You Asked...I Answered

You Asked: Hey, Tia. Love the blog. I'm new to blogger and just wanted to know the best way to gain followers/readers for a blog.

I Answered: Well, I just started myself so I don't know if I would have the greatest tips. However, I can tell you what attract me to other blogs. You have to be creative, unique, and relevant. Don't steal the style of others - I've seen that and I stopped following, no need to read the exact same thing twice. If your information is interesting the followers will come. Also, stay active on forums, YouTube, FB, etc - something that will let people know that you exist but don't over plug your blog because that will turn people off.

You Asked: How do you get your hair like that?

I Answered: I get this question A LOT especially in random public places. Usually when I get this question I have just shampooed, conditioned, moisturized, and sealed my hair. So that is how I achieve my sheen, fullness, and retain my length. That is the basics. There are other things that I do but those steps that I just listed remain constant each week.

Thierry's in the House!

I have been a big fan of loctician Thierry Baptist for quite some time. He is a very creative stylist, that has a flare for turning loc's into a work of art. Thierry is based out of Indianapolis, and I have always wished that he would come to Northern California. Not only so that I could get a chance to meet him, but to also get my hair done by this loc genius. Well guess what?!?  My wish came true. 

Thierry came to Oakland, California to teach a Color & Cut class at a salon called Bare Canvas Nail Spa  (I will be highlighting this salon in future post). The day after his class, he was able to stay over for an additional day to do some hair.  I did not know what to expect when it came to meeting Thierry. He is famous in the loc world, and could very easily be a diva, if he wanted to be. But it was the complete opposite.  Besides being a very talented hair stylist - Thierry is charming, honest, sincere and very Funny! It was a pleasure meeting Thierry, and I look forward to getting my hair done by him again.

Here are some photo's from my appointment yesterday and from a few of Thierry's other clients (Sylvia & Michele). The salon was full of laughter, dialog, music and food. It was a good day.

Michele & Sylvi had hair color added to their hair by Thierry. The colors were very rich and made me wish I had gotten some color myself.

This young man was styled during Thierry's Cut & Color Class , the day before my appt. 

 

Thierry Baptiste's links:
Facebook
Main Website

I've noticed...

that people like free stuff. Are you one of those people? I am, LOL.

I just noticed that I am very close to 300 readers (followers sounds a little cult-like LOL). Since I love doing nice things I have decided that once I get to 300 I will do a giveaway. Funny thing is...I am not sure of what but it will be something that I wouldn't mind receiving.

(absolutely nothing to do with this post but I thought it was funny and I loved the movie)

SOUL FREAK -EDSON PRIDE EPIC MIXES

http://www.mediafire.com/?yjtckk541s6uc9t#2

Danielle Desiree

I received an email from the beautiful model - Danielle Desiree.  And she had this to say about her natural hair:

"I have been natural for just about 2 years now, and I am loving my journey. It has not been the easiest journey, but I've yet to hear about any easy journey. After years of weave, my decision to go natural was simple...I wanted to wear the hair God gave me. I will never go back to relaxers. Our hair is too beautiful to break down. Thank you for offering a website that celebrates the natural journey. "   

~ Danielle Desiree 

Beautifully said! Thank you for sharing this with us Danielle.

Sunday Style

After an extremely busy weekend I had no time or energy to do my hair. So I opted to go to my "go to" style and wear a high bun for the day. It must have worked great for me because I got tons of compliments that day. Also, you can see just a bit of my dress in the second pic - my hubby brought it for me and I love it! It's sheath style with a large leopard print pattern.

Sunday's message:

This Sunday my pastor spoke on a message that many people are usually not too happy to hear - tithing. My opinion on it? If you are doing what the Lord (not man) lays on your heart and you are doing it cheerfully you should not have a problem with hearing this message. I have found the more I give cheerfully whether it be my tithes or someone in need, I get so much more in return. At this very moment I am cleaning out my house and selling items on Craigslist for $20 and under - those items cost me about $50 and over. All the money I collect is going to the March of Dimes. I am not keeping a cent for myself and it makes me feel GREAT.

On to the notes....

The Scriptural Basis for Tithing

Malachi 3:8-10

Tithing is not about raising money, it's about raising people. Tithing assesses your trust level in God's provisions for the vision He has given you for your life. Some will argue that tithing is an old testament practice but there is scripture in the new testament that supports tithing. It's surprising to many to find out that the Bible addresses the topic of money more than any other topic. Some verses to review:

Genesis 14:19, Genesis 28:20-22, Numbers 18:21-24, Deuteronomy 14:22, 28-29, Deuteronomy 12:6, 26:12, Malachi 3:8, Matthew 23:23, Luke 18:12, Hebrews 7:5-9

Back home in Tromsø...

After attending my friend's enchanting wedding over the weekend (which I'll probably post pictures of in a day or two), I came home to my parents' house in the north of Norway yesterday. So far I've just been relaxing, chatting to everyone and going for walks with their dogs and frankly, I don't plan on doing much besides those things while I'm here. Sometimes it's so nice not to do anything at all. I'm also really enjoying the chilly weather and having to wear tights, cardigans and a jacket (I was too cold when taking these pictures) and not feeling the sun burn for a change.





Skirt and blouse from H&M, tights from Pamela Mann and shoes from Sixtyseven