Colored Highlights

A slightly bouffant emo hair with side bangs that go across the forhead and are always parted to one side giving you a trendy yet elegant emo look. Popular colors for highlights currently tend to be blue, red and purple.

Colored Highlights

A slightly bouffant emo hair with side bangs that go across the forhead and are always parted to one side giving you a trendy yet elegant emo look. Popular colors for highlights currently tend to be blue, red and purple.

The Hard Work Begins

My thoughts are with my sister tonight more than ever after my mother passed on the news that Erin will start chemotherapy tomorrow. We knew it was coming, but now that it's start is imminent it feels even more frightening! I can only imagine all the extremes of emotion Erin is feeling right now.

I don't know the details of the medical side of her chemo yet. Whenever I find things out I will make sure to post them here.

I have had some more pledges from friends for my fundraiser, which is obviously great news for Cancer Research UK! And I visited my hairdresser, James at Hush Hair here in Birmingham, who did a fantastic job of shaping the mess of long hair I have. I'm trying to keep it healthy for ultimate donation next year, but I have to admit that having my hair shampooed by someone else and also having a head massage is one of my guilty pleasures!


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Product Review: Herbal Essances None of Your Frizzness Smoothing Leave in Creme

My Review: I am in love, love, love with this leave in conditioner! It has been a love affair since day one! This product is inexpensive at it gets the job done, while leaving your hair smelling sweet and exotic for the next 3 days. It makes my hair very moisturized and it makes the detangling process like a walk in the park! Seriously, no exaggeration there. I honestly don't have one bad thing to say about this product. My only regret is that I didn't find it sooner! If you are still in need of a good creme based moisturizer, this is a great start. If it doesn't work for you (for some odd reason lol) you aren't way out of pocket. It costs a few bucks, it smells great and in my experience, it really gets the job done! If this product could talk, she would say, "i'm not a last resort; i'm like a smooth spa. your cute, fuzzy head is in for a really rich treat. watch my smoothing leave-in crème lay frizz down. i've got a high dose of conditioning anti-frizz potion fused with extracts of mandarin balm and pearls. i help smooth your strands with my nourishing moisturizers so your frizzy halo becomes a smooth line all day long." For more information regarding this product, click this link!  

My Other Thoughts...

•  This product is recommended for damaged hair and curl definition
• Can be used in dry OR wet hair
• Water based :)
• For ALL hair types

Other Reviews:

• Price: $2.97 at Wal-Mart, $2.99 at K-Mart. Can also be purchased online via amazon.com, but this option is a but pricier. Around $4-5 a bottle
• Ingredients: water, cyclopentasil oxane, dimethicon, citrus nobilus (mandarin orange) peel oil, pearl powder, etc.

What did others say?

Pros:

•  Users LOVE the smell, even if the product isn't exactly what they were looking for
• Controlled frizz even in rainy weather
• Copied from this website, I wear my hair natural. No colors, or chemicals. I have very curly 3C-4A hair texture. I have used so many products to help manage my curls, without making them dry and stiff. This is the ONLY product that does so. All other leave-ins have polymers that result in leaving a cakey stiffness to the hair, and not allowing for ...soft spring in my curls. With this..I can just condition wash as always, step out, apply to wet hair, and go. My hair is always soft after using this, and smells so good. You can't beat INEXPENSIVE and does the job
• 
  

Cons:

•  Product a bit watery
• Some found that it didn't control their frizz at all
• One reviewer thought that it didn't help her dry hair as much as she thought. She has severely damaged and dry hair

It is very difficult to find bad reviews for this product! Read hundreds of reviews here!

Celebrating happy, healthy and long hair :)

DUKESA

Goapele - BET's Soul Train Awards

I was happy to see Goapele (my natural hair inspiration for many years) on BET's Soul Train Awards, this past Sunday. She was one of many talented singers that paid tribute to Anita Baker during the awards ceremony.

To learn more about Goapele, check her out at Goapele.com. 

Braids, Braid-Outs.. & Expressing Myself!

I have been told time and time again that I don't take enough pictures of my hair. So I tried really hard to remember this part thanksgiving weekend so that I could show you a thing or two. Sometimes I get tired of my regular twists so I decided I wanted to do braids! Now in the past, I did them this small:

IT TOOK ME FOREVER AND A DAY...

AND THEN ANOTHER MONTH ON TOP OF THAT

PLUS ANOTHER WEEK!

Okay I am totally exaggerating lol :)

Anyhow- this time I decided that I was going to make them a bit bigger and add some cornrows to the front for a little jazz. I took some pictures to give you some style possibilities because they are endless when it comes to protective styling.

By the way I want to point out that I absolutely adore my herbal essence leave in conditioner. I will be doing a review this week so stay tuned.  

Braid Style One: Side Bun Swept Back

To achieve this 5 min look:

(1) Pin back braids and secure with bobby pins

(2) Add the headband, scarf or accessory of your choice

(3) Pull the back into a low side bun and secure with bobby pins

* Headband handmade by Jasmin Robinson *

Braid Style Two: High Flower with Sweeping Vines

 I got creative with the name :)

How to achieve this 7 min look:

(1) pin curl the front sections of your hair

(2) pull the rest of the hair into a high bun, flare out

and pin in place. Wrap the excess around the

ponytail and pin all stray braids down.

(3) Add a flower or headband of your choice

* Flower clip handmade by Jasmin Robinson *

Braid Out Funn.

I love my buns ya'll!

They are uber protective

They are uber quick to do

They are uber cute too!!

I also love my little "Jew" curls as my husband calls them <3

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Bows, and headbands add some spice

Ribbons and bows are lovely too

Silk scarves and things that blow in the wind

Find and embrace what makes YOU, YOU!

~~~~~~

I love cheetah rain boots and fuzzy socks

Fleece scarves and thick winter tights

I am a thrift store junkie, yes I do admit

But that's just me, and yes that is alright

~~~~~~~

Do not look to the fashions of the world

And make sure its God you seek

Most of all desire holiness

Tis' only beautiful and unique!

<3 Celebrating happy, healthy and long hair

Winner of the Naturalbella Tote Bag!!!

Hello all!  The contest for the Naturalbella Tote Bag ended this past weekend.  Racquel from QuellyRue Designs  has emailed me and and has choosen a winner. There were so many great response's, that Racquel wish that she could give a bag to everyone that responded. But since their can only be one winner, the person that will be getting this great bag is:

Barbara!

Congragulations Barbara on winning the contest. Please email Raquel directly at quellyruedesigns@gmail.com to claim your prize. Thank you again for everyone that took time to participate in this contest. Both Racquel and I both appreciate it!

Michael Castro

Jason Castros' lil bro - Michael Castro audition in Kansas City for American Idol 8. First thing you'll notice is his mohawk hairstyle. Some parts of his hair is colored pink and it really looks nice on him. And he also got that very cute smile. I would really like to see more of him in Hollywood.

Michael Castro

The Castro Brothers

Michael Castro

Jason Castros' lil bro - Michael Castro audition in Kansas City for American Idol 8. First thing you'll notice is his mohawk hairstyle. Some parts of his hair is colored pink and it really looks nice on him. And he also got that very cute smile. I would really like to see more of him in Hollywood.

Michael Castro

The Castro Brothers

Fall/Winter 2010 - Week 4

For all of week 4 my hair was pulled back into a bun. The bun was originally set while my hair was wet (this is considered 'damp bunning') so as a result, my hair remained moist for about 3 days - my hair holds moisture for quite a while.

Also, since the outdoor and inside air is somewhat dry now this method works great and no, there is never any mildew or sour smell when I do this method. I have heard of this occurring with some individuals but I am not aware of each step of their regimen so I don't have an answer of why the mildew/sour smell happens for some but not for others.

Sunday-Wednesday
Hair was in a bun. The only maintenance was a du-rag at night to keep my edges smooth.

Thursday
Thursday evening I loosened the bun so that I could moisturize the ends of my hair that had gotten dry. I only used some leave-in conditioner on the ends and then immediately styled my hair back into a loose bun.

Friday
Since I would be traveling all day on Saturday, I did my co-wash on Friday night. I used the same method that I mentioned last week (details coming soon). After co-washing I pulled my hair back into a donut bun

Saturday
The bun & du rag at night. Simple maintenance, I love it!

---

The purpose of my weekly documentation is to keep track of what I am doing with my hair down to every detail so that I will be able to determine the steps that are effective for consistent growth and length retention with my hair. Last year I was able to retain enough length so that my hair was longer than it has ever been. I am curious to see if I can do it again.

Loc Tutorial - Nautilus inspired updo

Franchesca Ramsey  inspired the latest link of the day. Now I have to update the post with the tutorial video that Franchesca recently posted. Take look! This style can actually be achieved with loc's, kinky hair and curly. Love the style. Perfect for the holidays!

It's a Whole Family Thing

Cancer affects more than just the person who receives the diagnosis. Obviously that is the person who has to actually deal with it physically, mentally and emotionally but there are secondary "sufferers". (I hate the word victim for anyone dealing with cancer so I will try to avoid that term wherever possible!)

I am so pleased to report that Erin is dealing with her diagnosis positively. She took part in Black Friday shopping in Texas. I think getting up in the middle of the night to stand in a queue for shopping needs serious psychological evaluation, but I never said my family was "normal". Erin did it, and she managed to finish her Christmas shopping. Things will be as normal as possible for my nephew and nieces, and Erin's courage in doing what she can to achieve this doesn't surprise me, but it does inspire me. The kids will be suffering along with their mum, but her strength will rub off on them.

My brother-in-law is right there beside Erin, and I know he's having a rough time. He loves my sister, and I love him all the more for the support he is giving and will be giving her. My mum said she thinks he might be having panic attacks because of the stress and worry, and who can blame him? I suffer from serious panic attacks, for which I've had all sorts of treatment from medication to psychotherapy to aromatherapy and beyond, and I don't have nearly as good a reason as my brother-in-law does!

The rest of the family are suffering too, but we're a strong breed. After all, we're Texans! We will come out the other side of this a closer family, knowing together we can battle through anything. I might be 5,000 miles away from them but they know I'm right beside them.

So if you're reading this and are inspired to do so, please donate to Cancer Research UK! If you aren't comfortable clicking on the link from this page, Google "Just Giving" and from their page you can search for me (Melinda Rice Knowles). Like I've said before, I won't be offended!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Edson Pride & Jeanie Tracy - Feel Good (Edson Pride Original Mix).

http://www.mediafire.com/?6ggx85lscin08xt

Edson Pride & Jeanie Tracy - Feel Good (Barry Harris Big Drama Mix).

http://www.mediafire.com/?r0qiz2p3o42082t

Edson Pride & Jeanie Tracy - Feel Good (Peter Barona & Hull Peak Hour Anthem Mix)

http://www.mediafire.com/?gom4w5a3c1o51s0

Edson Pride & Jeanie Tracy - Feel Good (Rafael Lelis Brazilian Mix)

http://www.mediafire.com/?7fslo25555rlopa

Dudi Sharon Ft. Jouel - Jason (Luis Erre Got A Remix Club Mix)

http://www11.zippyshare.com/v/13096239/file.html

THE TIME

http://www29.zippyshare.com/v/70263779/file.htm

CrimsonEnvyEye

CrimsonEnvyEye

paper coffee cups are red again & my mom is buying presents

It is tradition in our extended family that we "turn our Christmas lists in" by the evening of Thanksgiving or we don't get any presents. For me, (since I haven't been home for Thanksgiving since 2005 -until this year!!) that usually means I rack my brain ALL day and send my mom and/or aunts sporadic texts and emails requesting whatever combination of items I need and/or want that will fit into my luggage for the return trip. I like surprises so I try to make my list longer than it has to be. Since I'm too big and too creeped out to sit on the mall Santa's lap, I thought I would post my list here of my reasonable//usual//impossible Christmas wants for the 2010 Season (for my mom's reference and your enjoyment of course).

DISCLAIMER: Now before you go about judging us on our consumerism and touting on in your head about the "reason for the season," etc, :) there are some things you should know about our family: 1.My grandfather LOVED presents and watching us open them, and I think in our own ways we still perform for him each Christmas- getting and giving gifts and posing for photos with all our spoils. 2.We have an elaborate system of gift giving that includes high levels of communication between cousins, aunts & uncles, and the matriarch, grandma- all with aunt jeni keeping the records in her pocket book! I really like when I get to see my family in action, thinking about each other regularly and sharing shopping days and wish lists, learning how individual interests have grown and changed over the year. It's a hyped up version of how close we all are already. 3.There is so much about our Christmas that truly points to the love that exudes from the "reason for the season" and while we are cutting back a little on gifts this year (to adopt an angel family) and I am trying give handmade (mostly) this season- I still really like presents. :)

NOW- on to a few highlights from the list:

The old Stand by calendar
Source

This book (get on amazon, Mom, & save some money)


Some boots to keep me warm AND professional

Source

Pretty accessories for my head
Source

This ENTIRE outfit-

Source

Gift Cards (Lane Bryant//Old Navy//Joann Fabrics//Subway//Starbucks//Hobby Lobby//Books-a-million) you can't go wrong.
Source

THIS-
Source

Movies & Shows!! Oh my!




Tights and leggings in bright colors!!






Flip UltraHD
Source

Snow...


And something a little simpler...


Just a few things that I'm interested in this Holiday Season.

INTERACT: What's on YOUR Christmas list this year?

Hair Tip #8: Hair Shedding

How do you feel about hair shedding??

• Our intial response when we see hair in the sink or hair in the shower is that our hair is falling out! But never to fear, studies suggest that anywhere from 50-100 shedded hairs a day is normal. So don't get too worked up. Focus on what is normal for your hair.
• One helpful tip is to record how much hair you shed. When you take a shower, use a hair catcher drain. When you are done washing, remove the hair and place it in a ziplock bag. While detangling your hair, try your best to keep all of that hair in a bunch as well. Once you are done detangling, add that hair to the same ziplock bag. Label the bag with the date. Do this for 6-8 weeks. You will discover what is normal shedding for your hair. (I got this idea from Kim Love from kimmaytube. I will not post the video but if you are interested in watching visit this link)
• STRESS will cause shedding! Take the time to prioritize your life and include de-stressing as a part of your daily routine. So many medical conditions stem from stress. It is a monster!
• If you think you are experiencing breakage rather than shedding, examine your hair strands that have come out. If you see stress, split ends and damage on the strands, then most likely your are experiencing breakage. In most cases, this is a clear indication that you are not handling your hair as gently as you should. Avoid extremely tight hair styles, never  brush or comb dry hair, do not attempt to style hair when you are frustrated or angry, avoid  tugging and pulling hair.

Understanding the Hair Growth and Shedding Process

Celebrating happy, healthy and long hair :)



Off the wig wagon!

Okay, after staring at the pitiful pictures below, and to also stop wetting my hair for the winter season, I put on the only viable wig I have left... which I hate... my fault because I cut these ridiculous bangs into it. It's all I have for right now, so I slapped it on my head. I put it on Thanksgiving Eve night, and I've been wrapping it every night. My own hair is so thick underneath, and I have this ridiculous braid bump in the front, which brings me to this blog. For the next time (next week), to keep it flat, I'm going to wrap my own hair flat before I put the ace bandage on. I forgot that I have to buy a new hair dryer because my old one broke... damn. Which brings me to my new point: finally, I'm buying a new wig on Friday. I know I talked about getting a 12" virgin malaysian for awhile, but I'm going to check out the 18" virgin brazillian (2 Ls or 1?) I want it fairly straight, and 18" is a good length for a pigtail option. I'm still on the fence with believing the origins of the hair. I'm craving the least amount of fuss at this point in my life. I'll keep you posted.... I may even take pictures of this app before it starts to clown and get ugly.

Hello!

I haven't stopped blogging and I'm back again after a break that has lasted much too long. A lot has changed since we last spoke, for instance the fact that I've moved back to Norway. I wasn't feeling happy in Israel mainly because I couldn't find a proper, well-paid job and that was very depressing since I have an advanced university degree. Therefore I decided to pack my bags and leave, for Oslo, to be precise, and over the last month and a half I've found an apartment and a job (well, two since I work a 50% position in two different schools). I wasn't able to blog when I was in the middle of all that because it just seemed too stressful on top of everything.

Now, life is a lot better and easier. My boyfriend is moving here in two weeks and I am beyond excited for that.

P.S: Thanks for all the sweet emails and comments you've sent me. It really warmed my heart that you missed my blog :)