Happy New Year!

If you can't tell by now...I love harassing the dog.

2011

Happy New Year!

In 2011 I have goals. Not many, but what I think are pretty big goals and I will focus most of my attention in 2011 on achieving those goals. I remember back when I had to make a five year plan for one of my undergrad courses. Five years later I took a look at it and realized that I accomplished everything on the plan in the time I specified. I haven't made a plan since and because of that I feel like I have just been wandering aimlessly through life. So I made some goals (not resolutions) for 2011:

1. Sit down with my hubby and create a 10 year plan

2. Sell our current home and purchase a  new one (and larger one)

3. Payoff my car (#TeamNoCarNote)

4. Obtain a job that utilizes both my undergrad and graduate degree.

I make goals because I feel that resolutions are like rules - they are made to be broken. Think about it, what is a/are some goals you want to accomplish in 2011?

Hair Tip #12: Hair Scrub Recipe

Have a dry scalp in need of some therapy?  Here is one way to give your locks some TLC during the winter season. This works very well for me when I have a dry scalp! In fact, I will probably be doing this treatment next wash day!

Hair Scrub Recipe:
Milk 1/4 cup
Olive oil (or any oil of preference) 1/4 cup
Sugar 1/2 cup
Conditioner

-Lightly scrub with your fingertips into your scalp. You want to slowly massage away the dry flakes and dead skin
-Once you have worked it in well, rinse thoroughly and follow up with your normal wash and condition regimen.

ENJOY!

Celebrating a healthy scalp <3

Lindsay Lohan Haircut Styles

Lindsay Lohan Haircut Styles

Lindsay Lohan looks anything but beautiful in any haircut styles, be it a cute long feminine look or a short curly teen-star look. Lindsay, 25, is an American singer-songwriter, actress, model and fashion designer. Lohan has become the hottest talk of the town in celebrity and tabloid journalism. Lindsay is certainly the queen of trendiest hairstyles and hair colors in the fashion industry. She is well known for her tons of exotic and stunningly beautiful haircut styles.






















Check out this blog site to see few of the best hairstyles worn by Lindsay Lohan. We have numbers of great pictures displaying various hairstyles including funky straight long hairstyle with length falling down to below shoulder level, wavy medium hairstyle in a sexy and sassy hairdo, wavy long haircut style with a fancy curly hairdo, wavy long haircut style with blonde locks, straight medium hairstyle with jet black locks and full and feminine hairdo with copper highlights and jagged cut. Sexy starlet well known as the star who opts for new color for new style. She is seen in short layers cut around shoulder blades.














































































































































Lindsay Lohan Haircut Styles

2011 is an awkward looking number

...but it's here all the same, so here are my resolutions from last year, how I did, and those for this year:

Blog more (obviously)... ha!  clearly not.


Drive less, bike more (grocery store, school, etc)... yes!  I biked to school nearly every day, until my bike brakes came undone, and I haven't been able to fix them yet.

Write more (correspondence).... nope.  but I have a remedy for this one.

Sew more (2009 was the year of the Knit).... knitting is just so darn convenient when you're in school and can only get a few minutes together to work on something.  But I did do this...

Read more....yes, but exclusively school-based.

Establish an advance directive, etc. ...nope.

Volunteer six times... hm, can I count donating blood?  I do that every eight weeks.  other than that, I volunteered about four times.

Make a quilt for Eric and me... nope.

Learn to knit socks... woo hoo! I sure did! 

New Year's Goals

It's almost the end of another year, and the next will see me turn 44. I think that is a very good age, and I have no qualms about getting there. It's better than the alternative anyway!

I don't use the term "resolutions" when it comes to looking ahead to a new year. I prefer to set goals. Sometimes I'm successful and sometimes I'm not, but everyone needs something to aim for. These are the goals I've come up with so far:

1. Reach my target for my Cancer Research UK fundraiser to help fight breast cancer. I have until November 2011 and have every confidence that I will get there!

2. Make it successfully out of the probation period of my new job! Two months down, one to go.

3. Get to Texas for my oldest son's wedding and a family & friends reunion. Still no confirmation of when the wedding is but I'm saving up anyway.

4. Get through at least one of the three parts I need to complete for the ILEX.

5. Have two weeks in sunny Cyprus during the rugby world cup. It's cheaper than going to New Zealand for it, and I can hang out with my friends Pauline and Stevie!

6. Use my Crimbo present and cross one item off my list of things to do before I die: driving a single seater race car around Silverstone.

I might add more but, although it's only six things, I think that's a full year's worth!


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Introducing, the BEST Winter Modest Additions

I am LOVING keeping my hair protected this winter season. It has been pretty chilly and so far we have been getting a whole lot of rain. Which I love!!! In the post I wrote about preparing your hair for the winter, one of the suggestions I made was to keep your hair covered. Well I have really been doing that. About 4 out of the 7 days of the week on average, my hair is in a protective style AND it is covered up! Here are some ideas of awesome things to cover your hair with!!

grey. [matches virtually every winter color]

Add a headband to the front of a crocheted hat!

It gives it a versatile option :)

pink. [the most girly & amazing color ever invented]

You know I LOVE this one!!

cream. [winterish and chic]

`

tan. [add a pop of orange and i am feeling happy]

Here are mine,

what kind do YOU have?

Email me pics and I will post them :)

mrs.kthaler@gmail.com

Celebrating a cold winter with a cool style <3

Rihanna - Whos That Chick

http://hotfile.com/dl/90744413/101d375/Rihanna_Ft_Drake_-_Whats_My_Name_(Mikael_Wills_Remix).mp3

Hair Tip #11: Chemicals to AVOID in Hair Products

Here is a very helpful list of chemicals to avoid when you go shopping for new hair products. I strongly encourage you to seek out organic and herbal types of products. PLEASE, I cannot stress this enough! Check the labels!

If you don't believe me, keep reading :)

 

• ISOPROPYL ALCOHOL: aka, rubbing alcohol. Sure, thats a great thing to put in your hair! NOT!!! EW! I am sure you wouldn't want to go pour this in your hair, so I am sure you wouldn't want to use shampoo with it either!!
• PEG & PROPYLENE GLYCOL (PG): (abbreviation for polyethylene glycol) Polyethylene glycol is a petroleum product used in commercial cleaners such as oven cleaners. It is also used in personal care products. Over time, this chemical can cause premature aging of the skin. Do you really want something strong enough to clean an OVEN to go in your hair?! I think not!
• SODIUM LAURYL SUFATE (SLS) & SODIUM LAURETH SULFATE (SLES): Both sodium lauryl sulphate and sodium laureth sulphate are used as detergents and surfactants. If you look at MOST hair products, they are used in over 90% of them. They are used because they cause a lot of foam. And to us, foam = clean. Well accordng to research, It is possibly the most dangerous of all ingredients in personal care products.
• According to the American College of Toxicology both SLE and SLES can cause malformation in children's eyes. Other research has indicated SLS may be damaging to the immune system, especially within the skin. Skin layers may separate and inflame due to its protein denaturing properties. Hair is made of protein and is affected by SLS and SLES leading to poor quality hair, corroded hair follicles and inhibited hair growth, contributing to hair loss. SLS has the potential to cause cataracts through skin absorption, even without direct contact with the eyes. It can denature the protein of the eyes and delay the healing time of the eyes. Check it out here!
• Skin contact can cause SLS to be absorbed into the blood circulation and can then concentrate in organs such as the heart, liver or brain. This is potentially dangerous since SLS is a mutagen, capable of changing the information in the genetic material of your cell and organs.
• SEVERAL TYPES OF CHLORINE for obvious reasons, it is VERY drying!!
• DEA (diethanolamine), MEA (momoethnanolamine), & TEA (triethanolamine):These chemicals are sometimes listed as Cocamide DEA or MEA, Lauramide DEA. These are hormone disrupting chemicals and are known to form cancer causing nitrates and nitrosamines. They are common in shampoos. A study at the University of Illinois found that repeated skin applications of DEA-based detergents result in a major increase in the incidence of liver and kidney cancers. Children are at greater risk. TEA is used to adjust the pH. TEA causes allergic reactions including eye problems, dryness of hair and skin and can be toxic if absorbed into the body over time.
• FD & C Color PIGMENTS: Synthetic colours are used in a shampoos and conditioners to make them more visually appealing. Many pigment colours used in hair dye cause skin sensitivity and irritation, and nerve problems. Absorption of certain colours can cause depletion of oxygen in the body and even death. Many colours contain coal tar, which has been shown to be carcinogenic.
• FRAGRANCE: If a hair care product lists 'fragrance' on the label it can contain up to 4,000 separate ingredients, most of which are synthetic. Symptoms reported from use of these fragrances include headaches, dizziness, rashes, skin discoloration, violent coughing and vomiting, and allergic skin irritation. Studies have shown that exposure to fragrances can affect the central nervous system, causing depression, hyperactivity, irritability, inability to cope, and other behavioural changes.
• IMIDAZOLIDINYL UREA and DMDM HYDANTOIN: Formaldehyde is used in shampoos, and conditioners as an inhibiting agent against carcinogenic nitrosamine production. Yet, formaldehyde is carcinogenic itself. It readily penetrates the skin and can cause serious long term health concerns, and often sensitises individuals to other chemicals. It can seriously weaken the immune system and can cause cancer. It also causes allergic reactions, headaches, and chronic fatigue.

Print this out and take it on your next shopping list!!


Information taken from http://altowebmasters.com/, check it out for yourself!

Celebrating beautiful locks of glory <3

 

RALPHI ROSARIO ALTERNATIVE CLUB MIX

http://www57.zippyshare.com/v/36091503/file.html

Corona - Rhythm Of The Night(Isak Salazar 2020 Remix)

http://www.mediafire.com/?388ohyjop808eml

Product Review: Aubrey Organics Honeysuckle Rose

Good Guide Rating: 7.6

Ingredients: Coconut Fatty Acid Cream Base, Organic Aloe Vera, Organic Shea Butter, Wheat Germ Oil, Organic Jojoba Oil, Organic Rosa Mosqueta® Rose Hip Seed Oil; Extracts of Fennel, Hops, Balm Mint, Mistletoe, Camomile, Yarrow, Chrysanthemum, Angelica, Forsythia and Magnolia; Honeysuckle Oil, Carrot Oil, Aubrey’s Preservative (Citrus Seed Extract, Vitamins A, C and E).

They Say: For Dry, Brittle Hair  The sweet smell of success for your hair. Trade those dry, thirsty tresses for vibrant, touchably soft hair with this moisture-intensive conditioner. Restorative herbal emollients detangle and rehydrate to leave hair ultra-silky and irresistibly fragrant. Also recommended for bleached or highlighted hair. [source]

I Say: The smell was nice and it left a pleasant scent on my hair. However, it was a fight getting the product out of the bottle. Maybe it would be better packaged in a jar or an easier to squeeze bottle. Before purchasing I read a ton of rave reviews about the product so I was ready to be "wowed." But, I wasn't. This conditioner did not give me amazingly great results. The moisture factor was just okay and there was very little slip with this product. I purchased this conditioner because I was looking for an all natural/mostly natural hair conditioner. AOHR is not the one for me and I do not plan on purchasing this product again.

Huetiful Hair Steamer

This is not a full review - just a recap of my first experience.

[Source]

I got the Huetiful Hair Steamer for Christmas and couldn't wait to use it. For my first steaming with the yarn braids I oiled my scalp lightly with Castor Oil (a humectant) and then sat under the steamer for 15-20 minutes.

It felt great! My scalp felt like little fingers were crawling all over my scalp and giving me mini massages in each area; also, my scalp/yarn did not feel overly damp after steaming. It felt so nice that I want to try and steam at least twice a week. The only downside was that I was unable to the steam to really focus on the back/nape area of my scalp. Part of the reason was due to the thickness of my braids. I am going to play around with adjust the level of my chair and steamer next time to see if that makes a difference.

Inspirational Photo of the Day

 

- Source

Finished reading "Curly Like Me" by Teri LaFlesh

I just finished reading Teri LaFlesh's "Curly Like Me". I got the idea of using the Denman brush from her website. Her journey was remarkable. My take away tip for regrowing my natural hair: use tons of conditioner, as a shampoo, a rinse, and a comb through. Hair conditioner is the magic elixir. She recommends Aussie Moist, the Herbal Essences line, and the Tressemme line, all of which I use. She recommends not to rinse the comb through rinse. She recommends to wash your hair maybe once every seven days. I do all of this, and will continue to do this. I'm going to forgo textlaxing too, to see how far I can get. My new growth is not that unruly. I may chronicle this go 'round, I don't know. The best advice is to just let the hair grow with the least amount of manipulation. No chemically altering treatments. She's given me the courage to stop textlaxing. We'll see. I still feel good about cutting my hair off and starting over.

I'm still getting "wiggy" with it, and will do so for awhile. I may order my 14" virgin malaysian loose curly this Friday (dipping into my Apple MacBook Pro fund no less).

PARTY PEOPLE

HOT TRACKS

Offer Nissim Feat. Maya Simantov - La Bez' (Original Mix)

http://www2.zippyshare.com/v/63504787/file.htm

Everything But The Girl - Missing (Fedde Le Grand Remix)

http://www61.zippyshare.com/v/13943831/file.html

Taio Cruz - Dynamite (John W. Rework)

http://www.mediafire.com/?nfu2r1qqhcl1a9w

B.oB Feat. Haley Williams - Airplanes (Will Reckless Booty Remix)

http://www61.zippyshare.com/v/2152407/file.html

Isaac Rodriguez & UltraDee - Popper (UltraDee PVT and Personal Intro Mix)

http://www.mediafire.com/?c15barltevd3gzb

Xavier Santos & Carlos Gomix - Deep In Your Soul (Alfred Beck Remix)

http://www.mediafire.com/?5iphrjz633tmwj4

Fall/Winter 2010 - Week 8

Most of this week was spent installing my very first set of yarn braids. They are posted in the blog entry just before this one. I am loving them and I am already planning on doing them again. I want to leave them in for about a month so that means I will be setting aside a weekend at the end of January to take them out.

Sunday

My hair was in a bun from my Saturday wash. I decided that evening to start on the yarn braids. I separated my hair into sections and started braiding in the back. I moisturized each section of hair with leave-in conditioner before starting the braid. I braided from 6pm-11pm.

Monday-Tuesday

My braids were not complete so I wore a hat during the day. I braided from 7pm-11pm each night.

Wednesday

I was determined to finish braiding. I started around 5pm and braided until 3:30am. I believe the reason that the yarn braids took so long for me to install was because I had no idea what I was doing and this was my first time doing braids with something other than my own hair.

Thursday-Saturday

Anytime that my scalp felt a little dry I would spray some Aloe Gro onto my scalp. It's so cool and refreshing that I started spraying just for the feeling (lol). I got a Huetiful Hair Steamer for Christmas and since I can't wait to use it I will be sitting under it in my braids really soon (review coming).

Yarn Braids? Yes!

I have seen on YouTube and read a lot on the the blogs about a protective braid style known by many as "yarn braids" or "genie locs." Since I now have some free time back in my life I decided to give them a try. Another reason that the timing to try them out was perfect was because the last two weeks of the year are causal days at my job and if I didn't like them I could easily throw on a hat. (Natural hair and hats - I love the combination).

Some of the tutorials I watched on YT to learn how to do yarn braids are here, here, and here.
A blog that I found extremely helpful is here.

I did learn a few things with the braids:
• Braiding in small sections gives better results. Larger sections results in a lot of space and a lot of  visible scalp.
• Don't braid too tight or close to the edges. I had about 10 braids that I did a little to tight for my liking.
• Moisturize each section before braiding. The last thing you want with a protective style is breakage. Handling dry hair too roughly will lead to breakage.
• TIME. Putting in yarn braids so that they look good, takes t - i - m - e!!
• A spray bottle filled with your favorite moisturizer is great for daily moisturizing.

Side

Ponytail

Front

Rear

Thoughts?

I love the outcome! This is definitely something that I will do again. When time allows and I am looking forward to trying out some styles with the braids.

If you have tried yarn braids, do you have any tips that you would like to share?

My Family

The holidays are a time for family no matter what your religious beliefs are. It should be a time for reflecting on how lucky you are to have your loved ones and for remembering the good times you had with those who are no longer with you. It isn't about what presents you are giving but what you give to others, and by that I don't just mean material gifts.

Some of my favourite childhood memories are Christmases spent at my great-grandmother's house in Dallas with my extended family. I was so lucky to have had the chance to have holidays with my great-great-grandmother, my great-grandparents, my grandparents and my parents, not to mention various uncles, aunts and cousins. It was always a house full of laughter and love.

We've also lost my great-great-grandmother (when I was 9), my great-grandparents and my grandfather (all three when I was in my 20s).

Now we're spread out around the world but the love is still there. The family is growing too. My sisters and I have had children of our own (with one more on the way), and my oldest son is engaged. He finally took his fiancée to meet my side of the family yesterday. What a wonderful Christmas present for my parents and grandmother!




I have an extended family here in England now too. Since David and I aren't married, we refer to each other's families as "the outlaws". I had the privilege and pleasure of spending Christmas day with my outlaws yesterday, and they are just as much fun (and as insane) as my own family!









- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Merry Christmas!

A Merry Thaler Christmas to YOU!!

This year I am spending Christmas in Tracy, CA with my husbands family. At this moment we are finishing up a 4 hour game of monopoly. Of course I am out! lol.. *I almost cried cuz this game gets SO intense* ANYHOW! I wanted to take the time to say,

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

I hope you are all enjoying your family, friends and loved ones.

 I am so grateful for everything God has blessed us with!

I am SO glad that God wrapped Himself in flesh,

Manifested His glory and majesty on this earth

Took on the sins of the world and died for me!

Today we celebrate our REDEMPTION

Jesus was EMMANUEL, GOD WITH US.

Jesus is God.

What a revelation :)

I am thankful for SALVATION!

One Lord, one faith, one baptism. Holiness.

Separation. I am proud to be a one God apostolic,

 tongue talkin', holy rolling, born again

 believer in the liberating power of Jesus name!! I

 believe in holiness and I suggest

 for you to do the saaaame!!! :)

 I am thankful for my awesome church!

Calvary Apostolic Tabernacle in Ontario California.

I have the best pastor and 1st lady!!!

I love directing the choir for the young people!!

I love working with the children!!

Ahhhh-mazing church!!

Wanna come??

I thank God for my incredible husband <3

Brendan James Thaler is the love of my life

He makes me believe in agape love.

I LOVE my family. My beautiful mommy, my super daddy, my mommy in love & step papito en amor, my daddy in love & step mommy in love! My awesome big sister Lakeisha, her husband James, and the AMAZING kiddos, JJ, Ms. Lynn, Joey and my little pumpkin princess cooking in my sisters tummy :) My super cool big brother Keith! My hilarious baby brother Jon who is way to far away from me now. I love my siblings to death! I love my sissy in love/twin Courty Boo Thaler and my little Seany Thaler!! Kisses and hugs to my baby brother Noah <3

GREETINGS from our home to yours!!

Christmas 10'

Tracy, CA

"Home is where the heart is",

my heart is with so many beautiful people!

xoxoxoxo

Celebrating the birthday of Jesus <3

Favorite Hair Things of 2010

Over the past year I discovered a few (somewhat) new hair-related items that I have grown to love! Some items I had tried before but finally got the hang of them in 2010 and others were new discoveries that I wish I would have known about sooner. Here's my 2010 list:

Products

Giovanni SAS Conditioner
Jasmine Oil

YouTube Channels
Naptural85

Glamzini
Loving the You God Made

Blogs

The MopTop Maven
The Natural Haven

Gadgets/Tools
Natural Hair Search Engine
Hair Stopper

Click the link to view the 2009 list: Favorite Hair Things of 2009

Please share your 2010 discoveries!

Relaxed Hair Health: A look back at 2010 and goals for next year

With just a few days left in the year, I think it's a perfect time for you and I to reflect on this chapter of our hair journey (2010) so we can discuss some wins and goals for next year. Prior to writing this post, I went back and read my intentions for my hair written at the end of 2009. Last year I had several areas of damage that seemed to creep up on me somehow. The moment they were identified I decided to take immediate action to rectify the situation.

One of the biggest decisions I made last year was to stop frequenting Dominican Salons. Even though nothing else beats the silky tresses created from just a short time under a blow dryer, I knew I had to make the ultimate sacrifice for my hair. This year's ultimate focus was creating a thicker mane overall. In fact, this desire was so great that I paid little attention to length and focused solely on the creating routines that promoted a thicker, fuller head of hair. Well, I'm elated to tell you all that baby girl got her thickness back. I'm just so excited about the progress I made in this area in just this year along. As a recap, here are some of the strategies that worked for me this year:

• Because I was loosing so much hair in the detangling stage of my routine, I decided to really focus on locating tools that would help me in my struggle. You guys could see how excited I was when I came across some wondeful detangling combs. These things were a God send to me. From the day those combs came into my life, I could walk around with a bit more certainty because I knew that I'd reduced the amount of hair lost during manipulation. The amount of broken hairs from combing alone reduced dramatically when I got the proper detangling tools.


• Once I had some detangling combs in my grips, my next improvement came in the form of how I rollerset my hair week after week. Once apon a time, I'd experience an undesireable amount of hair loss from the manipulation occuring from what was supposed to be a healthier option of styling. This year I had to take a step back and analyze every step in the rollersetting process to determine what the cause was of all the hair I lost during the process. The solution that made a huge impact came from the simple act of rearranging the steps I took when I rollerset. I wrote a post on it which I invite you to read.

• Last year was the first time I purposefully introduced ceramides into my regimen. As you may remember, I went ceramide haywire once I knew of their value. This year I'll continue to feed my hungry strands a balanced diet of moisture, strength and ceramides but in 2011, instead of experimenting, I'll focus on my staple ceramide products.

• Another major win for my hair was the purchase and use of my new water softener. It's amazing the difference I felt once I introduced soft water into the mix. I will have to admit that I became somewhat inconsistent in how often I refreshed my shower softener with it's much needed saltwater mix. If I'm not consistent with this thing, I find myself back to where I started, washing my hair with semi-hard water. This year I have to create a more regular schedule so too much time doesn't go by. Maybe I'll select the first of the month as a consistent time to refresh, just to make it easier for me to remember.

• Shedding has been my hair's achilles heel for the longest. Because of my scalp condition, I tend to suffer with extra amounts of shedding, especially during the winter months. My eyes really opened up to the cost of my consistent shedding when I saw up close scalp pictures of people with severe forms of dandruff. The moment I saw how thin the hair patterns were compared to people with healthy a healthy scalp, I knew I had to take immediate action. Since my biggest objective last year was to create thicker hair, I became extremely focused on what I needed to do to fix this issue once and for all. Luckily for me, the solution came in the form of a $2 sprayer and some powerful essential oils. This year (I'm not kidding) has been the very first fall/winter season that I didn't suffer from the usually "I think I'm going bald" shedding that we normally endure each year. I am forever indebted to essential oils for their amazing impact on my hair journey.

• This year I also came to the realization that my daily hair habits created the areas of damage my hair was suffering from. For instance, when I wear my hair down, I like to sweep my hair over the front of my shoulders so I can see my hair (and play with my length). What I soon realized was that after months and months of doing this, the back of my hair became extremely damaged without me even really realizing it. My full attention was paid to the hair on the front and sides of my head because that was what I could see. By the time I realized it, the very back of my hair was not only several inches shorter than the rest of my hair, it was very weak and fragile to the touch. Today, I'm happy to report that much of that damage has been reversed to the point where the back of my hair is nearing the same length as the rest and will match and maybe even surpass the other areas by 2011. I give all the credit to the strand ceremony. This method allowed once dry and neglected areas of my hair to get the same amount of lovin' as the rest. As a result I realized thickness return to both the back of my hair and the left side.

One other thing I should mention was that for the entire year, I consistently repeated a mantra to myself numerous times a day. It went something like this: "I love my full, thick, healthy, hair! "I just love how full, thick, and healthy, my hair is. Each section, each strand is so healthy." But remember that when I first started saying this, my hair was not at all full thick and healthy (at least to me). I had sections thriving and sections suffering dearly. Not to mention how crazy the shedding was. This reminds me of Njoy's words of inspiration about believing for and focusing on the head of hair you want to have, not what you're experiencing at the moment. Looking back at all the successes of 2010, I strongly believe I was fortunate enough to discover those methods, tools, and products because I was so focused (mentally) on creating thickness and fullness.

So those were some of the highlights from 2010. This year, I'll continue to institute what worked well for me in 2010. But as I look ahead, I feel I'm finally ready to seek the length that I so desire. I've got to start this thing off right by first breaking out my vision board image of the head of hair I desire. I love the length shown in the pic below but coupled with the fullness similar to Brooke's hair. Remember her from the interview I did on her regimen?

In 2011, I want to create the fullness all the way down to the tips of my hair. I desire strong full, thick healthy ends that demonstrate how healthy my hair is. I know that's a tall order for someone who doesn't hide their hair for the purpose of thicker ends. The ends are the key to the length I desire so I must find a way. Oh, and by the way, I don't want to "trim my way to healthy ends" just yet. I believe, that like 2010, as long as I enter the year believing it's possible for me, and take necessary action, I'll attract the solutions that will get me what I want! And of course, you guys know that I'll document my actions along the way. My mind is already churning with ideas of how I can make it possible this year.

I'm excited to also hear about your goals for 2011. How was 2010 for you and what will you accomplish this upcoming year?

Happy Holidays!

My best wishes to all of you this holiday season! Thank you to those who have made donations to Cancer Research UK and other charities working to fight breast cancer and those who have been diagnosed with it like my sister.

There's a long way to go but I've reached 10% of my target with 11 months to go and lots of additional opportunities! I'm hoping to participate in Race for Life in 2011, and one of my work colleagues has suggested something for the summer like a sponsored abseil. I'm game!

But a big thank you also goes out to Erin's friends who have been rallying around her offering the support she and her family need to make it to a successful end of this particular challenge.





- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Hair Tip #10: Shedding, breakage, thinning and balding

Shedding.
        Breakage.
              Thinning.
                    Balding.

These are VERY real issues for some ladies. Not only is it frustrating but it can be extremely discouraging. No one wants to look in the mirror and see thinning edges and bald spots. Yet for some women this is a daily woe. I am sure it slowly wears at their self esteem. But help is on the way! I have done extensive research on this issue and I want to share what I have learned concerning this subject. Keep in mind that,

"You hair is one of the best indicators of your overall health"

Listed below are some tried and proven tips that will help:

• Do you see notable shedding or breakage for the first time ever? One of the most obvious solutions is to access the products you are using. A lot of times this is a result of a new product and your hairs reaction to this product. SO if there is a new product you just started using prior to the breakage, STOP using it. You could be experiencing an allergic reaction. For example, I am allergic to carrot oil- because I am allergic to carrots. So any small amount of carrot oil causes scabbing on my scalp. Return to your original regimen ASAP and refrain for using the new product. Everyone has a different hair type and different hair need.
• Are you noticing weakening strands and brittle/dry hair suddenly? One of the BEST things you can do to fight back is pick up a protein based conditioner! You can find them anywhere- or you can use mayonnaise. Sounds gross but its packed with protein. Protein rebuilds the bonds in your hair. This is very important to the strength of your hair. Another helpful tip is to pick up some apple cider vinegar, and do a rinse. Apple cider vinegar is very great because when diluted with water, it just about perfectly matches the natural acidity of your hair. Mix 4 parts apple cider vinegar with 6 parts water. White vinegar will do the trick as well, it just doesn't smell as pleasant. And you do not want to get that in your mouth either (i did that lol groooosssss). Another option is aloe vera juice. I find this helps to "quench my hairs thirst", if you will :)
• Do you see actual bald spots?? MASSAGE your scalp daily, especially the balding areas. You can be suffering from low blood circulation so you may need to manually stimulate your scalp. Using an essential oil to massage will be helpful. Such as, rosemary oil, jajoba or any other essential oil. Tea tree is also a great one.
• Are you a vegetarian? If you are it could be a vitamin deficiency. Healthy hair needs a sufficient amount of iron, zinc, protein, vitamin B6 and calcium. Again, be reminded that our hair is one of the best indicators of our health, if it is breaking, it could be informing you of a vitamin deficiency or even dehydration.
• Do you know your family history? It could be genetics or hormonal. It is common for women to lose hair as they age. Especially with the effects of menopause. What happens is that the hair gets stuck in the resting phase. If you read the post hair tip #8, about hair shedding, I explained how 90% of the hair is in a growth phase and 10% is in a resting phase. Well with some women as they age, the 10% grows and the resting phase doesn't return back to a growth phase. Therefore hair that is lost is not replaced.
• Are you stressed? STRESS! a HUGE cause for hair loss. Need I say more? If you are experiencing stress, you need to find ways to cope!! Prayer and the reading of God's word are best! Take a hot bath, if you are married ask your husband to help rub away some tension in your shoulders, write down the things that are bothering you and consider the worst case scenarios, then let it go, go for a jog, take an evening walk, etc. There are so many options. But above all else, trusting in God is the best way to relieve your stress! Its tried and proven over and over!
•  Do you crave sugar, caffeine and junk food? Excess amount of coffee, dairy or high sugar drinks and foods can result in hair breakage, shedding and even balding. Ever heard the phrase, "you are what you eat"? Your hair is a reflection of the inside!
• WORST case scenario: In the worst case scenario, you may be suffering from Alopecia Aerata which is a disorder where the hair balds. Symptoms are: soft small patches (any shape) but normally round or balding, area may tingle or be slightly painful, exclamation point hair- when the hair gets thinner towards the root, rather than towards the end. In most cases, the hair grows back within several months to a year.
• In the past, have you put your hair through A LOT? It could be a result of previous trauma to the hair. If you didn't take care of your hair in the past, your hair could just now be responding to the trauma after a stage of shock. It will revive itself with proper techniques and maintenance.
• Do you constantly pull back your hair when wet? Edge breakage is often a result of pulling back hair when wet OR pulling hair back into tight pony tails, buns, etc. Take it easy and remember, LOW stress on those tresses. They need your tender love and care.

PRAY for your hair if you are having serious issues. Perhaps it sounds juvenile or like the new convert who prays for everything, from their dog who scratches their ear to much, to what to order off the Burger King menu- because they are so concerned with being in the will of God. Sure that sounds a bit much. BUT remember that Jesus calls us to have childlike faith. And He is a father who desires to give GOOD gifts to His children. So its okay to ask God to help you with your hair. I promise. Because that one is tried and proven too!

Celebrating glorious and strong locks <3

La Gente Bonita ( Isaac Rodriguez Remix )

http://www.mediafire.com/?p43b9o9zrdbza7j

Peter Heinz - Touch My Guitar (Ranlusy Vibrating Remix)

http://www62.zippyshare.com/v/59349955/file.html

JES - Awaken (Thomas Gold Remix)

Matisse & Sadko - Hi Scandinavia!

HOT TRACKS

Akcent - That's My Name (E-Thunder Remix)

http://www.4shared.com/audio/BQEjnsiD/Akcent_-_Thats_My_Name__E-Thun.htm

Britney Spears - Toxic'2011 ( Fabricio Mello & Sweet Beatz Project Remix )

http://www59.zippyshare.com/v/42484955/file.html

Rihanna - What's My Name (Steamweaver Does Moran & Rigg Radio Mix)

http://www.mediafire.com/?82u48o49tfia8ht

Yinon Yahel Feat. Emmi - Tonight (Club Mix).

http://www.mediafire.com/?1x3h5w0e78enpwa

Red Carpet - Alright ( Luan Luck Feat. Allan Rmx )

http://www.4shared.com/audio/yVHr1YeO/Red_Carpet_-_Alright_____Luan_.html

Far East Movement - Like a G6 ft.the Cataracs

http://www62.zippyshare.com/v/51593068/file.html

Everything But The Girl – Missing (Fedde Le Grand Remix)

http://www.mediafire.com/?b4rxruaqnjpwb93

I did it! I cut off all my hair (again)!

Before:

After:

I thought long and hard about cutting my hair. After the dye removing fiasco, I knew it was a matter of time. It's only hair, and thank God for lace wigs (when I want to wear them). I cut it to the new growth. 15 minutes after I cut my hair off today, I had an appointment with my eye doctor. As I walked to his office (his office is that close to my house), I felt liberated, walking through a tony town with short curly hair. I thought my boyfriend would shit bricks when he came home, but he just said "oh, you cut your hair." He wasn't surprised. What led me to this drastic move was last night, when I finally removed the new Rex virgin malaysian, I washed my hair, and as I combed it with the large shower comb, it was coming out like I was picking cotton. I've grown tired of hiding that short side (the left side). I've grown tired of being scared to comb my hair. All of that has led me to start over. I know my hair inside and out, and I betrayed it, with color fickleness. No more. From now on, back to lace wigs and textlaxing every 3-6 months. It wasn't the textlaxing that damaged my hair, it was when I used the dye remover. That was too harsh of a treatment. I should have left well enough alone. This is my punishment/liberation. Back to Megatek, Biotin, homemade oil mixtures, and wearing lace wigs. I filmed me cutting my hair, so I can put it on YouTube.

Speaking of lace wigs, I frankenlaced a wig tonight. I cut the nape off of the Indian Remy Body Wave from Lace Wig Secrets and the front off of my old virgin malaysian loose curly (frankenlace #1) and sewed it to the nape of the IRBW. It looks great. I'll take pics tomorrow, when I put it on. I'm ordering a 14" Virgin Malaysian loose curly on 12/31.... and that will be it.

What a day!

trend boy hair style

Spring 2010 Men's Hairstyles Trends

Most men only think about clothes and shoes when talking about style. Hairstyles are usually forgotten. However, nowadays there are different hairstyles not only for women, but for men too and to say frankly more and more styles.

Spring 2010 Men's Hairstyles Trends

Short hairstyles usually look classy and sophisticated, and are also easy to care for during the hot summer. Sometimes a nice clean cut can make a man look more mature and sophisticated while on others, it makes them look younger. If you do intend to have a short hairstyle, make it short all over and not short on the bottom with the rest of the hair long on top. You could also have variations in short hair styles by having your bangs pushed forward, or maybe have them gelled upwards and back.

Spring 2010 Men's Hairstyles Trends

For those who like having long hair, don’t keep the hair longer than shoulder length. This is a relaxed hairstyle that exudes a carefree attitude and only needs a good combing after the shower!

Giveaway Winner!! Cranberry Satin Flower Headband

Thank you everyone that participated in the  Cranberry Satin Flower Headband giveaway! After much consideration, LaShay has picked Finally Ja'Net as the winner!!  Ja'Net, please email LaShay at hello@hotdogsandpoodles.com  to claim your prize!

My co-washing method

During the fall/winter season I only shampoo once a month and co-wash during the weeks in between shampoo days. One day I was running short on time so I applied the conditioner (Giovanni SAS) I was planning on using (for the cowash) to my hair while it was dry. The conditioner remained on for about 30 minutes before I was able to finally rinse and detangle in the shower. The results were amazing (to me) and I was convinced it was probably a fluke but I had to test it out a few more times just to make sure.

With the next few weekends that passed I did the following:
-Took down what ever protective style I was wearing that week
-Applied conditioner to my (dry) hair while putting it in four sections
-Let the conditioner sit on my hair until is was dry/stiff and then rinsed in sections
-I detangled each section with my rubber based brush (like a denman) as I rinsed
-Finally, applied a leave-in conditioner and styled as usual

This method was quick and easy. My hair was detangled, extremely manageable, and soft in the end. As a result, I am now doing the steps above with all my winter cowashes.

I love accidentally discovering great ways to revamp my regimen!