Naturally Blessed

I was going through my pictures, deleting those I didn't want.  I came across this one and could not believe how much my locs have changed in less than two years.  See how thick my locs were in the front.  It was something I used to complain about.  I knew they had condensed over the past few years but the difference is amazing.  A picture says a thousand words.
 

June 2011

March 2014

I came across the movie "Things Never Said" at my local Redbox.  I hadn't heard of the movie before, but I was attracted to the cover design because the female star has locs.  I figured it was a straight to Redbox movie so probably not so good, but I chose it anyway.  Early in the movie, I decided I
would recommend it on my blog because of the sister with locs.  Halfway through, I started realizing that it was a pretty good movie.  I dare you not to like something about this movie.  Let me know what you think about it.  Disclaimer:  It is dark (lighting) in some of the scenes.


 New pic of my locs.  I was just playing around, didn't wear this out.  One day, maybe.

2-18-14

So I found out that Blogger was not the problem when it came to posting.  I started having problems with other sites.  I got messages to update my browser.  I could not update Internet Explorer so I finally switched to another browser.  It's like I have a new computer, everything loads so fast. 

Anyway, I plan to update my blog more often now.  I have learned so much over the years of having natural hair and Sisterlocks.  I am open to answering any questions about hair/locs.  I want to share my experiences.

At this time, I am trying to get my ends to seal.  When I shampooed last week, I let the shampoo stay in my hair 30 mins.  I made sure to get shampoo on the ends because I think I focus on the scalp and sometimes don't give the ends a good wash.  Interestingly, more of the ends seem to be closing already.




This is a set of pipecleaner curls that I did this past December.  Two of the keys to pipecleaners are making sure they are completely dry before removing and sliding the pipecleaners out instead of unraveling. 

You can see my platinum highlights.  So far, I'm not concerned by the color.  I think it will continue to leave it alone.

I have worked on this post numerous times over the past several months.  I'm not sure if Blooger is the problem or if its my computer.  I almost gave up again, today.  My cursor suddenly became active in the text box allowing me to write.  It has been really frustrating because I like to update on time. 

Anyway, now my locs are close to 4 1/2 yrs old.  I have grown out my layers so updos are easier now, but my ends are mostly still open.  I'm so tempted to do another trim, but I'm concerned that the ends still will not close.  I wonder if the coloring affected the ends.  It has been months since I colored and I trying to leave the permanent color alone.  I used Naturtint for the last 2 yrs.  The last time I used it, I had a very mild reaction (Slight tingle and nasal irritation).  I experience this reaction eventhough I only applied the color to my ends.  I don't want to taking a chance that I'll get more of reaction the next time.



October 2009





September 2013

 




  




August 2013



January 2013



It so interesting how being at the right place at the right time can have a dramatic effect on your life.  Back in March, I did my sister a favor by going to spa for an infrared treatment so that she could get a green juice concoction for my niece.  While there, I noticed a book on display.



The Crazy Sexy Diet

Besides the name and the cover of the book, I was pulled in the 21-Day Adventure Cleanse mentioned on the cover.  I looked inside and my interested increased.  Of course, I didn't buy the book at the spa for cover price.  I checked on Amazon and I was able to use my Discover points to get the book for free. 

I'm not the type to jump on every new diet fad but I had completed a detox in January.  The detox resulted in some pounds lose but it did not curb my sweet tooth as it had done in the past.  As I started reading the Crazy Sexy Diet, it realized it was a vegan plan.  Vegan?  That's not what I thought I was signing up for.  I continued to read and over a few weeks decided that I could be vegan for 21 days.   


I had talked about wanting to eat a more mediterrean diet for years but never fully commited.  I chose a start date for the cleanse (April 10th) and I started reducing my meat, bread, and dairy intake, at the end of March.  To make a long story shorter, I did the 21 days, dropped seven pounds in addition to the 10 pounds I dropped on the previous detox.  As of today, I'm still 90% vegan and 27 lbs lighter than I was at the beginning of the year.  I finally reached my goal weight. 

June 28, 2013

I feel good.  In addition, to being lighter, I don't get that bloated feeling, my system is very regular, and I have a sense of accomplishment.  I can step out of my comfort zone, do something I never thought I would/could do.  Perhaps, you can too.  Remember, we are all naturally blessed.

So since my last post there have been ups and downs with my locs.  I went thru a frustrated period which had me thinking DIY is too much work, I can't do it, and it's time to say goodbye.  I had to really think about it.  For one, taking down 400 locs is not on my to-do-list ever.  Secondly, I remember that detangling was a headache.  Lastly, it is always darkest before the dawn.  I pushed thru that period and I'm happy to say that I'm loving my locs, again.  I've been doing a little more styling without curls.  My co-workers and clients are fascinated by my updos. 





Back view of Loc Petals












Latest Attempt