Funmi's Sisterlock blog

Grand Opening of Our Wholesale Store

2008-03-30T00:42:00.007-04:00

We have a new online store for bulk unrefined shea butter. If you like to make your own natural skincare products come check Shea Radiance Supplies. In addition to Shea butter, we have Cocoa Butter, Sweet Almond Oil, Coconut Oil, Jojoba, Grapeseed, Avocado, Olive Oil and more.

Visit our retail store for incredibly rich whipped body butters, skin softening cold pressed soaps and more. All our proucts are 100 - 99% natural and great for your skin.

Finally Visited the Dermatologist

2008-03-19T01:07:00.004-04:00

I finally visited the dermatologist Dr Valarie Callender at the Callender Laser and Skin Care Institute about 2 weeks ago. I really like Dr Callender, our appointment was quite short but she was pleasant to talk to. She examined my face and obviously was very familiar with my skin problem. My acne is caused by bacteria under the skin - I was prescribed an anti biotic Adoxa and a Retin-A cream - Torazac. She also gave me some samples to start using because of the delays in getting the prescription filled. I also received samples of Ambi fade cream. I'm so glad I got the samples because I still don't have the prescription filled because of pre-authorization issues with the insurance company. Hopefully that should be resolved by next week.

Some Before and After Shots

I see definite improvements already in my skin, but I won't say too much right now. Let's see what happens when I go through my 'cycle'. Will I have another massive eruption of zits or will things be under control?

More to come so please stay tuned :)

The Status on My Sister Locks

2008-03-13T16:16:00.002-04:00

I have to confess that I haven't posted photos of my Sisterlocks because they have been doing rather poorly. Over the past year I have noticed that my locks have been thinning at the base and some have even fallen out.

I do not have thick hair and all the weak spots in my hair are thinning out. At first I thought it was because of my hormones adjusting to having a baby, but that was 2 years ago. Another factor that I am sure has contributed to the demise of my locks, was a really bad hair color job. I knew something was wrong when locks hung limp within a week of the color. No amount of conditioning could revive them.

So right now I am at cross roads. I am considering cutting off my locks and starting again with traditional locks or combining my sisterlocks into traditional locks to give them more strength in the base.

Need advise and insight please

The State of Affairs on My Face

2008-01-26T06:56:00.001-05:00

Sorry I haven't posted photos as promised showing my progress to beautiful skin. Well the reason there are no photos is because I have made no progress. I am still breaking out, waaaah! I am so upset! You all know I am into natural beauty and skincare right? Well every time I tell people that I make natural skin care products, the first thing they do is look at my face and right now my face is not good for business.

Here are some additional options I am looking into

1. Make appointment to see dermatologists - It's so hard to get an appointment and harder still to find a black one who understands how black skin tend to get blotchy. Not to say that there are no white ones who do. Hmmm maybe I can find an Indian doc, they should understand colored skin.

2. Re evaluate the stress levels in my life. Running business, family, job, church is good stress but stress non the less. Could my work and social life be ruining my skin?

3. Visit my primary care physician for check up. My sister who is also an MD, recommends that I get my thyroid levels checked. Apparently having abnormal thyroid levels can cause breakouts.

I gotta get my face clear. I am just too old and too pretty to have zitty cheeks :0

Week 1 Day 6

2008-01-08T10:45:00.003-05:00

What I have noticed 6 days after the Beta Peel is that I am not breaking out. Before the Peel I could feel bumps under my skin of zits just waiting to break free to the surface. I have also noticed that the existing zits on my skin are drying up. My pores appear to be smaller and skin smoother.

New Regiment

Day Time
• Obagi Gel Cleanser
• Toner (I am using Kiehls Calendula Toner cos I love it)
• Obagi Exforderm (Formulated with phytic acid, it exfoliates dead surface skin cells and aids in penetration of treatment ingredients in the System)
• Obagi Clear (Fade Cream 4% Hydroquinone)
• Sunscreen

Night Time
• Obagi Gel Cleanser
• Toner (I am using Kiehls Calendula Toner cos I love it)
• Obagi Clear (Fade Cream 4% Hydroquinone)
• Obagi NuDerm Blender fade Cream used in conjunction with Tretinin
• Tretinoin Cream - It's like Retin A - Stimulates renewal of healthy skin cells.

Quick word about my current regiment
I would not describe all the products in my current Obagi reginment as natural/organic by any stretch of the imagination. As a rule I prefer to use things that are naturally derived on my skin. In the case of my acne problem, I feel Obagi is the right short term treatment for me. After 16 -18 weeks, when my skin clears up and the acne is under control, I hope resume my natural routine. Even if I have occasional breakouts, there are a number of natural and organic solutions and formulations that will work perfectly.
It's just how you know when to go to the Doctor for antibiotics to treat an infection and when to use a home remedy.

Sunscreen My New BFF

2008-01-08T10:43:00.001-05:00

In addition to frequent breakouts, my skin is blemished. It takes forever for the dark spots on my face to fade and before the batch from last weeks break out get a chance to heal I get another slew of break outs. Marsha, advised, warned and begged that I religiously use sunscreen SPF 30 or above everyday without fail. The best skincare regiment designed to fade dark spots will not be very effective if one continues to expose the dark areas to the sun. Sunscreen is a must. As long as there is a sun in the sky, regardless of season - Winter, Spring, Summer or Fall, you gotta use sunscreen.

Week 1 - 16 Weeks to beautiful Skin

2008-01-05T16:40:00.001-05:00

Week 1
I am now 1 day post peel. My face is a little tight and Marsha has told me that there will be a lot of peeling and dryness for the next 3-5 days. She has given me some very mild cleansers and mositurizers to use during this time.
After the first week, I will begin a skincare program using Obagi products. They have a very aggressive skin care line that addresses issues of acne and discoloration. Even though Obagi is a little pricey it is known to be very effective. At this point in life, I feel it's better to pay the full price for something that will work than to nickle and dime myself buying a host of less expensive and less effective products
This program will address the breakout and accelerate the fading out of the dark spots. At the end of 16 weeks, I will have a smooth, youthful evened out skin tone.

I will be taking photos every week so you can keep up with my progress. Embarking on this new skincare regiment is not cheap, but it’s going to be worth it if I get the results I am hoping for.

Finding the Cure for Adult Acne - My 16 week journey to Beautiful Skin

2008-01-04T16:24:00.001-05:00

One of my goals for this year is to find a solution to my recurring acne problem. This problem seems to be getting worse every month regardless of what I try. I drink lots of water, exercise and wash my face twice a day. I use a great cleanser, toner and moisturizer. What else is a woman supposed to do to keep from getting break-outs? Acne is caused by bacteria living in the skin and can also be caused by hormonal changes. I suspect my problem is a combination of the two factors.
Enter Marsha Jackson, Aesthetician extraordinaire with The Edge on Central Salon and Spa. I visited Marsha at the salon last summer and was impressed with her wealth of knowledge on skincare especially troubled skin like mine. Now Marsha has beautiful skin, so when she told me she had spent most of her life battling acne, I was surprised. It's always good to know you are working with someone who can empathize with your problems.
An incident that occurred over the holidays convinced me that I needed to see Marsha again and get some real help for my skin. Marsha took one look at my face during my visit yesterday and concluded that I needed Beta Peel and a more aggressive skincare regiment to really get rid of the acne. A beta peel is a formulation of salicylic acid that that gently exfoliates the dead cells on the surface of the skin, stimulating the skin's natural processes to promote regeneration and renewal of the skin, promoting a more youthful appearance.

I am on a 16 week program that is guaranteed to bring about some dramatic changes to my skin. In addition to the break outs, I have dark spots or hyper-pigmentation especially on my cheeks. Hyper-pigmentation is a common problem with women of color after an outbreak. I will be taking photos every week so you can keep up with my progress. Embarking on this new skincare regiment is not cheap, but it’s going to be worth it if I get the results I am hoping for.

Happy New Year!!

2008-01-03T23:12:00.000-05:00

2008 is going to be a great Year. We made it through the challenges of 2007 and came through stronger than ever. This time last year, we were preparing ourselves for the miracle of our sons kidney transplant. We thank God that He brought both father(donor) and son through. We faced other health challenges, business delays, financial drama and more. 2007 has been a year of stretching and I am so glad we went through it even though I do not want a repeat performance :)

Have a blessed year every one

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

2007-12-25T17:54:00.000-05:00

Tolu Turns Two!!

2007-12-25T17:48:00.000-05:00

He actually turned 2 last week. Happy Birthday Baby !!

'Tis the Season for Giving

2007-12-10T21:48:00.000-05:00

Take 5% off all Personal Care Items of $50 or more plus free Shipping.
Use Discount Code: XMAS07 at checkout. Visit Us at Shea Radiance

My Fellow Americans !

2007-11-30T22:20:00.000-05:00

I am now officially a citizen of the United States. I was sworn in this morning at a ceremony in Baltimore city. A solemn yet joyous event.

Free Shipping on Orders of $50.00 or More

2007-11-29T11:29:00.000-05:00

I am offering free shipping on all natural & organic personal care items so feel free to stock up on whipped body butters, body oils, pure shea butter, natural soaps and more for the holidays!! Visit our online store.

Recent Hair Shots

2007-10-30T21:09:00.000-04:00

I decided to take some shots of my sisterlocks this past Sunday. One of the few times I felt my face and hair were camera friendly :)

I Need a Hair Intervention!

2007-10-23T11:01:00.000-04:00

I meant to post this about a month ago but I have been so busy. I still need help!!

I have been snipping my ends off for the past 6 weeks and if someone doesn't stop me or give me a good reason to stop, I will have very short locks. It's almost an obsessive compulsive behavior. I grab a pair of scissors and begin to snip the ends that seem just a little too thick. Before you know it I have 12 severed locks in the trash.

About 2 months ago, I had my locks colored from a light reddish brown to a deep brown. I don't think my locks reacted too kindly o the color job and within a couple of days they were looking droopy and lifeless. So I have been deep conditioning almost every week to give them a boost. I also noticed that my locks were bunching and the ends were thick and heavy. I can't stand to have lumpy and uneven locks so I grab the scissors to try and even things out.

Has anyone been thru this phase? How did you get over it?

Desperately Seeking Help!

Calling all Natural Hair Bloggers

2007-09-19T15:13:00.000-04:00

Would you like to be guest blogger on a natural health and beauty blog? I am looking for fresh and fun perspectives to add to my blog. Please email responses to me at funlayo@Shearadiance.com

Here are a few possible blog topics.

Natural skin and Hair Care

• Do you make your own products?
• Would you like to share some remedies to common skin/hair problems.
• Is there a natural product you absolutely love and cannot do without?

Food - My favorite topic

• Natural wholesome cooking,
• Multi-cultural cooking/recipes,
• Vegetarian and vegan cooking.
• If you are vegetarian or vegan maybe you can share what led to the change
• Desserts

Travel

• Do you want to share about some exotic location you have visited.
• Is there some dream location you want to visit and why?

Miscellaneous

All submissions will be reviewed. As a special thanks for responding to this call you will receive a bar of wonderful moisturizing Shea Butter soaps.

If we select your article for publishing, you will receive an 8 oz jar of yummy whipped butter and a matching soap bar.

If you ever go to Paris

2007-09-10T09:41:00.001-04:00

For those who love sweets, I mean rich, decadent, beautiful desserts, you must visit Laduree at Champs Elysées. I have put it on my list of places to visit in the next 2 years. I can see myself sipping coffee and taking in one of their breath taking desserts. Hope to see you there.

Not Quite A Pony Tail Let's Call it A Bunny Tail

2007-08-06T21:25:00.000-04:00

A vain attempt at putting my sister locks up. My sides are still pretty short so we are not quite ready for a pony tail. This look really helps when it gets really hot and my sense of vanity is at an all time low.

Comfort definitely rules over beauty here :)

Interesting Movies about Dysfunctional Famillies

2007-08-06T16:05:00.001-04:00

Ok. I know this has nothing to do with Sister locks but I just wanted to share some of my favorite movies that fall into the Quirky/Pyscho/Dysfunctional family genre.

1. Running with Scissors - Just watched this weekend
2. Royal Tannenbaums
3. Igby goes down
4. Little Miss Sunshine

Did I mention that our online store will be up soon?

2007-07-13T23:24:00.000-04:00

It's been a long time coming, but I finally see the light at the end of the tunnel. We just need to tweak on more issue with our secure certificates and Shea Radiance will be up and ready for business in the next couple of days. You can take a sneak preview at Shea Radiance.
All suggestions, criticism and comments are welcome.

Can you tell that I really love Shea Butter?

I took these shots about 6 months ago. My sisterlocks have grown quite a bit since then :)

Shea Butter that looks good enough to eat!!

Soft Spike Curls

2007-07-03T23:59:00.001-04:00

Oh No They Di'int

2007-06-20T19:54:00.000-04:00

I just saw the strangest thing on Access Hollywood tonight. It's called a non surgical face lift. It costs only $100.00. The 'stylist' braids one tight cornrow on either side of the clients head to give the illusion of a face lift.
Well I'll be darned. To think I have been having these face lifts for most of my childhood and adult life.
Somehow I don't see too many black women paying $100 for a flashback to childhood torment.

I've Been Tagged!

2007-06-20T12:34:00.000-04:00

7 things about myself that I have not yet shared

1. Favorite indulgences Lindt(Truffles) and Starbucks Ice Cream
2. I love to cook and entertain .... most of the time
3. I am the first of 4 children
4. I was born in England and raised in Nigeria.
5. Attended Undergrad and Grad Universities here in the US
6. I have been married for 11 years. Seems like just yesterday though :)
7. My Great Grandparents were born in Brazil and chose to return to West Africa in the late 1800- early 1900's

I will be tagging 7 more folks so watch out!!

2005 My Sisterlock Journey Begins with Thin, Scanty Hair

2007-06-18T00:32:00.000-04:00

Maryee thought it would be a good idea to show how far I have come with my Sisterlocks so here goes.....
These pictures were taken at the salon right after locks were completed. Check out the major exposure of scalpage. I hope I haven't scared off anyone who has fine/thin hair. It does get better :) keep reading .

2006 Sisterlock Updates: Things are looking better

2007-06-18T00:30:00.000-04:00

My hair definitely had some thickness at the 18 month mark. I find that styling my hair with the soft spike curlers gives me good volume. Note to my thin haired sisters: Soft Spikes are great for low density hair types they give great curls, and curls are our friends.

2007 Sister Lock Updates. What a Journey

2007-06-18T00:22:00.000-04:00

It's been 28 months and I started out with very thin hair. Sisterlocks have given my hair more volume and it looks like I am also gaining some good length too!

This is a Braid out after my Friday Night shampoo

Please Smile for Mamma!

2007-06-16T01:43:00.000-04:00

Recent Head Shots as Promised

2007-06-16T01:42:00.000-04:00

This is what my hair looked like this past week. I had rolled them with soft spikes earlier in the week.

Why I still band and Braid Before Washing

2007-06-16T01:40:00.000-04:00

I think I can finally say that my hair is 98% locked so I can do with it as I please without fear of unraveling my locks.
I find that I enjoy a number of benefits by taking the time to braid and band my hair.
1. I can give my hair and scalp a really good wash when my hair is braided
2. It's easier to apply conditioner evenly throughout the locks
3, Hair dries faster
4. When hair dries and you unbraid, you get beautiful crinkly locks that lasts all week.

Hair shots coming soon, I promise

2007-06-06T22:42:00.000-04:00

I colored my hair about a month ago just to try something new. I think it turned out nicely. I haven't taken any photos for the following reasons
1. On the days my hair looks really fab, I can't find the camera.
2. When I do find the camera, my hair may not be looking photo worthy, so I postpone taking the photo.

I really need to get over myself and just stay committed to journaling my Sisterlock growth experience.

The Gift of Life

2007-04-23T10:15:00.000-04:00

So far 2007 has been incredible. I apologise for not posting sooner but so much has ben going on. Lot's of awesome things too.

Here is a quick update
January 18th 2007, My son Femi underwent a successful kidney transplant. Kidney came compliments of Dad. What a wonderful man.

The photo in 2nd quadrant shows Femi chowing down on french fries a few days after surgery. French fries were a big no no when he had kidney problems.

My On going Skincare Project - Phase 1

2007-04-19T09:46:00.000-04:00

I am still working feverishly on launching our skincare line.

Phase 1 is just about done. Phase 1 is a wholesale site for those who love to make their own hair and skincare products. We have been able to source large quantities of premium quality Shea butter, cocoa butter, Seet Almond Oil and other exotic oils and butters from West Africa and will have them available at a great price.

Don't eat the Shea Butter Please!!

Phase 2 should be ready by Summer and that will feature our specialty line of body butters, scrubs and soaps.

I really didn't realize that the project would be this big when I got started. I am glad that we are taking the time to do it right eventhough we are way behind schedule.

Guess Who's One?

2006-12-22T22:26:00.000-05:00

I can't believe it's been a year already. How time flies when you are busy

Washed Hair

2006-12-22T22:05:00.000-05:00

Decided to take a shot of my locks after washing them. Looks like they've grown quite a bit. The back is much fuller than the front. The hair in front has a tendency to unravel because it is softer. I have also lost a few locks up front too.
I notice also that my locks are uneven. I wonder if the imbalance will be less obvious as the locks get longer?
I am still very pleased with my Sisterlocks. Best hair decision I ever made.

This is What I have Been Up to

2006-10-30T22:07:00.000-05:00

I have been feverishly working on launching a line of natural bath and body products for the past couple of months. I thought our site would be online by Thanksgiving but that ain't gonna happen because there is still so much to do.
Starting a business is is an all consuming affair. It takes up all your time and emotions, but it's also very exciting. We are having a blast working on cool recipes for body butters and scrubs that are absolutely yummy and wholesome.
My new goal is to be open for business January 2007. So if I disappear for a few more weeks, just pray for me : )

Post Partum Hair Loss and Sisterlocks

2006-10-30T21:57:00.000-05:00

I have so much to share about my hair since my last post many moons ago. I had my locks maintained a couple of months after I had my son and I noticed that the base of my locks were thinning - horror!! The next appointment was just as horrifing and it looked like some of the locks in the front sides and parts of the back were haning by just a few strands of hair. One evening I lost my mind for a spell and started snipping away at some of the thinning locks. I couldn't stand the sight of a thick lock hanging from a skinny base. You'll be glad to know that I came to my senses before I took off 25% of my hair. My husband was also there to remind me about how much getting SL's cost and to banish all thoughts of destroying my hair : )

My SL consultant did combine some of the locks so it's not as bad anymore. I am still a little traumatized by the whole experience.

Has anyone had a similar experience with their hair after the birth of a child. Any advise on what to do? Help!!

It's Been Sooo Long - So Sorry!

2006-10-29T23:07:00.000-05:00

These are some recent Shots. These are 1 week old soft spike curls. I think it may be time for me to graduate to Caruso Steam rollers. What do you think?

;

Another Head Shot

2006-08-04T23:59:00.000-04:00

Free Styling or Just looking Crazy

2006-08-03T23:20:00.000-04:00

Some Hair Pics

2006-08-03T23:19:00.000-04:00

Hanging Out with Grandma

2006-08-03T23:16:00.000-04:00

Spread the Word and Support the Africa Channel

2006-07-17T11:53:00.000-04:00

The Africa Channel will premiere August 1 in Washington D.C. on Comcast Digital Cable Channel 678 . This new network will debut with more than 1,600 hours of original and first-run English-language programming – from news, music, lifestyle, movies, documentaries and more – highlighting the rich and diverse cultures of Africa. With backers such as former UN Ambassador Andrew Young and NBA stars Dikembe Mutombo and Theo Ratliff, the network also boasts strong ties in Washington through its partnerships with groups such as Africare, Africa Wildlife Foundation, Sister Cities International and The Carter Center among others.

Hair Updates

2006-07-14T20:21:00.000-04:00

I haven't said much about my hair lately becuase nothing dramatic has happened. I haven't noticed any major changes for better or worse. I am getting more compliments from people who haven't seen me in a while, they comment on the fullness of my hair.

Reflections on Being in My 40's

2006-07-14T20:17:00.000-04:00

First I must confess that I do not look or feel 41. I feel like a very wise 28 year old :)

Anyway, I think one of the reasons people call 40 middle age is that it is a time to refect on your life and make necessary adjustments in order to really start living the best years of your life.

So here are a few of my reflections and proposed adjustments:

1. Continue to grow in my Christian life. Having a strong spiritual foundation in Christ has allowed me to live a purpose driven life. I know I was designed for a very specific purpose which unfolds as I follow Him. This foundation gives me confidence to keep moving ahead even in the midst of negative circumstances.

2. Finding a mentor and being a mentor. I have attached myself to women who are successful in areas that I am seeking to grow in. I also make room for younger women to come alongside and learn with me.

3. Know you are beautiful. Why does it take women so long to fully appreciate their beauty? For the longest time I would not wear open toe shoes or sandals because I thought my feet were ugly and you know what, maybe they were. But so what? They are the only pair of feet I've got. Why should I deny myself the pleasure of wearing all the beautiful strappy sandals nordstrom & DSW have to offer because of some vain concern. It occured to me that one day when I am old and grey with gnarly twisted toes, I would look back with regret that I did not appreciate how lovely my feet were in my youth. Needless to say, I started getting regular pedicures and enjoying open toe shoes.

5. Try things I've never done before. I trained to run a marathon a couple of years ago. I suffered a stress fracture and ended up doing a half mnarathon. It was just as much fun and it challenged me.
My next goal is learn how to swim properly and stop faking it.

6. Travel the world. I need to travel more. I want to go to India, Singapore, Kenya, and South Africa in the next 2 years

7. The better care I take of myself, the better wife, mother, sister and friend I will be. Pay attention to your body and do something about it if there is a problem. Don't be in denial. Don't ignore lumps bumps and fibroids.

8. Continue to get regular facials - Glycolic peels are the best.

Flashback to July 2005

2006-07-14T09:20:00.000-04:00

The Sign Says it All!

Life Begins at 40

2006-07-13T23:38:00.000-04:00

It's my Birthday this week and I am taking time to reflect and give thanks to the Lord for all the challenges and blessings of the past year. Last year I celebrated my 40th Birthday. It was truly worth celebrating because life does begin at 40.
At age 40 I was finally expecting my second child after many years of trying. Here are some photos of my special day.

I was 4 months pregnant in this photo :)

The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon; planted in the house of the Lord, they will flourish in the courts of our God. They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green, proclaiming, "The Lord is upright; he is my Rock, and there is no wickedness in him. Psalm 92:12-15

The Dream Team

2006-07-13T22:19:00.000-04:00

Jasmine is an awesome event planner(She is 3rd person from the right with the updo). We shared our vision with her and she totally got it!! I really loved the eccletic blend of African and Asian influences that she brought to the event. She is an awesome coordinator and together with Chef Mark and Winifred Richardson they really made the party memorable. What a creative soul. Jasmine has since moved on to bigger and better things. Check out her website indoafrika.com

Chef Mark, Azo, Jasmine & Winifred

The Food Was Awesome

2006-07-13T09:52:00.000-04:00

Great Culinary work by Chef Mark & Jasmine.

My Sweet Mother!

2006-06-28T21:51:00.000-04:00

Mum arrived a couple of weeks ago from Nigeria. She is so awesome. There is nothing like having your parents around as you raise kids. Dad will be arriving soon. It really takes more than 2 parents to raise healthy kids and maintain your sanity in this hectic society. You need your extended family, actually you really need a whole village

Grandma's are Wonderful

2006-06-28T21:50:00.000-04:00

My Baby is Growing up so fast

2006-06-28T21:47:00.000-04:00

Race for the Cure 2006

2006-06-03T15:13:00.000-04:00

We had great running weather today. It was a little overcast and drizzly but cool. Here I am getting ready to head to the Mall for the race. This is the second year I have participated in this Race and it is a really wonderful experience

After the race Brenda and I scooped up lots of goodies - Yogurts, smoothies, fruit bars, bananas and so many other good things. The thing I most look forward to at the end of the race are the scarves contributed by the Ford company. They are very pretty.

There were lots of sisters at the race sporting their natural do's. I wish I could have taken more pictures. Aren't they beautiful? They didn't have to worry about the drizzle and moisture in the air.

Race for the Cure 2006- Washington DC

2006-06-03T14:47:00.000-04:00

Every year we support the Susan Komen Breast Cancer Foundation by organizing various fundraising events. The big event we all love to participate in is the Race for the cure. It is so much fun.Thousands of people gathered on the Mall in Washington DC to run 3.3 miles for a good cause.
Check out Ms Condolezza Rice
Brenda and I ran together and gave each other moral support

Retightened and Styled

2006-06-02T10:33:00.000-04:00

The soft spike curlers really work well for me. The curls add fullness to my locks and they last about a week.

An attempt at freestyling and not feeling it at all

2006-06-01T19:16:00.000-04:00

I don't think freestyling is the right look for me at this phase of my SL journey. I need more length. I just washed my hair in this shot. I will be using the soft spike rollers to get a more polished look.

Update on my boys

2006-05-17T22:55:00.000-04:00

Tolu is almost 5 months and I just can't seem to get enough of him. He can now roll over on his own so we have to be careful when we lay him on the bed. Femi is 8 and is a doting older brother. He loves to kiss Tolu all over his face and tell him silly stories.

The Cure for Dry locks

2006-05-17T22:46:00.000-04:00

My hair feels so much better, since I washed and conditioned it. I think my locks were starving for deep moisture. I washed my hair with Jamaican Mango & Lime Tingle Shampoo (It really tingles) and left the condition on for 5 minutes in a hot steamy shower. This is the first time I have used conditioner on my Sl's for that length of time. I feared the conditioner would make my hair too soft and cause slippage. I didn't have any problem this time. My hair was very happy after the treatment. I think I am going to wash and condition every 2 weeks to keep my locks healthy.

Dry Hair Blues

2006-05-17T22:41:00.000-04:00

The last time I had my locks maintained I decided to lighten the color of my hair. Nohing major, I just went a few shade lighter for a summer-y look. Well its been about 6 weeks since the color and my hair has been incredibly dry and blah! My scalp has also been quite itchy. I must confess that I don't wash my hair that often. I can usually go 3 -4 weeks without shampooing (Gasp!!) I know that sounds real bad, but my hair tends to thrive without too much washing. I spritz with my ACV and Tea Tree oil concoction and I'm good to go.
Any how, since I got this color job, I have to re-think my routine before I lose my hair.

Meet my Friend Shauntell

2006-05-15T14:58:00.000-04:00

Shauntell has thick gorgeous hair that she has been wearing natural for about 5 years. She used to wear them in 2 strand twists and I encouraged her to try locking her hair. As far as I am concerned locking seems to be a fairly logical progression from 2 strand twists. She decided to go with the traditional locks and she looks great. Because of her hair texture her hair was fully locked in less than a year.

My Going to Church Look

2006-04-25T22:35:00.000-04:00

Unstyled Locks

2006-04-25T21:57:00.000-04:00

This is what my hair looks like on most days because I home with my 4 month old. It's a little messy but it's growing and I love that. I can actually shake my head and the locks move... a little. I will be returning to work in May (Boo Hoo) and I will have go for a a more coiffed look. Thats when I whip out the soft spike curlers.

Femi Wants to be a Chef

2006-04-25T15:44:00.000-04:00

He also wants to be a firefighter, a singer and much more. He put together this fruit and pop tart dish right before church this Sunday. He is such a genius :)

What a Difference a Year makes

2006-04-20T15:06:00.000-04:00

Compare & Contrast Day1 to Year 1 - Amazing!

2006-04-20T15:04:00.000-04:00

11 months later - Voila!! I have hair

2006-04-20T15:01:00.000-04:00

Things look even better 3-6 months later

2006-04-20T14:59:00.000-04:00

This what My hair looked like about 2 months later

2006-04-20T14:58:00.000-04:00

My Journey Began 14 months Ago

2006-04-20T14:52:00.000-04:00

This is what I looked like on Day 1. I knew before going in that my hair would look kinda scrappy, but I wasn't prepared to look so much like a wet kitten. Thank God for a good self image and a sense of humor. You just gotta laugh cos you know it can't get any worse :)

My favorite Guys

2006-04-18T23:19:00.000-04:00

My Boys

2006-04-18T23:11:00.000-04:00

My Miracle Boys. Femi 8, Toluwa is now 4 months old

Soft Spike Curls

2006-04-18T23:00:00.000-04:00

These curls usually last about a week and a half and make my hair look fuller.

Soft Spikes - Easy to Sleep in - Great Curls

2006-04-18T22:53:00.000-04:00

Washed my Hair

2006-04-18T22:51:00.000-04:00

Sisterlocks in Pregnancy

2006-03-18T23:06:00.000-05:00

My hair grew quite a bit in pregnancy. I loved my hair because Sls make for very easy to manage low maintenance hair.

My hair is growing and getting thicker

2006-03-18T22:57:00.000-05:00

I think I was 4-5 months into my SL journey when I took this photo

Washed and Curled for a Night Out

2006-03-18T22:56:00.000-05:00

The First Wash and Braid Out

2006-03-18T22:54:00.000-05:00

At this point I am really begininning to love my hair. A lot less scalp showing. I love the feel of my own hair.

Curly Me

2006-03-18T22:51:00.000-05:00

The curls look pretty good. They lasted a couple of days because I didn't use setting lotion. From all my readings on lockitup, I was a little nervous about using anything that would impede the locking process. That was then. Today I am a little less dogmatic and puristic about how I manage my hair.

The Quest for Volume

2006-03-18T22:48:00.000-05:00

These plastic rods are really hard to sleep in, but this is the price I am willing to pay for curls. I have since discovered Soft Spike curlers and they are da bom. I will show you photos on them later on.

Behold the Scanty Haired Wonder

2006-03-18T22:46:00.000-05:00

Pictures were taken at the salon right after locks were completed. Check out the major exposure of scalpage. I hope I haven't scared off anyone who has fine/thin hair. It does get better :) keep reading .

What to do with these wimpy locks

2006-03-18T22:35:00.000-05:00

I tried curling the ends to look presentable for work. I know my hair is eventually going to fill in so I am willing to live with the humiliation of major scalp exposure. Lord give me thick hair!!!

Life Before Sisterlocks

2006-03-18T22:31:00.000-05:00

Had to cut my hair in order to get rid of the damage from perm, braids and weaves. Started wearing hair in 2 strand twists and flat twists. It was less traumatic to my hair and was a natural prequel to getting Sisterlocks.

Countdown to Sisterlocks

2006-03-18T22:23:00.000-05:00

I look a little wild here but I really like the look. Even though it is thin/fine it looks thick. The truth of the matter is that if I were to relax it I would look like a wet puppy.My hair has very little density as will become very evident when I get the Sisterlocks insatlled.Read on ....