product build up!!!

So I've been spraying my hair everyday with water (mixed with a drop of EVOO, coconut oil, and jojoba oil) and using the JBCO mix every other day and it seems like my hair is really fuzzy and greasy all of a sudden. Without the water it was ok. A little sticky at times but not the end of the world. Soooo I guess im not going to spray everyday. Since I have twist which are really of a wooly conistency it takes a bit longer to dry and it just looks kinda dead. I guess now im just going to spray when I feel it is getting dry and go from there. Maybe with braids the scalp is dryer more easily maybe bc of the parts. But with twist the scalp is not as exposed and therefore I guess I dont need so much moisture all the time. Ughh anyway. The thing right now is that my hair aged like 3 weeks. :(

I was planning on going to Omaha next weekend with the braids still in but now I think I will take them out. That added with the fail on dipping the ends kinda put a damper on the whole hairdo. :( :( I dont think ill get zat twist again. They look too much like kinky twist and are frankly too boring for me.

So I will rely in the future on my favorite: Spring twist, and my second favorite: Fluffy twist (which I did for my mom recently and they look soooo cute on her). These are unique bc there are not so popular yet (especially in SD!!! lol) and they really fit my personality. Also they do not put alot of stress on my hair because they are so fluffy and light. Until next time!

Proper care for braids

So, I came across a girl who helped me with some basic knowledge about hair care during braids I wasn't aware of. Since I tend to lean toward braids..mostly because they are easier to manage..properly caring for my hair while it is braided is important. I am hoping that following her tips I will have much more successful results after taking out my twist as far as retaining length/preventing breakage. It is kind of self defeating if you put your hair in a protective style and then you dont take care of it and it ends up thinning or breaking. 

One thing I am going to stop doing is microbraids. The girl talked about how the smaller the braid the worse it is for your hair. I dont think my hair suffered too much from the micros however my goal is to stop putting alot of  stress on my hair all together....so micros im going to at least take a break from. I put the link below. She has really thick long hair. 

So today I started with her suggestions. However the water I used was mixed with vegetable glycerin and my hair was really stick between that and the JBCO mix. I actually like the smell of the JBCO in a weird way. Its very earthy. anyway....I bought another spray bottle just for a water and oils  mix. The glycerin spray I have to use more sparingly (or us a smaller glycerin to water ration). It tends to be sticky. 

Ok guys here it is:

http://www.youtube.com/user/Torridiana777#p/u/26/URxkmmO0LwQ

http://www.youtube.com/user/Torridiana777#p/u/25/jb-ddXyydOs

http://www.youtube.com/user/Torridiana777#p/u/24/KTHTRfHZG4A

Handy new site I found for thrifters :)

http://www.thethriftshopper.com/

Jamacian Black Castor oil Mix

JBCO, school update, and workout suggestions

Hair. So I have been using the JBCO mix every other day. I do notice the smell but size I used 2 oz of that and 2 oz of other oils it is not as strong. Today I found and Indian grocer that sells coconut oil twice the size (10.14 oz)  that I bought online at butters-n-bars for $4.50!!! This is wayyy cheaper. I think I spent $8 or $9 for a 5 oz bottle.I was quite happy about that. I had to ask some Indians that were working in the mall because it wasn't in an obvious location. I am considering trying henna when I take my twists out.

School. So I registered for all my classes. I am taking 18 credits!!! so i'ma be super busy this semester. I haven't go books yet. So I emailed all the teachers and will hopefully get responses back soon. I haven't officially closed the deal off with my old school. I am going to have to work over time since Im switching majors so late in the game. But I think computer info systems should be pretty interesting and fun. I have mad respect for those engineering majors that actually finish their degree. Engineering is no joke.  So books being ordered soon. Classes start Aug 29th. I hope to read through some of the book before hand so I can get a head start to ensure As and Bs. Life will definitely be different staying home in Sioux Falls, SD this semester. Prayfully I will do well and be able to transfer. Your prayers are welcome! Hopefully my new hair regiment will be in place by then.


 Also trying to work out every other day. I dont want to get fat!!! haha. Tips on that are welcome!

kenay hits the runaway and inspires Luis Vuitton

So my bestfriend from school was so excited because some of her friends from school have finally made it big. Check out these runway designs. Kenya is on the rise!

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.2050464433078.2111900.1588516294&type=1

these are some 'behind the scenes' more personal look at her two friends. love it!

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=2053078538429&set=a.2053075698358.2111995.1588516294&type=1&theater#!/media/set/?set=a.2053075698358.2111995.1588516294&type=1

second thoughts.....and hair challenges

Ok so I have been hearing bad reviews about jamacian black castor oil.....alot of shedding. so I am a bit scared now. However I have heard that blending it with other oils helps alot. So my plan is to use (in my 4 oz applicator bottle) half JBCO and the other half jojoba oil, olive oil and vatika coconut oil. My main theory is just to blend this oil into my products instead of using it alone and see how this works. In the future I may use a more concentrated version out. I am going to add the JBCO to my deep conditioner which will be homemade (another blog on that), with the castor oil mix, and in my shea butter mix (also soon to make). I am not sure whether or not I should use it in my green house effect/pre-pooing. I am hesitant about this mainly because one of the ladies from real queens started off using it and experienced alot of shedding and ultimately does not support it. She now used EVOO (extra virgin olive oil) and uses the ghe (green house effect) daily. She has had a crazy amount of growth. Soooo I am just not sure. Others have used JBCO with great results. I think I will try the jbco about 3 times a week. just see how it goes. If I experience any unusual shedding i will switch to evoo. jbco acts as a toxin so the theory is that the shedding is necessary....If anything I need thickness not thinning. But we will see. I am going to start using the castor oil mix as soon as I get the jbco in the mail. I will start with the deep co and shea butter when the twists are out. I am only leaving them in for a month...so about the first weekend in august. I am so eager to get my hair growing and interested in trying these new methods on my hair journey and seeing which work best on my hair.  I will document these challenges and report any progess. ttyl!!!!

castor oil challenge and product update

Ok guys so I am doing a castor oil challenge. I will use jamacian black castor oil (mixed with jojoba oil, olive oil, and essential oils) for 3 mons and document the results. Right now I have braids in, but I am going to go head and start with the twist in. I bought an applicator bottle so I can just get it on the roots. I havent hear of anyone using it with twist in, so I dont know if this is going to affect it or not. But I bought my jojoba oil today from the health food store. 

I also got my 1lbs of shea butter and vatik coconut oil from butters-n-bars.com yesterday. So I will be making my shea butter mix and homemade deep conditioner later when I take my braids out. I have also recently purchased aloe vera  and vitamen E oil from walmart. So more updates on that to come. Im excited! I really really want to focus on length with my hair. I am so impatient!!! Its been 2 years and ive had a few setbacks and my hair should be longer than it really is :( so I am going full force now hoping for longer healthier happier hair. 

hair mood: ready to grow!!!

My heart hurts-reflection

 He hurt me

But I hurt him

I feel stabbed

crushed

I want to scream

I love him so much

I feel everything I thought was real being ripped from my fingers

Reality sets in

The reason I dont trust

The reason I dont love

hits me in the face when I finally take a chance

I cant breathe

everything is spinning

my heart hurts.

Like this if you have been here before.

I scribbled this randomly during one of my break ups. I look back and see all the emotion and strain I went through (and Im sure many of you have been here before). If your single dudes always say "Why are you single?" As if your doing something the wrong way. But why does no one every say "Why are you dating?" The truth to that answer is often not a pleasant one. Insecurity, dependency, approval-all these things lead us to want a relationship. For christians, all these things can be solved or found in God. Did we forget that? When I see this poem, and I think of how God has never made me feel this way. I smile, and am happy I am single.

zat twist :)

needless to say these look pretty much like kinky twist. but they are much lighter weight. I only used one pack. dont know what to do with the ends yet. 

ps. devotional soon

box braids 9 hrs!!! smh i am too slow

Hair Finally came in!

Vegetable glycerin spray results

So I used a little of the spray on my hair last night. I feel that I may have used too much glycerin....My hair seemed a bit sticky in the morning. Then again my hair is not freshly washed so I don't  know if that had something to do with it. However, I used it it on this little girl's hair that is Ethiopian and has curly hair very similar to a mixed child's hair and it worked wonderfully. I used it to comb through the tangles with little effort I also added some cantu shea butter and the end result of her hair was great! I think I need to figure out what ratio of water to glycerin to use on my hair texture. More later.... 

boy talk #3

soooo......im crushing pretty hard on a certain someone. Not so much in the traditional sense. Yes I am attracted to him (and him to me for those who think im just dreaming lol). But there is alot I can do to help him. Not in the sense that he is lazy or small-minded. But just perhaps lack of resources or knowledge that is more available to me. But there are many qualities that I am pleased about in him. Of course there are some I am not so pleased with, which is why I am trying to hesitate and fully consider the big picture. There is alot to think about in this sort of unusual situation. The most important thing I am trying to decide is if there is enough potential in the future for me to continue on this interest. Because if its not I would much rather stop now. It would be a hard road if I do choose to continue on it. And not exactly as romantic and fun as other relationships would be. Getting older its like i have to look at each relationship a whole lot more seriously. I cant play games or not think about tomorrow n just enjoy it for the fun of it. Dont want to waste time with people who I know I could never have a future with. And I am hard headed but I think I am finally learning the hard way. And I am much more hesitant now with serious relationships. Yea i think my personality likes variety and I always may have a little crush here or there. to keep things interesting. But I am not one to get deeply attached to everyone, not to the point I cant move on. Close friends or people who have been a big part of my life I do get deeply attached to. Side note-thats why it realllly sucks that i'm leaving Meredith college now and transferring. I have made some good friends....I thought these would be the people I graduate with and some would be in my wedding. But I dont know now. hopefully some of those friendships can continue on......but back to the topic....i kinda hope this isnt just a surface, temporary thing. If its what God wants then I hope it will really be something special one day. And if not, I pray He will have grace and show me His better plan :)

Life talk #1

Right now I am sooo unmotivated for some reason. Today I am applying for tutoring jobs in the public school system as well as at Avera. I am working on my hair presentation that I am presenting July 14th!!! I am nervous. This is for the local christian adoption agency for those adopting children of African descent. Also doing more research in my new major in computer information systems (previously industrial engineering)!! There are many routes you can go with this major and I am exploring the possibilities. More updates on the job search! Your prayers are more than welcome (and needed!)

Another homemade flaxseed gel success!

This time I used a different lady's recipe.
Ultimately I used:
1/4 cup of brown flaxseeds (I got a half pound from the health food store for about $0.75!!!!!)
1 cup of water
1/8 cup of pure aloe vera
3 drops of essential oils

This time I cooked the seeds a bit longer and the consistency was much thicker. 
When I first tried to strain the seeds in the stocking only a little bit came out. I also think I let it cool too much. My solution was to put the seeds back in the pot and add some water to heat it up again. I did not let it boil just get it back to  a thinner consistency. That worked pretty well! so Here are a few pictures of the process. Again youtube has clear videos. naturalchica has my favorite. 

first Vegetable glycerin spritz!

1/2 cup of water and 1/8 cup (or 5/8 cup)
3/8 cups of vegetable glycerin
1 tbs extra virgin olive oil
2 drops of essential oils (Wyndnere-insect repellent contains: lavendar, peppermint, citronella, lemongrass,thyme, an cedarwood)

I use this 'insect repellent' labeled essential oil because it has several of the essential oils I like. Also the citronella keeps bugs away lol. I only use this particular insect repellent kind in the summer. In the winter there is really no need. 

I watched a youtube video that explained 3 tbs of glycerin to 5 tbs of water. I doubled this recipe because I have a bigger water bottle. You simply add the ingredients together in the bottle and that's it. I am excited to use it. I got the vegetable glycerin from a health food store. I am going to see how this consistency works and consider adding a bit more glycerin later.

hair day!!!!!

Today I am excited!!! So i finally got paid and  I bought my vegetable glycerin an flaxseeds. I am making my spray and gel. Also i ordered shea butter from this site called butter n bars. I also ordered some vatik coconut oil. I am in the process of ordering jamacian black castor oil. Pictures to come!
ps. my zat twist hair is a day away.!!
hair mood: happy

Hair update #3 grecian updo

Hey guys!

So right now I am wearing this cute little style I found on youtube. Its called a Grecian Updo. I did my normal conditioner with garner fructis and then a deep conditioner that is homemade (ingredients below). This deep conditioner I have kind of created and borrowed....I have only used it about 3 or 4 times. So far no complaints but I am looking for something that makes my hair a bit softer. I used my jane carter nourish and shine and the rest of my flax seed gel. I choose to moderately blowdry my hair so that the puff was really a puff lol. I took these pictures after the second day and realized that this is really a one day hairstyle for me. The next day it was looking dry and a bit frizzy.
hair mode: hopeful....looking for a better moisturizer


inspired by this video! 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qDCbU7ySPb8&feature=player_embedded#at=641

Deep conditioner:
3 tbs honey
4 tbs extra virgin olive oil
1/2 tsp cinnamon
coconut milk (still dont have an exact amount)
1 egg
shea butter (moderate amount)

4th of July

Today we went to my sister christines bff's house for fireworks...since fireworks are illegal for residents in maryland this was pretty fun. Actually it was AWESOME lol. We put like a mound of little crackers together and lite them all at the same time. Definitely something I want to do every year from now on. S'mores followed (yum!) this was definitely a more exciting night :)

Boy talk #2

Saw that guy today at the mall....have a slight feeling he has a girlfriend/wife and or kids....but no definite. He was with this ratchet friend who was eyeing me n that pettafile way lol smh.....talked for a bit. Hopefully i'll see him at the 4th of july celebration. He is the most decent (as in manners) and attractive black guy i have met so far that actually gives a black girl the time of day....soooo we will see. No other boy updates. Talked with the one guy interest that lives over seas on skype......that boy is Fine smh....lol.
boy mood: 30% hopeful  70% fed up and uninterested

Boy talk #1

So I hope to have this topic where i can periodically vent or ponder my romantic life....or lack of it. Its always fun to talk about boys. Ill probably look back at this someday and laugh at myself for my worries and anticipations over potential interests. Currently I am single. It kinda overwhelmingly clear that I need to stay single for awhile and get my grades and career in order. However, in the mean time I have a few interests to keep me occupied and laughing. Ill have to leave names out since that would spoil some of this lol. So i guess right now I have two main interests. The problem is they r both very far away :( Why does that always happen to me? I am in no way a long distance kind of girl, but all the really great guys I meet seem to live in the next country! is this just a illusion I have that good guys only exist somewhere else? As in are there good guys right around here I dont notice? mmm well idk. Think on that more later. For the first time in a long time I am taking the super cautious route with both interests. Instead of rushing or anticipating I really want to get to know them as people first. If they are real future relationships waiting shouldn't change that. So its kinda like a 'friend with interest zone' if that makes sense? yea...anyway. More on that later......if you are looking for a guy to marry come to South Dakota...they will hook you right up. If you are looking for a guy to date. Don't come here! everyone is already dating/engaged. These seem to be their main interest.....and the caliber of guys is just not up to par if you ask me :( . You see beautiful girls with these plain unattractive guys all the time. There is not much to go around I guess....At the moment I am kinda looking for a guy to hang out with while i'm here. I have like a total of one female friend....which is kool. But lol when the semester starts and i'm stuck out here I hope to have some fun. Sooo im on the look out. Most of the black guys I have met are like at least 6-15 years older than me on average....sooo its kinda unfortunate. Idk where are the young 20s black guys are...might have to improvise....if I have any  luck i'll let you know. Its kinda depressing to see many black woman here in their 30s and still not married or dating....scary even. Thats like a flashing light for me saying 'gt out before your eggs dry up!' lol on that note I think im done. More coming up later!!!! haha

Hair Update #2

you can buy flax seed get if you cant make it

Jane Carter nourish and shine

homemade flaxseed gel

sheamoisture leave-in conditioner

new hairband 

So I did a braid out the other day. I co-wash my hair and used my sheamoisture leave-in conditioner. Then put in 8 or 9 cornrows straight back. I used my Jane Carter nourish and shine shea butter and homemade flax seed gel. I left it in all yesterday and took it out this morning. It is pretty cute. This is my 'waiting' hair style while i'm waiting for my zat twist which i am ordering TODAY! lol. Im excited. pictures to come :)

Also Did a little girls hair yesterday from Ethiopia. She is adopted by white parents into a family of 12! her two brothers were adopted with her. Several other of her siblings are adopted from various places such as Guatemala and China. As unique and awesome as this family is, I do not want this young girl to forget her roots and culture. She has gorgeous long hair but it was extremely matted at the ends and very hard. She is wearing ponytails with the poof out in the summer like a white girl and that is causing damage to the ends. I hope to help her as well as other adoptive families in my upcoming hair workshop to understand and appreciate black hair. I find white mothers are often scared of it as it can be intimidating, this often leads to a perm which will more likely than not damage their hair. In an urban environment where there are many professionals trained in handling black hair a girls hair may grow very long and beautiful with a perm, but out here there is very little available for black hair. The up keep necessary for a perm is much more challenging. Until next time!

Hair mood: refreshed :)