The 1st Proof!!!

I'm a published writer! I can't even describe the feeling. I think once I see the Amazon.com page with my book and the "add to cart" button, then I'll cry. There's nothing like holding this book in my hands though. I've got two more proofs to see, and I actually jumped the gun on this one. I should have waited for this one before I reuploaded the book file for the second proof, because I could have added onto that one the minor changes I made. I think the font size is too big on the back. I'm still working on the final proof, but I won't reupload the file until the second proof is in my hands. It's all happening! I think I may be two weeks away from the book being on sale. Stay tuned!

Jerusalem.

I ended up not going to the Dead Sea on Saturday since the weather wasn't the best, so instead I went to Jerusalem which I think I enjoyed just as much. I hadn't been there for a very long time, which is a pity since it is always such an interesting city to visit. It's such a unique place due to its history, ancient architecture, beautiful scenery around it and the atmosphere with almost everyone being very religious. I should have taken more pictures of it, and especially of the old city, but it was quite rainy so we didn't spend enough time there. I will most likely go back there again in a couple of weeks when my parents are coming for a visit, so then I'll try to take more pictures.

Christy's Loc Question

Hello all! I received an email from a reader by the name of Christy. She is obsessed with picking out the lint in her loc's, with is causing major damage, including thinning of her loc's. Below is picture of two of her loc's, one healthy and one thinned out because of constantly being picked at.

I have a few suggestions from previous post (link fix & repairing broken loc's - which can also be used to fix thin loc's). Leave a comment for Christy if you also have advice on what she can do to repair thinning loc's. What have been your quick or not so quick fixes?

Notice

Dress up everything on newspaper!!!

Thanks for Ms Yap --- 星洲日报reporter and our model ( Ms. Hanna and Ms. Chee Min).

It is an interview about Chiffon Tops and Dresses.

1. Chiffon 2 Pieces Top (blue) -- C7101 (RM 42),
2. Chiffon V-neck Blouse -- C6791 (green) (RM 44),
3. Chiffon Victoria Lace Top --S2590 (pink) (RM 45),
4. Dots Chiffon Round Neck Dress -- S10085 (RM 44),
5. Floral Chiffon Short Sleeve Top -- S2591 (RM 44),
6. Peacock Print Chiffon Top -- C6849 (RM 45),
7. Chiffon Short Sleeves Top (white) -- C6684 (RM 43),
8. Chiffon 3/4 Sleeves Dress (blue) -- C6623 (RM 46)

(Take note: some are stop selling)

The more information, please visit to:
http://search.sinchew-i.com/node/399146?k=雪紡
http://search.sinchew-i.com/node/399146?k=雪紡

Inspirational Photo of the day - Corinne Bailey Ray

Beautiful photo of Corinne Bailey Ray.

- Source

How I Retain Moisture

I found that when I made moisture my primary goal (not length, style, etc) it made a dramatic difference. I pre-pooed to retain moisture and prevent drying shampoo, the shampoo I used was selected because of minimal stripping properties, my conditioner’s choice was targeted towards the ones that seemed to be the most moisturizing, and now my styling products that are chosen for their moisturizing properties.

I aim to implement moisture at each step of my regimen:

Pre-poo: The first step in my regimen and like so many things in life the first step is the most important step. So don’t slack at this step.

Shampoo: A stripping shampoo can make your pre-poo step almost irrelevant. First I aim at really cleaning my scalp by applying shampoo directly to my scalp. While I am massaging the shampoo on my scalp suds form and I use those to cleanse the rest of my length.

Conditioner: I used to think that any conditioner could be used as a deep conditioner until I read somewhere (that I can’t find right now) that there is molecular difference in rinse out conditioners and deep conditioners. I am still on the fence with this one but that’s a topic for another day. The goal for moisture at the conditioning step is to deep condition with a moisturizing conditioner. The way in which you do (shower cap, heat, no heat, etc) really had not shown that big of a difference to me.

Styling: You don’t want the last step of your routine to ruin all of your hard work. Selecting a styling product that contributes to all of moisturizing that you have done at each step will benefit a whole lot more than an alcohol filled drying product. I style on damp hair and seal as I go.

Special treatment, such as protein, that are done to strengthen the hair should be followed with a moisturizing treatment. Proper strength and moisturize will decrease or prevent breakage. Too much of anything can be harmful so proper balance is key.

I retain moisture by adding moisture in each step. I haven’t had a problem with dryness for almost a year.

As always, this is what I found that works for me – experiment and find what works for your hair.

DJM 5000

A DJM-5000 possui dois modos de produção flexível: multi-zona e normal. No modo multi-zone, as saídas do misturador pode ser dedicado a várias fontes de áudio e distribuídos para diferentes áreas ou dois quartos. Por exemplo, este recurso inovador permite que os DJs para transmitir música a partir de uma fonte separada, como um MP3 player para um cocktail lounge ou na sala ao mesmo tempo, produzir música de alta energia de toca-discos digital a uma pista de dança principal. Da mesma forma, as transmissões a partir de um microfone também pode ser selecionado para transmitir em separado em duas zonas diferentes, permitindo performances MC ou anúncios para ser adaptada às áreas apropriadas. No modo padrão, todas as quatro saídas de áudio são direcionados para uma área, como uma pista de dança principal.

Mic Check One-Two
A DJM-5000 incorpora uma outra indústria em primeiro lugar, uma característica exclusiva chamada Talk Over Advanced *, que atenua as freqüências na faixa de médio / área vocal da música a ser tocada enquanto o microfone estiver em uso. A discussão avançada sobre recurso foi criado para distinguir anúncios feitos pelo DJ e / ou MC sem baixar o volume da produção total, que muitas vezes pode afetar a energia do evento. A saída do recurso pode ser ajustado em dois níveis, através de um botão de controle dedicado no painel frontal. A DJM-5000 também inclui três entradas de microfone, duas das quais são independentes entradas balanceadas para os espetáculos de um MC e / ou vocalista. Cada canal de microfone tem um controle de volume dedicados, bem como um equalizador de 3 bandas para maior qualidade tonal e controle. Além disso, a seção de microfone da mesa de mistura é equipado com quatro diferentes efeitos: reverb, eco plus verbo, octaver e passo para continuar a melhorar as suas performances vocais.

Áudio de Alta Qualidade
Bem como o DJM-1000 eo padrão da indústria DJM-800, a Pioneer também reforçada a saída da DJM-5000, utilizando um conversor analógico 96kHz/24-bit digital, bem como uma 32-bit processador de sinal digital (DSP) em o processo de mistura para garantir a saída de mais alta qualidade de áudio. A fim de praticamente eliminar a interferência gerada por outros produtos ou os cabos de alimentação, a DJM-5000 emprega um caminho mais curto sinal projetado para reduzir os efeitos do ruído inerente, uma fonte de alimentação de alto desempenho para estabilizar a tensão e blindados duas entradas RCA. Além disso, para os anfitriões utilizando ficheiros de áudio comprimido, a DJM-5000 foi equipado com um processador de áudio chamado Sound Maximizer para melhorar gamas de frequência baixa e alta. A "Dinâmica" função aumenta os sons na faixa de freqüência mais baixa até oito decibéis para resposta de graves adicionado, que é particularmente útil quando a fonte de música está faltando low-end punch. A "Clareza" função ajusta o ganho da gama média-alta freqüência por um adicional de até quatro decibéis de um som mais brilhante e mais clara global. O ajuste de nitidez melhora a sensação de separação e distinção, enfatizando a meados de sons de gama alta, mesmo em níveis mais baixos de volume.

Controle avançado e Conectividade
A DJM-5000 é equipado com um seis canais (três pares estéreo) USB Audio Interface. A ligação permite a ligação direta de um computador portátil ** ao misturador através da conexão USB sem usar uma placa de som externo adicional. O misturador é completamente funcional como um controlador MIDI flexível. Sessenta e um da DJM-5000 de setenta e três botões, botões e sliders são atribuíveis a transmitir dados de controle MIDI através de um sinal à porta USB de um computador portátil durante a execução de qualquer software MIDI DJ compatível.

Bunning It!

After having my fun with the Jill Scott inspired style I decided to use the style as a starting point for this week's protective style - more buns :)

Project Sole - Charity Highlight

I don't know about you, but when my tennis shoes get to the point where the springy bounce is gone, and their not so pretty any more - I am ready to replace them. Once I buy new shoes, I often just toss my old shoes. That for me is the norm. But recently I read an article in people magazine about a man that decided to start donating his and other peoples used tennis shoes to under privileged children in other countries. What a great idea. Of course, if all things were possible, I am sure we would rather be giving these children new shoes. But for a child that has no shoes at all, something used is just as helpful. So I think that when I go to buy my next pair of new sneakers, I will check out some Project Sole as a source to recycle my old shoe.

From Project Sole:

"We are a shoe charity. We use your donations of athletic tennis shoes to supply durable footwear for others in underprivileged communities throughout the world and use proceeds to make financial contributions in our local community:

• We offer financial support to charitable causes and organizations
• We supplement educational expenses for local schools
• We provide student scholarships"

For other shoe donation sources, check out How to Donate Your Used Running Shoes.

what I did over spring break

more to come....

Sunday Style: Jill Scott Inspired

Jill Scott rocked this style on the red carpet of the Why Did I Get Married Too? (I can't wait to see this movie!) premier and on the Jimmy Fallon show:

Here is my interpretation:

I had to change up the cornrow pattern just a little because I don't have any hair to grip at my temples (I'm okay with that). The most challenging part of this style was parting for the cornrows while trying to look in the mirror and compare the parts to the pic. I liked the outcome of this style.

Sunday's Message:

The Man in the Middle

John 19:4-11

In this story Pilate was caught in the middle and used in ways that he did not foresee - as a result, His hands got dirty. Most of us will steer clear of troublesome situations if we see them coming. We need to recognize that God has the power to use us for honor or dishonor but He still controls the outcome.

You can get dirty hands:

1. When you put popularity before principles (doing what people want instead of what you know to be right)

2. By not using the authority you have (staying silent when God tells you to speak up)

3. By assuming power you don't have (every situation is not ours to fix)

I'm More Than Excited!

The proof is on its way to me! I should have it within 2 weeks (maybe sooner). I have the link to the book already: Magic Hair. I'm so excited. I'm going to link this sucka any and everywhere I can. I'm obsessed with my page; I can't stop looking at it. Stay tuned!

D.O.N.S- TRACKS DOWNLOADS

D.O.N.S. VS Mike Oldfield - Tubular Bells (Deepside Deejay Remix)

http://www.4shared.com/file/144622919/da1d5426/DONS_VS_Mike_Oldfield_-_Tubula.html?s=1

Kid Kudi - Day and Nite (D.O.N.S. Remake)

http://www.4shared.com/file/75030676/ec08915b/Kid_Kudi_-_Day_and_Nite__DONS_.html?s=1

Bodybangers - A Far Lamore Comincia Tu (D.O.N.S. & DBN Remix)

http://www.4shared.com/file/56868746/542d90bd/Bodybangers_-_A_Far_Lamore_Com.html?s=1

PETER RAUHOFER- TRACKS DOWNLOAD

Queer As Folk - Peter Rauhofer - Take Me Love Me

http://www.4shared.com/file/31893770/c0fa4192/Queer_As_Folk_-_Peter_Rauhofer.html?s=1

Lady GaGa - Bad Romance (Peter Rauhofer Club Anthem)

http://www.4shared.com/file/185427082/181242aa/Lady_GaGa_-_Bad_Romance__Peter.html?s=1

Goldfrapp - Ooh La La (Peter Rauhofer Club Mix)

http://www.4shared.com/file/70053853/6b075fb5/Goldfrapp_-_Ooh_La_La__Peter_R.html?s=1

Depeche Mode - Peace (Peter Rauhofer Club Mix)

http://www.4shared.com/file/176866389/5fb02c94/depeche_mode_-_peace__peter_ra.html?s=1

Spring has Sprung, the Grass ...

... is ... uh ... still brown.

But it's warm! Most of the snow has melted, the birds are out, and the roads are now dry enough for me to justify washing the car!

To celebrate the beautiful weather, I took the boys over to the park for a mud bath (aka. run). Little did I know, not only does spring make the puppies happy, it also makes tongues happy!


Gio was able to control his tongue for the most part. But Romeo's tongue was just SO HAPPY that he couldn't keep it contained. It kept sneaking out unannounced.


I now have two very muddy dogs. But they are happy!

Rick Pier ONeil -- Dry EP

Artist(s) .........:: Rick Pier ONeil
Title .............:: Dry

Genre .............:: House
Record Label ......:: Garbage Records
Catalogue Number ..:: GBR60

Source ............:: WEB
Quality ...........:: 320kbps avg / 44.1KHz / Full Stereo
Duration ..........:: 00:15:00 (34.6MB)
Release Date ......:: 24-03-2010
Support ...........:: http://www.beatport.com


Tracklist .........::

1. Dry (Rpo Part 1) 7:45
2. Dry (Rpo Part 2) 7:15


Rapidshare.com

Uploaded.to

DJ TOMMY LOVE - LIVE YOUR LIFE - SET

http://www.4shared.com/file/238547927/dc6a0276/DJ_TOMMY_LOVE_-_LIVE_YOUR_LIFE.html?s=1

Edson Pride - Venus (Tommy Love Spring Remix)

http://www.4shared.com/file/176589455/bd2ab59e/Edson_Pride_-_Venus__Tommy_Lov.html?s=1

Things Are Moving Right Along!

The book was approved by the publisher (CreateSpace - still a publisher to me). The dpi was too low on all of the pictures, so I skipped receiving a proof, re-scaled all of the pictures in GIMP, put back the ones I took out, added a few things here and there, and re-uploaded the PDF. The members of CreateSpace's forum are so helpful. I almost wanted to include in my acknowledgements two of the people that really helped me with my photos. Hopefully, I'll get an email tomorrow telling me the proof is ready. I'm so excited. I have a feeling that I'm going to experience a little hateration from the BHM, but I don't care. This is my experience. I had to give a visual shout out to my favorite show - Sex & The City; the cover of my book is SATC pink! I'm so excited. I hope people buy it. If the ventilating DVD is $50, I think $14.99 is reasonable for lace wig knowledge. I'm broke and I'd buy it, lol. It should be available at Amazon.com, and other outlets. Stay tuned.

In lace wig news, I've officially killed my new Rex virgin Malaysian curly. I don't even want to talk about it. I should have just ordered a virgin Malaysian loose curly. Other than my own hair, I'm never ordering tight curlies again. Instead of throwing the hair away, I'm going to use it to ventilate the front of my wig.

Sneak peak...

Jill Scott inspired style...

THE RAYTECH - DANCE WITH MY SOUND-SET MIX

The Raytech - Dance With my Sound Set

http://www.4shared.com/file/187631870/bdcba8bf/Set_The_Raytech_-_Dance_With_m.html?s=1

RE: Suggestions?

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

**I just watched this video again... lol. I sure did say "you guys" a lot. Well it is a bad habit of mine. I do know that the majority of the readers for this blog are women. So I do apologize if the phrase 'you guys' was a bit annoying... :-P. I will try to watch out for that the next time I do a video. 

~ Love, Peace & Happiness to everyone ~
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Product Review: Dabur Jasmine Hair Oil

The description of this product made it sound enticing and everything that I had ever smelled that was scented with Jasmine was always nice. I decided to give it a shot.

Ingredients: Paraffinum Liquidum, Cotton Seed Oil, t-Butyl Hydroquinone, Fragrance; Colors: Yellow No. 10 & Red No. 17

They say: Nourishes hair while providing a rich silky feel and a delightful fragrance of Jasmine flowers

I say: The scent is STRONG. There is no way I could use this on a day in which I could not open up the windows in the house. It works great as a pre-poo and helped my hair stay soft after shampooing. I probably won't purchase again solely because of the strong smell. Days later after the scent has faded what remains is a nice soft fragrance.

DJ LAPETINA TRACKS DOWNLOAD

DJ Lapetina, DJ Will Beats, Noveletto - Let The Music Play (DJ Lapetina Rework 09)

http://www.4shared.com/file/207485524/901b2b8d/DJ_Lapetina_DJ_Will_Beats_Nove.html?s=1

Dj Lapetina & Alex Marie - Feelings Out

http://www.4shared.com/file/137543774/722d51f8/Dj_Lapetina__Alex_Marie_-_Feel.html?s=1

Dj Lapetina & Alex Marie - In Da House

http://www.4shared.com/file/159426071/e29a171f/Dj_Lapetina__Alex_Marie_-_In_D.html?s=1

Holiday, finally.

Yesterday the passover break begun - which is really nice - not because my Hebrew course has been so demanding that I neccessarily need a break, but it's nice to have a break from homework and have entire days off. I bought a bike a few days ago so I'll be using the break to bike around exploring places. I really am looking forward to that! Today I had a nice day going shopping with my friend Elise and I bought a really pretty sailor scarf that I will show you in a couple of days. Oh, and tomorrow I am most likely going to the Dead Sea for a day trip, which I am hoping will be fun.




The shoes and the vest are from Zara and the blouse, skirt and belt from H&M.

Interviewed by Toshia Shaw

Check out my interview on On The Road To Queendom. Thank you Toshia!

I'm So Excited!!!

To quote one of my favorite movies, Almost Famous, "it's all happening!" The book is finished, as of right now! The name of the book is Magic Hair: My Experiences with Lace Wigs. I've added the last of the pictures just now. I made a Picasa photo album of all the photos in the book, since the book is black & white - the link is to the right >>>>. I'm so EVERYTHING! I didn't think that my first book would be a reference book, but here it is. Now I send it to CreateSpace, and do the "proof dance". After that stage, it will be published. I prefer the POD route, because I don't want to be saddled with a hundred books in my trunk. I'm beyond excited. Stay tuned for the link to buy the book. Please buy the book... was that wrong for me to say that?

Here's an update on the Caruso curlers:





I love the steam curlers. It's cool to use them as you're getting ready. You can do your makeup while you're waiting for the curls to set. A light spray of the TRESsemme Tres Two hairspray, and you're done.

We're going to the beach for the first time this season, so I'm putting the curly back on. I'm going to cut the horrific bangs off, and cut the unit like I said I wouldn't do (I always do what I say I won't do). I'm going to cut the wig tomorrow (too tired and a little drunk right now) and sew it on. It's a beast though... whew. I've gotten wind of another band wagon - Eqyss Survivor Super Detangler and Cowboy Magic Detangler. I don't have it yet. I'm going to wait.

I'm also going to learn how to ventilate wigs, so I can eventually make my own. I'm so excited. So much is happening!

Stay tuned!

Suggestions??

What would you like to see on this blog? I would love to hear some feedback from you all. If there is something you would like to learn more about, leave a comment. If there is a subject, hair style, product or any thing else that you want to see - let me know. One of the previous suggestions was more styling videos for people with shorter loc's, coils and afro's. So that is something I am working on. Readers contribution is also a big goal of mines. It actually makes the experience of being a part of the Natural hair community that much greater for me because there is a constant interaction where I am learning from you. So if you have comments, suggestions, questions, stories, art... or more, that you want to sure on this blog - please do not hesitate to email me at naturalhairbeauty@gmail.com. Or you can leave a comment on this post or leave a comment on the NBH Guestbook.

~ Karen

Product Review: Soul Glo

Okay, it's really Care Free Curl Instant Moisturizer but so what - this stuff has been amazing at moisturizing my hair. It was a little odd to purchase because all I kept hearing was "drip drip Jheri curl" in my head. But if I can purchase Castor oil - I can do anything, LOL.

This past winter I was concerned that I wasn't going to find something for the spring/summer season that worked as well as Aloe Gro but, I think that have and I love that it's something I can purchase out of a store. No shopping for ingredients, no mixing, and no time consuming tasks!

Good Guide rates this product at 7.6.

Ingredients: Water (Aqua), Propylene Glycol, Glycerin, Cetyl Alcohol, Stearalkonium Chloride, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Fragrance (Parfum), Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Dimethicone, Silica, FIL D2549/1.

They say: Exclusively formulated for today’s “Dry Curl” style to help prevent hair breakage while providing “round the clock” moisture control without excess wetness. Excellent for body waves and natural styles.

I say: I have been using it for almost a week now and I have never felt my hair so soft. I hope this has an impact on my split ends and single strand knots. I love the smell and I think this will definitely be a staple in my product line-up.

Inspirational Photos - Decas

Beautiful photos from Decas, who lives in Bermuda. Below is a picture of him and his wife. What a lovely couple.

Work it Ms. Scott!

Check out this fly hair on Jill Scott!

I will be copying this style! I have to, I love this look.

post 100: A month in review

I know it has been a while since we spoke last, so in honor of my ONE HUNDREDTH blog post I'm going to do things a little different today. Here's a review of the things I've been up to since my last post. You let me know if there is anything you want to know more about and I will dedicate an upcoming post to that topic. ENJOY!

My friend Marianne came and we discussed how this would be an AWFUL bridesmaid dress:


I decided I need a pair of boots.

I served a few meals to some older adults:


I got some ashes on my forehead at a service before work.

I stopped by Religious & Spiritual Life to ask them to redo my ashes so people would try to wipe the "dirt" off my face all day.


I contemplated my Lenten promise and felt guilty about not having one, so I avoided the blog.

I saw this:


I laughed.

I help build a house:


I worked late...A LOT (but with a friend).

I had a couple of scheduled coffee breaks when working late.


I participated in leading a webinar with my office.

I taught a class on gender & leadership and had students try on corsets.


I saw my boyfriend.

I hosted 135 high school students on campus and managed 135 college volunteers for Minority High School Conference/College Student for a Day


I thought about going to Chicago.

A week later I WENT to Chicago and saw my best friend.


I saw a college friend's band play at a bar and stayed up WAY too late.

I interviewed.

I blended in with a booth.


I missed my boyfriend.

I ate this:


I accidentally abstained from television.

I added the Grand stop on the L to the list of public places where I have changed clothes.


I rode the L to have dinner with some college friends-and had a great time.

I rode the L the next day to the same stop to see this guy and had an even greater time:


I said hello and goodbye to some good friends.

I did a Sic 'em.


I hung out with my Dean of students from college, made some new friends, and learned some things.

I said goodbye to my best friend..and to Chicago.


I got excited about Aldi opening up down the street.

I took some students on a spring break trip---to Ft. Worth!


I slept on a YMCA floor- or tried to at least.

I walked into a giant fountain and didn't get wet.


I hung out with refugee children, role played with social workers, served food at a shelter, played catch phrase with some great homeless guys, helped with a field day for adults with development delays, served some meals on wheels, ate some meals on wheels, talked about "the issues," reflected, learned, laughed...

And I bought this:


I got a new computer at work and moved my desk out from against the wall so I can be more creative.

I sat on a giant horned frog with my boss.


I snuck into work late and I snuck out early.

I stopped to smell the flowers.


Then I blogged about it.

INTERACT: Wanna know more about any of the above? Let me know in the comments.