Knitting

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?????

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

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....

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.

Lucious, Luminous, Lips

I just so happen to be at Victoria's Secret the other week and all the 75% off signs caught my attention. The very sexy make up line and other things were on sell. I have heard about "lip plumper"

"Lip Plumper is a cosmetics product used to give the lips an enhanced, fuller look. Lip Plumper is distributed as a viscous liquid applied to the lips with a roller or brush applicator. It can be translucent or have various tints, and can be worn alone or over regular lipstick.
Lip Plumpers are popular with women due to the many perceived benefits including lip enhancement, collagen stimulation, moisturizing effect, ease of application, and pouty, sexy look they help to give the lips. For many women, Lip Plumper is used as a regular part of their daily make-up regimen and applied often throughout the day. Leading cosmetic companies and specialty Lip Plumper manufacturers also make their plumpers into lip glosses for high-end consumers."

Well I naturally have large lips (Thanks to Dad). I love every minute of my lips, in fact I think it is one of my favorite features. I always perceived large lips as apart of beauty. When I was younger some kids used to teased me about my lips, but I never let that break down my self esteem, I just embraced my lips and kept on moving, (of course I tripped their little asses up every chance I could) LOL! Still can't figure out why every since Angelina Jolie came onto the seen with her lips, that now large lips are consider a sign of beauty.... full lips have always been beautiful!

I can't believe people some people actually pay to get a needle stuck in their lips to make them fuller.

Anyway, I was curious to try this lip plumper to see if it actually works. So I bought two bottles of the stuff. I purchased "undressed" and " baby pink". Personally I don't think even a slap in the mouth can make my lips any larger, but man oh man I like the little tingling feeling that it gives my lips. Also the colors that I bought are so beautiful, I mean gorgeous. Here is my product review:

Victoria Secrect's line of Lip Plumpers are great. The colors are fabulous and the shine that it leaves on your lips are to dye for! If you want a great lip gloss then buy their Lip Plumper, but if you want fuller lips... just slap yourself in the mouth. LMAO

Hair Skin, & Nails oh my...

I just started taking this multi vitamin for hair, skin and . I sure hope it works. It smells horrible though. It contains fish liver oil... WTF. I hope that the smell doesn't seep through my pours. It also recommends taking 3 tablets a day. Right now I am taking only one or two a day, I figure if I see some progress, then I will work my way up to three. For sure my nails need desperate help...

Hair, skin & nails multi-vitamins can be found at most places like GNC, and the Vitamin Shoppe, they also carry various brands. I just happen to get mine from a small shop in Lexington Market.

Also, I have noticed how my complextion has benefited from the sisterlocks. I am not oiling down my hair anymore. With sisterlocks I do not have to worry about putting any product on my hair. I used to use a lot of natural oils like carrot oil and olive oil when my hair was loose. I was and still am the type of person who keeps their hand in their hair, and thus touch my face unknowingly. So, I think my locks are doing my body good.

3 Months on Lockdown

Today marks 3 months with sisterlocks. Hooray for me!!!

What a way to start the day off too. About 6:30 in the morning, I was sitting on the train and the lady next to me complimented me on my "braids". LOL! So needless to say she got a sisterlocks 101 lesson from your truly. She was amazed at how small the locks are and wished me much blessing on the maturity of my locks. I wonder if she googled "sisterlocks" when she got to work...

Q&A Time:

So Lakia are you still using the Knotty Boy products? Any spray oil being used at this time?

I love my precious Knotty Boy Soap. Since purchasing this product I have not washed my hair as often. I wash every 2 weeks now, and in between I use witch hazel with water on my scalp for an in between cleaning. I don't use any spray oils on my hair. basically right now I only spritz with water and a little witch hazel. I don't use fancy imported water or filtered water on my locks. LOL! Plain on old city tap water in a bottle

Do you think you'd ever DIY?

Eventually one day. It would have to be worth my while though. However I am very crafty with my hands. I have scheduled retightenings for the whole year. My consultant is a very, very, productive and a busy sisterlocking lady. I want to dedicate my locks to her for the first year. It just feels so good to have someone else do my hair. There is a retightening class comming up in DC in February, but I wouldn't qualify to take it even if I wanted to. Thoughts have been running through my head about being a trainee or certified? Hmmm... could I???

Here is a special tribute to some of the ends of my locks. They all seem to have a wondering mind of their own.

Metamorphosis...

I'm changing! By looking at my blog, I am sure you can tell I am a fan of butterflies. I even have a tattoo of one on my back. My hair is changing. It is thickening up so much. It feels so funny, so different, and I am loving every minute of it. I can hardly freestyle it right now without trying to tame it. I usually roll my hair back for work and set it free whenever I can. I have been locked for almost 3 months, January 10, 2008 is my official 3 month mark. I washed my hair on Tuesday morning, it was out of control. I had to calm it down by wearing a head band for the rest of the day. The shorter locks at my hair line are growing. They are constantly in my eyes now, and they are still my favorite.

I can see the change in my hair and so can my consultant. I went in for my 2nd retightening, it took 3 hours (15 minutes less than the first retightening). I was told that I am settling nicely and the next time that I wash my hair I can wash without braiding and banding to see how my hair holds up. Also I am happy to report, very, very, minor slippage, like two or three locks. I am not styling my hair at this time. I see all the lovely ladies styling their hair with the soft spikes, caruso, and wrap a locks; I oh so long for the day that I can use them. For right now I am just patiently waiting for my hair to settle and lock. TIP: Little manipulation of the hair helps with the locking process.

2nd Retightening

Here are before and after shots of my 2nd retightening

Do you still love your hair?

I received this lovely Comment/ Question:

Finding your blog is a wonderful thing, I'm so excited and your hair is beautiful. I also have 3a,3b hair type and my hair is 14 inches long and the price I've been given is 600 is that to much? What size locs did you receive, micro,small,med or large? Do you still love your hair? I love your blog page, please fill me in?

Thank you for the lovely compliment. I am actually loving every minute of my hair. Like most others with sisterlocks or another type of locks, I can truly say that I wish I had done it sooner. Actually the price that you quoted sounds very very very good. Last year (2006) was when I had my first quote and consultation. I was told it would be $1,400. WWWHHHOOAAA. I did not let that discourage me, I knew that I had my heart set on sisterlocks and that I would somehow get them. I am glad that I did waited because I just love my consultant and I think she is great, she was a blessing and she didn't charge me $1,400 like the other one was. LOL!

My lock size varies. I have a combination of large, medium, and small. I have large locks around the hairline (which I am grateful for). The larger ones around my hairline will help with breakage, and I like the way they are holding up. I have 378 locks and head full of hair. I couldn't imagine have 600 + micro locks.

I hope this helps you out.

Just Alike...

We have the same hair type. I knew it from the minute she was born. The doctor slapped her on the butt and said "its a girl". My first thoughts was, OK this little chic is going to have lots of hair. She was even born a hairy baby, hair was everywhere, her back and face, poor child was born with a beard, its gone now. LOL! My daughter reminds me so much of myself when I was her age. I remember my mom going to war with my hair, and I too have to go to war with her hair. She cringes when I say those 6 little words "GIMME-THE-COMB-GREASE-N-BRUSH". She takes her time to get them too. Oh how I feel her pain. Right now her favorite style is her infamous 2 strand twists. I only have to do them every two weeks. She likes to accent them with her favorite hair bow. I may think about braidlocks for her if she wanted to get locked. This way if she did decided to get locked, but changes her mind, I would be able to take them down easily. I'll never ask her to get lock, I feel as though if she wanted to, then she would just go ahead and ask for it... actually, she did inquire about being locked this weekend. I think more about it when she gets a little older. Daddy doesn't like the idea of her being locked. Well he didn't like the idea of me wanting to lock my hair, but he loves it.

I still remember the time she did her own TWA. Oh Lawd, but it grew back to her same length, still a little more ways to go. That was approximately a year ago. She learned her lesson, and I bet she will never do the big chop again. LMAO.

All I want for Christmas...

The kids really enjoyed themselves this Christmas. Merry Christmas and may...

God Bless Your Family

Why I decided to lock...

I get this question a lot "Why did you decide to lock your hair?" I have always admired locks. I got the courage to do it, despite any negative connotations that are associated with locks. It's about me and what I want for myself. I love the natural state of my hair. Growing my hair for length has never been an issue.

I was born with a head of hair.

But when it comes to versatility.... well that is where the problem sets in. Some may be thinking well doesn't locks restrict you from versatility? Not my sisterlocks!!! I finally feel free from my long, bushy/curly ponytail. Hooray! Now I can where my hair down without any worries. I don't have to worry about washing my hair 2 to 3 times a week anymore, and especially combing it. It was war trying to get a comb through my hair and the comb would win the battle each time.

My Dominican Sistah's used to blow dry my hair so beautifully, and I loved it, but I hated the fact that the bone straightness did not last, my hair would curl right back up. My hair is still curling up with the sisterlocks, and I love the way it looks. My babies also doesn't look like most of the other newbie locks that I see on the blogs. With sisterlocks, everyone hair is different, and I am curious to see how mine will look in 3 months, 6 months, or even a year from now.

I feel a sense of freedom with my sisterlocks. I have overcome what the media, music video's and society portrays as what my hair should look like. I walk down the street with my head held high with confidence knowing that my locks are fierce and can't nobody tell me nuffin! LOL!

I also lead a very busy life and my hair isn't an issue anymore. I guess worrying about my hair is apart of being a woman... matter of fact being a phenomenal woman.

Cute Tests

Your Blog Should Be Purple

You're an expressive, offbeat blogger who tends to write about anything and everything. You tend to set blogging trends, and you're the most likely to write your own meme or survey. You are a bit distant though. Your blog is all about you - not what anyone else has to say.

What Color Should Your Blog or Journal Be?

Your Kissing Grade: A-

You are truly an amazing kisser. Your kisses are extraordinarily mind blowing. Whether you're naturally a good kisser or not, you've taken the time learn how to be the best kisser possible. Anyone would be lucky to get a kiss from you!

How Do Your Kisses Rate?

Your Personality Is

Guardian (SJ) You are sensible, down to earth, and goal oriented. Bottom line, you are good at playing by the rules. You tend to be dominant - and you are a natural leader. You are interested in rules and order. Morals are important to you. A hard worker, you give your all at whatever you do. You're very serious, and people often tell you to lighten up. In love, you tend to take things carefully and slowly. At work, you are suited to almost any career - but you excel in leadership positions. With others, you tend to be polite and formal. As far as looks go, you are traditionally attractive. You take good care of yourself. On weekends, you tend to like to do organized activities. In fact, you often organize them!

The Three Question Personality Test

Humanity

Along with my first job, I also work for a Humane Society. I have been working there for the past 7 years, and have enjoyed every minute of it. When I was a little girl I used to bring home every animal I could find. Lost dogs, turtles, kittens, frogs, etc., My mom would say "get that thing out of my house". She did let me keep a few things. I had always wanted to be a veterinarian, but other things caught my attention as I got older. So I love working with animals. This brings me to blog about the misguided "Michael Vick".

I was just reading a portion of this article:

" Michael Vick was sentenced to 23 months in prison Monday for his role in a dogfighting conspiracy that involved gambling and killing pit bulls.

The suspended Atlanta Falcons quarterback could have been sentenced up to five years by U.S. District Judge Henry E. Hudson. Vick, who turned himself in Nov. 19 in anticipation of his sentence, was wearing a black-and-white striped prison suit.
After Vick apologized to the court and his family, Hudson told him: "You need to apologize to the millions of young people who looked up to you."
"Yes, sir," Vick answered.
Vick acknowledged he used "poor judgment" and added, "I'm willing to deal with the consequences and accept responsibility for my actions."

"Suspended NFL star Michael Vick sentenced to 23 months in prison"
article By LARRY O'DELL

Over the course of the years, I have seen the results of dog fighting, I receive the reports of back ailing dog rings, and yes I have even had to euthanized (put to sleep) lifeless animals that were bred to fight, and loss the battles. Part of being human is having humanity and compassion.

Knotty Boy Soap Bar.... Current Read

I am now into my second month. Wow how time flies when having fun. So I have been dying to try this little thing-my Knotty Boy shampoo bar. It smells so wonderful. I thought it would have been bigger, but it is only 4.5 oz.

Product Details: "Knotty Boy Dread Shampoo bar is a herbal organic hemp shampoo that utilizes the naturally germicidal and anti-bacterial properties of tea tree, rosemary and peppermint essential oils to help eliminate flaky dandruff and itchy scalp conditions. Completely free of conditioners, this all-natural shampoo cleanses and gently controls oily buildup without hindering the locking process. Suitable for dreaded and non-dreaded hair. Made with 100% all natural ingredients and contains no chemical detergents or lauryl sulphates. Dread Shampoo is biodegradable and eco-friendly."

Laurel sulpates are skin irritatants, but are used in shampoos as an inexpensive detergent because it makes mixtures foam well (sudzing).

CAN ANYONE SAY "ITCHY SCALP"

I have heard great reviews about this product.

Every Fall I have to combat dandruff. I am hoping that this product will help eliminate this problem for me. Right now I am still shampooing with my starter shampoo and my Tresseme. Trying to keep the starters shampoo from reaching my scalp has definitely helped with the itchy scalp, the Tresseme is doing its job as a clarifying shampoo, but I got this dandruff. Last night I shampooed with the Knotty Boy Shampoo Bar. After hours had past with completely dried hair, I checked for dandruff and it worked pretty good. It left my hair smeling Oh So Good.

So I recommend trying this bar, see if it works for you.
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Currently, I am reading "Native Son", by Richard Wright, this is a classic novel. "Native Son tells the story of this young black man caught in a downward spiral after he kills a young white woman in a brief moment of panic. "

A lot of my friends told me that they had to read this book in high school. So I kinda feel late in reading it, but Richard Wright was a profound writer and I am sure that it will be a great read.

So Whats Your Hair Texture???

Hair texture attributes to the locking phases. Depending on the hair type, some individuals may lock within their first six months, 1st year, or well over their first year. I know it's going to take a very, very long time for my hair to lock. I can say, "I am OK with it", (for now at least). My hair has always been soft, long and wavy with a loose to medium curl to it, and I decided to keep my length while locking (saving $300 wasn't worth chopping 10 inches off my hair). Right now the ends of my sisterlocks have peas, coils, or a super man "S" at the end of them.

HAIR TEXTURES

• Type 1a and 1b hair is straight with no curl or wave. This hair type has a lot of shine and tends to be oily.


• Type 2a and 2b has some soft waves but little or no curl. It tends to be coarse and stays clings to the scalp in long S shaped curves. This hair type has very little body.


• Type 3a and 3b hair has a definite "S" pattern to it which is usually fine textured and soft. It does not have as much shine as Type 1 or 2 hair, but it does have a lot of natural body. When this hair type is wet, it straightens out, but then draws up into a curlier state as it dries.


• Type 4 hair as kinky textured hair which he defines as being tightly curled. Type 4 hair can be wiry and very fragile. It is also drier than other hair types because the twists in the hair make it harder for the scalp's sebum to reach the ends. Type 4a's hair strand has an "S" shape like spirals. Type 4b has the characteristics of Type 4a, but the hair strand has a zig zag shape like "Z".
  

I am going to assume that my hair is either a 3a or 3b. My hair has the "S" shape characteristics, and has a WWWWWWHHHHHHHOOOOLLLLLEEEE LOT OF SHRINKAGE when dry. So what's your hair texture?

It's that time of the year again...

What a lovely compliment, I received this e-mail the other day and wanted to share it:

"I am really thinking about getting sisterlocks soon. I live here in Md as well and would like to know if you wouldn't mind sharing who your consultant is... I live in Laurel. I would love to chat with you about your hair. It is beautiful. My hair isn't as long as yours but it is thick and has length. I really want the right person to start me out. I have 2 girlfriends that have them but they got them due to problems that they were having with hair. I don't have any issues. I have been natural now since 1999 and I am tired of doing my hair. I love versatility and I too have a "hair box" and want to be rid of it! "

Having the right consultant is very, very, very vital. Sisterlocking is a process that takes time and money. When considering sisterlocks/ brotherlocks, one must do their homework, and make certain that it is a locking process for them. It is always good to get a second or third opinion from consultants. Most consultations are $25.00, if you do not mind spending $25.00 more than once... then hay go for it! Always, Always review your consultants pictures of their work, ask a lot of questions, and make sure that they are certified or have been re certified.

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It's that time of the year again. This past Sunday I had to battle the mall with three small children. I got their Pictures taken. We went to the Picture People, and it was just off the hook in there. However, they came out with lovely pictures. The kids harassed me all throughout the mall about buying them toys that same day. I told them they must be crazy. LOL! All they got out of me was a happy meal and a Christmas DVD. Their wish list doesn't seem to drastic, so hopefully they won't break the bank this year.

Also, I am looking forward to going to the NYC gathering this weekend on December 9, 2007. I am new to sisterlocks and I want to meet and greet sisters with older mature locks, teenage locks, and babies locks like myself. I am excited about going and I will be sure to take lots and lots of pictures. My very first sisterlock gathering.... I am excited. Maybe someone can plan one for the DC area. (Hint-Hint). Unfortunately, I can't tackle that responsiblity right now.