Now that I've graduated...

Much more is expected of me, especially since I have that stigma of "Raven, you're eighteen, now." In the upcoming weeks leading to my graduation, I was busy with assignments, projects, readings, and finals. Now that's it's all over, I certainly have no excuse not to post often. :) I do miss it :o

Currently, I am sitting at the computer (finally back home! Hallelujah!) allowing my hair to air dry for the first time. I actually like the way my hair feels when partially air dried. (It's like really cool, yo :P) I shampooed and conditioned my hair, I deep conditioned for only five minutes under the dryer (because I wanted to play my new Sim 3, which turned out to be not as great as the Sims 2 :/), after I rinsed my hair out, I applied a tea tree leave-in conditioner, some Organix Coconut Milk Anti Breakage Serum (still the bomb.) and used Motion's Wrap Lotion. I am pleasantly happy with the results. While rinsing my conditioner, I definitely felt a diffrence in the strength and texture of my hair. Alright now ya'll. :] After my hair dries, I'm going to flat iron it and wrap it.

In other news, I've been sick! :P Stomach pains, headache, nausea! Not pretty! Lol. Like my chest has been giving me the creeps and right now my stomach isn't being too nice. But I've decided I would like to get more in tune with my blog. Posting more pictures, talking more about my HHJ, and my faith, and such. 

I have no other news, as I am TIRED. Have a blessed one!

Hair type: 4a/4b 

I am: Relaxed 

Hair length: NL 

Hair goals: Learn my hair.

Last Relaxer: 5/4/12 

Currently: 2 weeks post 

Last trim: February '12

Last protein treatment: 5/15/12 

Wearing my hair: Right now, it's air drying. 

Just purchased: Nothing ;o 

Wishlist: GVP Flat Iron, GVP Blow Dryer, A nice quality curling iron, GVP Products.

Loving: Organix Coconut Milk Anti-Breakage Serum 

Experimenting with: Different stuff.

Want to try: GVP products.

Challenges: ----- 

Update//Wash Day Pictures

I haven't been here in forever. D; I apoligize abour that, girlies. I know you missed me :o

I've had to take some time off to focus on my studies, and I promise I have not forgotten about my bloggs or yours and the people I follow, etc. I probably won't be posting as frequently, but I will make it a point to update at least once a week. Thank you if you are reading this. :)

I'm still reading TSBH; just awesome. Also, KeraCare never sent me squat. I've moved on. I want to try Kenra :D Any reviews?

Here are some pictures from wash day with the rollers in my hair that my aunt did. My set only lasted for like...two days. I've used the flat iron three times since my last wash. Uhg!

I had another picture, but it's not working? Weird. The set came out nice bouncy and shiny. Lovely and big! I have to switch the side my part is on, though. BC I am loosing hair on the side I wear my part on currently, and I'm also going to switch the way I wrap my hair. Still have to get my ends trimmed. I keep asking my aunt to do it, she says she'll do it, but who is still left with broke off, scraggily ends. My confidence has worn down. :/ I don't think I'll be comfortable with doing my hair until I get my ends trimmed. *sigh*

Anyways, enough rant. Like I said, I'll post whenever it is my convenience. I'm actually supposed to be doing an assignment right now. I have three papers to write. :/ Talk about college preparedness. Lol. Ya'll pray for my success!

Also; my SO and I got off track with our daily Bible readings, but now we're back on track. I'm so delighted because he seems so pasionate when he discusses the Bible. We're supposed to get together every Tuesday and Thursday to walk around the park and read our Bibles, and pray toegther along with reading and dicussion every night. I'm so blessed. :D

Ya'll girlies have a blessed day!

The Science of Black Hair

Hi! I finally got my copy of the Science of Black Hair! I'm very excited. :) The only thing is: I have the "e-version" and I read it on my Nook. But the worse part is, I have no idead where my Nook is, so I have to read it on my Nook App on my phone. >-< So reading it is pretty difficult; ten pages on my phone equal about one page in the actual book.

The good thing about the Nook version, was that I got it INSTANTLY. Versus having to order it and wait two weeks. Also I paid $9.99, no tax, versus the $34.99 for the special edition copy. I wanted the one in color and that's exactly what I wanted, with the down soud of having to strain my eyes in order to read. :P

So far, I've gotten halfway through Chapter 1. I'm usually a fast reader, but sometimes I just have to take a break from my phone. As much as I would like to read and learn more (which I am!), I just can't take too much straining.

Also, I can highlight with my App, it's just not the same as the actual book and being able to highlight. A lot of the key points are in little cute decorative boxes on certain pages in the books, which my apps pick up as a picture...I can't highlight a picture. :/

But enough about the App, and my phone, and my eyes, and straining! The book is amazing. And I'm far away from being knee-deep in. It starts off my breaking down the actual science and structure of the hair strands and follices, hair shedding processes, what our hair and scalp is composed of, etc. As much as I wish to skip ahead to the juicy details, I'm afraid that if I do, I won't get as much fullfilment out of the book as I can with reading the whole thing. I've learned alot in the first couple of pages. According to my App, I'm on page 43, which is almost the end of the first Chapter, I think. I just know the next topic begins on page 45. Lol. But like I said, it's amazing. You guys who haven't read it, should definitely do so. You won't regret it.

For those of you who have, what are your thoughts on the Science of Black Hair? Give me a quick review of what you may have liked or not liked. Was it worth your money? How are you feeling now that you know what you know about hair?

Thanks girlies! It's much appreciated! Also, today, I'm wearing my hair down and I'm not sure if I actually mentioned I got my hair back on track with my cholestoral treatment (with the unhealthy hair ingredients :/). I'm intrested in trying Kenra as my shampoo, clarifying, conditioning, and DC'ing systems. Any reviews from you guys?

Ya'll have a blessed day! I'm thinking about changing the way the blog looks. Hmm....

BSS Suggestions?/Currently 3/9/12

Hi, girlies! I'm just interested in you guys "basic" BSS list. Are there any products that you recommend that I should buy? Also, what are your top 3 products that you absolutely cannot live or do without. You all are welcomed to put more products :)

Also, on RHH I've seen her ask this question and I'd like to ask you all: If I was rich and had a million dollars to give each of you to get my hair in tip top shape like you girls', what would you do/suggest? Elaborate if you must! :D

Also, my Vitamins are working. My NG was thick after two days of use. I forgot to take pictures. XD But they're great. Spring Valley Hair, Skin, and Nail Vitamins<3

Also do you all ever have random cravings for Chineese food? BC I promise I've been living off of the desire for like a month! I get out of school early today, I may drop by Hong Kong Chef on the way to my SO's house. Lol.

Ya'll have a good one! Still waiting on KeraCare :P

Also, something to lift ya'lls spirits :D This is my song. God is so good, ya'll. "Sometimes I don't know the words to say, I just say OHOO" :D





Hair type: 4a/4b

I am: Relaxed

Hair length: NL

Hair goals: SL by May 2012

Last Relaxer: 2/18/12

Currently: 3 weeks post

Last trim: God knows when. I’m in the process of getting trimmed

Last protein treatment: 3/7/12

Wearing my hair: Pulled back. I could have still worn my hair from the previous Wash Day post, but this morning I tried to Bantu Knot my hair. FAIL. D;

Just purchased: Aphogee Keratin & Green Tea Restructuriser, Aphogee Style & Wrap Mousse, Organix Coconut Milk Anti-Breakage Serum, Spring Valley Hair, Skin, & Nail Vitamins

Wishlist: Silk Elements Wrap Lotion, Aphogee Essential Oils for Hair, Aphogee ProVitamin Leave-In Conditioner, Aphogee Spritz & Shine Styling Spray, Aphogee Shampoo for Damaged Hair, V05 Moisture Milk Conditioner, ORS Replenishing Deep Conditioner, Crème of Nature Shampoo, Crème of Nature Conditioner, Aphogee Gloss Therapy, Sally’s Argon Oil, Chi Silk Infusion, Roux Pourosity Control, EVOO

Loving: Aphogee Keratin and Green Tea Reconstructoriser! I like the Coconut Milk, as well.

Experimenting with: Apogee; its amazing! But I am also looking for something to balance out all of that protein… What do you all think of Elasta QP?

Want to try: KeraCare, waiting on my samples to come in the mail! :D Thanks Vee. :)

Challenges: Keeping my hair from breaking, reconstructing

Last Updated: March 9, 2012

I need a healing for my soul...

"I need a healing for my soul
So give me a healing for my soul
I need a healing for my soul
So give me a healing for my soul
(just for my soul I need healing)
Lord I'm looking for a new life so just for my soul
(just for my soul I need healing)
Lord I'm tired of crying all night so just for my soul
(just for my soul I need)
Lord I need thee oh I need thee
To take away this pain and misery
Cause god I just can't do this by myself
I need help lord..."

I am in love with this song. It actually matches the way I've been feeling lately. It's sad how often times it takes something to hit you hard on the head for you stop and think This is a ruse. I am still human, and I do have feelings. I feel that we as humans, women moreso, try to put on for our loves ones. What I mean is that, we try our best to maintain our cools. We try not to yell, and we evidently hide our feelings. We worry so much about the burden of other people, we tend to forget about ourselves.

Yesterday, that lesson was taught to me. I got into an argument with my cousin, who is younger than I am, and he was challenging me on the topic of maturity. He claimed that I was imature and that I won't be able to stand alone in college due to the following reasons:

• I do not drive.
• I do not have a job.
• I apparently "can't comb my hair"
• I rely too much on my parents
• I whine to my parents
• I rely too much on my boyfriend
• I whine to my boyfriend
• And he referred to the way I address my mom as "mommy" sometimes, and how I give my boyfriend little pet names such as "Noonie/Dookie Bear"

He claimed that he was "so much more" mature than I am, then it hit me. Why I am explaining myself to you? You're a CHILD. Compared to me. I told him things of this sort:

• I do not drive, because I am not worried about driving. On the other hand, its a bother to me anyway. I used to be excited about it, and now it irritates me. I don't like driving.
• I held a job for more than 18 months with an excellent customer service record, and at one time I held THREE jobs, to do for me. I didn't have a boyfriend. I worked at a grocery store, a toy store on the days I wasn't at the grocery store, and every once of "free time" I did have was spent BABYSITTING. I made my own means.
• I rely on my parents because ... they are my parents! They may live eight hours away, but they are who take care of me. I actually wish I'd chose to stay with them, but I wanted to stay near my boyfriend. Which makes it worth the sacrifice (I have a GOOD man, ya'll.) And what is to you? Are you mad because I can ask my parents for the moon and stars in the sky, and they work just enough to give that to me? I'm not trying to be sarcastic and/or funny. I'm being serious.
• I do whine to my mama. I admit. But who cares? I know she don't listen when I do that, anyway. :P
• I do not rely on my boyfriend. As a matter of fact my man. My man who does for me simply because he chooses to. If I ask him for the moon, he'll give it to me, because he loves me. He works hard for us, he takes care of me because he wants to. I've been trained to never rely on a man, and I often yell at him for handling jobs that typically belong to my parents or myself. One time I mentioned under my breath that I needed more bins in order to fit the rest of my belongings in my aunts house. HE WENT BOUGHT THEM ALL. That was never intended by me. My mom always says "You never have to tell a MAN what you need, he knows what you need." I don't have to ask him for anything. If I so much as think "Jump!" he's already trying to figure out "How high?" I know I don't need him, he's a young man as I am a young lady, but he's more of a man than my cousin could ever be.
• So what if I call my mama "mommy" or my man "baby" ; what business is it of yours?! Child.

I was mad ya'll. Then I refreshed my mind with Kelly Price's lyrics. I felt like crying myself to sleep, because for him to challenge me when he has NO IDEA what I'm going through. I thought I know I've gone through things he probably wouldn't even be able to think about! And then I came to "why are you explaining yourself to a child?" Uhg. I told him to never talk to me again for the rest of the year. This was broken, when I had to knock on his door to get MY phone charger from him. My own family. Child.

I'm sorry guys, I had to get that off my chest.

Good news!: Today is wash day :D; Shika, I'm trying the rollerset...pray for me ya'll. Haha. I will take pictures. :) And do any of you have any alternatives to Motion's Leave In?

Have a blessed day :)

Wash Day Photos (Late)/Currently 3/4/12

Finally the famous and LONG over do wash day pics! Lol. Enjoy and PLEASE provide feedback! Here goes nothing....lol

That's just how my hair looks when it's wet. This is before I detangled it. (AFTER I PRE-POO'D. God, I fail. Lol. :P) 

*The school I am going to is actually featured on this shirt. :) If you're familiar with Bayou Classic, it's one of those two schools.

A back view picture of my hair while it's wet. It's kind of blury...

Look at all the hair I lost due to the a fore mentioned detangling AFTER the PP. You're supposed to (well, I am) detangle before you put in PP and after you put in your leave-ins! Score one for Raven. -rolls eyes- At least I know what do do next time. I was completely appalled! If you read by Wash Day post, I think I mentioned that I didn't see virtually ANY hair in the sink after I DC'd! No more not detangling for me. :/ It's bad enough that I shed, that was a handful of hair! Well...I have pretty small hands...xD (But still! :P)

As you can see how small my hand is. Lol. But I took this picture to place emphasis on how much (or how little) Coconut Milk I pit into my hair. I'm not sure if you can see it, but I can...:P It's like...in that little dip of my palm...hmm, I might edit it, if I remember for my future reference.

That was actually my reaction after I got from under the dryer. Lol. (Low heat, no more than an hour; I think on this day, I only stayed under for a little over 45 minutes, or maybe less. It's in the Wash Day post. Lol. And I use a Vidal Sasoon Ionic Hooded Dryer. My mom gave me her old one and she actually got a new one exactly like mine excepts it's pretty and purple D;) 

But, honestly can you see how split and scraggily my ends are?! I can't wait to get them clipped. I'm so frustrated, I'm willing to do it myself....

I went from scraggily ends to this! :D I love how pretty it is! And excuse the way I was looking in the picture, I was tired and ready for Wash Day to be OVER. Lol. Also, I don't have front bangs. This is how I part my hair to wrap it. I can wrap either right or left, depending on what my hair "needs" if that makes sense. This week, I have wrapped my hair RIGHT and used bobby pins to hold it down. I tied up with my (pink! :D) satin scarf. *Note to self, I love this brand of scarf, but it's too big. You had to rip it in order to fit on your head... :'(

 I still can't wait for my ends to be clipped. Siiiigh.

Back view. You can see a little piece of the flat iron I used. (Yes, I went there! PINK BABY. LOL. :P) I have about four different flat irons that I use and one curling iron used only when I feel like I need a "bump" ; many of my tools are by Vidal Sasoon. The one I used that night was my Pink Revlon Ceramic 1" Flat Iron that I absolutely cannot find pictures of it on the internet. It's a pretty awesome flat iron; high in quality to say I only wanted a pink flat iron.

Top view, and view of roots. I love this picture. Look at how little Coconut Milk I used and the result it yeilded! Just lovely. The PP'ing also contributed to this.

Another top view at a different angle.

Another back view with those sloppy broke off ends. It looks a little nicer than the last, though. All these pictures really make me itch for those scissors...

I really don't like this picture, but as I said, my end results come from the "take down" of my wrap the next morning. This was actually taken shortly after school. Ew, my teeth look freakishly huge in this picture...lol...

Well, there ya have it folks! Those long overdo pictures! Lol. :D Please provide me with feedback. Much appreciated. :) 

Have a blessed day, you girlies! 

Currenlty working on blog pages. If I don't get lazy by the end of the day, Lol.

Hair type: 4a/4b

I am: Relaxed

Hair length: NL

Hair goals: SL by May 2012

Last Relaxer: 2/18/12

Currently: 3 weeks post

Last trim: God knows when. I’m in the process of getting trimmed

Last protein treatment: 2/28/12

Wearing my hair: Pulled back. I could have still worn my hair from the previous Wash Day post, but this morning I tried to Bantu Knot my hair. FAIL. D;

Just purchased: Aphogee Keratin & Green Tea Restructuriser, Aphogee Style & Wrap Mousse, Organix Coconut Milk Anti-Breakage Serum, Spring Valley Hair, Skin, & Nail Vitamins

Wishlist: Silk Elements Wrap Lotion, Aphogee Essential Oils for Hair, Aphogee ProVitamin Leave-In Conditioner, Aphogee Spritz & Shine Styling Spray, Aphogee Shampoo for Damaged Hair, V05 Moisture Milk Conditioner, ORS Replenishing Deep Conditioner, Crème of Nature Shampoo, Crème of Nature Conditioner, Aphogee Gloss Therapy, Sally’s Argon Oil, Chi Silk Infusion, Roux Pourosity Control, EVOO

Loving: Aphogee Keratin and Green Tea Reconstructoriser! I like the Coconut Milk, as well.

Experimenting with: Apogee; its amazing! But I am also looking for something to balance out all of that protein… What do you all think of Elasta QP?

Want to try: KeraCare, waiting on my samples to come in the mail! :D Thanks Vee. :)

Challenges: Keeping my hair from breaking, reconstructing

Last Updated: March 4, 201

GP are ya with me?!

Lol. Currently listening to S.T.O.M.P. by Kirk Franklin the Original Mix. :) Duuuude, I just discovered the Contemporay Gospel station on Pandora. -spazzes- OMG. I don't think I've mentioned before, but I have decided that I will no longer be (if I can help) listening to anything other than Gospel/Christain/Worship music. And I've noticed a change. It's a wonderful transition of maturity. I feel calmer, I don't get as angry, and I am constantly reminded of God's grace. It's a wonderful thing to do, and I think it's the greatest decision I've ever made in contribution to my happiness. I no longer wish to listen to "secular" music. I'm not saying there's anything wrong with it, I'm only speaking from my personal point of view. I used to sit and wonder how people like my mom and dad, or my boyfriend's parents, and also other people I've met can just sit and listen to gospel all day. It never made any sense to me, but now I understand. It is more of a personal thing. My mom always says to me "When you know better, you DO better." As far back as I can remember, she always made it a point to say "Does that uplift God?"

And don't get me started on the HIP HOP CULTRAL MOVEMENT Series that was held at my church. I LEARNED SO MUCH. And I will post on that later in life. Lol. But I'm serious about sharing what I learned with all of you. I said all that to say, when we know it doesn't promote God, why would we do it? I know it may seem like I'm blowing something so simple out proportion, like music, but it has always been a serious issue to me. Every time I would reload my iPod or the MP3 on my phone, a thought would go through my head "Delete and start over," and I wouldn't even have to think about with what, because I already knew the answer. This is where my heart lies. Praising and worshipping my savior. He does so many great things for us, He always waits for us, but we do a half jobs and expect instant blessings. It really makes you think. I'm quite proud of myself that I've come to this realisation. It seems like more and more everyday, I gain an ounce of maturity. It's a great feeling. :) I absolutely love that I have erased that contributing factor to the negativety in my life. I am a happier person. :)

I HAVE GREAT NEWS: I've also decided on which college I will be attending! :D I will post when I can make a pretty and nice banner or something to support my new school. Of all schools that I can get into, I chose this one. Everyone told me not to go, because I should be surrounded by people of my calibur, but I think I'll be fine. I have God on my side, child. :D

Have a BLESSED day. :D

Wash Day 2/29/12

Good morning, beauties! I am currrently unable to post pictures of my hair but when I am able to, I will certainly edit this blog post. I'm so excited about the way my hair came out, it's beautiful. I didn't even realise how many products I didn't need when it comes to just simple styling.

I'd like to start off by saying that if any of you have seen my new page titled "Regimen" I was totally confused about a PreePoo. Lemme tell ya'! PP'ing was probably the best desicion I ever made in my life in regards to my hair. As I have stated, my hair retains LOTS of moiture. It doesn't take very much in order for it to shine like the sun, and it doesn't take much for me too look like I belong on hotghtettomess dot com. (My boyfriend says that, lol.)

But I'm going to go through my run down. I followed my regimen, minus the wrap lotion, and if you read yesterday's post about the Aphogee, then we all know what happen to that. :( But, an-tee-way!

Yesterday, I PP'd my hair with a mix of African Pride's Olive Growth Oil mixed with water. It was so diluted that the oil was actually at the top of the bottle, so every time, before I sprayed I shook up my solution.

Best decision ever! Anyway, I put on a shower cap and I let the natural heat from my body do it's thing. Another contributing factor was the steam from the shower I took. My only downfall that I didn't detangle my hair. BAD MISTAKE. So I washed my scalp with Sauve Almond and Shea Shampoo, and agitated my scalp with the pads of my fingers.

Afterward, I deep conditioned for one hour with this:

And to my surprise, it did better than expected. I found it in our bathroom cabinet and applied to my hair. Shampoo = Scalp, Conditioner = Hair. I took a nap and everything and once I rinsed, I immediatley noticed a difference. The bottle says leave in for 3 minutes, but my hair is very corse and thick, so I added extra timing. When I looked in the sink, I only had TWO STRANDS OF HAIR IN THE SINK. I virtually had no breakage! I solute the PP for that. :) But my DC has made my hair so soft, and gentle, and flowly, a beautiful! Then I applied my leave-in:

I had to spray a lot in order to aid in detangling. If you've read in my hair tab, I like the Motions but Motions contains alcohol. I was determined to make my Aphogee work. Well in the end I lost a CLUMP OF HAIR. Due to my not detangling prior to PP'ing. Siiiiigh. I'll post a picture of my lost hair. And I also applied Organix Coconut Milk Anti-Breakage Serum to my ends, and VERY LITTLE through my hair as a heat protectant.

That stuff is the bomb, and it smells sooooo yummy! :) I love it. When I was down, I combed my hair down and let it hang, I did a length check and got under my hooded dryer set to low heat. Lemme tell ya'! God is good! I thought it would take forever, but I wasn't under the dryer a good 45 minutes. PRAISE JESUS! I'll also post my "afro" later. Lol. I flat ironed my hair, with no more products added, because when I got under the dryer I had a generous amount of shine. Just lovely! I have to post my flat iron results, but my end product comes from my overnight wrapping. When I took it down this morning: bouncy, flawless, shiny, beautiful hair. :D I was sooo proud of myself!

Now I need to optimise for growth, LOL. That Olive Oil has "growth miracle" on it and it does work! I defenately recommend it to anyone. Plus it's good for skin and nails. So amazing :) I'll be sure to post my pictures once I am able to!

Oh! I ordered my free KeraCare samples by the advice of Vee! You guys have a blessed day! :)

I am so happy about my hair :D Although my ends are like...in need of intensive care. Sigh. Lol

(All pictures taken from Google.)

Stress free 2012!

Check out my new Regimen Page! :D
Feed back is VERY MUCH appreciated! :-)

Yesterday, I was actually trying to post from my phone on my experience with the Aphogee foaming wrap lotion. I actually lost half of the bottle, and I've only used it once. I'm also supposed to post on my wash day >_< But I had a mishap which will be explained once I figure out how to get my phone to post my last blog.

Well, good day ladies, and the occasional gent! Before I get started I'd like to introduce the lovely Vee of http://thehodgepodgefiles.blogspot.com/! She's pretty sweet and I think you should check out her blog, or better yet, her fabulous hair :D. I wonder how she manages to get those twists to look so flawless? She and I need to swap hands for a year because hers are gifted. :)

Now, on the nitty gritty! I still have yet to post my 101 in 1001. Siiiiigh. Lol. But I do have a list of guidelines that I will make an effort to follow throughout the year 2012, and I'd also like to share them with you all who may be reading.

• Read the Bible every night, preceeded by prayer (understanding) and followed by prayer on said scriptures. (My boyfriend and I are actually following a YouVersion reading plan together, and I will also write about this in the future :D)
• Stop caring about what other people think of me
• Stop letting other people think for me
• Stop being so sensetive/taking things so persoanlly
• Don't be afraid to talk and meet people!
• Actually tell people how you feel, politely.
• Eliminate negative values in your life (cursing, drama, profane music out of my life.)
• Go on at least 6 fasts this year!
• Read at least 12 self help books to boost personal developement.
• Have fun and enjoy myself! You're not a child anymore, so enjoy it in an orderly fashion. Lol.
• Work out >___>;
• Eat healthy
• Cast my cares on God
• Listen to diffrent points of view
• Work hard, play later
• Make me happy! Do what makes me smile! It's time to stop worrying about the satisfaction of others, it's your time now. ALL ABOUT YOU.
• Make room - meaning: clean out all that useless junk, considering you're about to go to college and you can't take any of it with you :P

What are you stress free goals for 2012?