Lakia's Locs

Random updates

2012-02-20T00:18:00.007-05:00

Going into the fifth week of the semester, so far so good. I am able to keep up and submit my assignments (Thank goodness). How was your Valentines Day??? Mine was awesome. I heard a band play, and went to a nice restaurant for dinner. LMBO, It was actually my sons 5Th grade recital. He did awesome! Then we all went out to eat at Denny's, my husband and I had our own table and we told the kids don't disturb us because we were on a date. Added bonus: Tuesday nights kids eat FREE
All in all, best Valentines Day ever. This weekend I did some lock extensions, before and after pics below. I took a lot of the before pictures, but by time I was finished I forgot all about the camera. My client was nice enough to take some after shots with his cell phone. I love to document my work, but sometimes I get so busy that the camera is the last thing on my mind.
BEFORE
AFTER

Here is also a quick snap shot of install number 10 at her follow up. I had just freshly washed her hair and re-tightened her parameter. her locks look like the will settle in nicely, actually she comes back this weekend for her first full re-tightening.

I finally got around to completely splitting one of my locks. I had accidentally combined one of my locks (don't remember when) but this past July I began the splitting process. The combined lock was feeling so annoying everytime that I tightened my hair, it had to go.

Notice how fast my hair grows, this was only new growth from July.

DISCLAIMER: Lakia believes Sisterlocks (tm) will allow your hair to grow :)

Thanks everyone who had made special orders for Sun Kisses. If you are interested in having one especially made, send me an e-mail to ldpendergrast@yahoo.com. Please put Sun Kisses in the subject line. I can make them with your hair color and skin toned in mind, you can even have their little T-shirts personalized. They go great in your salon, a gift to yourself or even a little lady that you have in mind... my two year old runs around with hers.

Business is GRR-EAT!!

2012-02-09T21:01:00.008-05:00

In my Tony the Tiger voice. I think I have been doing well these couple of months. God has truly blessed me and my business. I just can't complain. I work full time, and I am doing locks part-time. I love every bit of what I do between 9-5, and locking on the weekend and evenings. A lot of people have asked me if I would consider doing Sisterlocks (tm) full time. For now my answer is no.
(LMBO, no I do not fly helicopters). Besides, I got to do a million things at once, if not I will go crazy. Let's just say I am the QUEEN of multitasking...

Despite it all I have plenty of family time, and I am still taking Graduate courses.

Here is a snap shot of the promotion that I am currently running. I love Sisterlocks (tm), but I also do lock extensions. This is a view of the front and back of my postcard. Currently I am offering $30.00 off the first re-tightening (applies to new lock establishments) or 10% off lock extensions services. I have been running this since New Years and it ends at the end of February.

If you or someone you know wants to start their natural hair care journey... check me out

lakialocs.com Oh and by the way, more Sun Kisses are for sale on ETSY.

Bonding at the Sisterlocks Explosion

2012-02-06T22:21:00.007-05:00

My daughter and I made it back from the Sisterlocks Explosion on Sunday night. Talk about someone that is tired, because I had to be in training 8am the next morning. Anywho! I had a great 3 days bonding experience with my daughter and we worked hard on making the "Sun Kisses".

The Sisterlocks Explosion was on this past Saturday, and we had the whole day on Sunday to explore Georgia. We ended up at the aquarium, Coca Cola factory and the mall.

I got to meet some fellow bloggers in person, which is always a joy!

Everyone has been asking how was the event. Pictures can say a thousand words, so I will just post pics of the Explosion, and you be the judge! FYI some of the Sun Kisses that I have left have been posted to ETSY. Do a search for "lakialocs".

ENJOY!

Recovering from an OMG weekend!

2012-02-01T03:23:00.004-05:00

God is good! My daughter had eye surgery this weekend that was a complete success, and my brother in law went into a coma Sunday, and today he woke up out of it. I can't express it enough... OMG (oh, my GOD is good all the time).

Meanwhile, it is 3:30 AM and I have been pulling all nighters to prepare for the Sisterlocks Explosion event in Atlanta, GA. My daughter and I will be flying down Friday night. I have been working on these 18 inch dolls with small locks. They are truly unique, they all have different hair, since most of us like to dye our locks. They also come in different shades of brown. I call them my "Sun Kisses", because they have been KISSED BY THE SUN.
They come sassy leggings and with their own personalized T-shirt too!

I will also be selling them on ETSY when we come back. So much to do, and so little time. I hope to see most of my ATL crew once I get down there.

10th Install

2012-01-18T20:40:00.007-05:00

Another 3 day install... This beautiful lady had to be done in 3 days not because of length, but because of age. We just did a little at a time, had play breaks, and we pretty much watched 3 movies over and over, Smurfs, Tangled, and Shrek. After we were done, I washed it, and she looked in the mirror and said, "I look just like my mom". Too cute.

Enjoy!

Click here to see my latest promotion:

http://www.schedulicity.com/Scheduling/Promo/OSCJFV

Pipe Cleaner Curls

2012-01-14T21:55:00.006-05:00

Pipe cleaner curls rocks! I absolutely love curling my hair with pipe cleaners. On December 31, 2011 I rolled my hair with pipe cleaners, and here we are 2012 and I am still rocking my curls. Below are pictures of day two after taking them out, and I think the other photo was two days ago. I still have curls today, but I have been working out, and working at my Shop, so lets just say THEY NEED-A-WASHING!

My pipe cleaner curls attracted so much attention, this is one of my newer clients for style. This is the back of her hair. Lawd! I got lock envy, this beautiful lady has been rocking her Sisterlocks (tm) for 6 years, and started with 2 inches of hair. See ladies, patience pays off! (TM) I am going to ask her to send me some photos of her hair once she takes them out.

And remember my client that I installed Sisterlocks (tm) after she went to Jamaica and got what she thought was Sisterlocks (tm)... Take a look, I swear her hair grows like the little chic in that movie Tangled. She is still transitioning from perm, and I trim her everytime she gets a retight. She has maybe 1 -1/2 left of perm on top and I pretty much took the perm off in the back. She is loving her Sisterlocks (tm) and she got me with lock envy! Her locks are definitely one of my favorites.

Merry Christmas...

2011-12-26T16:36:00.008-05:00

I hope everyone had a very merry christmas, and remembers "Jesus is the reason for the season". I enjoyed having fun with my family. We know how to come together and have a good ole time. I think I really spoiled the kids this year too, I just enjoy seeing them happy. They got up really early, and crashed quick (as you can see :))

I have a big week for me comming up, nothing bur retights... I will post pics of my favorites as soon as I get a chance.

I also got to put a rinse on my locks... I mixed two colors, cherry and cinnamon, it came close to the normal cherrywood that I dye my hair with every 14 months. I just colored my locks in March, but the color had fadded tremendously. Check it out:

9th Installation... ER visit

2011-12-15T21:43:00.003-05:00

Installation number 9 was completed this weekend. This client will be transitioning from perm. She has a beautiful blond at the end, which eventually will become beautiful blond tips...

I also have been experiencing a rough week with an ER visit with my little one. In case you don't know "children are scary", especially little ones. My youngest has been experiencing off and on fevers, and then they thought she had diabetes. They had to transfer her to Childrens Hospital. After all the numerous, and horrific testing the diabetes scare was a false alarm. Thank God! A lot of prayers went up that night, and a lot of blessings came down. She is fine now (my perfect little Angel)

8th Installation...

2011-12-08T09:03:00.003-05:00

I love new clients! Here are pics of install number 8. I have been doing a lot of multitasking lately. Me and my 12 year old are about to go into business together, I will share details of that venture in a later post. Today, I just needed a mental break so I took off today to do some Christmas Shopping! I have another install scheduled this weekend so I will be posting pictures of that one next week. ENJOY!!

Holiday's are here

2011-12-01T20:35:00.008-05:00

I absolutely love the holiday season! I hope everyone has had a great turkey day, and beleive it or not it is December all ready. I have a couple of new clients coming to me in December and can't wait to start on installs beginning this weekend. Here are some pics of the family...

7th Installation...

2011-11-22T18:31:00.005-05:00

My 7th install was my personal projecta. This beautiful sister has about approximately 16 inches of natural hair. I will repeat that "16-INCHES-OF-NATURAL-HAIR". I am truly happy of the results. We broke the sitting time down to 3 days, and watched every episode of the first season of "House".

BTW... my sisterlocks special is coming to an end. The last day to take advantage of the 10% off package ends December 15. All I require is that the consultation be done by that date. Call me (301)653-3708

Take a look and ENJOY!

Sisterlocks Revolution... We did it B.I.G.

2011-11-13T10:12:00.005-05:00

This weekend was the Sisterlocks Revolution, Baltimore and Beyond! I got to the event at 11:00AM and the parking lot was full... Sistah girl had to park across the street at a church. I got to see so many sisterlocked ladies that I have met over the years from past meet ups and events, and a lot of folks recognized me from my blog and website. The whole event was well coordinated. It was great seeing some of my North Carolina folks that came up to volunteered.

Sandra the "lock STAR" aint no joke!! She was styling hair left and right, it was good to see her in person, she came up from North Carolina as well.

Everone locks were fierce... whether they were 9 years old of 9 weeks old. The DMV did their thang.

I was also excited to see two of my clients at the event, and I am so glad that they have come home to sisterlocks. I got home about midnight because me and a few others kept the party going. We got to do it again next year, and do it bigger. I got one retightening to do today. Until next time...

Whew... Lot's and Lot's of Hair!

2011-11-09T19:16:00.006-05:00

The above pics are right before me and my hubby went out to dinner... as you can tell, I needed a retightening. But its all good.

I have been doing a lot of sisterlocks, and I am loving every minute of it. This weekend is the Sisterlocks Revolution here in the DMV. I encourage everyone to attend if you can. I have an Ad for the Sisterlocks Revolution so hopefully I can gain more sisterlock newbies. I will post more pics of my clients soon. So look out for those, and of course I will be blogging about the Revolution.

Here is a peek of one of my clients that would normally color her gray. The beginning stages of sisterlocks are very crucial, so we are allowing the grey hair to grow in, and maybe within 6mos - 1yr I can give her the "OK" to color. For right now, we are just treating these locks like babies!

Oh... and one last thing... I rolled my hair up. This is the 3rd time that I have done that this year. I even surprised myself with the urge to do that. I am still rocking the curls, these pics are from day one, but I am rocking them going on a little over two weeks now. ENJOY!

loving her locks & Bundling...

2011-10-31T10:57:00.004-04:00

I am loving her locks, she is adhering to my advice, and doing everything that she is suppose to be doing to these lovely baby locks...

BUNDLING

On a side note...I can not stress the importance of Bundling your locks. Bundling is a requirement in the early stages of sisterlocks. Bundling will reduce the amount of slippage, and unraveling to your locks. Two of my clients had this serious issue this weekend. Everytime I would ask have you bundled your locks, and the response is always NO...

Last night I felt like it was an install all over again, on 10 week old locks. I have a salon sink and I include washing in my price, but some like to do it on their own. I can understand wanting to wash your hair when you feel that it needs to be washed, but bundling is something that I point out at the consultation, the locking session and retightenings.

So if you are interested in sisterlocks, you have to be willing and able to listen to your consultant. Your consultant can help you in making sure your locks settle. So for everyone out there in blogger land.... BUNDLE YOUR BABY LOCKS!!!!!

4 years!

2011-10-13T19:25:00.002-04:00

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On Monday my locks turned 4 years old. I wish I had pics but I still have to finish retightening my hair. Thanks. Ms. Sharrone for giving me my locks.

Qualified to do sisterlocks??? 6th Install

2011-10-11T19:59:00.008-04:00

This is really a two part post. First I want to chime in on the fact that not everyone that say they "do sisterlocks" does sisterlocks (TM). My new client came to me after she had what she thought was sisterlocks.

When getting sisterlocks, or even thinking about sisterlocks... we must always do our RESEARCH! And I can not express the fact that the sisterlocks Web site is the first place to go to do your research. A certified consultant or qualified trainee can be found on the site, and there are a lot of pictures and even a Q and A.

My 6th install was actaully a referral from another client that I installed. The young lady had these installed in Jamaica in August. She is also transitioning from a perm.

She took down what was in her hair, and I then worked my magic on the two day install. I cut 1/2 inch of perm off, and hope to transition her within the next two to three months. Some of the hair on her sides were broken off from perms and braids, if this is temporary hair loss, I will then lock the hair as time passes. I will be posting a lot on this client to show her progress over time. I even did a roller set for her to give it some style!

Below are before and after photos...

BEFORE

AFTER

5th Installation

2011-09-25T21:41:00.002-04:00

Install #5. This was my first client who was tranisitioning from perm. Her last perm was in April and she had about 2 inches of new growth. I want to try to transition her completely in about 4 to 6 months. For styling, we will be rolling her hair with sponge rollers and just water to give her some curls. Due to unforseen circumstances we also had to do her install at her home. I can't wait to see how she progresses.

Today's my birthday!

2011-09-20T19:17:00.001-04:00

Look what my wonderful husband bought me. I only asked for one, and he surprised me with a box of three.

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4th Installation

2011-09-18T22:50:00.004-04:00

Another sisterlocking weekend for my record books. This young lady had the PERFECT hair. I couldn't ask for anything better... The perfect length, texture, and demsity. I was truly proud of this install.

3rd Installation

2011-09-11T10:48:00.008-04:00

Hi All, I just recently completed client #3. It was hard work, but the two day install was completed. I was also blown when taking her after shots that my camera went dead... I know I charged the batteries friday (must not have charged them long enough). So I had to bring out the camera phone. The above pics are from the camera. Hopefully I will upload the additional pictures soon.

If you or someone you know is interested in starting their journey with me, just give me a call. I am in the DC/Maryland/Virginia area.

ENJOY!

10% off Coupon!

2011-09-08T10:04:00.000-04:00

Naturally, of Course! is now offering sisterlocks at $450.00 with this current promotion. ** 10% off of $500 will be a total price of $450.00 call me if you are interested in starting your sisterlocks journey (301) 653-3708.

Now accepting appointments for October sisterlocks installation.

I have settled into my new spot just nicely... here is a sneakc peak of whats inside of the new home of Naturally, of Course!

Cruising with the best of the best...

2011-09-08T09:26:00.002-04:00

Ahhh! Refreshed from a much needed vacay. I went on a cruise with just us "sisterlocked sistahs". It was fabulous, beautiful women, beautiful locks from all over. We came from California, Indiana, Chicago, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Maryland. We did it big yall... hopefully we will do it bigger next year. I got to sit down and pick the brains of fabulous sisterlock consultants, and jotted down notes that I needed to carry on into my business. Make sure you cruise with us again in 2012, 2011 was just the kick off!

New Spot

2011-08-25T12:37:00.001-04:00

Naturally, of Course! has a new home starting in September. I sign my sub-lease today. I am so excited!

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2nd Installation

2011-08-22T13:16:00.004-04:00

Just completed another sistedrlocking weekend. Client number 2 is so sweet. Her hair was so healthy, and her hair color is a naturally rich radiant black. I am sure that as her locks mature I will have lock envy, in fact I have loc envy now.... Take a look!

Pictures Can Say a Thousand Words...

2011-08-16T20:55:00.002-04:00

Ist Installation...

2011-08-11T17:07:00.005-04:00

This weekend I completed my first sisterlocks installation. All I can say is OMG! It was a lot of hard work, but I am happy with the end results. This was my first baby so I will keep a close eye on the progression. More pics to follow once we do her follow up!
.
I have learned a lot, just by completing my first installation. I am learning which subsections to start with and which ones to end with. And timing is very important! But most of all, I got to EAT something in between, eating gives you ENERGY.

I ordered an anti-fatigue mat, and that should be here next week just in time for the next weeks installation.

Also, my first client was the best, she was a real trooper. I was blessed to have here!

Does Consultations Cost???

2011-08-03T20:41:00.002-04:00

Does Consultations costs? Why yes...

I charge a consultation charge of $25.00 for sisterlocks, and any other type of lock for that matter. A very good and thorough consultation should take at least a minimum of an hour. As a consultant/ loctician I should help the client decide what type of locks are good for them or even if locks is a good choice for them based on their habbits, lifestyle, and self image.

The sisterlocks package includes a consultation, locking session and follow up. Some consultants choose to have all three of these combined into one lump sum. I choose to have my clients to pay the consultation up front, and then pay for the locking session. I like to have my consulting fees because what if the client feels as though locks are not what they really need. If I don't have my consulting fees up front then I loose $25.00 for my hour.

New Flyer

2011-07-29T20:50:00.003-04:00

Here is another flyer that I hope to distribute next month. I hope you like it!

Summer Time Hair

2011-07-27T14:26:00.005-04:00

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This is from my first day at the new job. It never dawned on me to take a picture of it until I was in the ladies room. So far so good, the new job has been coming along and I have a great supervisor. Yah know me... I switched jobs every year to two years. It has been very hot in the DMV (DC/Maryland/Virginia). This updo definitely kept me ccol, and after I took it down, I had crinkles for a couple of days. ENJOY!

wish i could of taken more pics

2011-07-27T14:23:00.000-04:00

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Consultation Weekend

2011-07-23T20:54:00.002-04:00

I just finished the Training course lastweek and I already had 2 consults. My first locking session is scheduled in two weeks and I can't wait. I have been having clients in and out since Friday, and I just finished interlocking this evening. When I get a chance I will post pics of my son's hair. We have only been doning an hour at a time, and he only has two and a half inches of hair. It has been great practice for any future clients with TWA's.

I should be moving into my office space not too far from my home on or around 09/01/11. With August just around the corner, I want to make sure that I have enough clientele to make the rent.

I AM LOVING THIS SISTERLOCKS THANG!!!!

Open for Business

2011-07-20T20:35:00.003-04:00

Last week I took the Sisterlocks training course, and now I am officially open for business. I have been out trying to promote the best that I can. I should also be moving into my own little spot soon too. A lot has been going on for me this week, I started a new job this week. I think I might like it. One of the reasons why I took a time out from blogging is because I went from one crazy job to another crazy job. I went through TWO jobs that were just pure hell between the end of 2008 till now. I think this new job will be a great fit for me, if not... then I am staying home and just doing natural hair. Check out the flyer. I am offering the Sisterlocks package for $350.00 this includes: Consultation, locking session, follow up, and 1st retightening. This price is practically unbeatable, but I want to move from trainee status to Certified status by the end of the year. So if you are in the Maryland area, or know someone who is interested, then give me a call...

I can be reached at (301)653-3708.

Happy B-Day...

2011-07-15T22:04:00.004-04:00

Today is my baby's birthday. I don't even think I can call him a baby anymore. He has just turned 8. I am glad that I was able to see this day transpire. I wish that I could have taken off today, but we will have all weekend to celebrate his birthday.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MY LOVE!!!

All Good Things Must come to an End....

2011-07-14T08:33:00.006-04:00

Hooray! I finished my sisterlocks training and I am now an official Sisterlocks ™ trainee. Hopefully in a few weeks I will see my name flashing on the Sisterlocks ™ site.

I have learned a lot through this intense class or should I say Marine Bootcamp. I met a lot of good people along the way. I am curious how we will all progress and I will be keeping in contact with everyone. Right now I am at the airport waiting to come home to my family. I dearly miss them, but I had to go "handle business".

I had a lot of piece and quiet, but now I am ready to get back to my busy life as being mom, wifey, business woman, and student. I am so glad that I have learned so much about my own hair, and knowledge of natural hair in general that I can pass along to my clients.

Family Triple Team!

2011-07-13T03:02:00.004-04:00

Pictures can say a thousand words. I know you all know the lady in the middle. Not many may know the other two. They are Monica (far left) and Celeste (far right). Monica and Celeste have been teaching the Consultant training here in San Diego this weekend. They are awesome! I am so glad that I decided to fly out here. There has been no better place and time to take this trainee course.

Let me ask you this... Do you see any resemblence in this picture? Yes, they are all family. Big sis (Celeste) and niece (Monica). These two have been in every step with Dr. C. from the get go. There is nothing like family support.

Being a small business owner myself, one of the main things that me and my husband are incorporating is our children is that family is your biggest support. We are teaching them that encouragement is valued. And Dr. C. has a wonderful family. This week I have seen why there couldn't be Sisterlocks ™ without the "SISTER". Tomorrow is the last day of training. I am receiving loads and loads of useful information. Dr. C. has been a great help this week too!

Checkin' In!

2011-07-12T00:53:00.007-04:00

I am on a serious travel budget. This is my dinner every night this week. Good ole PB&J, and bannanas for breakfast! Reality has set in before I even flew out here that bills have to be paid when I get home. No need to blow unneccesary money.

I must say, training has me thinking alot about my hair, its current state, the beginning stages, and what will become of my locks in the future. I have seen all stages hairlocking this week from 20 year old locks to 20 day old locks.

I think somewhere down the line of my journey, I will cut my locks off and start again. When I started my locks I had about 14 inches of natural hair, and I never got to experience the TWA. At times I feel as though I cheated my own self. Don't get me wrong I am loving my locks, and I have always have. But I love seeing women/men starting out with such short locks and then watching them mature. You can correct me if I am wrong, but do you appreciate the experience of having your locks grow from a TWA to down your back?

Made it to the Jacob center.

2011-07-10T21:55:00.002-04:00

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Today has been great. I met lovely new people and started my training. There were plenty of vendors at the Jacob center. And since being in San Diego, I have received a lot of compliments on my hair. I am thinking that is because I have them curled. Anyone who sees me everyday knows that I wear them like plain jane. I am tired (of course) So I will end this day with some highlight photo's of the day. Enjoy!

finally touched down to San Diego

2011-07-10T01:58:00.002-04:00

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It has been a very long night. I have day one of the training course, and I should be sleep, but I am blogging and working on my midterm (I should be concentrating on my mid term. Good Night Folks... more updates tommorrow evening.

Day 1... Headed to Cali

2011-07-09T16:51:00.003-04:00

Well I am finally on my way to San Diego. Today is day one of the Sisterlocks Homecoming Festivities. Unfortunate for me, this day will be spent traveling. This has been a very, very busy week for me, I have homework and a midterm, but I tried to accomplish most of this throughout the week. I am also starting a new job, so I have been working 10 hour days to make sure I do not leave any loose ends... can we say exhausting. I will be in San Diego for the next couple of days so that I can enjoy Homecoming and to become certified. Yes CERTIFIED. I am still at Ronald Regan Airport, just waiting for my flight.

This is the first time that I will be leaving my entire family at home, and in a different time zone will make it even more ruff on me to leave them behind. But I go to do what I need to do, to get where I need to get.

Next stop from here is Denver, then hello Sunny California.

Family, Locks, and Love...

2011-06-30T22:42:00.004-04:00

I'm not sure if you remember my Braidlocks post, but little mama decided not to keep them. However, she has continually been on her own natural journey. She is not interested in perming her hair or weaves. She loves her natural hair, and really loves just to have her hair flat ironed and curled. Every once in a while she allows me to do two strand twists. Up top is one of her infamous two strand twist styles. Her hair usually last about two weeks. I love the way that it just shrinks up and bounces back. Below are my boys are easter. My youngest son has had his hair cut since then. I will need to wait for him to get a little older. He can not stand going under the dryer or sit for a long period of time. These are comb coils, as you can see my hubby is being supportive and growing his hair out too. I love my Fam!

Opportunity of a Lifetime...

2011-06-29T23:24:00.004-04:00

On Monday, I received a call with a very tempting offer. A sisterlock consutlant friend of mine new that I was interested in starting my home salon for quite sometime. She offered me half of her salon space, for just a little bit of rent. I mean, the price she offered me is out of this world. I have to take her up on her offer. I have everything that I need for my home salon, I would just have to move my equipment out there. Right now she has a leased office space, and it would be the perfect setting to take my clients. When the blessings fall down they poor!

I will be doing locks part-time for now. We will be discussing the details on Friday. I wanted to upload a picture of the home salon tonight, but everything is a mess downstairs, I just put down new carpet. However the picture above is from last summer. More recent pictures to come.

On my way to Cali!

2011-06-27T17:13:00.009-04:00

After long patiently awaiting, and strict budgeting, I will be on my way to Cali! Yes, I am finally going to take the Sisterlocks Trainee course. There is no better time or place to take it than durinng Home Comming. I will be able to meet so many wonderful sisterlocked sisters! I am sure it will be an awesome experience that I will never forget. This will be my first trip to California, and the West Coast for that matter. I am mentally prepared, and ready to become a Consultant. Wish me luck, officially counting down. I will be leaving on July 9th and returning July 14th (just in time for my son's 8th birthday.

The home salon is coming together, but I just received an offer to share a office space with a fellow consultant. This has given me a lot to think about, and I may just take her up on that offer.

Welcome to Hartford Connecticut...

2011-04-27T15:10:00.000-04:00

Recently, In March I spent the weekend with the fabulous Maria of Twist and Curves. She is located in Hartford Connecticut. She is absolutley fabulous with her London accent. I took two training courses in hairlocking. I really learned a lot, and she knows her stuff. She is the MASTER of styling locks. The things she can do is out of this world, check her website out on facebook and also on the web at Twist & Curves:

Life Momments...

2011-04-05T18:29:00.006-04:00

My Little Man has turned 10!

So I guess some of you have been wondering where I am hiding this little baby? Well here she is... this is my little princess. Lets just call her "Ms. Bossey #2". This is at my son's 10th birthday party. Sometimes I can't beleive that I am a mother of 4, and I absolutely LOVE IT! As you can imagine, there is never a dull momment in my house. The others are somewhere running around this place. LLS!

Do you Mousse...

2011-03-31T15:04:00.005-04:00

I am using a new mousse, and I love it. My hair is left soft with NO BUILD-UP! Not to mention the fact that it is was at a very economical price (under $4.00). I hate using anything that smells like it even has a hint of alcohol in it. While shopping at the beauty supply store, the second thing besides the price that caught my eye was that it was alcohol free. I also love using olive oil in my hair. The foam from the mousse comes out to a light olive green, I use just enough to rub through my hair. I didn’t overdo it either. Needless to say… I love this product.

I was experimenting with pipecleaners, this is I think day 4, after taking them out. I left them out, but curled together... it actually looked like I had traditional locks for two days. These pictures are when I finally sepetated that morning, and this is right before I left work yesterday

Needless to say… I love this product. Do you ever use mousse, and if so what kind do you use?

Product Description Olive Oil Styling MousseVigorol Olive Styling Mousse is a moisturizing alcohol-free formula that adds incredible shine, soothes, softens and is the perfect mousse for foam wrapping and wet sets it’s also ideal for roller and straw sets.

Directions: Shake can well. Hold upside down, dispense into hand, and rub between palms. Distribute evenly through damp hair.

Wrap Styles: After shampooing and conditioning, towel dry hair and apply Olive Oil Styling Mousses evenly through hair from roots to ends.

Wet sets: After shampooing and conditioning, towel dry hair and apply Olive Oil Styling Mousse evenly through hair from roots to ends.

Gone, but not forgotten

2011-03-26T11:35:00.003-04:00

Hi everyone, its been a long time since I posted... A very long time. A lot has happen since my last post. I had a baby, well now she is a toddler. My locks are still growing and getting longer by the second. I am also working diligently to open my own home base salon. Prayfully I will be open for business in May 2011. Hoooray for me! The above photos are of my 3.5 year old sisterlocks.

I MISS YOU GUYS!... And I am back to stay (darn Facebook has been keeping me busy)

My 1 year locversary

2008-11-03T19:29:00.006-05:00

On October 10, 2008 was my one year locversary. I am almost completely locked, especially in the back. I got a new job, one that is much closer to home. No more 2.5 hour commutes. I spent 5 hours out of my day just commuting back and forth to Baltimore. More pay is always a plus too. This is the first time that I did curls since March (I think). Hopefully they will last a long time.

I also celebrated my 28th birthday in September. I had a blast, but I think I am getting too old for the club scene. He is a pi from my B-day.

My bike was my B-day gift to my self.... Yah only live once right!

Tag... I'm it

2008-08-27T21:49:00.003-04:00

I've Been Tagged!!!

Here are the rules:

1) Link to the person that tagged you: MeikMeka

2) Post the rules on the blog

3) Share six non-important things/habits/quirks about yourself.

1. I think I am addicted to school. After I finish this Masters program, I am moving right into an MBA. I wish I could be a professional Student.

2. I am a makeup Junkie. I love to build my makeup collection, and I only wear make up when I am in the mood.

3. I am purchasing a motorcycle. I bet you didn't think soccer moms like to "wild out"

4. I am a perfectionist or maybe I am just a procrastinator.

5. I love animals, I think I love animals more than some humans. LOL!

6. My favorite movies are Ocean's and Pirates of the Caribien, I can't wait till the next ones come out.

I am tagging anyone who has not been tagged!

Hair Color In the Sun

2008-08-27T21:45:00.003-04:00

It is almost 11 months locked down for me. I have really been slacking on the posting. But I just been enjoying this time off from school.

Kissed By the Sun

2008-08-10T16:34:00.009-04:00

Check out the video, we know how to party with our sisterlocks!

You see that beautiful lady in the middle? She is the best sisterlock consultant in Baltimore.... Sharrone Jackson-Little.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

This is from a Sisterlocks/narutral hair event on the Sprit of Washington on Saturaday Augut 9,2008. We had a ball!

New Style, High School Reunion

2008-08-03T12:02:00.004-04:00

I did a new style for my self. It litterally took only 5 minutes, man oh man do I love locs. I had my 10 year highschool reunion, it was great seeing everyone, and we party like a rock star.

The new man in my life....

2008-07-30T00:38:00.000-04:00

Yes, you read that one correctly. I got a new man in my life and his name is Pierre. He is so smooth and suave. The kids adore him which is always a plus. He recently moved here from Virginia, and is now away from his family, but has learned to cope. I love to spend all of my spare time with him. He is the greatest, and a very good listener. He is right by my side during those late nights when I am doing homework. He is not tall, but he is dark and handsome.

here is a picture of my baby.

Pierre is a tiny toy poodle. He will grow to be about 6 pounds at the most. He is the sweetest and smartest little thing. It feels good having him around. He is about 13 weeks, so he is still just a little pup.

Sorry I been MIA

2008-07-29T10:28:00.004-04:00

I have been so focused on school right now. I finally got my hair tighten after 12 weeks, yes 12 weeks! I asked about coloring and my consultant said yes. I used Cherrywood by texture tones, which has no ammonia. I also highlighted a few locks with golden blonde, and left a few locks my natural color. I think I did OK. I had gone to 4 different salons, but did not trust anybody with my locks accept for Malaika's salon Dreads N Heads. But I decided to just do a home job. I'll be 10 months locked August 10th. More stuff on life and hair shortly to follow.

Check Out This Video

2008-07-29T05:14:00.000-04:00

My Baby Boi Has Now Become A Man

2008-07-29T03:58:00.000-04:00

My youngest just turned 5 on the 15th. My daughter also just turned 9 years old. She was down in VA Beach withe her siblings and my parents on her B-day.

Chain Effect

2008-06-18T20:08:00.003-04:00

Sisterlocks is becoming a must have in B-more. I was so surprised to see so many natural sistahs working at my day job. Now so many of them have decided to lock. I am so happy for them. Many did not know I had sisterlocks... I like the way they look different on everyone. So ladies I am here for advice and keep checking my blog.

Being natural is like a chain effect, for some individuals sisterlocks, braidlocks, traditional locks, freeform or any type of locks stems from being natural for so long. Like myself, I was just ready to transition to the next level of hair freedom.

Dang I Forgot...

2008-06-13T21:39:00.004-04:00

On June 10, 2008 was 8 months locked for me. Time must fly when your having fun I feel like I have been so consumed with home, school and work, and more work. It's been some crazy ish happening at my day job, so crazy that I finally began filling out applications for other jobs. Luckily enough the drama is not on me, but I hate to see people treated terribly, and some people just don't belong in management. They need to find a good spot in a mental institution, but I digress.

Guess what?... I had my first interview already. I think it went well. It is for a lead accountant position and it is dealing with systems, which is right up my alley. Sisterlocks are so versatile... they are even perfect for an interview. I rolled the front back on both sides, stuffed the rest of my locks in a hair net. This new do took me literally less than 5 minutes. It is also a great style to keep your locks off your neck throughout this hot ass weather. Ladies, a hair net is a must have. There is so many things that you can do with your locks and a hair net. After my interview I was walking down the street and stopped at a crosswalk. An older woman stopped me and said, "I wish I could be free too like you, but I'm not ready, I'm still in bondage.", I smiled as she rubbed her hair. Here is a few quick interview flicks.

Disclaimer: Don't Try This At Home

2008-06-05T22:58:00.005-04:00

I will be officially 8 months locked on June 10, 2008. Today I thought I try something new. I actually washed my hair as if it was loose. I mean I was swishing around, rubbing locks together, the hole 9. I have not B&B since December or January, and normally I would just squeeze my locks and gently scratch the scalp... but not today. I washed my hair using a $0.92 bottle of Suave Cucumber melon shampoo that I got from Walmart. I am running extremely low on my Knotty Boy Soap bar since there is two sets of locks to wash in the house. I purchased the bar back in November and I still have some left. However I need to place an order for another one A.S.A.P.

Needless to say, my hair came out just fine.

WARNING: Do not try this without your consultant consent.

Someone Has Been Complaining...

2008-06-03T22:20:00.003-04:00

Still LMAO! This post is for you!

My husband said that he loves reading my blog, and claims I focus more on the kids than him (I guess he is right). So baby this post is for you. Your very own post. WOW! You are a very very sexy man.

"WOW"... (like the flea said on the Comcast commercial.

So Much In So Little Time

2008-06-01T17:13:00.009-04:00

All I can say is "Lawdy" A lot has gone on with me within a weeks time. On Thursday May 24th I had an 11 week doctors appointment. I had my husband come along because that was the day for our ultrasound. The doctor hooked up the machine, started scanning and could not find the baby. I had what is known as a blighted ovum. A blighted ovum accounts for 50% of all miscarriages. I began miscarrying 3 days later. Well, I went into this whole thing saying that God will not give me more than I can handle. Everything was in his hands and he has brought me through it. We had our share of tears, but the hardest thing was trying to explain to my other babies that the baby wasn't coming anymore. I thank God that he made me a strong woman. The Director at my part time job is going through the same thing, she is in my prayers too.

On a happier note, I just could not miss out on my daughters Girl Scout trip. I was still in a lot of pain on day one, but I got through it and did not want to miss that trip for the world. Her troop went to VA Beach. She had a blast as you can see from the pictures.
I also want to thank all the ladies that congratulated me on my new addition. That was very sweet of you all. Having sisterlocks has really made me apart of a true sisterhood.

Enjoy the pics of my baby and her braidlocks soaking up the summer fun!

Styling Braidlocks

2008-05-26T20:33:00.004-04:00

One of my easiest styles for her is to just braid it and use perm rods on the ends for a curl. Did I mention how much shrinkage this child has! Anyway, she is loving her braidlocks, and they are good to stay until she decides otherwise. I still have to learn how to retighten her. Thats another saga! Enjoy!

Had A Great Time!

2008-05-17T16:29:00.007-04:00

E. Badu and the Roots @ Constitution Hall Washington, DC!

5th Retightening... 7 Months Locked

2008-05-10T16:00:00.008-04:00

Wow! I waited 8 weeks to get my hair done. It was done in 4 hours so I can't beat that. I guess that is also why I have been feeling a little camera shy. I just love it when my hair is freshly tightened, it feels like weight has been lifted off my shoulders. Oh, and happy 7 months to me. Pretty soon it will be a year, my hair is maturing very well. Enjoy!

Hooray For Braidlocks

2008-05-07T07:36:00.000-04:00

O.K., I did it. It took 13.5 hours over a course of a week, but they are finally in. I am proud to say my "Minnie Me" has officially been locked. Her locversary is May 04, 2008. She is loving her locks. I even soft spiked them after I washed them. Now she is able to wear her hair out, and it can be flowing and free. I guess that is why I never put my locks in a ponytail. It feels so good to wear you hair out without worrying if the humidity will give you a Shaka Khan or Diana Ross effect. Daddy and I came with an agreement too, we told her that she can wear her hair this way as long as she likes. Since they are braids it will be easier to take down. Oh did I mention they are micro. So she is loving her micro-braidlocks. The only thing I have to worry about is retightening, I have no clue how to do it. There is a sisterlocks retightening class in June and I think I need to jump on it. I don't plan on doing my own hair until after December so I will continue to see my consultant. So I just have to worry about hers. I think I am going to put her on the same retightening schedule that I am on which is every 6 weeks.
More pics to follow.

The Shock of My Life....

2008-04-22T13:33:00.003-04:00

Lawdy, Lawdy, Lawdy. Well I know that God is not going to give me more that what I can bare. So acceptance is where I am at with this. Well, that man done did it again. My antennas went up when I asked him one day did he want anything from the store. He replied, "Can you bring me back some butter pecan ice cream". Of course I said, "Why the hell do you want butter pecan." In a very nervous and paranoid voice. He was just unsure why. At that very moment I knew something was up. So here we were, waiting, an waiting, and it never came. I thought I would get all technological and buy a digital one this time around. Since to me they are new on the market. On Friday April 18, 2008, I did it, I took the test, and dammit do you know what it said. "Oh Hell" was my first reaction, and off to work I went. I left early on Friday too. My hubby was home and I thought it was nice to spend the day together. We sat around watched some TV, I threw a couple of subtle hints in there, and finally he figured it out. I showed him the little stick, and all he can say is "I want a girl". What I said was , "what you need is to get neutered". Stick a fork in me cause I am done.

On Monday morning I went to get a blood test, and the blood test confirmed it for me. The kids are super excited, and I am just trying to get through the acceptance phase. Now when I am prego, I can be a real B%&*# so he knows to watch out for me. The heat in the summer, oh my goodness.

I am sure my hair is going to grow like weeds, and no more splurging at the MAC counter for me. This will make baby #4. Now I think I might have spent just too much time out of my adult life pregnant. Not including this baby, I have already spent 27 months pregnant. WHOA! I think I am about 6 to 7 weeks. It's going to be a Christmas baby. Thank goodness, I can celebrate christmas and b-day together. The boys want another brother, and my daughter wants a sister. I wouldn't mind having another girl too.

Love, Locks, and Natural Hair Expo

2008-04-19T20:29:00.010-04:00

I made it out to the Expo today. Me and my minnie me went. We caught the tail end of the expo which included the hair and fashion show. It was a nice event. I was even more surprised when women were coming up to me and asking me if I was Lakia. I felt like a 2 second movie star. Also with a whole lot of patience, I finally learned how to do a simple loc updo. I have been rocking it off and on all week. It is starting to really warm up around here. Having locs on my neck is really not working for me right now. I am constantly hot. Which me being hot right now is not just from the locs. I bet you can guess why. But I'll blog about that one next time. Here are a few pics.

What I like most about this style... It is so easy to do. I parted my locks from ear to ear. I flat twisted the front with 6 flat twist, and used a rubber band on each twist so that they would not come a loose. For the back section I made a basket weave, and I stuffed my 378 +/- lockes into a bun, and used a hair net to hold them in. Secure with pins and I was done!!

I Almost Did It ;)

2008-04-16T13:11:00.000-04:00

I was tempted two weeks ago. I took Friday off and had a 3 day weekend from my 1st job. On On that friday I told my daughter that we was gonna take out her cornrows and wash her hair, and do it up again. She does her normal cry out "NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO". She then goes on to say that she hates having to get her hair done every two weeks. By accident I slipped up and said, "well if you had your hair like mines, then we wouldn't have to do it until every 6 weeks". She then said, "well I want my hair like yours". I'm saying to myself naughty, naughty mommy. It was by impulse only that she made that comment. Well, we get started on her hair and she asked if it could be put in 4 ponytails, of course I was like No, it's not gonna last. She said you gonna do it like yours then, I explained to her that my hair doesn't come out, and that we was gonna cornrow it again. Boy, I tell yah... sho nuff was about to part her hair in section and put in some braidloc's. As if my husband would have let me do it. My Minnie Me has got to want them, I mean really want them for me to do them for her. I had a conversation about braidlocks with "Superwoman" AKA my consultant. She gave me good advice, one being this... as her mother, I shouldn't be afraid to do for her hair what I would do for mine. I will keep that in mind, meanwhile.... baby girl better not tempt me again. LOL!

6 months locked... epiphany

2008-04-11T10:31:00.011-04:00

It's official, April 10,th, I am now 6 mos locked. I think I have come along ways. I also feel as though I have a long ways to go. I had to dig deep in the virtual photo album and I found a hideous picture of day 1. I love the way my hair has plumped since then.

EPHIPHANY

I reached my own personal conclusion about hair coloring. Now this is my own opinion, and by far I am not an expert. I know that while my hair is locking, it will react the same way as when it was loose. My hair was wavy and curly in its loose state and it is now wavy and curly. When I use to dye my hair it made it weak and brittle, it may just do the same. The only hair color that really worked for me was when I dyed it black. I used to love dying my hair the strawberry blonds, and bronzes and golds. But within a few months it became extremely dry and weak. Despite knowing the results, I would still dye my hair these colors. So I am not going to do the same thing to my locks. I like my natural hair color. I am not in love with my natural hair color, but it suits me. I thought that I might dye my locks once they have matured, but there is nothing wrong with the color of my hair now. I am also the type of person who likes my hair to be black. Not black with a dirty red tint. So that may be my only weakness to want to dye my hair black. At the ends of my hair you can see a slight dirty red tint. I think this is because the ends were golden and then I threw a black dye over it, and it is showing through. So I may just end up cutting those ends of in the future.

I also am learning that each of us have differences with our locks. Some may be able to color their hair with no problem, and some may experience problems. Just like some individuals lock faster, or some may have super growth spurts within each retightening. Our locks are have differences, what may work for you may not work for me.

****Day 1

****6 Mos.

3rd Annual DC's Love, Locs & Natural Hair Expo

2008-04-09T12:36:00.002-04:00

3rd Annual DC's Love, Locs & Natural Hair Expo

THEARC, Washington DC
April 19th, 2008
12pm - 6pm

ADMISSION: Adults $5/
Children Under 5yrs FREE

Will you be there? I will....

There will be entertainment, workshops, and Vendors, Vendors, and more Vendors. See the above link for more details.

The Mail Is Here!!

2008-04-04T13:43:00.005-04:00

Oh man oh man, DH opened the mail today, and they are here. No not another Tomoka or a hair tie (I wish). My Erykah Badu concert tickets are here. Ya just don't know how in love I am with her an her music. Seeing the Roots is another added benefit. I bought the tickets as soon as they were available for sale, just like how I did her new album on February 26. The concert is in May, and it's only the beginning of April, I am already mapping out how I am going to have my hair and make up. I gotta try a cute lochawk. One of the greatest things I like about her is that she is true to herself. Amen on that one!
Oh the younger boy saw me with the camera and decided to take advantage of a photo Op.

At Peace... Truly Happy

2008-04-02T09:40:00.004-04:00

Yah know... I am really digging these sisterlocks. For once I am feeling making peace with my hair. I don't have to worry about getting my hair blown out no more. Which was a style that I loved but found that it only really worked for me in the winter months. Having my hair blown out in the summer was just a waste of time and money for a style that only lasted two to three days, then back in a pony tail. I remember I had a job interview about this time last year. I washed my hair, rolled it, blew it out, and then followed up with a flat iron. I was looking like Shaka Khan by the time I got to the interview. I am glad I got there early, I had time to go to the bathroom and brush my hair in a pony tail before the interview.

Sometimes I do miss my loose hair. There is a young lady who sometimes catches my train. I know she be like what is the B*&^% staring at me so hard. Her puff ball pony tail is so pretty and reminds me of mines. Then, a goodole handinhairitis takes care of that.

I feel good about my decision to lock my hair, I am enjoying every stage of this journey thus far. Next week will be 6 months locked. I can't believe how time is flying. That's half of a year. I can't wait to see how my hair progresses during the summer.

I will continue to have "Superwoman" take care and nutrure my locks. My locks are still babies and babies needs someone with experience to take care of them. All of my appointments are booked up until December 2008.

I love the feeling that I get in the morning, the feeling that even though my hair is a little fuzzy, and a may have a little bed head thing going on, I am happy knowing that my sisterlocks look great.

Atlantis...

2008-04-01T10:35:00.008-04:00

I knew when I saw Carmen wearing this Tomoka Twist that I had to get it. Atlantis is even more beautiful in person. This Tomoka is ideal for the spring and summer, so it came right on time. I know those of you who have purchased it is enjoying it as much as I am. So Carmen, you keep doing your thing girl... If you make it, they will buy it! Work it Ma!

80's Challenge...New member of Shalamar

2008-03-31T10:45:00.006-04:00

LMAO! This was fun. Well I know what your saying, "lakialocs, WTF!" Let me explain. There is a fun blogging challenge to come up with your best 80's look. I could not resist and had fun during the process. I was in elementary school in the 80's, but I am sure that if I was allowed to wear makeup that I would have favored my look towards Jody Watley. To me she was a true diva, a super model slash singer. Her cheek bones were to die for! Infamous hooped earrings. She had us doing the whop and searching for a new love baby! So my 80's look is a tribute to her.

Here is what I used:

Eyes: L'Oreal eye primer

MAC- Bare Study

LA Colors - Lolipop (Shimmering Loose Powder)

MK - Cotton Candy

L'Oreal Hip - Playful

MAC- Cloud burst

Black liquid liner and pencil

Lips: Revlon Color Stay - Fire

Cheeks: L'Oreal Blendable Blushing Creme - Elated

Enjoy! Muah!!!!! Check out my other friends in the beauty blogosphere sharing the 80's love with their FOTDs!!
Lakahna

Yummy411
Thanks for participating ladies!!!!!!!
Making you feel good in the 80's:

Somethin' In Da Water

2008-03-24T14:57:00.000-04:00

So I hear all this talk about Viagra and Birth Control in the water. (We need birth control in the water... LOL!) But I think someone put something in the Aquafina. I had my retightening done this past week and my consultant informed me I had a super growth spurt from the last time I saw her. My hair always grows longer on the top of my pea head. It has always been that way. I had my normal newgrowth in the back of my dome, but I had all this extra growth on top. I been joking around asking other bloggers if they can give me some of that water they been drinking. To think, I had the water all this time.

My consultant, which I should just refer to her as "Superwoman", said that I have had a lot of growth in just 5 months. Even my little locks that I cut back in January are getting longer, and longer. Superwoman said that my hair is settled and is beginning to lock. Hooray! I can't wait to look back at my one year anniversary to see how I progressed. Superwoman also mentioned that my ends may not seal, they just might end up being curly q's. I do hope they seal, if not I can deal with the "Q's". We also talked about the ends that are "S" shape. We came up with two possible conclusions as to why they are not curly Q's.

1. My hair does have different textures, my hair has always been nappiest in the back, and more softer in the front.

2. About this time last year I dyed the golden ends of my hair black. I was tired of the two tones of my hair. It was like the end of my puff ball pony tail was this golden color and the rest of my hair was black. She told me that sometimes hair color can straiten your hair and make it harder to lock. So those ends were striped with the golden color and then had a black dye over it, talk about damage to your hair.

Green Eggs and Ham

2008-03-22T23:48:00.007-04:00

Yup, you read the title correctly. My son just turned 7. For his birthday we went to see Horton Hears a Who, ate at IHOP, and then hit up Chuck E Cheese. I had just gotten off of work that morning so I missed most of the movie because I fell asleep. GRRR! I' ll wait for it to come on video. IHOP is having a promotion for the movie, so I thought it would be kinda cool to order green eggs and ham. They loved it, and I thought it was the cutest little thing. My son enjoyed his birthday. I got him a DVD player so hopefully now the boys will stay out of my and my daughters room. He also is loosing teeth, he is enjoying every minute of being toothless.

Heatherette

2008-03-22T22:16:00.012-04:00

Well I could not resist. I heard so much hype about the Heatherette so I had to see for myself. Granted that I could choose similar colors from the MAC counter, but for $32.00, not too bad. I purchased trio #1. I did not use a base so to bring out the color "mood ring". I added a little bit of the L'Oreal Hip color from the "Flashy" duo. The compact is cute, and I can always trade out the colors in it. I think this would go good for an all white event.

There is definitely too much hype surrounding this new collection. The guy at the counter asked me if I was going to attend the fashion show next weekend. "Fashion Show"?? With a puzzled look on my face. Apparently they are going to have a fashion show and do make overs to preveiw the collection. A little way over the top for me.

St Patty's Day and Humid

2008-03-18T14:10:00.000-04:00

I figured I was going to make the best of capturing pictures of my curls. Got to wash them out tonight. GRRR! I was also glad to try out my new eye color "humid". This joint is da bomb! I can't wait to wear it again. I am loving soft spikes, I can't wait to use them again in a couple of more weeks. I don't want to get addicted to curling my locks just yet. They are locking just fine with my freestyle.

For all those make up lovers, here is a list of MAC shades that I used:

VEX

Down Brown

Hood Winked

Humid

Palm Sunday... Soft Spikes Attempt

2008-03-17T13:32:00.009-04:00

I decided to use my soft spikes again. I like the results, too bad I can only wear my hair like this for 2 days. On Tuesday I have my 4th retightening appointment. I am also thinking about recruiting my kids to take my hair shots. It is so hard to try to take a picture of the back of my head. DH usually helps me out when he is around. Church service was great! I am going to relax for the rest of the day. So I know I might have flattened curls when I wake up.

Since I have her picture up here, let me tell you about my little mini me. This child is gonna make me go crazy over her hair. See her nice and pretty bangs in the picture. Well for two weeks I had this long pretty curl coming down to her face while the rest of her hair was cornrowed. This child decided to take a round brush and blower dryer to the curl that I had to the front. This little girl used a blow dryer without that protective tip on it, and can you believe she burnt her hair off and I had to cut it down to a bang in the front. Lawd help me! She could have burned herself. She is a girly girl just like me when it comes to hair. I bet she will have a lot of hair stories to tell when she gets older. As if the big chop that she did last year wasn't enough. If I could only give her braidlocks. Oh well...Enjoy the pics!

Yet Another Corporate America Post

2008-03-15T13:23:00.003-04:00

So, I've been thinking... Should I start applying for another job. I think I have my game plan all mapped out. Is it time to make that move or should I stay a little longer. I have read a lot of post about having locks in corporate America. I did not have locks when I interviewed for my current job. My sister just recently landed a new job, she is natural, but does not have locks. She rocks the kinky twist and wears her hair pinned up nicely in interviews. I always figure, hey I can pin my locks up too. The interview is always about first impressions. But is Corporate America ready for my shells, my earrings, my CD collection and books that I keep on my desk. If their not, all well. I can't change me, accept me as I am... (after you make that salary offer) LOL!

There are two jobs that I will apply for, I am in no big rush to leave where I am. I enjoy the work and I am here to learn. Sometimes money can be the issue and that would be the only motivational issue for the change. I do not mind commuting all the way out here to Baltimore. I get to sleep on the train, or do some homework, or jot down blog ideas. Although, it would be nice to be closer to home.

When it comes to work, I don't think appearance should be an issue. I think what counts most is work ethics, experience, and education.

So the cat was like WTF...

2008-03-14T11:08:00.000-04:00

I happened to be married into a musical family. My husband sings, the kids sings, those little buggers even like to play musical instruments. The closest I come to this is being in the children and youth choir for years, and I played the violin when I was in the fourth grade. I love to write songs, when there is ever time to do so. So I been having this music bug ever since one of my favorite movies came out on video. I loved Stranger Than Fiction with Will Ferrell. I guess I found myself relating to some of the things within the movie. For instance, I have the same counting problem. Do other accountants have this problem? I count stairs, I calculate the change before the cashiers puts my money in the cash register, I add up sales taxes, I even count the number of words in billboards and posters. Anywho... so I been feeling musical and I always loved the sound of a guitar. I recently bought this beautiful acoustic guitar. I can't play it just yet, but I am practicing a couple nights out of the week. I will soon take some lessons with a community center. The kids discovered my guitar, so now the boy wants to play... he plays the drums, so I guess adding the guitar to his many talents should be good.

Made it to month 5...

2008-03-12T22:56:00.000-04:00

I made it to month five. I am so excited that spring is almost here. I did finally wash my hair. Thank goodness. I always notice a lot of change after I wash my hair. I love the way it plumps, then after a day I get major shrinkage...

I had to take a picture with my purple hat. Actually, I took this picture about a week ago, but have yet to share it. I am in love with this hat. I have four purple ensembles that I wear with it. I am also stocking up on some things to rock for spring. Each year I choose a spring color. This year my color is "green". Green is one of my favorite colors... I even went to the MAC counter and picked up "humid" (green shade of eye color). I can't wait to use it.

Lincoln Contest

2008-03-12T17:02:00.003-04:00

Check out the original song/video by my group E-mence. We are trying to win the Lincoln song contest and we need your votes... you will need to register with Spotlight herehttp://lincoln.unboundsound.com/ . It is free and literally only takes 2 minutes..then you log in and rate their song/video. Please give them 5 stars. Also it would be nice to have you post a comment but that is optional (but would be greatly appreciated). :) Please pass this along to your friends and family to support them as well. To check it out, click this link: http://affiliate.kickapps.com/kickapps/_Lincoln-Takes-You-Higher-by-E-mence/video/166145/15116.html Internet Explorer may cause a problem with viewing the videos or registering. This can be fixed by downloading Firefox as yourbrowser. Firefox is free and takes no time to download. Here is the link: http://www.mozilla.com/en-US/firefox/(This is not a gimmick to download Firefox. Internet Explorer is just known to give people problems with this site.)Remeber to vote for Emence. Thanks yall…I really appreciate it!

Sniff Test

2008-03-09T11:47:00.001-04:00

This is sad, but true. It is taking me longer and longer to find time to wash my hair. Especially since I'm in grad school, work 2 jobs totalling 80 hours a week, three kids, husband, house, 2 cats and a dog... Whew! Wonder if I can say that all in one breath. Every night when I go to bed and cuddle with DH, I ask him if he could sniff my hair. He keeps telling me it smells OK, I even pull my hair towards my nose just to see if it smells OK. It don't "STANK!" Thank goodness. I haven't washed my locks in about 3.5 weeks... My hair isn't itchy, or flaky, which is probably another reason why I am not pressing the issue of washing it. I only wash with the Knotty Boy Soap bar. It is the only shampoo that I am using. I also like to use the ACV once a month.

A fellow blogger wondered if I put anything in my hair. I don't... just H2O. No product = No product buildup in my locks.

Big hair + Locks = JOY!!

2008-03-06T10:59:00.000-05:00

This title comes from a comment posted by MeikMeika. THANKS! I often refer to my hair as a "lions mane". I do love the fullness, and my parts seem to be virtually completely gone. But I love it when my hair is freshly tighten. I am able to run my hands across my scalp with no problem. The appearance is also neat, and it feels 100% lighter. My hair is retightened every 6 weeks. I guess its the long wait that makes me miss my parts. However, I do love my big hair. In a couple of more days I will be coming across 5 months of being locked.

My hair is doing well. I am also being spotted for having sisterlocks more often, at first everyone was asking about my "small braids", and what type of hair did I use. LOL!!

I often look at the blogs of those who have mature locks and wonder if my hair will turn out like theirs.... Do you ever do the same?

Rubber Bands... Hard to Break

2008-03-04T11:36:00.000-05:00

I can't seem to shake this habit of picking up rubber bands and using them as headbands. You would think from the number of times that I popped one or few on my forehead that I would stop using them. My only style is really my "freestyle", and sometimes I want my hair away from my face while I am crunching numbers. I think I need an emergency Brunsli hair tie or tomoka twist at work. I already keep an emergency squirt bottle of tap water at work when my hair is thirsty, I also keep a small squirt bottle in my book bag. I even keep emergency lip gloss... (lip gloss... I loves lip gloss). So why prey tail I don't have emergency hair accessories... Must be time to get some more. I have been looking at another hair tie on eBay. Need to order it before its gone. I love my red one...

Reflection of 4.5 Months

2008-02-28T11:44:00.003-05:00

Not too much is going on with my hair. For some strange reason I think not posting for a week is way too long. LOL! It's been 3 weeks since my last retightening and I have 3 more weeks to go until my 4th retightening. I call this stage my "lions mane" stage. I can't wait for this winter weather to break so that I can just let my hair airdry.

She Is On-A-Roll

2008-02-20T16:07:00.003-05:00

The third grade is the first grade level where they receive actually letter grades on their report cards. Baby girl, and in fact all of the kids have done well this year. We recently went to my little "Minnie-Me" Honor Roll assembly. We are so proud of her, she was so excited about making the honor roll too. I can't wait till the day that she makes Principal's Honor Roll.

Sometimes I think this blog is becomming more and more about her. Here is a picture of her holding her certificate. I even framed it and I am anxiously awaiting to frame more of them as she gets them.

Not Exactly Valentine's Day

2008-02-19T09:38:00.006-05:00

I had a fabulous weekend. My husband and I went out to dinner and then we went to a family function. This weekend my mom and dad had my kids. Thank goodness for Grandparents. We didn't do anything out of the norm on Valentine's Day so we made sure we did something this weekend. We had a nice evening with intriguing conversation. What was even better was the food. I can get down when it comes to good food, no salad tonight! My husband can put it away too.

I got all dazzled up for him and rocked the hell out of a freestyle. I got so many compliments about my hair that night. Here are a few more pics. Enjoy

SoFt SpIkEs

2008-02-12T10:08:00.008-05:00

I purchased Soft Spikes in celebration on becomming 4 months on lockdown. I also have a twist and hairtie in route, but anywhoo... Big ups to the ladies on lockitup. I was unsure of what product to use on my baby locks. I got a lot of good suggestions. The one that I like most was to just use water. That is exactly what I did. I spritz my dry hair with water and used a little bit of the setting spray that came with my spikes. I ordered a lot. I got four packages of the large. I guess I am anitcipating on when my locks get longer. Here are some pics of my Soft Spikes experience. Enjoy!

Month 4

2008-02-11T11:11:00.001-05:00

Reflection back on the past 4 months. Enjoy!!

Top left is @ 3.5 weeks

Top right is @ 2 months

Bottom left is @ 3 months

Bottom right is @ 4 months

3rd Retightenting

2008-02-10T11:09:00.000-05:00

I had my third retigtening this past Thursday. My appointments are becomming shorter and shorter. My hair was retightened in 2 hours and 45 minutes. I had no slippage and only new growth was retightened. I haven't B&B in 6 weeks. My hair is really holding up. I love the way my new growth grows in, I love the spirals in my hair.

However, it feels like it is snowing everyday. I get extreme dry scalp in the winter. My hair was flaking all over the place. My consultant told me I can start using the Sisterlocks Moisturizer. I am going to try it, I hope it won't make my hair slip. I put absolutely nothing in my hair, this attributes to my dry scalp. Thank goodness my scalp isn't itchy. I almost got chastised for not using the sisterlocks starter shampoo. But I had explained that the starter shampoo makes my scalp itchy. It made my scalp feel as if it was on FIRE. So then it was understood why I used the Knotty Boy Soap bar. It's not a sisterlocks product, but hey it gets the job done! In my opinion it is way better than that starter stuff! (I hope the sisterlocks police don't arrest me. LOL!)

I had so much to do the day of my retightening so here are some after, after shots from my retightening. Oh yeah, I also got chastised for choping off my little antennas. I like the way they are growing in now, I don't mind them be short, they are growing in thick and healthy. Which is all that matters to me.

Blue, Blue and more Blue

2008-02-09T21:43:00.000-05:00

So there is nothing to do on a Saturday afternoon. I am a girly girl, so I had some fun with the makeup. I call this look "Moon Walk" Enjoy!

I am always asked if these are my real eyelashes, and yup they are.

Grown and Sexy...

2008-02-08T00:34:00.000-05:00

There is nothing like a man with a dream, and a woman who supports him 100%. But this music sh$% better jump off soon! LMAO! Please support them if you like their music. Check'em out on Youtube and also Myspace, and add them as a friend. Much love. Thanks.

OMG... I Think She Likes It

2008-02-05T10:31:00.000-05:00

My parents asked my kids over for the Super Bowl game. I was excited, no kids... just husband and wife time. So I stayed awhile at my parents house after the game and my mom and I did some bonding things like doing her make up and she showed me her new excercise toy (which damn near killed me). LOL! She was asking me if she should grow her hair back, I told her no because the short style she wears is very cute on her face. Then I asked if she is still letting her hair dresser perm her hair. She told me that her hair dresser only puts it on the back and on her side burns. My mom has a very loose curl, my curl isn't as loose as hers. A couple of years ago my moms hair started to thin. It was becuase they were giving her a touch up ever 6 weeks. WTF! Now when I used to perm my hair, I did it every 6 months or once a year and it was a mild formula. My mom hair texture is like a 2B, so basically her hair dresser was just making extra money off of her knowing good and well she had no reason to get a perm. So now she lets them perm her hair sparringly. Thank goodness...

She has finally admitted that she likes my locks. She loves the size of them and she thinks they suit me well. My little brother has started his second set of locks. His first set was so adorable, and he had grown them for 2 years. My mother hated them. He cut them off about a month before I got mine, and he is now starting over. It makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside that she has finally made PEACE with MY HAIR.

I've Been Tagged

2008-02-01T09:19:00.000-05:00

Ok.. So,here are the rules: (1) Link to the person that tagged you. (2) Post the rules on your blog. (3) Share six non-important things/habits/quirks about yourself. (4) Tag six random people at the end of your post by linking to their blogs. (5) Let each random person know they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog. Now let's have some fun
I was tagged by Abena .......so here it goes :)

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1. At the age of 27, my family still calls me by my nick name
Plookie (Pa-lou-key). Don't they know I am a grown
A$% Woman!

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2. I am a die hard soccer mom, spring season is about to start and I am more excited than the kids.

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3. As my first job out of highshool I was a tellermarketer. I sucked badly and quit the first week.

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4. I was a girl scout until I was 16 years old. By then I figured I was too old to sing Kumbaya around the campfire.

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5. I went through a faze when I rocked bright red hair. It was so hard finding outfits that did not clash with my hair.

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6. I had my first kiss in the back of the church. I knew God was watching... but it was worth it.

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Let's see.... I am now tagging: Carmen, Wendi, Free, Blaqkofi, Trina, & Allecia

So This Is What The World Looks Like...

2008-01-31T14:42:00.000-05:00

I lost my glasses back in August 07. Normally I would wear them when needed or just to make a fashion statement. Well, life without them has been miserable. I finally got my eyes checked after two years and ordered a new pair of glasses. As an accountant, I work with numbers all day long. Spread sheets began to look a little fuzzy and sometimes I couldn't figure out if that was a "1" or a "7". I never want to part with my glasses again. These spectacles also cost me a fortune, these bad boys better tap dance and read the books for me. LOL!

Knitting

2008-01-30T21:54:00.000-05:00

My daughter and I took a knitting class 2 weekends ago. I love doing mother-daughter things with her but the boys get so jealous. I have my individual times with them too (soccer season is fast approaching).

She is so excited about knitting. Her first project consists of knitting hats for the boys. I have been working on making scarfs. Knitting is such a creative pass time, she told me that she is going to be knitting every time that she gets bored. I much rather her pick up the knitting needles that the remote.

She is my little "mini me" and I love her so...

Loc is a Loc?????

2008-01-29T09:47:00.000-05:00

I felt compelled to blog about this. I love my sisterlocks. For me I feel like for once I am making peace with my hair. Can I embrace my locks? Can I share my hair tips, emotions, and experiences about being locked without sounding as if my locking method is better than yours? Each person is entitled to their opinions and perceptions. If you ask me do I have dreads or small braids, I would be the first to tell you "no, I have sisterlocks". At the end of the day my loc is still a loc, and the type of locs I have are sisterlocks. Is there a problem with having pride in something that I paid for, and take care of daily. If you ask me if my purse was a knock off I would let you know that baby its Prada.

There are tons of ways that I could have locked my hair, but I choose the sisterlocks method. I appreciate those who have given me advice, price analysis, referrals, etc., because I would have been devasted if I spent my hard earned cash on "step-sisterlocks". If I paid to get palm rolled locks maintained, then they should look fabulous. If I pay for BMW then I shouldn't get a Buick. And if I choose to get a perm or weave it up, than so be it, but that's just ain't for me.

If I am viewed as a "snob", then let haters keep hating, cause at the end of the day... my head is still held high and my locks are still flowing.

Unruly Hair...Still in love with my sisterlocks

2008-01-25T14:49:00.000-05:00

My free styling continues to be unleashed. I have been wearing a headband all week, and some of my smaller locks sticks up like little antennas. I have been trying to control them, but they have been doing their own thing. I am kind of excited that my hair does not want to play fair. It is just telling me that I am locking up nicely. This week I am going to wash my hair without braiding and banding(B&B) . My consultant wanted me not to B&B just to see how my hair will react. I have had some minor slippage, but I have never experienced a lock coming completely out. My hair is feeling on the rough side (thanks Knotty Boy Soap). I am getting more and more small balls at the ends of my hair, it almost seems like their doubling in number.

The following pictures I took right before heading to church. I am a little tired because I just finished working 12 hours at my second job. Also I have a texture shot of the back of my head. Enjoy!!

Lakia is not a vegetarian....

2008-01-22T13:22:00.000-05:00

I guess for the last 4 years I have flipped flopped on my dietary habits. I always fall weak and can never stick to a vegetarian diet. I like to eat healthy and most people try to shun me for trying to eat healthy, but who cares what they think. The very few people who call me names like "rabbit" because I choose to eat a carrot over a cupcake, are the ones that are always asking me for health tips (guess this is dedicated to a co-worker of mine... LOL!)

Anyway, the only eating habits that I have no problem sticking to is pescetarianism. I can live life without pork and beef with no problem. My main weakness has always been fish and chicken, but I can live without chicken, just give me my fish and I am happy. DH always wants to be supported of me. He'll go to the grocery store and tries to buy food to help support my eating habits, I tell him every time, "don't worry about me, worry about the kids".

I still buy regular food for my family, except pork, and very rarely beef. I will never force my eating habits on anyone. So while they may eat spaghetti, I would eat noodles with marinara sauce.

While most people go by the normal food pyramid, my food pyramid looks like the vegetarian food pyramid but with fish.