My FAV Detangling Brush for my hair

This brush here, I can not give enough accolades to. I first talked about it back in a post a month ago, and for the life of me I don't recall WHY I didn't give the info for where I bought it. Originally I had found it some place online and it was selling for $10 dollars and I ordered two of them. Well unfortunately they didn't send it and after sending an email about it I received a full refund on it. 


So I went hunting for it and found it on a horse website called HORSELOVERZ.COM!

 Oh and it was only  

$1.55. 

Sooooo you know I had to order a few. Well needless to say, after first using the brush I can say it has helped me TREMENDOUSLY with my detangling. I don't go to my bathroom on Wash Day WITHOUT it. It comes in six colors. I've also become aware that this brush is also called the WRANGLER BRUSH.

Colors available: Black, Blue, Hot Pink, Lime Green, Purple, Red.

Now please be aware like I said before when I FIRST saw this brush it was going for $10 bucks, but I have seen it on various other sites ranging from $10 to as low as $1.55, with plenty of other websites in between with varying prices.


Some other websites that also carry this brush are as follows for under $2.00:

All Things Western

Chicks Discount Saddlery

KO Trading


For my Amazon.com diehard people, go here.


The following videos definitely helped me make up my mind in regards to buying and trying this brush. 

This video is by one of my fav Natural Hair youtube gurus: India from My Natural Sistas.

Another Natural Hair youtuber I follow: BlakIzBeautyful

So overall, I can say my 4 a/b hair LOVES this product and will continue to use throughout my hair journey. 

Oh and just a word of advice, Shipping is 5 bucks from the website I ordered it from, so if you are smart and don't want to spend that much for shipping on just one item, gather some other girlfriends together and order a nice size shipment to justify the cost;)


Until the next episode....

 All That MsJazz

It's official: 1 year of Kinks and Coils

Now - 5/26/13

Then - 5/26/12

One year ago today, I did the Big Chop on my hair and I haven't looked back.

One year ago today, I had a mini panic attack and thought, "Oh shit, what have I done!"

One year ago today, I said goodbye to the curtain of hair that shielded my face.

One year ago today, after my big chop I immediately went to Trader's Joe and bought Shampoo and Conditioner and washed my hair for the first time without worrying about it ripping out of my scalp or getting tangled. Hell I was happy to just be able to WASH my own hair!

Since then, I've learned alot about how to take care of my hair ranging from my beautician, to watching YouTube videos and reading natural hair care books. Yet even with all that out there, I still feel at times that I'm still learning just as much about my hair now as I did a year ago.

 I enjoy watching the growth of the my hair but still get impatient from time to time wanting my length back. I've learned to be more responsible with my hair now that it is natural better than I ever did when it was relaxed. I guess my only source of frustration is styling. I know my hair is long when pulled but boy it sure is coily as hell. Still trying to figure out how to stretch to get some length going. Shrinkage is a bitch. So for a whole year except for the two times I've seen my stylist, I've been wearing nothing but Wash n Go's. But thankfully my wash in go's look like I've had Finger Curls done because of my hair's natural curl pattern.

Today was suppose to be a wash day but with it being Memorial Weekend I wasn't sure if I was going to be grilling so I thought I better hold off until then.

No, not ashy in the face, just happen to take pic with flash on. lol

So here is to my first year natural, looking forward to many more;)

Until the next episode....

 All That MsJazz

Count your blessings, not your worries

Yesterday I can say I had a great day. I mean it was such a day that I had to take a step back and say, "wow, someone is looking out for me".  Of course that morning it didn't start out that way, I was so worried about some things I was like, how am I gonna make it through the day without stressing...

My blessings came in various forms yesterday.

Problem 1.- Had to call my bank about a dispute with a fee.

Blessing 1. - They took care of the fee. No long drawn out hassle.


Problem 2.- My gym membership (yea the same one I have had but unfortunately had not been to since last November) had apparently not been paid for April. I didn't know until I received a notice. 

Blessing 2. - When I did try to pay it yesterday I called the gym and they said that it had been taken care of. So I thought the lady there had lost her mind and so I called the billing company in charge of my account and they stated that April had been taken care of by my gym. I just started laughing on the phone and thought WOW. I thanked her and did a happy dance in my seat. I guess that is my sign to get my butt back in the gym:)


Problem 3.- I didn't bring a lunch so I was thinking about what to eat.

Blessing 3.- A former coworker came through surprisingly and brought lunch for the whole office from Nadoz Cafe. Can I just simply say that Wendy is AMAZING and the Panini sandwiches that she brought us to eat yesterday were the BEST that I have had in a LOOOONGGG time.

Turkey Cranberry-  

House Smoked Turkey, Cranberry Aioli, Cheddar Cheese

on Fresh Baked Sourdough Bread

After I left work for the day I went to the Delmar Loop because I was in the mood for some Phili rolls and rice for dinner. As I was sitting there I just kept thinking, I had such great blessings for the day. But then I thought about all the other blessings that happen every day that I really don't stop and pay attention to. 

So I just want to say, "Thank you God" I might not still know what to make or do with myself just yet, but can only hope I haven't missed my purpose.


Until the next episode....

 All That MsJazz

Busy Bee: A Natural Hair Meetup, A Wedding, Grocery Shopping, then a Graduation Party ALL IN ONE DAY!

Act 1:

Saturday morning I woke up early and washed my hair since I knew I would be super busy this weekend. First thing on the agenda was to attend a Natural Hair meetup that was held at the Regional Arts Commission of St. Louis in the Delmar Loop. I wanted to at least get in one hour since I was attending a wedding right across the street at the Moonrise Hotel.

The host for this event, A CURLY ART AFFAIR, was Saint Louis local, Sunshine. The guest of honor was actress and comedienne Kim Coles. Upon entering I received a bag with a few items inside. There were various vendors there also on the first and second floors including my beautician Daisha Putman with The Christopher Stevens Salon. I made sure to hit up all the vendors for business cards. 

Inside my goodie bag

 

While taking pictures I noticed a cute pair of earrings that I thought I might add to my collection.

 

There also was a room on the second floor where there were speakers that were talking about their various hair experiences. I recognized two speakers, the bloggers behind Glamazini and My Natural Reality. The other two speakers were from Naturally Free To Be Me and Kinky Curly Coily Me.

Now there was someone there in particular that I really wanted to meet. Ash, is an artist who has made some amazing pictures. I even contacted her back in February and informed her that I would like a self-potrait in the future. We spoke for a little while and I told her I would definitely be in touch. Check out her website at Ash The Painter and you will definitely see what I'm talking about.

Act 2:

Jovan and Sauntura Jones Wedding

So after going to the Natural Hair show for a hour, I make my way to the Moonrise Hotel and I go inside and greet the groom. The wedding is taking place on the roof of the hotel and I must say it was very pretty. The weather wasn't an issue and the bride was gorgeous! The colors were plum and eggshell. The bridesmaids look beautiful and the groomsmen very handsome. The ceremony went at a nice brisk pace and the reception was great with upbeat music and a few finger foods as well as some sweet treats were enjoyed by all. I had a great time and wish my nephew and new neice all the happiness in the world. They also surprised us that they are expecting this August.  Congrats to the new couple;)

 

 



Intermission:

 Went grocery shopping with mom.

Act 3:

By the time I got back home with my mom from grocery shopping I had to immediately get ready for a graduation party that I was invited to that was being held at SqWires Resturant. It is located in Lafayette Square, a historical district in Saint Louis. The houses are beautiful!!! So I had a great time with Zippy, Mike and Zippy's brother (whose name I have unfortunately forgetten, but the conversations I have not. lolol) I along with Zippy enjoyed for an appetizer the Baked Brie.

Baked Brie - figs, dates, golden raisins, pecans & maple,
herb crostini & sliced baguette

For my main course I just decided on some French Onion Soup. So as we are enjoying ourselves a few more of their friends join us and after we are finished with dinner we decide to head across the street to Bailey's Chocolate Bar for dessert. Since I already was full by the time dinner came around, I opted out of the sweets. Overall I had a great time and I'm so proud of Mike!

my look for the day

  

Bonus:

St. Louis Cardinals vs Milwaukee Brewers

On Sunday I was excited because I had tickets for the baseball game and was hoping a friend of mine could come with me, but unfortunately it didn't happen, so I had tried giving them away to some friends but they already had plans so I decided that I was going to just go by myself and made my way to UMSL South Metrolink so I could take the train to Busch Stadium. By the time I was on the train I knew it was going to be an issue with so many people crammed in like a bunch of sardines. It brought back some old times when I used to take the train to get to high school downtown.

Unfortunately the lack of manners has become an epidemic with black teenagers especially when riding public transportation. I tell ya I couldn't WAIT to get off that train and make my way into the stadium. While enjoying a snack I saw a few coworkers and we chatted for a while.  Afterwards I just walked around the first level and made a complete circle around the stadium, I didn't even get to my seats which were in section 372. I had a better view just walking around:)

I left around the top of the 7th inning but made sure to take pictures before departing.

  

So the return trip back on the Metrolink was even WORSE than on the way there. I thought a few fights were going to break out. I couldn't wait to get back to my stop and get home. Overall I had a great but VERY BUSY weekend. School lets out for the kiddies
 


Until the next episode....

 All That MsJazz

Project Walkabout: Jefferson Barracks County Park

Yesterday was a busy day for me. I decided I needed to make a little bit of an update to my wardrobe and bought about 9 maxi skirts in various colors. Of course I put some serious milage on my car criss crossing all over the place and would you believe that during my travels for one particular maxi skirt at Body Central, I had to go all the way out to South County mall. I also would like to take time out to thank the person or group of people who came up with the creation of spandex in clothing;) Especially for skirts;)

When the Porceleon God pays a visit, you better damn well stoop over and listen.

*Might be considered a tad bit graphic SO read at your own risk, you've been warned*


Yesterday was a normal day for me just like any other. I went to work and put in my 8 hours just like any other day. I even decided to order out with  a coworker and we decided on some Italian food for lunch around 11am. She a salad, myself some pasta. After work I went to the McDonalds near my hourse to get something to eat which was around 5pm and then hit up the Walgreens next door to pick up a Mother's Day card.

At this time I was feeling my normal self. Nothing out of the usual and then within 30-45 minutes of being home my stomach starts to cramp. I mean cramp so bad it felt as though someone had their hands on my intestines and just were squeezing, it also didn't help that I was feeling a slight tightness in my chest as well. I tried laying down to see if I could wait for the pain to pass by but that didn't help. I was up walking around in my room massaging my stomach because this pain was just unheard of for me to be experiencing.

Eventually I make my way to the master bathroom and just near the tub wondering what the hell is going on. I kept thinking ok my stomach is about to do something so I better be within the vicinity of a toilet just in case.  I tell ya at this point my face was red, my hands were shaking and my body was just driving me crazy. So I decided I was going to just induce vomiting to see if that would help.

So eventually it starts and I"m thinking ok one good try and I should be ok. NOPE It keeps coming to the point that a nerve is starting to pinch in my forehead and as I'm spitting up I'm even seeing some small traces of blood. Talk about pain. I was crying and just kneeling in front of the toilet thinking, "Please God just get me through this". I wasn't sure if it was something bad from McDonald's or heck maybe a sign from God that I need to get my butt back in gear.

After a while, I had enough strength to go back to my room and I decided I needed take some Aleve and drink some orange juice. Within 20 minutes of taking the medicine and laying down, I barely made it back to the restroom and again had ANOTHER episode. By this time I swore I was able to talk to the spirits.

I eventually get back to my room and lay back down and within 15 minutes I was knocked out and slept for 5 hours. I woke up late around 11:30pm and was taking a physical assessment of myself. My stomach pains were gone and the sharp pain in my head was gone. I couldn't figure out what in the world happened and chalked it up to something bad that I ate at McDonalds.

So today while at work I was relaying the story to two of my coworkers and they asked me how I had been eating before. I told them mainly veggies and meat for a while, every now and then something else maybe from a fast food place. So one of them thought my stomach might have rejected the fast food this time around. I told them that bout of pain I went through last night really scared me. I made sure to bring my lunch today and had broccoli and corn. Hell before I went to work I stopped by Schnucks and picked up some oatmeal packets and decided to seriously get back to eating healthy and working out.

It was so weird, yesterday (while on my lunch break) I had been looking at sport watches. I had been looking into buying one for the past 2 years but never could decide on which one. I was looking at Polars and some other companies and I decided yesterday and purchased a Polar Men's Sport Watch FT7. Retail price for this watch is $117, but you know I'm to savvy to pay full price;)

Polar Watch FT7

 
I already used Endomondo to track my fitness (when I would get up to do something)  but I needed something to let me know my heart rate and calorie burn. After doing some research and chatting with a Polar representative, I decided this watch would work the best for me.

Now I need to decide if I'm going to stick with my current gym. I hadn't been there in a while because it was killing me in gas but I do love the layout of the gym and the classes. So really need to decide is it worth it for me to still stick it out and go or try to find something else closer to the job? I've already looked and right now, prospects as far as finding another gym as much as I like my current one, not looking to good. I have gotten back into my walking but I know I need to really get back into an active routine.

Also after work yesterday I had to take the Nutribullet I bought back last September back to Best Buy to do an exchange because it was acting psycho so I have to wait for a new one to be shipped to the location near my job so I can pick it up and get back to making my health drinks.

All day today I mainly thought about that painful and frightful episode last night. I honestly thought I was going to die in that bathroom and be remembered as the girl who crapped out and bit the dust while talking to a toilet. Looks like I was given another chance to change.

 

Until the next episode....

 All That MsJazz

When DIY (Do It Yourself) for Natural Hair meets MATH

I had been searching the internet for a forum that dealt with various oils (carrier and essential) and how to use them. I found a WONDERFUL forum by the name of Ananda Apothecary and posted the following dilemma to them.

Go to the following link here to see the forum connected to this issue:
http://www.anandaapothecary.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=1592

I use the following mixture to make my hair oil and decided to add an essential oil to my mix. I have afro textured hair (kinky) and I use the mixture every other day or few days depending on how my hair  feels.

[u]Homemade Oil mixture[/u]
2.5 oz Olive Oil
1.0 oz Jojoba Oil
1.0 oz Grapeseed Oil (not part of original recipe, added by myself)
1.0 oz Castor Oil
1.0 oz Sweet Almond Oil
1.0 oz Avocado Oil
0.5 oz Vitamin E Oil
0.5 oz Red Pimento Oil (not part of original recipe, added by myself)

What I would like to do is incorporate peppermint oil into my hair oil mixture. I honestly still am clueless as to how much to use. Any assistance is greatly appreciated.


Now my 2nd dilemma is that I also make my own shea butter mixtures as well for my hair and want to add Lavender oil for that mixture.

I use the following ingredients:

8 oz Raw unfiltered shea butter
1 tablespoon of coconut oil
1 teaspoon of olive oil
1 teaspoon of castor oil
1 teaspoon of jojoba oil

When this is whipped up it makes 16 oz. How many drops would you recommend for this mixture? Please keep in mind I use this on a daily basis. Thank you much and again any assistance is greatly appreciated.

To find out the responses I received, go here.

Credit on both recipes go to Naptural85

Until the next episode....

 All That MsJazz