It's My Hair: Product Review and New Style

It's that time again: hair talk. I am sure that anyone reading this blog can tell how excited I still am about my natural hair journey. It's been quite interesting. The other day I won some natural hair products via Natty Coco. I could not wait to use the hair and Scalp oil, Leave in herbal mist, and whipped shea butter. I used all three after cowashing my hair. I used them with my braid out. My results, as seen above, were amazing!!! Loved my hair after using the Natty Coco products. The whipped butter has to be my favorite amongst the three. I t smells so good and feels even better. I can already tell that these products will be added to my hair regimen asaptually. Great products from a great company. You guys should get into it. 

 

Then, I decided to try something totally out of the blue for me. Since I began researching natural hair styles and techniques, I've avoided one thing: wash and go's. I just assumed that wash and go's were for the 3a-c ladies. I just didn't think it was meant for us 4a-c ladies. So, while cowashing my hair, I decided to step out on faith. I already had leave in conditioner in my hair. So, I added a little Curls Unleashed Mousse and Curling Jelly to my hair. That was it. I was done. I liked the definition of my curls and the overall look of my hair. I left to run errands. My hair was great the entire time I was out. BUT (there has to be a but right) I wasn't as happy with it once my hair completely dried. I was left with more of an afro than I would have liked. So, in theory, this was a dope idea. In actuality, not so much. I ended up bantu knotting my hair the next day. It was a great experiment and experience though. Anyway, I will continue to try new things with my hair. I mean, why not? It's fun and my hair is so important to me. I love being natural :) Until next time, keep it kinky, naturalistas!!!

This Reader's Review: Part XVII: Terrence Jenkins' "The Wealth of My Mother's Wisdom"

Terrence Jenkins is a name you may not know. But, he has a face and voice that you've known for years. He started his career as one of the hosts of BET's "106 & Park." He was a VJ for 7 years before moving on to anchoring E! News. He is also an actor. I loved him in "Think Like A Man" and can't wait to see him in more movies. I like Terrence. He is funny and charismatic as a tv host and actor. There is so much more to the man than what we see on tv. He is adding another title to his name, author. His first book "The Wealth of My Mother's Wisdom" was just recently released. I was interested in seeing what it was about. It blew me away to be honest. It was a great read. I found it on Amazon for my Kindle for only $2.99. I finished it in a day and a half. 

Terrence and his mom Lisa have a really unique relationship. It reminds me a lot of my relationship with my Mom. Lisa was an amazing role model for Terrence. She made him the most important person in her life.  She sacrificed everything for him. I loved reading about their life and journey. The book just flowed so well. It was an interesting look into who Terrence the man is and how his mother (and later stepfather) shaped his entire world. He never gave up pursuing his dreams even when it looked grim. He is an amazing man. I am so impressed with him and his story. I have and will continue to recommend this book to any and everyone. Terrence's "The Wealth of My Mother's Wisdom" is a must read. Go ahead and get into it. You will not be disappointed. Let's read folks!!

Winner, Winner, Chicken Dinner!!

I have been on a winning streak lately. I have won a few things in the last year. I am not complaining. Well, if only I could hit the Powerball, then all would be well :p I wanted to acknowledge how awesome my winnings were. I think that you have to show and tell people how much I appreciate it. Good customer service is the key to any great business. Even though I was a winner, I was treated with the utmost respect from all the parties involved. That means a lot to me. Ok, let's dish!

I followed the historical EBONY magazine on Twitter because I grew up reading the magazine. It was a staple in my house. I love it. I love their Twitter feed because of the weekly Ebony chat. It's always interesting questions about issues that affect my life and my people. Every Wednesday, there is also a giveaway called "That Thing" where a dope prize is given away to the first person to tweet the correct response. I won a pair of Nick Cannon and Monster products Ntune headphones. I was stoked!!! Because I have been contemplating getting some Beats by Dre. But, nothing beats free. The Ntune headphones are pretty dope. I love how much clearer my music sounds with them. I received a pair of the orange ones. I practically use them every single day. That's how much I love them. They retail for $129.95. I love that they do not have to be charged. they do not require batteries. They are cute and stylish as well as very functional. Thank you to Ebony for a great prize!!

And, there was the Instagram/Twitter contest I won. Global Couture teamed up with Natty Coco for a very dope giveaway which was the second thing I won. It was a natural hair care giveaway. Natty Coco was offering 3 different products: a herbal leave in mist, hair/scalp oil and whipped shea butter. All are products I was interested in using. I was pleasantly surprised when I received my package. I was sent the three products plus a handwritten note and a natural hair tee from Natty CoCo's tee line. It was unexpected. It is also a very cute tee. I wore it the other day and got so many compliments on it. I referred a few folks to her online store. Also, Global Couture has a store with dope tees. The Natty Coco hair products were amazing. I am loving my braid out after using them. I will be doing a review soon. Great products, great customer service from both ladies. Thank you guys!! I am digging my winning streak. I feel very lucky to win these great products. 

What's Playing In My Headphones

Music can be many things for many people. It has and will always hold a special place in my heart and in my life. During my September hiatus, some really great music was released. These projects and singles have been on constant rotation. I am so thankful for music especially lately. It has been my solace and my reprieve. I needed it more than I could ever fully explain. So, I had to share all of this great music with all of you. Let's get into it. 

If you are not up on The Foreign Exchange, I really do not know what you are doing with your life. "Love in Flying Colors," the group's fifth effort was recently released. The dual first singles are "Home" and "Pity." Both very dope songs and totally different. My favorite songs are "When I Feel Love" & "Listen To The Rain." Phonte and Nicolay are just dope. There is no other word to describe this duo. I love all of their work and they can do know wrong in my eyes. This is just sit back, relax and feel good music. It's the music that puts me to sleep every night. Get into it and them. 

I can honestly say that I am very dismissive to the whole Odd Future movement. As a whole, they are just to weird for me. But, inside this move lies two pieces of greatness. They are Frank Ocean and The Internet. I'm new to The Internet. But, their new single "Dontcha" grabbed my attention immediately. Then, I heard You Don't Even Know" and I was sold. I had to hear their new cd "Feel Good." I was thoroughly impressed with it. This is a really good group who has put out a interesting project. I really like it. I've been telling people about it because I have a feeling they will blow up. Give them a try. 

Of all the music that was released last month, I was most excited for Drake's "Nothing Was The Same." I liked his freestyles ("Jodeci Freestyle" & "5am in Toronto") more than his singles. I did like "Started From The Bottom" but didn't care for "Wu-Tang Forever" or "Hold On, We're Going Home" at first or third listen. So, I was apprehensive about the whole project. I am glad that Drake gave us a great project. On first listen, I was sold. My favorite songs change daily but, right now it's a tie between ""Come Thru," "Worst Behavior," and "From Time." I play it daily. I enjoy it. Drake is alright with me. I think I need to see him in concert. Dope listen, dope material. I have no complaints about Mr. Graham's third outing. Buy it. 

When I first heard of TGT, I didn't give them much of a second thought. I liked Tyrese, Ginuwine and Tank individually. I didn't see the need for them to form a supergroup a la LSG. But, then Eleven8 of BallerAlert keep bragging about their cd. So, I decided to give it a try. I am so glad that I did. TGT's "Three Kings" is a solid R&B effort. It reminds me of 90's R&B and that is a great thing. I love it. I have been playing it constantly since that the first day. My favorite song changes daily. Today, is a "Running Back," "OMG," and "FYH" kind of day. TGT was a good look and a great move for these R&B guys. I think I need to see them in concert as well.

Justin Timberlake blew me away when he dropped the first part of "The 20/20 Experience." I wasn't prepared for two JT albums in one year. But, he gifted us with it anyway.   "The 20/20 Experience 2 of 2" is the darker half of the set. The songs are a lighter heavier. I love it. I can say that I'm partial to the first half more. But, the second half has some great standout tracks. My absolute favorite tracks are "Drink You Away" and "You Got It On." I do believe that JT could have pulled the best songs off the 2nd part and just made part one longer (like 15/17 tracks instead of 10). Great music either way. Great listen, especially if you play the two as one. JT does not disappoint. Ever.

I heard of Lorde via Twitter. I kept hearing great things about "Royals" so I decided to check it out. It became a instant fave. Who knew Lorde was only 16? This girl can sing. Truly. I love a good voice and great lyrics. Lorde has them both. Her debut cd "Pure Heroine" was recently released. I am loving it. Standout tracks are "Team," "400 Lux," and "Still Sane." I play them constantly. I believe that Lorde may be a contender. She may have staying power. Her debut is dope. You should truly check her out. 

One of my favorite young actors is throwing his hat into the singing/rapping world. Most know him as Tristan Wilds aka Michael Lee from "The Wire" and Dixon from "90210." Now, he is Mack Wilds. He released a very dope single "Own It" that caught my attention on first listen. His debut project "New York A Love Story" is full of great gems. I love all of it. It is very 90's hip hop sample heavy. He described it as having a "90's summer New York feel" and I totally agree. I listen to it all the time. It's part of my daily playlist. My faves are "Don't Turn Me Down" and "My Crib." Please do yourself a favor and get into Mack. 

John Legend can do absolutely no wrong in my eyes. He has never put out a project that I didn't enjoy. His voice is dope on so many levels. It's even more amazing in concert. "Love In The Future" is everything I thought it would be and more. I predict that his third single "All Of Me" will be a wedding song for years to come. It is a wonderful love song. It's actually one of my favorite songs of the moment. It is just beautiful. He also has an interlude with Stacy Barthe, who I love. They remade Anita Baker's "Angel." I wish it was longer because it is a great cover. Great music from a great musician. 

Raheem DeVaughn's "A Place Called Loveland" is another banger. He is quietly a fave of mine. This project is no differnt. Stellar vocals, amazing lyrics and great music are all things I expect from Raheem. I am in love with "Ridiculous," "Pink Crush Velvet," and "Wrong Forever." Those three songs are the standouts to me. Raheem is just a really dope entertainer. His work just keeps getting better. And, I am all the way here for it. All of it. 

Finally, we have Tamar Braxton's "Love and War." This cd is so much better than I thought it would be. Tamar did that. I vibe out to it so much. I am not a fan of her reality show antics but her voice is undeniable. Tamar can sang. Period. I want to see her on tour this fall with John Legend. I love "Pieces," "She Did That," and "Prettiest Girl." I just really enjoy this project. Music makes everything ok in my world. These are just a few of the songs that helped me navigate through the month of September. If you haven't given any of these artists a listen, you should get into them ASAPtually. 

The Influenster MegaVoxBox

There are certainly perks to being an Influenster member. I've been a member for about a year and a half. In that time, I've received a few VoxBox's. These are the packages members receive to try out new products. It's always like Christmas when the boxes arrive. I never know what's inside of them. I am always pleasantly surprised when I open it. I will never get tired of receiving free stuff. This time it was even better. I won a MegaVoxBox for my participation in a retail challenge this summer!! I was too excited to get that email. I waited patiently for 2 weeks for it to arrive. It was worth the wait. Inside the box were 12 items and I couldn't wait to use each of them. Influenster has been very good to me. And, could be for you as well. 

• SinfulShine nail polish in "Under 18" which is a very gorgeous coral. I am a nail polish fanatic so I can never have too many. 
• Also, loved the NYC eyeshadow palette and lipstick. I'm also really into eyeshadow so this was a lovely surprise. I buy NYC cosmetics all the time. I really liked both of these products. 
• Shea Moisture baby eczema bar soap. I used it on my face. I love the way it smells and the way it made my face feel. Great product. 
• The fruit smoothie face masque was everything. The smell and feel were exquisite. I will definitely purchase this idea in the future. 
• I haven't used the Head and Shoulders shampoo and conditioner yet. But, I did test the smell and feel. Both were very good. 

(Disclaimer: "I received these products complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes.")

Do You Still Believe In Love?

Short answer: No. 
Negative. 
Nope. 
Nah. 

The long answer is complex. I do not believe in love for myself anymore. I tried. I failed. I'm done. I'm very in touch with my feelings. I don't personally think I could handle being in love again. Being in love is great when you're in it with someone who loves you back. Staying in love is dope. Learning how to cope after the person you're in love with decides not to love you anymore is akin to purgatory. I'm not built for that. The possibility of it ending frightens me too much. I can't deal. 

Love shouldn't bring out fear. But, in my mind, the two are closely related. I can't willingly be open to an emotion that keeps hurting me. And, maybe I wasn't meant for this particular life. Maybe I'm not that girl. As I'm writing this, the tears are flowing. I swear I've never been the weepy one. But, this year & the actuality of losing love has turned me into her. Love doesn't hurt. I know this. But, the person you love can. And, that's the part I won't ever be ok with. I don't want to take a chance anymore. I don't want to talk to you on the phone or text with you. I don't need to get to know you. I won't be having sex with you. Just no. Do. Not. Want. I'm decidedly single for these reasons.

I am keenly aware of the fact that I am broken. Also, that my brokenness is speaking here. People say once your heart has been broken that time will heal you. That, quite frankly, is a load of crap. Once any person has been broken, they are forever broken. They may heal and move on. But, that broken part of them is still there. They learn how to live with the ache. Nothing broken is every put back together the same way. It's not possible. My own views of being in love are warped. I see it through broken lenses. It's tainted and skewed and wrong. But, it's mine, nonetheless. I stand behind my word and my feelings, no matter how offcentered they may be.

I cannot dream of being in love again because I can't get over the love I'm in now. It's been months and I'm still in love with the man who hurt me the most, the man who broke me. So, here I am, a brokenhearted fool who cannot stomach the idea of love. I'm very anti-love, anti-feelings these days. It took me forever to admit how much I really wanted certain things. I really wish I would not have done so. I'm old enough to know some things. And, maybe what I've learned thus far is that love isn't for me. I never dreamed I'd be almost 34 and alone. I just figured that I'd be a wife and a mom by now. Maybe none of that is part of my destiny. Maybe it was never my dream to begin with. Silly me. So, anony, there is your long answer to a short question. 

Rant: Oh, Kanye!

Kanye West is a genius. He tells you so in every interview he has given in the last few years. The problem with such a proclamation is that if you're constantly telling everyone what you are, no one has a chance to believe it for themselves. Humble is a word Kanye does not seem to know. He is flashy and . I have no issue with one thinking they are the best. Why shouldn't one think this? I have an issue with that thinking being rammed down my throat. Especially when the product you are mostly known for, the music, hasn't been that great lately. I have a fan. Have been since he was an underground, unknown kid trying to get put on. But, I was very disappointed with "Yeezus." I did not find it innovative or groundbreaking. I just found it weird. After a few months, I really only listen to one of the ten songs, which is "Bound 2." I also don't think his fashion designs or choices have been that great either. Leather kilt anyone? Just no, Kanye. I don't see it for you in that way. 

Then, comes the idiotic one-sided Twitter war with late night tv host Jimmy Kimmel. It was just dumb. Kanye graced the show with his presence last night. This wasn't an interview. Kimmel was the backdrop for another epic Ye rant. Ye went off on a tangent about 100 different things. Most of which had nothing to do with his reasoning for being on the show or any of the 4 questions Kimmel asked. It was just weird. Ye was talking super fast and was extremely animated. And, I was over it after the first half of it. I stared at the tv with the illest "Boy what?" face especially once he said that Kim deserved a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. *Excuse my language* But, NIGGA WHAT?!? For what? She is famous for being famous. She has no real discernible talent. I do not care if he is head over heels in love with her. That is great. But, stop trying to make her happen for us. I do not care for anything dealing with her or her family. I kinda wish they would all go far, far away and leave us alone. Ye's Kimmel appearance did not help Ye. It did bolster Kimmel's ratings because I do not watch his show ever. Where there may have been moments of sheer greatness, Kanye's hyper speak and ridiculousness overshadows all of it. It made for go fodder on Twitter. Either or, I'm over Ye's rants for ever. Also, if the music isn't going to get better, I could be over that aspect of him as well. That makes me sad on so many levels because I am a fan. Kanye, just stop it already. 

Random Thoughts For October

• My "The 90's Throwback!" R&B playlist on Spotify is crack. If you're a music lover like myself and you miss the feel/sound of 90's r&b, you should def get into my playlist. Go ahead, don't be shy. I'm always adding to it. Gonna work on a 90's hip hop playlist next. 
• Family gatherings can either go really right or really wrong. Our last one went really right. Had an amazing time celebrating my Uncle and Aunt's birthday with my family. They are seriously some of the non-intentionally funny folks I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. More than anything, I enjoyed the laughter. 
• I keep wondering about one thing. It's the one question that's haunted me for months. I've racked my brains day after day, night after exhausting night. I replay moments, conversations and memories constantly in my head. I've literally made myself sick about this. And, I cannot figure it out. I wish the one with the answers would just be real with me. 
• I need to learn how to let go of the people who have voluntarily left my life and appreciate the ones who have stayed. They deserve that from me. 
• Had a impromptu dinner and movie night with my brother. It's been a minute since we just sat and hung out. It was chicken soup for the soul. He's still one of my favorite people in the whole wide world. 

• Ummm, "Scandal" is finally back!!! The premiere was e-very-thing!!! Us Gladiators could not be happier. The above gif is one of my favorite Brolivia Pope aka Harrison Wright moments. Cannot wait to see where Shonda and her team of writers and Scandal cast take us during season 3. Grab you some popcorn and red wine and plant yourself in front of the tv on Thursday nights at 9pm. Get into it. 
• I just finished reading Terrence J's new book "The Wealth of My Mother's Wisdom." It was very interesting and a great read. I will have to review it soon.
• I'm officially Teedy Kenda for the 9th time!! My new niece Sydnei is here. She is a week old today. The feeling that being an aunt gives me will never get old. I have a feeling that only one feeling could eclipse it: being a Mom. 
• I think I need to go see a physician. I truly cannot sleep. It's so bad now. I took Ambien the other night and still stayed up all night. This is not good or healthy. If I could stop myself from over thinking every single though, maybe I could sleep better. I am also depending on cappucinco's entirely too much to get me through the day. Something has to shake soon on this subject. I am over it. And, I'm tired and sleepy :-(

Ladies Love Lyrics: Raheem Devaughn "Ridiculous"

Sometimes a song just grabs you. It's exactly what happened the moment I heard Raheem DeVaughn's "Ridiculous." The melody was enticing but those lyrics were e-very-thing to me. I am a Raheem fan. His new project "A Place Called Loveland" is as amazing as his past ones. This is one of my faves on it. Life has been more than ridiculous this year so the song fits. Go ahead and get into the goodness of this track. Enjoy. 

"I never say that every choice I make

Everyone was going like
I never say that satisfies the masses it's how I will live my life
I never once said I say all of my decisions would be right
I never say I would ignore my heart and listen just my mind
I know it looks like I've crazy but in the way of love
what does, I'’ll be crazy for us

So call me a fool, call me insane
Tell me the loving you the way I do is ridiculous
I don’t mind, no I don’t mind
Forget the rules I’m over the game
Baby if loving the way you the way you do is ridiculous
Then call me ridiculous, call me ridiculous

Every one know what I’m suppose to do,
Everybody says I’m out my mind to feel what I feel for you
Every body needs to mind their own to this love I'm not brand new
See I know when its real love, though they think I don’t have a clue
I do
And I know it looks like I've gone crazy (I know its looks like I'm crazy)
But in the way of love, then what does…, I’ll be crazy for us..."

It's My Hair: 2 Years Strong!!

Started from the bottom, now I'm here. A year ago, I was excited to reach this milestone. A year later, I couldn't be happier with my hair's progression. It's been two interesting years on this natural hair journey. I started with just a thought, an inkling of an idea. I did not know what my hair would appear or the texture of it. In the beginning, I was just interested in stretching my relaxers. I was so used to that 6 - 8 week trek to the hair shop for the creamy crack. My hair wasn't unhealthy or breaking off prior to the change. I just wanted something different. I have always had a head full of thick hair. It's the gift and the curse. But, it's all mine and I love it. My natural hair journey has been relatively stress free. Except for earlier this year, I experienced some hair loss due to stress. 

So, for my two year natural hair anniversary, I wanted to try a new look. I was going for Naptural85's Seductive Tousled look. You can watch her tutorial video on her YouTube channel. I started with flat ironed hair from a prior blowout. I separated my hair into six sections. I sprayed each section with my water/glycerin mix lightly. I rubbed my shea butter/oils mix into my hair. I then twisted each section from the roots to the tips. Finally I wrapped the twists into bantu knots. I secured each knot a bobby pin. Very simple and easy to do. I lightly misted the water over my hair again. And, finally I sprayed my hair with some oil sheen and tied it down with my silk scarf. The next morning, I put a little grapeseed oil on my fingers and untwisted my hair. I shook my head and fluffed my hair with my fingers. I was ready for my day. I really liked my hair. The style lasted a few days. I retwisted and re-Bantu knotted my hair nightly. Great style for any natural hair woman. Two years went by with the blink of an eye. I am so excited to see what happens next for me and my hair.

I'm Back!!!

Guess who's back?? It's me :-) In the words of Varnell Hill, "DID YOU MISS ME??" I've missed you guys. I've missed this space. I would just chcek my blog all the time. I didn't think I would miss it so much. It is a prt of me. This break was truly needed. I could not be more prouder of the work I've done here. 

I've missed blogging. I needed the time off in September. But, I am ready to get right back into it. I won't promise to post everyday but a few times a week will definetly happen. My mind is very clear about some things, not so much about others. But, I am ready to get back to work. So, hope you guys will be back to read my words  soon. 

Also, it's October and it is Breast Cancer Awareness month. It is a cause that has always been dear to me. My family has been affected by it. So, I always like to bring awareness to the cause. I will wear pink unitl there is a cure. Donate to a BCA fund, participate in a BCA walk, just do something. We need a cure. 

On a much sadder note, there has been another case of being murdered for simply being Black. Jonathan Ferrell was a former FAMU football player. He was in a horrific car accident that he survived. He knocked on doors to get help. One woman thought he was trying to break into her house so she called the cops. The cop who showed up fired 12 shots at Ferrell. Ten of those shots hit Ferrell. Jonathan Ferrell died on September 16th at the age of 24. Why? Why is this young man dead? No one can explain it to me. No one can make me believe that the cop was anything other than overzealous, trigger happy and a racist. He saw a Black man and unloaded his clip. Jonathan Ferrell deserves justice. What he deserves even more is to have the cops protect and serve everyone and not just white people and he deserves to still be alive. God help us all.