Musings About Yogurt Conditioners and Such. . .

Over the cold, rainy weekend, I busied myself with the fascination of natural products exclusively—no parabens allowed! I decided to try a deep conditioning treatment using yogurt, olive oil, and honey. Later, I whipped up some yogurt and lemon for a facial mask. The conditioner left my hair feeling quite soft and moisturized. The curls are a bit tighter and fluffier. I have slightly more bounce and a bit more shine, but that’s about it. I did notice a huge difference after applying the yogurt mask to my face . . . however. The mask gave my skin a youthful appearance. It also washed away the dryness and dullness I’ve tried unsuccessfully to hide with make-up. Also, my blemishes appeared less noticeable after the yogurt mask. In a nutshell, I’m pleased with yogurt facial, but I’m not so sure about the yogurt conditioner. I’ll probably try both again on another date just to be sure I had the portions right and so forth. Anyhoo, here are the results.

I got the idea to do the mixture from a YouTube vlogger I follow. Her name is Laila and her channel is called FusionofCultures so check her out when you get a chance.

Fall-Winter Protective Style

Recently I used TRESemmé Naturals Nourishing Conditioner with aloe vera extract and avocado oil for the first time. I have seen many YouTube videos about this conditioner, and I had my suspicions. I didn’t know if it would do well on my 4a-type (coily) hair. However, I’ve been getting many compliments on my hair! I styled my hair by twisting it into mini twists. This is my go-to style for the fall and winter. I used pure Shea butter along with my Cantu Shea Butter to get these results. My hair is soft and stretched. I still have to keep these coily strands moisturized at night by spraying with water, sealing with shea butter, and re-twisting any twist that begins to unravel. I then place a satin scarf on, and hit the sack. I have to say . . . this just works! I watched YouTube Vlogger Alicia James to get this look.

Happy fall hair!!! Let me know if you find any great styles for natural hair during for this season.

Tee

More Summer Dos Needed!!!

Hi guys,

I've been following Naptural85 for quite some time so it's no mystery that when I came home from the park yesterday, I quickly went to one of her summer hairstyles. My hair needed some TLC! It  was a dry, tangled mess! I tried Naptural's method but I altered it a little. For example, I used the Hollywood Beauty Carrot Cholesterol Deep Conditioning Creme, and Aunt Jackie's Curl La La. Today, I'm wearing my hair in twists but I didn't stretch them the way Nap did in her video. I probably will later. However, although my hair is curly and thick, I don't need to stretch often. Well, we shall see what the results shall be. I'll have pics. Anyhoo, if anyone out there has any other really cool summer hairstyles for napturals like me. Please let me know. I'll holla. . . and  I'll post more summer dos as I find them.  See ya.

Tee

Kinks R Us

Okay, so. I’m not going to lie. When I transitioned from my relaxed (permed) hair to my natural hair, it was no joke. I was scared but the decision was made. I was going to transition to natural hair. That was that. It was a definite must because my short hair was starting to shed like crazy. It was a nightmare ya’ll. I saw a huge bald spot in the back of my head one day, and I was praying, “Oh Lawd! Not my hurr Jesus!”


Wisdom came to the rescue. I sensed deep inside that it was time. It was time to say good-bye to the creamy-crack addiction that was poisoning my scalp and damaging my precious coils. But there was also a hurdle I had to get over. My hair was already super short, straight! I thought I was going to look like a boy if I allowed it to curl up! I was so afraid I would be judged. I thought some people would think I’m some type of radical chick with this “I’m black and I’m proud” message. But you know what this journey has taught me the most? It’s taught me how to stop caring about what people think.

If you are transitioning, just keep in mind that the day will come when you will see your natural texture, and love each kinky strand! It’s a part of accepting who you are and what you really look like underneath it all. It’s liberating actually. You learn that there is really no such thing as good or bad hair. It’s all good; however, you have to take good care of it. I have kinks, some waves, some stringy S curls, and even some straight stands. I embrace each one of them, and my hair do what she do. She’s fearfully and wonderfully made. In addition, I’m super inspired by all the ladies on YouTube, FaceBook, and other blog sites who fearlessly share their natural hair stories and journeys. Love you all! All of you. Until next time. . .



Tee

The 4-1-1 on Clay Washes

Hi guys,

I just wanted to pop in to say hello. Hi! Oh, I also want to show you one of the vloggers I follow on YouTube. Her name is Naptural85, and I got the whole concept of doing clay washes from her. Here she is showing us how she makes her clay wash. Bentonite clay and vinegar are the main ingredients I use for my clay wash, and my clay washes are usually thicker. I'll try her recipe as well though. I have tried the clay wash using the rhassoul clay, but my concoction is way thicker. Anyhoo, I just thought I'd share that since I get soooo many questions about my natural hair products. I want to go totally organic as far as the products I put on my hair this year. See ya.

Tee

Adjustment

OMG! It's been super long since I've updated my blog! And I love this blog! Anyhoo, just a little update.

Hair updates. . .

I'm still keeping the same hair regimen. I wash my hair with my bentonite clay wash now and nothing else. I do co-washes with my carrot cholesterol conditioner. As you can see, I do twist-outs often. For work, I take the twist out and wear my hair curly. I've been doing this often during these hot summer months. But my hair is soaking up all the moisture from the rain today. Yay!

Life updates. . .

I recently got into and out of a relationship that taxed my time and emotions. Huge detour. Ladies, once you discover a relationship with a man won't work, please cut it off with the quickness! Time is money. And your emotional wholeness is worth saving. Okay, I got a little distracted but I'm learning to spread my energy around. And I'm learning to stay focused.

Revelation. . .

When you get into a relationship and you've been single for a while, you have to learn how to make adjustments. You can try to spend every waking moment with a person. . . NOT at all a wise thing to do. You have to keep it moving. It's been a challenge for me to focus on my goals and a relationship at the same time. I'm super busy, but now, I'm discovering the art of relaxing and taking time to enjoy my life and the healthy relationships I have. I also want to find time to complete everything I've started. It's tough but it's a journey. It's my journey toward wholeness. Everyday God gives me more and more revelation on how to enjoy my life. He assures me that I'm not making mistakes, but detours. All that's needed is an adjustment. I'm in shift mode.


Tee

My Favorite Maya Angelou Poem

In and Out – Maya Angelou

The sun has come.

The mist has gone.

We see in the distance...

our long way home.

I was always yours to have.

You were always mine.

We have loved each other in and out of time.

When the first stone looked up at the blazing sun

and the first tree struggled up from the forest floor

I had always loved you more.

You freed your braids...

gave your hair to the breeze.

It hummed like a hive of honey bees.

I reached in the mass for the sweet honey comb there....

Mmmm...God how I love your hair.

You saw me bludgeoned by circumstance.

Lost, injured, hurt by chance.

I screamed to the heavens....loudly screamed....

Trying to change our nightmares to dreams...

The sun has come.

The mist has gone.

We see in the distance our long way home.

I was always yours to have.

You were always mine.

We have loved each other in and out

in and out

in and out

of time.


Words can be an exciting canvas, and when that is the case, Maya Angelou is a master painter. The poem above is one of my favorites. Many people say they don't know the meaning of this poem. However, this woman is simply telling her love that they belong together. Their love transcends time. True, unconditional love is the only love that last forever. That's my translation. I would love to hear if anyone else has another one. My favorite part is: "You freed your braids...gave your hair to the breeze. It hummed like a hive of honey bees. I reached in the mass for the sweet honey comb there....Mmmm...God how I love your hair." Wow! This reminds me of when I am taking out my braids or twists. I feel like I'm giving my hair "to the breeze." Love! Anyhoo, just a little food for thought. See ya.

Tee