusing more on my blog. Bear with me as I'm am also deleting irrelevant posts. I'll also be adding my daughter's hair journey as well!

My first little girl so it's been rough with the trial and error on my braiding...hehe!

Better things for 2010. I've got to do better with my pictures and such. I've decided to back off of the BC only b/c of some salons I want to try out and see how they handle transitioning hair.

Pardon me while I add some new things to the blog!

Better late then never!

Here are a couple of the pictures! I have had the worst time getting them on here, LOL! I had car problems yesterday so I didn't make it to the library :O( I didn't even get my homework done, SMH...what to do what to do.

Then, my computer was acting up at work this morning so.........well, here they are. They aren't the best but I got them up! I'll be taking some more this week after I get my Indigo Henna. I think I want to do a tutorial on that but I've got to figure out this mobile blogging issue that I'm having.

Also, there is a wonderful contest coming up for B&L...YES! my very first one. It's going to be simple and will begin after the big suprise this week :O) Ya'll will find that out soon enough. Till, next time....au revoir bellas!

To Anonymous

Thanks for the comments and the *side-eye* LMAO, yep you called me out. I haven't had a chance to add any pictures because my internet is off and the camera I have isn't compatable with my computer. I could list all the other drama I've tried to go through but it honestly begins to sound like BS but it's actually true (No, really it is)

BUT, my celly will be back fully functioning and operational on Friday, yes that's this Friday. LOL, I'm glad because being without communication is hard.

So what have I been up to:

School is hard. Enuff said. I've been trying to catch up my Statistics class because um yeah, I'm not doing good at this point and I HAVE to pass this class. SMH, it's not looking good at this point.

I really need some hair products but I think I need money to buy them first, HA! My hair is literally NATURAL VS. PERMED right now and neither side is winning so yeah, my head looks a mess.

Lastly, I want to change the blog-a-sphere around a little bit. I don't want to focus on soley hair anymore and I'm to strapped for time to create yet another blog. I love this one too much and I just don't want to see it wither out.

Thanks so much "Anonymous" for following my blog. It really means a lot to me and I want to thank all my followers and especially those that comment. Reading comments are a big joy :O)

See you guys Saturday morning with the new pics. (that way if something goes wrong Friday night, which I know happens to me, Saturday I'll be up good and early to get a rush on it :O)

Officially 1 Year

I am officialy 1 year post relaxer! I'm waiting on my Blackberry and I'll be updating the site with new pics.

I've been MIA due to loads and loads of homework :O(

It's rough trying to do school and blog everyday. However, I am going to go back to doing my regular posting but it's not always going to be hair related. I'm looking forward to doing my BC so when I set a concrete date I'll definitely take pics and maybe tape it!

Hope everyone is doing great and will be back on schedule this weekend :O)

:O)

3 Tips & Myths Part II

Tip # 4

Join a hairboard.

Now I know that this has nothing to do with actually doing your hair but there is a wealth of information and support on hairboards. I find that the biggest fear that people have when transitioning is the lack of support. :O( I know a few people wondered => WHY I would want to go from a relaxer to kinky hair but I made the decision based upon what I felt was the best way to go.

There is also a heap of information on the boards plus a good bit of them are absolutely free! Take your time and research which board is best for you and sign up today. I'm an active member of several boards so if anyone needs any suggestions feel free to ask.

Tip #5

Stay away from high heat.

Being that you are attempting to go natural, don't fight the kinks! The purpose of going natural is to, well, wear your natural hair. Trying to match your natural hair to your relaxed hair is a battle that you'll seldom win and if you do happen to win....you don't know if you've caused any permanent damage to your coil pattern.

I straightened my hair a lot at first but once I realized that my hair was sooooo much thicker without a relaxer, I opted to go on a no heat regimen for a few months. I'll take a picture later today so that you can see a better pic of where my NG ends. My permed ends look a H.A.M. LOL

Always try to do styles that match your natural hair. Here's a link for some ideas:

Treasure Locks Transitioning Tips

Tip # 6

Find products that work for your hair.

This will definitely be a time of trial and error but don't overdo it. It's so easy to go out and buy every product that someone else is using only to find that your hair doesn't love it at all! Find out what your hair loves and stick with it. Don't use a bunch of new products at the same time either. You won't be able to tell what's working and what's not.

Don't become a product junkie as it will only lead you to a cabinet full of products that you don't like, can't use, or just don't want. You'll waste more money & time than you will anything. If you see a product you like....ask someone if they could send you a sample or they may even have a sample for sale. This is why joining hair boards are great too! I have gotten so many products for cheap that I would normally pay a grip for so that's a benefit for me.

Myth # 2

You can revert relaxed hair back to its natural state.

This is false. Once you've permed/relaxed your hair with a chemical treatment, you CAN NEVER revert that hair back to its natural state. Take a look at this page I found with some information on hair relaxers and what they do exactly.

The Truth About Hair Relaxers

I would post the info but it's a lot! It's worth reading also. That's it for today! If you have any suggestions feel free to leave them below :O)

Remembering Michael Jackson

Today is Michael Jackson's Birthday so celebrate by watching some of the specials on BET, E Tv, and other various channels. Good Stuff!

HAPPY BIRTDAY MJ! YOU ARE TRULY MISSED!

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Today's post is obviously late but I am overly swamped with Statistics & Biology homework. :O(

I'm sooooooooooooo frustrated right now and to add these are online classes. I'm over here pulling my hair out right now (not literally, hahaha)

Transitioning Tips & Myths

Especially for you LaQT! I see ya in the comments :O) Enjoy Ladies, I added a couple of pictures of my hair showing what my texture kind of looks like. It was hard to get the pic really clear due to the web cam on hubby's computer :O/

I will be adding more tips as I go along the way along with any that you all think should be on the list! Here are the first 3 Tips & a Myth

Tip # 1

Determine why you are transitioning.

This is the most important tip that I can give. Transitioning is such a drastic change in your life. You may get negative reactions from friends & family, rude comments from people you know or even complete strangers...all of them wondering why you decided to drop your straight hair for what God gave you naturally. Be prepared to defend your decision should this day ever come and know that this journey to natural hair can be a beautiful one if you let it.

Tip # 2

Detangle your hair before washing.

Some may disagree with detangling your transitioning hair before washing versus detangling while in the shower or wet. I beg to differ. I lose more hair detangling my hair wet than I do before I wash. I part my hair in sections and gently comb from the bottom to the roots and plait each section after I'm done. This also saves me a big headache and mess afterwards. Make sure you do the method that works best on YOUR hair.

Tip # 3

Wash your hair in sections.

This goes along with Tip # 2! After detangling your hair, wash it in the same sections you braided and make sure to keep them separate by re-braiding it as you wash, rinse, and condition. This will definitely cut down on your "detangling" time once you are completely done. I can run the comb straight through my hair after I wash just because I take the time to detangle before washing.

Myth # 1

You can't comb transitioning hair everyday.

I think this is totally untrue. Everyone's hair texture is different and it takes a lot of trial and error before finding methods that work in your favor. I found that waiting a week to comb my hair led me to a lot more hair loss than when I gently combed and braided sections each night. This works for me and a couple of others that I know so it does work for someone other than me! If this is not for you...find what works! That's the exciting part of DIY (do it yourself) haircare.


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Well, that's the 3 tips anda myth for today! I'll be doing this Friday, Saturday, Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday at 8:30 a.m. sharp. I put in some work on these tips and myths so hopefully they help someone out there. Leave a comment if you have a tip or myth and I'll post it :O)

Remembering Aaliyah

You can check out more photos and videos over on my music blog: My Life, My Mind, My Music Here's a bio you can check out and please enjoy the videos. We have to remember Aaliyah's beautiful spirit along with her fabulous hair & style & dancing during her short time here with us. May she rest in peace.

-------------------------------------------------
Singer, actress. Born Aaliyah Dana Haughton, on January 16, 1979, in Brooklyn, New York. Raised in Detroit, Michigan, the young singer competed unsuccessfully on the television program Star Search at age 11. Later that same year, she performed with R&B legend Gladys Knight, the former wife of her uncle and manager, Barry Hankerson, at a five-night stand in Las Vegas.

In 1994, at the age of 15, Aaliyah catapulted onto the R&B charts herself with her debut album, Age Ain't Nothing But a Number. Produced by the successful singer R. (Robert) Kelly, the album quickly sold a million copies and eventually earned platinum status based largely on the success of two hit singles, "Back and Forth" and "At Your Best (You Are Love)." Later that year, tabloid reports surfaced claiming that the sultry teen singer had married the 27-year-old Kelly, but Aaliyah denied the union and the marriage was reportedly annulled.

While a student in the dance program at Detroit High School for the Fine and Performing Arts (she graduated in 1997), Aaliyah released her sophomore album, One in a Million (1996). Helmed by the well-known pop producer Timbaland (Tim Mosely) and featuring rap performer Missy "Misdemeanor" Elliott, One in a Million portrayed the 17-year-old singer as a sultry hip-hop chanteuse with a self-confidence well beyond her years. The album garnered favorable reviews and sold two million copies.

Aaliyah gained even more recognition in 1997 when she recorded "Journey to the Past," the Academy Award-nominated theme song to the animated feature Anastasia. She also performed the song for the Oscar telecast in 1998. Her next soundtrack effort, "Are You That Somebody?" for 1998's Dr. Dolittle, starring Eddie Murphy, went to No. 1 on the R&B charts, was a pop crossover hit, and earned Aaliyah her first Grammy Award nomination.

In 2000, Aaliyah made her acting debut in the surprise action hit Romeo Must Die, starring opposite martial arts star Jet Li in a Romeo and Juliet-inspired story set in modern-day Los Angeles. She was also an executive producer of the movie's soundtrack and performed the hit single "Try Again," which netted her a second Grammy nomination as well as two MTV Music Video Awards for Best Female Video and Best Video From a Film.

Her third album, Aaliyah, was released in July 2001 and reached No. 2 on the Billboard album chart. Also in 2001, she played the title role in Queen of the Damned, based on the bestselling novel by Anne Rice and set for release in 2002. She scored a major casting coup when she signed to appear in two upcoming sequels to the blockbuster sci-fi thriller The Matrix, starring Keanu Reeves and Laurence Fishburne.

Tragically, Aaliyah was killed on August 25, 2001, when a small Cessna passenger plane carrying the singer and her video crew crashed and burst into flames shortly after takeoff from Abaco Island in the Bahamas, where they had just completed work on a video. The plane was headed for Miami, Florida. Aaliyah and seven other people, including the pilot, were believed to have died instantly, while a ninth passenger died later at a Bahamian hospital. Aaliyah was 22 years old at the time of her death. She is survived by her parents, Diane and Michael Haughton, and an older brother, Rashaad.

© 2009 A&E Television Networks. All rights reserved.
Source: http://www.biography.com/articles/Aaliyah-Haughton-9542434

Aaliyah - miss you
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Aaliyah - Try Again
Uploaded by shermanshecapio. - Watch more music videos, in HD!

Aaliyah--We Need A Resolution
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Aaliyah - Rock The Boat
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Transitioning Tips & Myths

Okay, I've decided to get back to the main point of my blog>>>HAIR! Since I'm transitioning and there are soooo many other women out there contemplating on whether they should go natural or not, I've decided to develop a list of tips and myths that I've seen since beginning my journey.

Now, everyone may not agree with what I say but that's what the comments section is for! Post your opinion and let me know what you think also.

I'll be doing double posts today to make up for yesterday and Saturday. One will be definitely featuring the beautiful Aaliyah in honor of her memory. Enjoy your day!

Inspirational Black Women

I want to take the time out to acknowledge some of the Beautiful Black Women that inpire us all. Please take time to share a comment with everyone about someone you admire, someone that mentors you, or just someone you have had the chance to meet that has truly changed your life.

I'm working on mines right now as I type this up! If it's a long post, just email me so I can post it separately. Let's do this!

Dominican Salons...Ye or Nay?

So, while I was over on LHCF I ran up on a thread with a video showing a Dominican blowout. Now, there were lots of mixed feelings about the actual process b/c of the high heat that is used to straigten the hair.

I loved the results though! I can't really say I saw any damage caused just by watching the video....there is a lot of smoke but I believe it was the products combined with the heat. Let me know your thoughts!

What's the word & Product Review

Hey guys! This is a quick update and an unexpected product review since I happened to pick up the wrong conditioner, SMH.

My internet connection is not working at home and we're gonna try to switch to cable internet (???) and see if the connection is faster. My computer is slow as bricks and I got classes coming up next week for Fall and I need my speed.

Now, on to the product review....

Now, to your left you will see my beloved Mane & Tale Condish that I've sooooo grown to love, however, I was totally oblivious to the fact that that is the DEEP Moisturizing Condish that I've never used!! When I started pouring it out the bottle and it was BLUE....yes, I was pretty much like "What in the world did I buy?????"

So, I added it to my Shikakai Co-Wash (which I'll never do again) and let's just say my hair still has grit and grain all throughout. I DC'ed with this condish as well and I just really liked the Regular Moisturizing better. *sigh* Oh well, I guess I'll be re-cowashing this weekend. Sorry about the pics but I'll have plenty Saturday of my results. I've really had some major growth over the last few months!!

MAXWELL "BAD HABITS" PREMIERE

WATCH IT HERE ON STEVE HARVEY'S WEBSITE (in the corner on the bottom of the home page)

Steve Harvey

Leave a comment after you watch and tell me what you think!!!!!!!!!!!

Ya'll know I luvssssssssssss some Maxwell. Oh, and is he married now???

Short Cuts.....Is Rhianna the icon for short hair now?

Ever since the chart-topping single "Umbrella" dropped in 2007, Rhianna's ever changing short crop styles have been setting the bar for these new short hair cuts that have got celebrities donning shaved heads, shorter locks, and precision cuts.

Even recently, Ciara is now rocking a new cut that everyone is now saying is mocking Rhianna's style. Now, I stans for Rhianna's style b/c I really feel like she really brought a difference back into music by losing the ever-so-popular lace front wigs that everyone and their mama is wearing. Hell, even your local beauty supply is stocking $57.99 lace fronts for the budgeting divas out here.

However, I don't like the fact that people are acting as if sutting your hair means you are "following" someone's style. What's wrong with putting up the weave & glue for a while? I think that Ciara's hair(wig/cut?) is growing on me and she looks pretty nice in some shots. Now, I'm going to need for her former hair stylist to stop with the salt throwing but there's nothing wrong with changing up your look and style every now and then.

Truth is, Halle Berry, Monica, Nia Long, and countless others have fiercely sported short & sharp cuts lonnnnnnnnnnnngggggggggg before it became a fading trend. So, before folks start crediting an entire style to one individual....they need to do their research. This style was, has been, and will always be popular without celebrity support. Any thoughts?

Hair Networks & Social Boards

I know everyone out there is probably a member of or runs a hair network or board. Today's post is just for anyone who wants to share where they are a member and why they love the site. I'm a member of several boards and I'm currently narrowing down where to go b/c I just don't have the time to visit each one like I want. So, tell everyone what your favorite hair board is! This includes blogs also...someone else may want to check it out!

Mane & Tale Conditioner

I've heard soooooo many stories about Mane & Tale Conditioner to the point that I was sick of hearing about it, LOL. However, while I was contemplating on the egg treatment a couple of weeks ago this conditioner popped in my head after reading one of my favorite blogs. I decided to go ahead and try some along with my Shikakai Powder wash (see previous posts!) as my DC.

It was great! I love the slip that it gave and powered with the results from the shikakai my hair was soft, strong, and full! I will be doing another results post this weekend and show more of my texture of my new growth. I'll be using the remaining Mane & Tale for a DC after I co-wash this weekend. If you'd like some addtional information on this conditioner click here.

Rhianna's New Do

What do you think? I love it...however, I'm definitely more interested in seeing what ladies who have been wearing the shaved looks (since forever) have to say about this new found "trend" among celebs.

I won some prizes!

Well, just wanted to share with you guys what's been going on behind the scenes at other blogs that I I want to encourage you all to visit other blogs and network as much as you can because we can all help each other. Commenting or sending messages means a lot and makes you feel like you're doing something right! Most of you out there have your own blogs so you know what I mean! I've entered a lot of wonderful contests and the point of my post is to show you that you can win too!

Now, to the point of my post. I entered 2 fabulous giveaways on two of the blogs I and well I had the pleasure of entering the Beauty Luxe Give Away hosted by the Fabulous Blogging Vixen, Anjela, over at Blaq Vixen Beauty. I happened to be a winner and I won a ton of cool gifts which are in the pictures below.












The Prissy Mommy features Yakini filling us in on her wonderful experiences with her family along with her helpful advice. She recently held a giveaway asking for everyone to share their funniest hair story in the Jamilla Henna Giveaway. I was chosen as an honorable mention and received two boxes of Henna!! She was very generous on this giveaway and deserves a standing ovation for giving away at least 12 boxes of henna.

I'll definitely be doing a big post on the henna once I use it and show you guys the results and everything. Again, I want to encourage everyone to visit different blogs, comment, and get that valuable information that you may never find somewhere else. Don't just go to win free stuff but go to show support to your fellow blog sista and trust me, you'll get nothing but love back. In the mean time, show the ladies above some love!

Hesh Shikakai Powder

As you all know, transitioning can become a chore with all the detangling, co-washing, bunning, etc. Well, I've basically changed my regimen every week to figure out what my hair likes best during this stage. I'm am now 39 weeks post relaxer and I'm turning to ayurvedic hair care. I listed some information below on the Shikakai Powder that I now use intead of shampoo!

Shikakai Powder

Hesh Shikakai Powder acts as a natural astringent for hair enhancing its binding properties. It clears dandruff and cleans the dirt accumulated on the scalp. Being a natural conditioner for hair, SHIKAKAI strengthens hair roots and promotes luxuriant growth. Hesh Shikakai powder has certain vital properties that act as coolants for the scalp. This powder has to be mixed with water and used as a paste on the hair instead of shampoo. FOR SOFT & HEALTHY DANDRUFF-FREE HAIR!

Hesh Shikakai Powder has the following advantages:

- Provides new life to hair strands
- Strengthens hair roots
- Increases bounciness and silkiness of hair
- Clears dandruff
- Keeps the scalp clean and cool.

MIXING YOUR PASTE

1: Place required amount of powder in a bowl then add water and mix well to create a thick paste.

2: Gently massage the paste into the hair and scalp rotating with your finger tips.

3: Wait for 2 to 5 minutes.

4: Rinse thoroughly with water.

Caution:

Avoid contact with eyes.
Should contact occur rinse immediately with water.

Ladies, I got some in my eyes and it burnt like all he11 was loose in the house.