Loc Braid Out

braided loc up-do

 The results are in. After keeping my lil protective style in for about a week, I took them down and here's what my braid out looks like.

re-twist stayed fresh 

ciao

Things I'm Diggin

1.This necklace/bracelet/hairband. It's malleable, so you can be as creative as you dream. I bought two and gave one to my sister. I am sure they sell them many places but I got mine from francesca's collections.It was $15, which I didn't mind droppin. I figure if anything, it's a nice conversation piece (it already has been).

 2. This awesome robe from anthropologie. I can't take credit for picking it out- it was a gift. I wore it all morning today while I did my laundry. C'est l'amour!

3. This clutch, which is also a shoulder bag. I also snagged this from francesca's collections. It was a little pricier than I like to pay ($38) but so far I've used it incessantly. I'm absolutely in love with the pattern. so purdy. 

That's all for now.
ciao

Hurray for Scarves: A Simple Headwrap Look

a break from teaching means plenty of time to play. Since Solange has done the big chop, I have to say she's been flyer than fly. Today, I am inspired by her headscarves.

 Solange in Paris (via  http://blog.franchesca.net/)









I went on youtube and found this simple headwrap tutorial. Fast forward 1:45 to cut to the chase.

And...here is how mines came out! Give it a try. My scarf was a little thinner than the tutorial, so I had to wrap it around more. Be creative; sometimes a mistake looks intentional. And, it's another way to rock that protective style while looking flyer than fly ;)

ciao

Time for a Condition and Protective Style

Ok. So I've been in the kitchen again, experimenting with oils and such to determine the best conditioning regimin for winter. Because I am semi-free forming my locs (only re-twisting the back of my head every 2 months or so), I need really wonderful protective styles, something to keep my hair up and away, protected from the winter air.

 Pictured here are three-week old pipe cleaner curls. These are actually a great protective style as well.









But... as you can see, I haven't re-twisted in months, so it's about that time.

1. clean that scalp. I'll do a deep Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse in a few months or so for a deep cleanse, but for now, I just scratch some of this into my scalp. love this shampoo, but really any shampoo will do. love a good tingle though.

 2. deep condition. this is my latest obsession. and, it's cheap too! 3.49 ain't bad.

3. I cover my head in a shower cap. My locs are too big for the shower cap I have, so I had to get inventive. A shopping bag will do ;). I kick back and relax, leaving it in for 15-20 minutes. 

4. time for re-twist!

5. as I re-twist, I plait the hair...

6. and voila! I take all of the plaits and pin them up. It took me about 4 bobby pins and a sloppy basket weave.

ciao

Homemade Xmas Gift: Product Review

 Ok so time to review my holiday creations. muahahaha!
see my post on DIY Holiday Fun for deets on ingredients and steps. shouts to urbanbushbabes.com for the recipes! 




1. DIY Sugar Scrub

Pros: easy to make; simple ingredients; easy clean up

Cons: no real fragrance to it, which may be a pro for many, but it kinda smells like grocery-store sugar.

Suggestions if you try: I added sweet almond oil for smell











2. Lemon Honey FaceWash

Pros: easy to make; simple ingredients; smells lemony; leaves skin smooth



Cons: a bit sticky- only use in the wash or if you have a little extra time to get a little messy

Suggestions if you try:
buy a good moisturizer! It works best if applied immediately afterward.
I also took a trip to the container store at the cherry hill mall. You don't have to do this, but find a container that allows easy access. I opted for a push-down spout.









3. Shealoe Butter
Pros: great to use on feet at night (with some socks of course); great for scalp, especially after shower.

Cons: white chunks may appear in the hair, so use sparingly. a bit greasy for full-body coverage. I would use it lightly.

Suggestions if you try: 
for final presentation, use a metal spoon to stir into a large crumble. zit's flat surface can be a little annoying for application.
I followed the recipe, but also took creative license with the ratios. Have fun! 

 

ciao

Cafe D'art: 0n Deck's Sundance

So, I've been following a number of different loc heads over the past two, three years. I Love this chick's style.

As for the artwork, would love one on my wall.
Checker out: http://www.wix.com/artiledo/t

UrbanBushBabes: Moisturizing Those Kinks! ...and beating the winter