Do guys care for their beards?

The subject matter is a genuine query, because I really want to know.

The whole "lumbersexual" look is really hot right now. Everywhere you look you see men in lush beards, and on a lot of them, yep, it looks HOT. I mean, just look at the fine specimens below. (Fanning myself...)

I have two friends with very lush beards, as in, their beards contain SO MUCH more hair than what is on top of their heads. And it seems like they both are of the opinion that their mojo lies in their beards. Anyhoo, I've never actually asked them myself, but I will. In the meantime, out there in the whole wide world internet, I was wondering if any of y'all know if:

• guys shampoo and condition their beards like girls take care of their hair?
• they trim their beards without losing volume and lush the way women trim and dust theirs?
• they use leave in products or if they're just wild men? 

If there are any gents out there sporting a lush beard, kindly inform us. If there are any ladies out there whose significant other sports a lush beard, drag some answers out of them, lol. 

Anyhoo, that's my curious question for the week. 

Have a good one y'all!!!!

Looking good versus being healthy

Hola there everyone.

Is anyone looking forward to the long weekend as much as I am? I dare ya to be as excited as I am! Not as if I actually have things planned, except RESTING and being lazy. I'm taking a mini vacation - going to my childhood home, visiting my parents and actually resting and recharging my soul and tired bones. I'm also looking forward to actually showing to my doubtful mother how successful in my journey I have been thus far.

As I told y'all on Monday, I will be protective styling for the week, up and till I get twists installed and go into intensive long term protective styling mode. I am more than 17 weeks post and I am working my damnest to make sure that I don't experience unnecessary breakage and shedding. Last night I braided my hair into 6 cornrows after moisturising with my Amla Legend 1001 Oils Wrap Cream and this morning I pinned up the resulting braidout.

As anyone can see, the kinks from the braid out isn't very pronounced, but my hair has a nice body and shine and my new growth is stretched and blended nicely with the relaxed length.

And that is what I want to talk about - today my hair IS healthy and it also LOOKS good. And up and till a few years ago I did not know the difference.

Let's take a trip down memory lane, shall we?

A million years ago, as a law student at the University of Stellenbosch, I lived in a res by the name of House Erica. We were about 190 young women living under the same roof, and this is where I had my first experience regarding true sincere female relationships. It is also here where I realised that I've got a bit of flair when it comes to hair styling. Within a matter of months I had my hands full styling my friends' hair. Nothing fancy, but I could do a roller set, a blow out and curls to the straightest of white girl hair. I knew how to make hair LOOK good. At the time though I had know idea how to keep hair HEALTHY. During this stage of my life my hair was relatively healthy though, but it sure as hell wasn't because I was consciously looking after it, it was a happy coincidence from soft water, a constant high humidity which kept my hair moisturised naturally, a tendency to only relax my hair during the holidays when I'm home with the folks (thus I was stretching without even knowing it) and the fact that I have roller set my hair religiously since I was a kid.

Today, after scouring the hair blogosphere, after researching countless articles on how to keep one's hair at its healthy peak, after embarking on my healthy hair journey, I know what I must do to keep my hair healthy, especially considering that me AND my hair are a bit older and the environment and climate I live in now is not as conducive to one's hair as that of the lovely Western Cape. I know now that healthy hair practically automatically looks good, but that a good looking style does not necessarily equal a healthy head of hair. I know now that one's hair doesn't have to be straightened to within an inch of death to look good. I know now that styling comes secondary to caring. And I know now that I am still able to style hair, but in a much healthier way. I wish that I knew of healthy practices consciously years ago. At the same time, thank God I know them now!!!

Tomorrow is a public holiday here in these parts and I'm heading home to my mama's house. I am going to drag her to the shops and show her what staple products I use on my hair. I will show her which ingredients in hair products are more harmful than others and I will explain to her why I do what I do when it comes to my hair. Just because one has walked the wrong road for a long time, does not mean that anyone or anything is preventing you from turning around and taking another road. That philosophy applies to life, and right now I'm applying it to my hair. Thank heavens that I turned around and started taking care of my hair in order to get it healthy. Because now, as it is HEALTHY, I don't have to stress about it looking good. Because the healthier the hair is, the less and less often does one experience a bad hair day.

So, what is anybody planning for the weekend? (Lol, yes, mine is starting in 2 hours!!!)

Be blessed, and happy growing!!

The Liebster Award

I wasn't specifically nominated by anyone for this award, except for the fact that Blutiful Blaq nominated all who read her Liebster Award post. 

The rules are as follows:

11 Interesting, well, more like random, things about myself:

1. Although she's acting a little crazy these days, I really do like Miley Cyrus, or rather, I like her music. Regardless of her antics, songs like Wrecking Ball are powerful and evocative. And the girl has a monster voice!

2. Although I'm right handed, I do random things with my left hand, such as hold my coffee mug. 

3. I drive a stick. Whenever I'm driving a car that has an automatic transmission, I'm annoyed. In my opinion, everyone should learn how to drive a car with a manual transmission. 

4. I am a big reader, everything from schmaltzy romance novels to gripping thrillers to pure brain candy to intellectual stimulating books. 

5. I truly wish that a I could find a beautician here in Windhoek that can shape my eyebrows via threading. I can't stand tweezing and waxing is just not fun. Threading is the best way to shape eyebrows in my opinion. 

6. I love rock and roll!! I'm talking Linkin Park, Metallica, Imagine Dragons, AC/DC, Evanescence, Goo Goo Dolls and many, many more. 

7. I despise bullies. All kinds of bullies. I was bullied as a child and as a teenager. Many people don't realise how long those wounds take to heal and those scars never truly go away. They might fade, but they will always be there. 

8. If I went to Hogwarts, I probably would have been sorted into Gryffindor, and my patronus would most likely be that of a dog, like a Labrador. 

9. I love shoes! But I can't wear 75% of the heels out there. My ankles hate it and I have very flat feet, which equals pain and swelling if I'm in a pair of heels for longer than a few (read max 3) hours. 

10. I suffer from chronic sinusitus, due to a deviated septum. Planning to have that fixed ASAP. 

11. I love to cook, and specifically, I like to try out new things. I practically live on the Food Network if the TV is on. 

Blutiful's Questions:

1. What is your goal length - my ultimate goal is mid back length. But the immediate goal at this time is to reach armpit length.

2. Where is your dream vacation - that is a tough one!! Because I want to go everywhere and experience everything! However, at this time, my dream vacation will include one or two of my best friends and we shall invade Thailand, spending some time on the islands, such as Phuket, and a few days in the hustle and bustle that is Bangkok.

3. What do you do for a living - I am a legislative drafter with the Ministry of Justice of Namibia.

4. What is the weirdest thing/food you have ever eaten - that would be a tie between alligator and freshwater eel. Both very yummy!

5. What's your most used phrase/word - "For the love of Zeus!!"

6. What's your favorite hair product - ORS Replenishing Conditioner

7. What is your most annoying habit - I talk too much. I hijack entire conversations. I don't mean to, my friends have just pointed out to me that I do it, so I have been keeping an eye on myself.

8. What state do you currently reside - I live in the beautiful little city of Windhoek in the gorgeous country of Namibia.

9. Who is your hair crush - holy hell, sooooo many!! But ultimately Jeni for Just Grow Already. It is so long, and healthy and strong. It is truly droolworthy!

10. What's your favorite season - that would be Autumn/Fall. Not too hot, not too cold, just perfect. And I can start whipping out the boots. I LOVE high boots!

11. What is your favorite place to eat - I don't eat out often. But I do love seafood, so throw me into any GOOD seafood place, and I am happy as a clam. On the other hand, I also LOVE me some red meat, and The Peppercorn in Windhoek, has AMAZING steaks. 

My nominees for the Liebster Award are as follows:

• Jo-Ann from Grow African Hair Long
• Tomi from Tomes Edition
• Melissa from Relaxed Hair Care Guynana
• Candice from Healthy Hair Diary

And of course I nominate anyone else who's in the mood. Just link me up in the comments below :-)

Here are MY questions:

1. Are you a gamer in any way? If so, Playstation or X-Box?

2. Which countries have you travelled to in your life? I you haven't been out of your home country, what is the top 3 countries on your travel must see list?

3. If you could be a fictional character, who would you be and why?

4. What is your favorite board game?

5. What is the most frustrating thing to you about your hair?

6. What song instantly gets you on your feet and sway those hips?

7. Describe your happiest hair day

8. Lefty or righty?

9. Are you into sports at all? If so, what is your favorite, either to participate or to watch?

10. Red lipstick or pink lipgloss?

11. Most HATED hair care product?

Enjoy y'all. I am off to the gym for the first time in 2014. 

I hit 5 digits!!

Today is a happy day for me! According to the statistics of blogger, my blog has received more than ten thousand views!! Considering that I blog to keep tabs on myself and sometimes to just record what I have been doing to myself and sometimes to put my vision boards out there, it is amazing that people actually read all of my random ramblings!

To all my followers - I see you, lol! And thank you!

To the lurkers - I know y'all are PLENTY. Especially over in the US of A. Thank you for taking an interest, much appreciated.

Herewith I promise to continue to be a little crazy, a little hair obsessed and totally random!

Blessed week everyone!

PS How come over a third of my readers are American and less than 10 percent from my home country Namibia? I'm just wondering...

Hindsight has 20/20 vision

Hey there y'all!

I want to tell you a little story, actually provide you with a tiny bit of personal history. Many many years ago (okay, it wasn't that long ago, but it sure feels like it) I was elected as a prefect to my high school. Now, to any of my readers not familiar with the concept,  prefects are also referred to as hall monitors, student representative council members, learners representative council members etc etc. Basically we were a group of 20 seniors who assisted the teachers with discipline in the school, as well as fund raising attempts and school spirit events. Anyhoo, once elected, once the initial euphoria has worn off, there is one day that every newly elected prefect dreaded - initiation day! Initiation day is very much comparable to hazing, but to be honest it was loads and loads of fun.

The day before our initiation day we were informed to bring to school shorts and a t-shirt that we do not feel particularly sorry for. On the day we were summoned to the Phys. Ed. changing rooms and had to change into said sorry ass clothes. We were then blind folded and led across the school yard. Do not ask me where everywhere we walked, I do not know to this day. Kindly note that the rest of the entire school was a raucous audience to our "shame and humilation". We were dunked in the school fish pond (yep, still blind folded) and then fed some gross stuff, ( I can totally do Fear Factor!!) and then stuff was thrown on our heads whilst we were standing in the very hot, unforgiving Keetmanshoop summer sun. Specifically, an egg or two were cracked over our heads, cooking oil was poured over our heads and syrup - sickly sweet golden syrup, amongst others. Of course this mess was all over my hair, as well as dripping over my face. I was a HOT mess when I got home. My mom would not let me in the house, her words - "Go hose yourself down first! Here's a towel!"

So I trotted out to the lawn and started hosing myself off (thank heavens I was wearing a bathing suit underneath those nasty clothes!) Of course, the mess that was my hair needed much more than just the spray from the gardening hose. Once acceptable to my mother's standards I entered the house and jumped in the shower. I cannot remember what products I used, but be assured I did the "lather, rinse and repeat as needed" routine a few times!! Back then I didn't even know about deep conditioning, I just applied LOTS of conditioner after finally getting my hair clean and chilled with it for about 5 minutes before rinsing and roller setting. My hair felt good once out of the rollers and I didn't think much of it, I was just happy that I was clean.

Fast forward to the next day. Our initiation continued with a fun day, which included activities like potato sack races and 3 legged races, new prefects versus the old prefects. Now, I looked around at the other girls, and noticed that a lot of them still had oily, nasty looking hair. Some girls did a wash and go, but the curls were lanky from the oily residue. Others looked stiff. Looking at pictures from that day a million years ago my hair was fresh, shiny and positively gorgeous. And I never quite knew why...until now.

Now I know that hair likes protein, and eggs contain a lot of protein. My hair unwittingly got a protein treatment on initiation day. Secondly, hair loves hot oil treatments and oil rinses in general. Sunflower oil contain ceramides, which is excellent for hair as it prevents moisture loss. That day my hair unwittingly got a ceramide rich oil rinse. And lastly, golden syrup contains molasses as its primary ingredient, which adds moisture and sheen to hair. Essentially, I got three nice treatments on initiation day without even knowing it. Looking back my hair thanked was in an excellent condition for about two weeks following that day.

Now that I remember all of these wonderful things, how am I going to use that information in the future? I now know that my hair is a little protein sensitive and I have enough protein conditioners in my arsenal, so I don't think that I'll be grabbing the eggs just yet. But, that big ole bottle of sunflower oil in the kitchen that almost never gets used - THAT bad boy is moving to the bathroom, and shall be incorporated into hot oil treatments and oil rinses and prepoos. What's even more great - sunflower oil is dirt cheap, especially compared to my other oils that I've been using, which is coconut and olive. I am actually looking forward to my next wash day just to have a go at the sunflower oil.

Anybody else have had good experiences with sunflower oil? Holler at me!
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Have a great Tuesday everybody!

Those who fail to plan, plan to fail.

Hola there everybody.

So I've been thinking about the fact that if one is to achieve any goal, then one needs to put a plan in place, with easy enough to follow directions and steps. Break it down and before you know it you are where you need to be.

Right now, I'm planning two things - what the hell I'm going to wear to a MUCH awaited wedding of friends of mine, and what I'm going to with my dang hair.

First off, wedding celebrations - I have been told that the area where it's being held is hot, even though winter isn't over yet, so I need to come prepared with summer outfits and a respectable (read - not too much skin showing) comfortable dress. So, last night I already rummaged through my wardrobe and came out practically empty handed. It being THAT time of the month, my broke ass can't go buy an outfit, so I did what girls do - I asked a good friend if I can borrow something from her. I got the yes, so outfit wise I think I'm set. I'll pack in sandals though, my ankle is still not a 100% after ripping through some ligaments a while back so heels will SO not be my friend.

Secondly - what to do with this head of mine...Well, I'm planning on giving it a nice thorough wash tonight, including every step to have it be banging and swanging (which includes dusting my ends and lightly straightening it). I will pack the essentials, which included my moisturizer, coconut oil, wrap, satin scarf and pins. If the humidity decides to mess with me up North then I'll just pin these babies up! Believe me, Namibia has two seasons, winter and summer. And in the North, it's summer time already!

And there you have it - short and sweet, lol. What are y'all weekend plans? Have a good one!

Writer's block

Hello lovely people

I know, I know. I have been rather absent the past couple of weeks. I am struggling with a little bit of writer's block. Oh hell, sometimes it feels as if I'm struggling though a life block, not knowing which road to take, which avenue is more suitable to me or whether I should just go ahead and do the trusted safe route.

On top of all of that, I am generally annoyed with life right now. It seems as if it has been giving me the finger at a fast and furious pace. Even my hair is complaining! The right side of my nape is showing signs of breakage, the edges on my left aren't very happy with me, my new growth is ridiculous for 9 weeks post (yes I KNOW that's an indication of healthy growth. It still looks a little sad) and for some or other reason moisture does not stay put! I need to step it up a notch, and to assist me, I'm planning to install braids within this week, so that for 2 months at least I can simply take care of my hair whilst not having to worry as much as I do now. Also, I need a freaking break from 6-8 hour wash days!

In any event, I feel like I'm floating around in limbo a bit. But I'll be back to earth soon enough. Blessed Monday everybody.

PS snakes in the grass - ain't nobody got time for that!!! Smh!

10 random things about me - blog edition!

Good morning and hopefully happy Monday y'all. How was everybody's weekend? I swear, I need an extra day between Sunday and Monday, I still feel tired after Saturday's shenanigans, which consisted primarily of a nice birthday shindig of my friend Remi. Again, happy birthday dude!! 

In any event, this morning as I went down my blogroll I came upon this post by Blutiful Blaq and I thought that it's a great way to start off the week blogwise. So here goes, ten random facts about me:

1. I'm a night owl. If I could find a position where I only have to come in to work by nine in the morning, but I can work as LATE as I want, I would be a happy clam!! I HATE getting up early, it is the bane of my adult existence. 

2. I used to play the piano, and I want to do it again. My parents still have my old piano from when I was a kid. I'm looking forward to the day that I have a house big enough so that I can ask them if I can have the piano at my place, then I can start playing again. 

3. I re-read books and re-watch movies. I have no qualms reading or watching my favorites over and over again. Some movies I know so well, I can recite the dialogue!! 

4. Yes, I'm a nerd. And a BIG one. And I don't care. When I was a kid it was disconcerting being a nerd. I mean, no one wanted to be one, and I was teased and bullied for being one. As an adult I embrace my inner nerd. She ALWAYS wins at board games, heehee. 

5. As big a nerd as I am, I'm pretty damn good dancer. Even though I only discovered my rhythm at the ripe old age of 19. I busted my ankle a couple of months ago and have since not really been on the dance floor, and am thus looking forward to the day that I can break it down again. 

6. I love gaming. In my perfect world I would own every gaming console known to man!! Currently I have a Playstation 2, and am eagerly awaiting the relase of the PS4. Not to buy it, but because then the PS3 will be available for a steal! 

7. Related to the above, I'm a sucker for a bargain. Also, I sniff them out! I hate the idea of paying more for something than it's actually worth. I love end of season sales and second hand stores. 

8. I cannot survive without coffee. I don't really care if it's instant or really fancy brewed coffee. Just know that I need coffee. When I was in high school, I easily polished 5-6 cups a day. As an adult, I limit it to 3 cups, but yeah, I cannot go through a day without a cuppa joe. 

9. I like salty snacks, not sweet. Give me biltong over chocolate any day of the week!!!

10. I regard my closest friends as family. They're my sisters and my brothers. They are there for me as I am for them. Even if it simply means coming over with a bottle of red wine to hash out the day. And I love them all very much. 

And there we go. If you didn't know, now you know! I tag all who read this - tell me a little someting I don't know. 

Have a great week everybody. And blessed living!

21 Questions

I saw this on http://creamycrackaddcit.blogspot.com and simply had to do it as well, thinking that the type of questions and of course answers give so much insight wih regard to one's hair journey. So here goes:

1. Why did you start taking better care of your hair?

My hair was a mess. Ear length, breaking all over the place, dry, lacking lustre. And I was sick of it. In addition, my trusty hairdresser disappeared from the face of the earth. So I had one of two options - trust a stranger or trust myself with the help of the hair blogosphere. I decided on the latter.

2. What are your two favorite products?

Well, I have become a bit of a product junkie since starting my journey, but my favorite products that are ALWAYS in my bathroom are coconut oil and ORS Replenishing Conditioner.

3. Who's hair did you admire as a child?

That would be a tie between Topanga from Boy meets World and Ashleigh from Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.

4. What is your ultimate goal length?

Well, I JUST reached shoulder length, so right now I'm focusing on reaching APL within hopefully the next year. Ultimate goal however would be mid back length. Give me a couple of years, lol.

5. How are you gonna celebrate when you reach it?

Wear it out and do like Willow Smith sings - Whip my hair back and forth!

6. Two styles you want to try on your goal length?

Katniss braid! Sure there are many styles that I'll play around with, but the Katniss braid will be the ultimate.

7. Health or length?

Well, without health, the length won't come, so the focus is health (in order to gain the dang length!)

8. Which do you prefer - hair ties or butterfly clips?

Hair ties with no metal parts, although I mostly use bobby pins to pin my hair up.

9. What products do you prefer: salon brands, organic brands, drugstore brands, beauty supply store brands?

Well, I use a variety of all of the above, except that salon brands are DANG expensive and freaking hard to come by in general.

10. Which product/techniquedo you think is underrated?

Well, a technique that I think many people don't give sufficient kudos is roller setting. A product that's underrated...I have no idea actually...natural oils have found their way into the cupboards and drawers and shelves of every lady on a hair journey, but it is a relatively new phenomena. As a kid I already knew that coconut oil does my hair good, and I rediscovered it as an adult.

11. What product/technique do you think is OVER rated?

In my mind washing my hair in sections, it's too convaluted to me. I prepoo in sections, braiding up the sections after applying whatever I'm prepooing with, but the minute I stand under the shower and start WASHING, I loosen the braids as I rinse out the products. Otherwise my hair simply does not feel cleansed. An over rated product in my mind is ORS Olive Oil Hair Masque. It has NO slip, my hair does NOT feel awesome, especially considering its damn price. No thank you!

12. What's the favorite part of your hair regimen?

Deep conditioning - because it's the laziest part of my wash day routine. I usually put it on and then chill with it under a plastic cap for a good 2 hours while I watch a movie or a series or read a book. I love it because I'm taking care of my hair whilst relaxing at the same time.

13. What's the most annoying part of your regimen?

Detangling - especially if I've had my hair in a protective style for a couple of days and even more so if I'm more than 6 weeks post and my new growth is making its presence known properly.

14. Oils or butters?

Oils - never tried butters. Don't think I'll try them any time soon anyway, they seem SO thick and heavy. I like light leav in products.

15. Buns or ponytails?

Ponytails, especially recently that my hair is longer and the pony has a bit of swang to it, lol.

16. Wig or weave?

Wigs. My last weave experience was a horrible one and has scarred me. Wigs however - I love its temporaryand versatile  nature and the fact that it is STILL a protective styling method.

17. What's your opinion on growth aids?

Honestly I don't know. There is one supplement that I want to give a try, maybe in a while I'll be able to give a proper answer.

18. What length do you consider long?

The minute hair hits the APL mark, I consider it long.

19. When's the last time you've been to a salon?

29 June 2012 - almost a full year ago, for a wash and blow out. I don't trust hairdressers to be as careful, gentle and conscious of my hair as I am myself.

20. What do you surf most - Youtubechannels, personal blogs or forums?

Personal blogs. It appeals more to me, it sometimes feels like I'm reading a letter from a friend.

21. What piece of advice would you give to someone just starting on their hair journey?

Be PATIENT! Do not expect results over night. Be patient, be vigilant, be consistent. And do your research!!

Inspiration has been evading me

This post is way over due. I have not been so lax with regard to blogging in quite a while. I've been keeping up with the other ladies, and I've been following my regimen as I always do. But I have simply not been inspired lately. My hair is either in a bun or high (little) pony. The Protective Styling challenge is in the home stretch and I am actually looking forward to the end so that I can let my hair down. Since I've already used my single heat pass and I'm a good 9 weeks post I am very much looking forward to using heat again to not just check my progress, but with the cooler weather we're having these days, to also be wearing my hair out and about and swanging for a couple of days. The other day my own sister asked "do you EVER wear your hair loose? Every time I see you your hair's is up in a bun or tucked up" and I realised that the challenge really wasn't bad. But I miss DOING things with my hair now. And also, I wanna show off a little bit, heehee.

So, here's a couple of my plans at the end of the challenge:

• Major wash day which will include a LONG pre-poo and a LONG DC, rollerset and then straightening it using my flatiron. 
• Wearing my hair out for a day to two. 
• Prepping my hair for relaxer day by incorporating a it more protein than usual whilst also drenching my hair in moisture to keep my new growth soft and manageable. 
• At the end of the challenge I will be 11 weeks post, so I'll be pampering my hair for a week and then relax it, using the ORS Olive Oil No Lye kit for Girls, after which I will also dust my ends. 

I love that my hair is growing, unfortunately these past few weeks I have fallen into a rut, and I can't wait for the end of the challenge because I think that may be the end of this rut as well. 

Until next time, have a great weekend everybody!

Black Vulcanite and post weekend update

Good morning everybody, and I hope y'all are having a better Monday than me. I'm all snotty and congested and this fuzzy head feeling is not conducive to a good mood. 

Regarding the weekend, it was such a blast being at the Black Vulcanite video shoot party. I can't wait for the video to premiere. Although these boys are young, I believe that they are firmly on the road to real success, as long as they continue to work as hard as they are now. Of course, with their momager, the awesome and stylish Ms Manetti by their side, only good things I predict will come their way. 

Yesterday I was so lazy and a little lethargic that I spent most of the day watching Grey's Anatomy and wondering why it is that women allow themselves to go crazy over one of two things - a man or their career. It always seems to be one of the two. I believe my friend Stiletto Rambler will probably broach the topic at some stage, because it is somewhat perplexing to me, maybe because I believe that one can have it all. Of course Grey's Anatomy is simply a story, the figment of someone's imagination, but quite a few of the story lines have a way of tugging at one's subconscious, of being relatable to one's own life. It could simply be due to good writing or good acting, or it could be that the issues are very real to many people. I don't know, I'm rambling.

Nevertheless, the weekend was an absolute blast!! I apologise for the lack of pics, considering that I made so much effort with my hair this weekend and I laid out all of my plans beforehand, but I am pleased to report that everything did come out awesome, my hair being full and lively and getting mucho compliments. The outfit was very spring focused, including a colourful boobtube and purple waterfall cardi. I felt good (snotty but good) and according to my friends, I looked good. 

I realised that I need to stock up on a moisturizing DC, a moisturizing shampoo and a light protein DC, like ORS Hair Mayonnaise, and very soon. I haven't done a hair haul in a while and I have actually been using up quite a bit of my current stash. I strongly believe that I will be FULL shoulder length by the end of the year, which is my ultimate goal for 2012. Then we'll start working on 2013 and where to go at that stage. In the meantime I need to be consistent and continue caring and loving and the results will be more and more evident as time goes by. 

That's it for now folks. Have an awesome Monday, and a blessed week!

Edit: Got a pic folks, I'm with my awesome friend Ashante and one third of Black Vulcanite, AliThatDude. Feel the awesomeness emanate from this pic :-) 

Letting go...easier said than done

Well good morning world. The weekend has been a mish mash of experiences and feelings, and thoughts that sometimes simply did not make sense. Essentially, it's easy to know what your hard limits are, what you will not tolerate. It's easier to formulate in your head the positive, to know exactly what you do want and what you desire. One thing that I've known about myself forever is that I am attracted to intelligence and wit, the kind that some people may find weird or disconcerting. It makes me wonder why in the world I was with someone for the longest time who was not in my league, neither intellectually, culturally or socially. 

We were simply a wrong fit, but I fell hook line and sinker and today I can't say why. I don't know what I fell in love with, perhaps it was the idea of love more than anything else of him. Maybe I was very deeply in love with the idea of actually committing to someone, of being in a stable relationship, of becoming a "grown-up". Well, it turned out that he was not stable and thus the relationship itself wasn't stable, in fact, it was downright stormy as the end neared. I think back at that time and although there were good, happy times, it's very hard for me to remember those clearly, when the bad, shitty times are so vivid in my mind's eye. It's tremendously difficult for me to own up to myself, because I should realised long before the end was glaringly obvious to the world that I was in a toxic situation and that I needed to extract myself from it. In the end I did and technically I'm free. 

But, since we're being honest, is one ever truly free after having gone through something like this? How does one truly get rid of the poison that still course through my veins? Many people would answer that forgiveness is the answer, that forgiveness is for me and not the other person, it's to free me and not him. My head tells me that it's the right answer and that I should forgive him and let him go, that I should not have the burden of bad memories weighing me down. My heart on the other hand wishes to smite and avenge itself, to plan plots of destruction against the person who hurt me. But revenge is a difficult game, it requires patience and a resolve of steel, and more commitment than anything one can imagine. 

He's not worth all of that effort. He's simply worthy of being a castaway with no hope of rescue. I am worthy of so much more than pain and nightmares. I realise now that I can let go a little more each day, but it's still not easy. I understand why people end up in rebound situations now. I understand it, but I don't want it, otherwise I'll never heal completely and thoroughly. What I want and need is time, time to process, time to forgive, time to let go. And I need to give MYSELF that time. No one else will, it's up to me. 

The weekend is upon us!

It's Friday everybody and I am planning on getting some rest and having a good time in the next 72 hours. In my last post I mentioned how I now like curls and how I'm going to try new things? Well, everybody that knows me, know that I'm not a pink person, but I have this little pink trench that I got on sale for an absolute steal, and today I'm rocking it with a knot out that could not be more perfect.

That's all for today everybody. Have an AWESOME weekend!!

In need of a new wardrobe!!

To all the ladies out there, don't you just hate it when the new season rolls around and you look at your wardrobe and you just feels the good mood you woke up with fly right out the window? That has been me for the past few days. Yes, the weather is lovely. Yes, I can pack away the chunky sweaters and thick socks. The sad part...I also pack away my boots, scarves and coats, the clothing items necessary for winter and which I LOVE. Now that's spring's here and the season of exposed skin is back, all I can see is how pudgy I got over winter (yes, I'm back in the gym already, but still) and how freaking WHITE I am. My thighs look like those of a ghost and the blue veins shining through on my arms make me feel like a poor rendition of a Jackson Polluck! The biggest issue though, every freaking morning - what in the name of Zeus am I going to wear??? So I found some lovely ideas on Pinterest and in the coming weeks will attempt to recreate them with what I currently have in my closet and then start hitting the sales. Here's a bit of a visual:

Now to rummage through my closet, find the existing items and be creative!! Have a good week all!

Spring...and wanderlust!!

Good morning people, and happy Spring time. Although, let's be honest, in this beautiful country of ours, there is TWO seasons, those being Summer and Winter. Autumn and Spring are illusions which we would love to buy into but we actually only feel them once the sun goes down, since the days are already cooking. All said and done we all adjusted our clocks yesterday as it was the end of daylight saving and me personally...my body and internal clock takes about 3 days to adjust to a ONE hour adjustment on the clock. Now can you imagine the pain and agony I go through whenever I fly through a number of time zones?? I have the worst jet lag ever!

Regardless of having the worst jet lag, the wanderlust has me by the throat, and since I can't go anywhere anytime soon, I've been drooling about the following places for the past couple of weeks. I'm putting it out there and the Universe in it's infinite wisdom will show me the way on how to get there. Anyone else wanna go anywhere?

LAS VEGAS

AMSTERDAM

JAMAICA

PARIS

NYC

Have a good Monday everybody!!

Movie mania!

I am a self confessed addict of modern cinema. I watch everything, except of course if it's soooooooooo artistic that it bores me to tears. Here's my philosophy - when I enter a cinema, rent a DVD or watch a movie on TV I want to be, nay, NEED to be entertained! I wish to leave my brain at the door and have fun, and walk out smiling. Yes, yes, once in a while I'll watch something a little deeper and intellectual, but if I TRULY want intellectual and deep, I pick up a book and read.

Now, regarding the movie mania, I have finally acquired a few films which I have been DYING to see, since the opportunity escaped me whilst they were playing on the big screen. And just because I can, I would like to post a review or two.

First off, let's start with The Hunger Games. I read the trilogy in a matter of days and then got my hands on the movie. First off, let me say that I am looking forward to catching fire as much as any Hunger Games fan. With regards to the film, it's to be expected that an adaptation VERY rarely lives up to the book. We've all experienced it with the myriad of book to film adaptations during the past decade. This adaptation was however very well done, and in my opinion can stand alone without one having had read the books. Of course, by not reading the books, you will be depriving yourself of the deeper and subtle nuances.

Regardless, I digress. I will not be going into the plot too much, but I must say that it's amazing how one can fall in love with a story which basically deals with a bunch of teenagers killing one another for the entertainment of others. In the same vein, it made me think, "How in the hell would I survive the Hunger Games?" The portrayal of the characters was on par, especially by Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss and Josh Hutcherson as Peeta. It was brilliant because the sometimes uneasy feelings I had whilst reading the book, I experienced in a similar fashion whilst watching the movie. The dialogue felt slightly stinted at times, but not overly so, considering that especially Katniss spends a great deal of her time within the arena alone. This film has the ability to move you, to sweep you along and leave you with a dull ache as you crave more. The scenes with Rue can cause anyone to newly appreciate a baby sister and the cave scene is simply special. Of course it can be labeled as romantic, but it's so much deeper than that, it has more layers than that and it's one of the scenes that made you feel slightly uneasy and aching for more all at the same time.

Lastly I must stress that whomever has the audacity to compare this to Twilight - wake up! I am not hating on Twilight at all but the comparisons are unfair and out of context. I personally would rate The Hunger Games a solid eight out of ten, as it surpassed my expectations and am very much looking forward to Catching Fire.

Next up, The Avengers. Yes, I know, I know, I know, I've been living under a rock, so sue me. In any event I have been looking forward to it for AGES and finally had the opportunity to watch it and I LOVE it!!!! I cannot stress how much I love this movie. It has EVERYTHING that I look for in an action movie. Lots of explosions and hand to hand combat, lots of icky monsters from other worlds, lots of witty dialogue between the lead characters and lots of FUN, but not without a few slightly deeper aspects. Each actor encompassed their parts fully and expertly. Of course they had some practice with all of the previous tie in films, all except Mark Ruffalo, who in my opinion was brilliant as Bruce Banner/The Hulk, one of my favorite lines being his - "That's just it Ms Romanov, I'm always angry." I swear I had goose bumps! I loved the conflict between the characters prior to them actually assembling and working as a team, the banter between them was priceless. I apologise, I know that I'm gushing, but I had a MASSIVE smile on my face through out the whole thing except of course when that big loss occurred, the catalyst for them finally pulling it together. I'm not the kind of person to post spoilers, even if the whole world has already seen it, just in case someone else lived in a cave for the past year.

With regards to the story line and the flow of the film, it seemed effortless. Of course, if one did not see any of the previous tie in Marvel films, you might feel a little bombarded with a lot of new information, but I seriously doubt that anyone who has watched this film did not watch the others. Loki is in my mind a perfect villain, partly due to his delusions of grandeur and narcissism. The interactions between him and Tony is in my mind some of the most memorable, of course due to the fact that Tom Hiddleston and Robert Downey Jr deliver their lines with such ease and wit that one cannot look away. In terms of character development, I think that of Steve Rogers/Captain America will capture anyone's heart, considering that essentially he's a very lost young man coming to grips with the reality that he lives in. Chris Evans in my mind did a very good job in this respect, especially considering the timely bursts of humor.

I am very much looking forward to the sequel, as well as any upcoming gems that Marvel has to offer. On it's own The Avengers will remain in my collection for as long as is possible and I rate it nine out of ten. Pure unadulterated pleasure!

Anybody else watch anything fun lately??

Successful experiment!

So, I got home last night and looked myself in the mirror. I have been a very good girl the past 4 days, moisturizing and sealing religiously, as little manipulation as possible and sleeping with my little silk wrap every night without fail. However, as it being winter, I'm sealing with serum, specifically ORS Glossing Polisher, which is heavier than coconut oil and thus my hair felt a little grimy and ready for a wash. After making the decision to wash I also eyed the left over colour from a couple of months ago, Caivil Ebony Black, a temporary rinse containing no ammonia or peroxide.

So I grabbed the colour and contrary to the instructions on the box I applied it to my dry hair, covering the detangled strands as much as possible. After that I slathered on Protein Feed Conditioner as a pre-poo right on top of the colour, covered my head with a shower cap, then a HOT towel, and a plastic bag over that and then enjoyed a cup of coffee and an episode of Supernatural, or two. I then jumped in the shower and proceeded with my normal wash day routine except that I didn't DC last night.

Regardless my hair came out SOFT and the colour intense. I proceeded to roller set, spritzing my home made leave in as I went along, dry with my hairdryer being on the cold air setting and then wrapped up my hair and passed out whilst watching more Supernatural. (Oh Dean, oh Dean!! He is so fine!!) This morning I simply bunned my hair with the help of an EZ comb, and my hair is soft, shiny, glossy, and the colour is lovely. I'm almost 5 weeks post and although I clearly feel my NG, it's not a bother, my hair is so soft that the freaking EZ comb wants to slip out if look over my shoulder too fast. And I love it!! All in all, I would say, a success.

PS Loving the HHJ, especially the random compliments from friends and colleagues. :-)

Protein overload

For the past decade or so protein's praises have been sung far and wide, harps have played in the heavens and Dr Atkins made a potful of money. And the benefits of protein were not limited to dietary behavior, as more and more companies realized that these building blocks of life can applied to practically every other product on the market which are targeted to women.

The effects of this of course include the myriad of women who have been on the Atkins diet, on the Zone diet and on the South Beach Diet, and if done in excess experience kidney and gallbladder problems . And, against expectations, it also includes women who have so many protein laden hair products that they suffer from hair breakage and shedding, not understanding why, as protein hair products are supposed to make your hair stronger.

All of this are consequences of protein overload. Too much of a good thing is not good either and therefore I am trying to jump on the balance bandwagon. Enough fruit and veggies, complex, low GI carbs, low fat proteins, enough water, gymming on a regular basis and maintaining a moisture/protein balance in my hair care. Nature has shown us the horrors of a planet out of balance, it's time that we as people sit and take note.

Life is a song

Everybody has heard that little line at some stage in their life, that life is but a song and that we shouldn't allow the negative to drag us down.

The joke is of course that whoever came up with this little cliche simply assumed that the song that represents life is supposedly cheerful and happy and all about birds singing, beez buzzing and children playing in green meadows.

I am saying this because today my life is a Linkin Park song, and it is neither cheerful, nor happy. It is however gut wrenching, honest and true. And it refuses to not be heard.

So here's my question to whoever is reading this - what song is playing in your heart today?

The craziness

Today was just one of those days. It started out with me feeling lazy and lifeless, but before the caffeine from my first cup of coffee could properly do it's job I promptly started running around, and only stopped about an hour ago. It's been so insane, I'm thinking about whether the gym is going to see me at all today. I know I should go, I'm just dreading going up 4 floors to get my gym gear, then drive through insane rush hour traffic and then stand in a line for a treadmill.

Regardless, a decision must be made soon. If push comes to shove I'll avoid the traffic and work out at home to an exercise DVD I bought last year that's gathering dust.

On other fronts, I'm sending out prayers for my uncle, who's currently in hospital. I pray that the Lord will look after him and send him home healing. This man is positive and full of life and he brings joy to anyone who's life he touches. Update (4/11): He's home! after almost 7 weeks in hospital, a month of which was in ICU, he's home. The strength of prayer, and faith and positive thoughts and energy is amazing. 

Time to pack up, time to head out. The gym decision will be made on the way to my car. Or maybe inside my car. Lol.

Like I said, random ramblings. I'm out.