8 Fun Hair Facts About My Natural Hair

I'm always asked the question, "How long have you been natural?"  When I answer "most of my life"  I tend to get a side eye like "Yeah, Girl whatever!" but then I'm bombarded with loads of product questions. Even in the moment of skepticism, my "secrets" are still on request for reveal. It's always been a tickling topic to me. Sometimes I have the "basher" (anyone and anything not natural is a problem!), the speudo educator (timelines and posts are their teacher. From their perspective, hairstylist don't know what they're talking about. 0_o) or (my fav) just a woman who likes to talk good haircare.  Many people tend to think that a series spectacular events happen in order for me to achieve the look/s they're inquiring about. Nope! Having been natural most of my life did not exclude me from the trial and error of finding out what works for my hair. However, being a hair professional and product trainer did make the journey a bit easier.  As per some of your inquiries, I thought I'd share a fun fact list of my journey along with my regimen. 

Cheeeeez! 18 months old and afro happy

MY FUN HAIR FACTS

1.I was a toddler rocking  huge afros. I really appreciate my mother for this. She had me wearing braid outs until first grade and I loved it!

2. As a child I maintained my curls with VASELINE and water. My edges and curls were LAID. I thought I had the secret until I went swimming and my hair turned white. My mother had to wash it out with dish detergent.

3. I've only worn a relaxer for 10yrs of my life (age13-23) *whispers* I'm going on 20yrs natural again. *winks*

4. I love hair color! I keep this strictly professional. 

5. People tend to think my hair is a wig or wig piece. I've been called some colorful names when I've replied "It's my natural hair."   One woman went as far as pointing me out to store patrons "she's a lying *BLEEP*" Geesh! She was mad!

6.There are NO holy grail products in my regimen. I switch up products all the time. When I find something I really like I keep it replenished but I still try other things.

7.My favorite hair tool is the Denman brush. A curly hair gift from the heavens. Amen! 

8. I am not a slave to my hair. 

Bonus fact: My husband usually colors, cuts and blow dries my hair. Who is spoiled? Meeeee!

Me today wearing a Wash and go

HAIR REGIMEN

Daily:  leave in conditioner/moisturizer. During the summer I use products specific for sun protection.

Weekly: Shampoo and condition. During the winter when my scalp is most dry, I do a bi-weekly scalp treatment.

Monthly: I alternate with deep conditioners according to my hair needs. I usually use a protein reconstructor of some sort every other month.

Bi Monthly: IF I stick to it then this is when I trim my hair. 

Quarterly: Hair color. new or retouch depending on if I'm using permanent or demi permanant. 

Yearly: Once a year I take off about 4 inches.  I don't have a clue as to how that number became the target but for the last 5yrs that's what it has been.  

See! No tricks or special effects. Just two tired arms trying to maintain what is affectionately known as the gorgeous beast.  Are you natural or straight? How do you maintain your healthy hair? Share some of your favorite hair tips below. 

 

ABC Scandal: From Cowardice to Courageous?

photo: Scandalgladiators.tumblr.com

It has taken me one minute and an entire Scandal season later to really sit with this line. As I was watching the Scandal BET marathon on last Saturday, this line struck me like I had never heard it before. I am stunned! Let me tweet, then repeat that one more time: "What kind of coward was I to marry her and not wait for you to show up?" *fans self* Fitz is a BOSS! He is the giver of lip quivers, slow breathes and hot flashes. Undergarments don't stand a chance of staying dry with this kind of macking happening on "The Trail" (S1, Ep106). There are no more words to be spoken so they just hold hands. Sweaty hands. I'm sure. It was during their silence, the line began to marinate.  WOAH! WAIT ONE MINUTE!! Did he say "what kind of coward" as in there are a variety of choices?  Senator Grant's assertion of his cowardice behavior was more profound than we knew at that time. In one line this man desperately exhales "I settled, Courage is difficult for me, I need love, and I want every inch of YOU." GEESH! Instant heat and passion aside, what's a woman to do with that confession?  I'll take feed the passion for one thousand Alex.! Nooooo This is Olivia Pope! She will do what comes natural: fix him. She thinks he needs her and no matter the pain she is all in. Liv's perception on love is one minute past cracked, it's broken.

"One Minute" is more than just feeding the feel good, it's a brief moment of courage for Fitz.  The courage to live, love, and be loved in that moment. This courage allows him to reveal vulnerabilities which have been masked for years. We can surely blame his father Big Jerry for that.  Olivia would never use his character flaws against him for her own personal gain.  Liv unlike everyone else, doesn't have an agenda (although I feel she is someone else's. That's why she was sent in. *coughs* Rowan!) therefore she doesn't fight Fitz for what's best for her. She totally gets her cowardly lion. She believes in his greatness. He's strong, attractive, passionate and he has "superpowers". Olivia professed "I will eat, sleep, drink Fitzgerald Grant" and as my girl Awesomely Luvvie said "He surely ate Liv Pope"  Yes, indeed! Reciprocity has never looked so good in 60 seconds. The problem is, when they surpass that time span everything gets messy and the revelation remains the same.  Fitzgerald Grant is still a coward.

As promised, here is your Harrison fix. He is skeptical about this line too.

What do you think? Was I too harsh on Fitz? This is what happens during a long break and a stint in rehab. I may have a change of opinion next week. Give it to me Gladiators. What's your take on this line?

100 Scoopsies: A Blog for Ice Cream Lovers Everywhere

photo credit: 100Scoopsies.blogspot.com

Sometimes you can come across really amazing blogs when you least expect it. A few months ago, the most inviting ice cream pictures kept streaming through in my Facebook feed. Being a true lover of this frozen treat compelled me to do a little "research".  Two clicks later, I found 100 Scoopsies , a blog which follows the journey of two super adorable friends, Sarah Hayes and Cloe Jankowitz as they churn out 100 flavors of ice cream in one year. Can you imagine creating one hundred ice cream flavors in 365 days?  Me either, but I CAN imagine tasting them. Makes you wonder who gets to eat all of it, right? Get this! After every 20 flavors, the ladies have an ice cream social featuring their best flavors of the quarter. So then the question becomes, Where does one sign up for this delightful event?

These ladies both share a dream of one day having their own brand of ice cream and it looks like they are well on their way to attaining that dream.  Sarah and Cloe have come up with some unique and creative flavors like:

Coconut Curry Ice Cream

Chocolate Avocado Ice Cream

Blueberry Basil Ice Cream

Some of their creations have made me recall the fact that I have an ice cream maker tucked away somewhere.  I may one day actually pull it out to try one of their yummy recipes. I said "I may" which means this most likely won't happen in real life. What I will do in the meantime is continue to follow 100 Scoopsies. I wish Sarah and Chloe all the best and many blessings over this journey to having their own ice cream brand. You can do it! Uhm, yeah and about the social sign up? 

Banana Chai Ice cream

IF I were to attempt one of the Scoopsies recipes, I think Banana Chai would be one I would churn out. How about you? What Scoopsies flavor would you like to taste and/or make? 

My Obsession: I Love Clouds

Have you ever been drawn to something but you have no idea as to when the connection happened in your life? That's how I feel about clouds. I have a serious obsession with clouds. So much so that I will pull my car over to take pictures at any given time.  Sometimes I think it started when I was a child. I used to think we lived in God's mouth.  This is was how I interpreted "God is everywhere". To me, He was everywhere because we were forever present in His mouth.  In my little mind, clouds were God's way of  sending us signs and messages. If a cloud had a particular shape that I could identify that meant to pray for that thing. Yes, I prayed for many animals, a few old people and someone's car. LOL  I still giggle at how I made sense of these amazing forms of condensed water vapor.  After every giggle, a prayer follows. I give thanks for how I feel God spoke to me as a very small child. 

Like many young and old, I still  look for pictures within, count them as they float by, and shutter when they are in their warning colors.  No matter the climate or season, clouds bring me peace and happiness. Sometimes I'm that kid again, looking for a sign or message in a cloud. "Hi God! *giggles* "You've made some really nice ones today. *claps quietly*" I'll prop my head on my hands and just take in their beauty.  Although I'm an adult they still know how to touch my spirit in the same manner as years gone by. I don't know what it is that truly connects me to clouds but I'm so grateful for how they make me feel.  So, the next time your out I hope you see a cloud and if nothing else think of this post and smile.

Do you have any nature obsessions? Do you look for images in clouds? What are you connected to that brings you joy at any given time?

Boston Magazine's Battle of the Burger 8/13/2013

PRESENTED BY

It's here! The official meat slinging showdown is upon us. Boston Magazine's Battle of the Burger will be Boston Strong on August 13th, 2013.  Come out and taste Boston's Top 20 restaurant's burgers and meet the Chef's behind these amazing creations. Amstel Light,  the only light beer with a rich flavor profile that can stand up to the most unique burger creations will be on hand to make sure every burger bite goes down smooth.  Sounds good right?! It doesn't stop there. There will be live entertainment for dancing. Here is where I slip in a blatant hint : Dude! you can totally bring a date. Beer, Burgers and dancing by the water! Date is happy + you're happy = Possible 2nd date? You get me? Ok, back to house business. If you're wondering "Will they only be serving burgers?" No,custom side dishes and desserts will be on hand for your complete dining pleasure. So, yeah that about covers it. Now hurry over to the Boston Magazine site and buy your tickets! I'll see you on Tuesday!! AND Remember, this is supposed to be a wicked good time so let me remind you of one very important thing: NO DRINKING AND DRIVING. If you plan to partake in the overflowing of  the Amstel frothy goodness then have a designated driver and/or plan to take a cab home. Your safety is important to us. K! Thanks! 

EVENT INFORMATION

WHEN: TUESDAY, AUGUST 13, 2013

TIME: 6 - 10 p.m.

WHERE: Black Falcon Cruise Terminal (1 Black Falcon Avenue, South Boston)

IMPORTANT: 

Rain date: August 14th 6-10pm

The need for a rain date will be determined and communicated by Monday morning on August 12th. We will do our best to hold the event on the 13th, but are retaining a rain date of August 14th in the event that the forecast for the 13th shows serious rain/thunderstorms. No refunds are available.  More ticket info

Check out the list of battling burgers:

1.5 Napkin Burger ~5 Napkin Burger by Andy D’Amico: Ground beef topped with gruyere cheese, caramelized onions and rosemary aioli

2. Beantown Pub ~Beantown Burger by Willie Z: In house freshly ground blend of sirloin, filet and bacon topped with our unique specialties

3. The Blue Ox ~ Sin Burger by Matt O’Neil: USDA prime beef burger, applewood smoked bacon, truffle aioli, tomato, lettuce, brioche bun

4. BOND ~ The Whole-Y Cow by Mark Sapienza and Nick Gurski: Northeast Family Farms beef  blend of  locally raised ground brisket, short rib and chuck, grilled and served on a housemade salted pretzel roll, served with Amstel Wheat braised Vidalia onion, Thistle Hill Tarentaise cheese and housemade mustard

5. Boston Burger Company ~ The Vermonster by Paul Malvone: Maple mayo, sharp cheddar cheese, caramelized granny smith apples, red onions, maple syrup and bacon

6. Brew City ~ Love Muffin: All natural Angus burger with slow roasted pork, candied bacon, smoked peach jam and cream cheese aioli on an English muffin

7. Cafeteria Boston ~ The Lamb Burger by Antonio Perez: Ground lamb, tzatziki, kalamata olives, tomatoes, lettuce, onions and feta

8. Ceia Kitchen + Bar ~ Ceia Signature Kobe Burger by Patrick Soucy: Manchego, serrano, heirloom tomato,paprika aioli and fresh made Farmer’s Reserve ketchup

9. El Centro ~ La Poblana by Allan Rodriguez: Imported Mexican ground beef on the grill topped with a fire-roasted Poblano pepper stuffed with a Oaxaca cheese, then topped with grilled onions,bacon, lettuce, tomato, fresh avocado and Chile Poblano mayonnaise with pickled carrots, onions and jalapenos, served on Mexican felera bread

10. The Fireplace ~ The Fireplace Burger by Jim Solomon: Shelburne Farms (VT) Cheddar stuffed grass-fed burger with thick cut bacon, caramelized onion, lettuce, tomato and house brined dill pickle on a homemade English muffin

11. Forum ~ Forum Burger by Matthew Barros: Brandt Family Farms all natural grass fed beef, crispy house cured pancetta, smoked gouda, spicy pineapple relish, fried egg, served on a brioche bun

12. Foundry on Elm ~ Foundry Chef’s Burger by Derek Clough: 100% Maine grass fed beef, spicy house bbq,sweet bacon jam, great hill blue cheese, shaved dill pickles and pickled red onions on Iggy’s brioche bun
13. Joe’s American Bar & Grill ~ All American BBQ Bacon Cheddar Burger by David Forbes: Fresh ground chuck, bbq basted, crispy pork belly, two year aged Vermont cheddar and maple Cajun bacon jam served on a griddled poppy bun served with house cured pickles
14. Salvatore’s ~ The Wicked Stuffed by Chuck Barbato: Black Angus stuffed with fresh mozzarella and raisin, topped with charred sweet onion, grilled smoked pancetta and sriracha mayo
15. Shake Shack ~ ShackBurger by Mark Rosati: Cheeseburger topped with lettuce, tomato and Shacksauce
16. Smith & Wollensky ~ Cajun Gorgonzola Burger by Matt King: Prime beef, Cajun seasoning, melted gorgonzola, arugula and red onion marmalade
17. Tasty Burger ~ Slap Yo Mamma! by Brian Reyelt: Our signature patty topped with cheese, fried pickles,jalapenos and BBQ sauce
18. Tommy Doyle’s ~ The Corky Pig Burger by Andrew McLendon: Named after Porky Pig and County Cork,Ireland, 8 oz. Angus beef topped with an Irish bacon rasher, American bacon, jalapenos, fried onion petals, bleu cheese crumbles, bleu cheese dressing and bacon jam (traditional southern jam made with bacon instead of fruit)
19. Trade ~ TRADE Burger by Andrew Hebert: All natural ground beef with pancetta, Vermont cheddar, grilled onions, homemade pickles, lettuce, and tomato on Iggy’s brioche bun
20. Wahlburgers ~ OFD (Originally from Dorchester) Burger by Paul Wahlberg: 8 oz. patty with bacon, Swiss cheese, sautéed mushrooms and homemade tomato jam on a potato roll


This list is INSANE! Right?! I read the first ten and got full. Geesh! Which Burger would you try?
Found a burger you'd like to try but can't make it to the event? That's ok, click the highlighted name and go straight to the restaurants site for more information. Lets really show #BostonStrong and support our local businesses.
Follow #BurgerBattle on Twitter  to stay up to date on the event.