A Memphis Brown Eyed, Natural Beauty

For Colored Girls Wkend

2010-11-15T16:43:00.000-08:00

Watch out there now! My locks are getting longer and more lock- looking... If u know what I mean. Still in love with my hair after 2.11 years! Refer to the locLoops tag and check out the earrings! My hair is almost past them!

During the opening weekend of For Colored Girls..... I went to a mother daughter bday brunch honoring a neighbor. We all wore hats ( which I had to borrow b/c I'm not a church hat owning kinda girl.... I had fun. Then afterwards we went to see the awesome movie.... Dinner.... Then drinks! What a good weekend spent with beautiful, strong, empowering black women.

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Tried FushiaStorm Double Bun!

2010-09-17T18:45:00.001-07:00

This was fun! I gotta a lot of compliments all day long! This was the only way I could put my hair in a bun by using the bandana method. Click on Fushia's site on the right under my Sisterlock Family. I tweaked it a little. I held my head down and tied the bandana on my head to make a ponytail. The ponytail holder techinque didn't work for me. Then I followed everything else like her blog said. I will definitely use this style again! Oh and I had to tie a headwrap on cuz my locks in the front are shorter and the fly aways drive me crazy! Enjoy!

-

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Updating blog!

2010-09-16T11:32:00.000-07:00

Hi girlies! I still can't figure out where my SL bloggers went... ;( I will still update my blog. So much has been going on. My ex-husband passed away from a car accident. I was very sad about it but was at peace because our last words to each other was in October when he called me for my 30th bday. They were friendly and pleasant and i got a chance to tell him that I forgave him. BF was very supportive and by my side. This incident showed me that he is truly on my team and is the one for me. We havent been together 5.5 years for nothing! My Sls are still the same to me... Nothing changed but my ponytails are starting to look 10 x better! I am also losing weight... A lot of it. I started on 8-9-10 weighing 181lbs! As of today 9-16-10, I weigh 164! My secret weapon is Medifast and just a Lil exercise. I try and walk about 30 times/ 3 days a week. My goal weight is 135. So I got about 30lbs to lose. Medifast is kinda expensive but only bc I have to pay a lump sum for 40 days. I will continue this until January. We will see what happens... Here are some pics until next time!

RIP Alejandro Perez
( I was 135 in this picture and a permie...)

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Photo update

2010-07-21T10:50:00.000-07:00

These photos were taken between May and July 2010 (2 year/ 5 months thru 2 year/ 7 months). Enjoy!

Teeth are getting straighten...

Purple lock down....

Braid out...

That's all for now! Still loving my sisterlocks! Follow me @ sislockedbeauty (Twitter) and on facebook @ facebook.com/freecb

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March Madness

2010-03-21T13:11:00.000-07:00

Well ladies it's that time of the year! Shout
out to all the Memphis Tigers fans!!!! just wanted to keep
my blog going and post some pictures of the hur! I was a hostess at a friend's wedding-

taking pics of my new braidout-

and me spoiling Marley after an unwanted bath session.

Simply, naturallly me!

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Playing around!

2010-02-22T11:51:00.002-08:00

Well I got this idea to add some color to my hair from all the music videos and the hundreds of women in Memphis. Lol! I wanted to find some kinky hair that was colored purple- my fav color next to black. The plan was to sisterlock the track and then glue it in ;)... Ok ok I was bored and the idea just popped up. I'm still too chicken to touch my own hair with bleach n color so that's when the weave thing came up. The weave was too str8 and after back combing and installing 5 sisterlocks, I got lazy and just really wanted to see the results. I Bobbie-pinned in the row of weave and took sum photos. The bf didn't like it. But I just know it will be super cute once I find some purple "marley" type hair and sisterlock the whole track. I'm looking forward to wearing this style in the summer. Here are some pilot or concept pictures!

-

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December 17th 2 yrs!!

2009-12-17T11:51:00.000-08:00

Well I know I'm late posting but it's been hard to keep up with blogspot and facebook. Here's a pic of me at the two yr mark. My hair had been rolled on "hotdogs"... Well that's what my stylist calls them. Lol I'm back and I'm sorry blog followers that it took so long to post. Peace

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Happy 30th 2 Me!

2009-10-08T23:40:00.000-07:00

What a ball! I had so much fun enjoying life and everything about it this whole week. My heart is just so full of love! I am so lucky to have a family like mine... A mother who cares about me so much she doesn't care if feelings will get hurt,,she's going to tell you whats on her mind. It took me a looong time to understand that! A father that truly loves his baby girl and would walk to the ends of the earth with me if I needed him. Two loving brothers that I adore and who adores me back. 3 BEAUTIFUL NIECES AND THE ONE AND ONLY Handsome Nephew.... I love you guys you always make TT happy and make me smile. I am also lucky to have two beautiful sisters in love ( E and T )that are strong women. I truly care about them and my brothers are lucky to have them. Even though I am grown I am lucky to have a God-mother that has been there for me from birth remembering each birthday and always there for any event in my life. I love you so much God-Mother E. I am so lucky to have friends...true friends that have been with me thru thick and thin. You guys are the best and you definitely know who you are! I am also thankful for my fellow bloggies and sisterlock wearers who have made that commitment to show your natural beauty and are beautifully rockin that natural hair style. Whether you are rocking an afro, locks, twists, etc. You guys made it easier for me to wear my natural hair and I am truly thankful for that! I hope that the next thirty years of my life will be filled with the same love, joy and peace as my first thirty.

Fall is Here!

2009-09-29T08:57:00.000-07:00

Although I am a warm climate kind of girl, I also enjoy the colors and clothes of F-A-L-L. I can also see and feel my hair thickening up as I approach my 30th birthday! I have always dreamed of how I will bring in my 30th to only find out I will be alone. My parents are going away on a Retreat and I broke up with my long-term boyfriend 3 days ago. I will just have to call up some friends because I am not celebrating alone! Still haven't replaced my camera... maybe I will get one for the b-day. Who knows... I will post some pics soon because I dont want to look back 3 years from now and I dont have pics from those months during my journey. Well I will talk to ya soon after my birthday so I can post sum pics.
So I will leave you with some 30 yr old quotes I found on the internet. LOL
Everything I know I learned after I was thirty. - Georges Clemenceau

Time and Tide wait for no man, but time always stands still for a woman of thirty. - Robert Frost

When you turn thirty, a whole new thing happens: you see yourself acting like you parents. - Blair Sabol

I'm turning thirty this year. And you know the saying, a woman over thirty is more likely to get hit by an A bomb than find a man. - Fanny Fink

Thirty-five is when you finally get your head together and your body starts falling apart. - Caryn Leschen

Happy Summer!

2009-07-12T07:07:00.000-07:00

I'm baaaack! I really never left, I've commented on other SL blogs but since my camera is tow-up, I haven't been able to post. A post isn't fun without pictures! A friend of mine was nice enuf to take some impromptu pics of me. I saw him coming out of the store and he took some snaps. They came out perfect! Luckily I had on some make up and a stylish shirt... I was on my way to a birthday dinner in honor of my father. Well, anyway everything is going good with me. My relationship with P has seriously been tested...but weeee stilllll together! This long distance stuff is hard!!! I can't wait until he graduates. The teeth are getting comfortable with the brackets but the Jaw and lips are still mad at me! The ortho appts are getting better. No noticable changes in teeth though. My sisterlocks have still been good to me. But I sometimes think that the fairies come out at night and cut inches off a week! LOL No I'm kidding..my hair actually passes my shoulders now-but only when I pull it. It sucks because I'M READY TO TRY LONG LENGTH HAIR STYLES!!! I still dont know when the shrinkage will finally stop. I am just happy that I don't have to comb my hair still and I love that when I'm riding with my boyfriend and all the windows are down, I can put on my shades and let my hair do what it do! and when we arrive to the destination, I can just shake, fluff and go! That's the freedom of SISTERLOCKS baby!

2009 Goals Revisted

2009-07-01T07:35:00.000-07:00

Ok I just read my past post---- 2009 Goals and um WTH was I thinking..... Ok lets dissect the list shall we...

So here are my new years goals....... Save a dime in 09 Haven't saved anything more than I'm normally saving (403b, stocks, etc) Does it count that I've paid some loans off since Jan?

1. save for car Haven't done this yet..Still undecided about purchasing a new car. I want one for swag but I don't NEED one. I mean who still drives a Daewoo...I do! Does it count that I've replaced the really cracked windshield, added auto tint, fixed the AC and bought new tires?

2. save for wedding Ok this was a REAL stupid goal to begin with. Sometimes ladies we are guilty of thinking this will be the year that he proposes... He has never asked and I was wrong to assume that I needed to save for a event that hasn't even been initiated, Well it has been 4 years.... But 3 1/2 of those years he has been an undergrad college student. And if you read Steve Harvey's book - "Think like a man but act like a lady" than you will understand that men need to know who they are , what they're going to do (job), and how much money they are going to make before they can even think about marrying you... and P doesn't know the latter two. I think I am going thru this "I'm turning 30" phase. You know when you were a child you mapped out your whole life? By 30 I suppose to be married with 2 kids living it up... It's just Marley and Me. I didn't want to start having children at 35 but I guess I have no choice.... I can go on and on on this subject... I digress

Marley wishing the bag was full...

3. invest in a treadmill Bought an Elliptical instead and I MAKE mself get on it twice a week. So far so good but I miss working out with people/gym

4. Lose 25 lbs Dont know how much I weighed when I wrote this but I know "I aint loss no 25lbs!" lol it's a work in progress....

5. Get 4 new Sisterlock clients this year Ok I quit the SL business. I wasted ALOT of money. Memphis is not a great place for natural hair care. There are three women who has been SLing for 7 yrs plus and they got Memphis on lock! All my appointments cancelled on me-changed their mind- etc. P says I never really wanted to do it anyway, I was just fasinated about the thought of extra income. My new thing is to opening a preparatory school for ages 3-5 in a rural area outside of Memphis. Anyone know a grant-writer? Teaching is really my true and first love.

So there you have it! I've revised my goals for the remainder of the year...

1. Lose 25 lbs- current weight 161

2. Save money- not for a car or anything particular just some saved cash on hand

3. Start saying NO

Wish me luck!

New LOOK

2009-04-10T20:55:00.000-07:00

my first professional photo with braces..you cant see them...

NOW YOU CAN!!

My baby Niece

Happy in Atlanta

THE OLD ME..... I had a gap..but at least I could smile pretty, eat whatever, and talk without spitting everywhere without my lip getting stuck over my braces.....

OK so what do I do the year that I will turn 30??? Get braces. The day after, I cried hating myself for ever taking on this leach. I can't eat because my over-bite is so bad...none of my teeth are touching except two in the back. I cant even eat salads. I had to cough up the money and bought a juicer. I like it and believe it or not, I am getting full off of juice all day. I can manage to eat smashed up green beans and potatoes of course. I also bought a Waterpic and I am attached to it. I don't know how anyone is not NOT using it... no more flossing ever... Here are the embarrassing photos of my teeth... and just like my hair posts, I can look at these pics three years from now and say, "I remember when...." There is also a not so embarrassing one of my pretty neice, M. and of course the love of my life in Atlanta

new do

2009-01-03T09:30:00.000-08:00

I wanted a new look for the new year and school is about to start Monday. I want some curls! But I also wanted length. I usually use locloops but it always made my hair too tight. I like the softness about them and I will definitely use them when I get some serious hang time! I asked my friend that has very very long locs what type of rollers does she use and she recommend that I buy the purple rods. When I got to the store that were twosizes and my common sense told me to grab the longer ones. I also grabbed some Lottabody (don't tell anyone) I mixed 20% of lottabody with distilled water. I washed my hair too but it dries so fast that I had to re-wet with the spray bottle just to roll it up. My hair didn't even need washing. Next time I won't wash it unless it needs it of course!

Here is the side view. I am just noticing the lock in the front I left out... No wonder it looks funny now... I left the back out for length. It was like the last five rows because my last three rows are a mess. ( see my label bantu knots ) My hair broke off real bad before SL so I like to spoil them to promote growth. I let them freestyle as much as possible.

The verdict. It has been about three days when this pic was taken. I was on the go to see BF for new year's eve celebration.I took the rollers out on the highway of the three hour trip. I only let my hair air dry for about 11 hours. I wished I had a hair dryer. I think it will last longer.

Another shot in robe and rollers. lol

I tried to take a pic showing how the str8 locs I didn't curl added a lil fullness to the back area. It blends in nicely.

I am happy about these curls. They are the perfect length and size! This pic was taken 4 days later. I do not roll my hair up at night. I bought a satin pillow case. I fall asleep. That's all I do to my hair at night. I think I will finger comb my hair today....

Happy New Year!!!

2009-01-01T00:03:00.000-08:00

I hope that everyone will have a great new year! Use this year to change something that has been on your mind to change for quite some time now but somethings always end to either get in your way or you have an excuse for your own self. Last year I texted all my friends... be str8 in 08. This year its - save a dime in 09! We need to be more frugal in 09 and store away some money somewhere. You don't have to be rich to save. I can't ever seem to save any money in my saving account because I can see and if I click on my online banking account, I can move it into my checking and touch it! I do I have a 401k with my job and a 403b account. This money is not readily available and it is helping me to save. I will also try to save some net earnings as well. I have been dreaming of driving away in a MINI Cooper S Convertible since they came out in 2005. I want one very badly but finances seem to always get in the way of things. With sticker prices starting at 31,000+, I'm not sure if I can afford it with new car insurance. I am currently driving a 99 Daewoo Lanos. (Remember those??) I think I'm the only one in Memphis with one. But when they werenew on the scene I ust had to have one. I admit it was a great car for me while I was in college but now I am in love with the MINI since the first moment I've laid eyes on him. And then there's the wedding that my boyfriend wants (May 2010) We will have to pay for everything ourselves and I don't plan on touching my savings for it. So theres the car and wedding... Which will come first? Who knows... all I know that I can't afford any of it now. The question is will my finances get worse or better in 2009??? So we have both committed to save a dime ( alot of dimes) in 2009!
Then theres the big W word- WEIGHT! I hate my size. I also hate the fact that I think about weight all day even in my dreams. I can't even eat without feeling guilty. I am trying to purchase a Nordictrack treadmill that features the iFit exercises. It will be about 800 after taxes. Hopefully I will lose about 25 pounds this year. I miss Bikram Yoga classes. It was costing 150 a month. Its hard living on your own, paying for everything, and trying to live a healthy lifestyle. I wish that I could have both but I chose the treadmill because it will be home and I can use it whenever I wanted to.
So here are my new years goals....... Save a dime in 09
1. save for car
2. save for wedding
3. invest in a treadmill
4. Lose 25 lbs
5. Get 4 new Sisterlock clients this year
Simple goals huh? Wish me luck!

I am still not eating meat. I want to be vegan so bad but this girl loves some cheese! No matter what soy product I've tried nothing compares to real cheese especially pepper jack!
Oh and happy new year to my friends...... I am sorry for not making time to hang out with you guys as much as we used to. I love you all! You know who you are!
My parents- You guys are the best and I love that I am your daughter. Big hand clap to my mom for leaving the perms alone. Her hair is very thick and healthy now.
To my brothers- Continue to strive to be great fathers, your children are my light of the day!
and to my Anan- I love you more every day and I am truly blessed that the Most High sent you my way....may our love grow sweeter in 2009..... ( 4 years in April... u ready?)

BTW... I'M GETTING BRACES! ANY ADVICE??? HELP!

Special Introductory Pricing on Sisterlocks done by Free P.

2008-12-31T10:36:00.000-08:00

Hi Sisters in Memphis and nearby cities,

I am ready to become a certified Sisterlock Consultant! I am offering a special introductory price of $ 350.00 for a full installation of Sisterlocks. I have completed my training and I am very professional. I am taking new customers at this time. Please call me and leave a message with your questions and/or possible dates that you have in mind for your gorgeous and healthy head of Sisterlocks. Thanks and hope to hear from you soon!

Introductory Prices

Next 5 Installs...........................................350.00

Retightening Sessions...............................15.00 with a 4hr minimum

Next 10 Consultations...............................Free

What are you waiting for?? Call Today! 901-347-8SL1

-Free Perez, Professional Sisterlock Trainee

ONE YEAR

2008-12-17T11:28:00.000-08:00

Happy one year to my baby locks! I am so proud of the decision I made to get sisterlocks! I'm still unsure about the investment I put into the SL training. I am in love with my hair more every month. I love washing it in the shower without the tangles and the hassle and especially without the C-O-M-B! I have decided (for now) that I am not going to color them. I want to my hair to be as natural and healthy as it can be. I am excited about my two year mark... I look forward to longer retight periods ( I currently do every 5 weeks), I look forward to at least 25% reduced shrinking and I look forward to my hair touching my shoulder when it is dry and without me pulling on it. I have high hopes don't I?

Growth YAY!

2008-11-23T17:20:00.000-08:00

I am feeling a lil bit better about my hair growth. I can see that my hair thickness and texture is changing. Here is the 11 month of sisterlocks! What should I do for my 1 yr mark? Share with me what you did..... or what you're planning to do when your 1 yr mark comes!

Ten MONTHS= NO GROWTH!

2008-10-17T16:16:00.000-07:00

Where are my Qs????

2008-10-08T10:41:00.000-07:00

I am losing my curly Qs!!! I think I am going to miss them. I go faithfully to get my retights every 5 weeks. This time I went, there was very little to retight...whats going on? She couldn't do a full rotation on most of them. I noticed when I got home that my curls seem to be lost. I think that my locks are going through a forming stage now. It's a blah stage for me. I am going to bantu knot my hair again this weekend. I received so many compliments! Oh by the way... today is my 29th birthday! I have been locked 9 1/2 months and today also marks 3 1/2 years of a wonderful yet unpredictable realtionship between Patrick and I. He bought me flowers that I can eat.... made from fruit! A sunflower made from pineapples and cantalope, strawberries, kiwi cut as leaves, etc. I had teachers begging me for the fruit. If you would like to surprise your honey or someone special with something healthy try http://www.ediblearrangements.com/

Oh I forgot! I am finally listed on the home page as a trainee.... Professional Trainee that is....

Free P.

Bantu Take-Down

2008-09-22T19:39:00.000-07:00

Here they are... the curls lasted about 1 1/2 weeks. I guess I didn't keep the knots up long enough. Blenna said that my hair is transitioning so it may not hold curls as before.

Bantu Roller set

2008-09-21T17:04:00.000-07:00

Why does my hair look like I have color on it? I've never used color EVER! I don't understand why it looks all purplely?? I only use the starter shampoo and the SL moisterizer cream. Maybe its my camera.....

Here are pics of the bantu roller set. I washed my hair with the sisterlock starter shampoo-toweled dried it and placed bantu knots all over. I left my shorties ( the back) out. This is a visual to how relaxers can damage your hair. My hair broke off in the back with the last perm I got. My shorties are growing steady but I am sure that they are 100% locked. They feel like mature locks in comparison to the longer locks on my head. After I finished knotting, I sprayed my hair with one part lottabody and three parts water. I visited family and ran some errands. I will take down in the morning on my way to work. I will take pics tomorrow of the outcome. I hope its cute but not too curly!

I'm a TT 1, 2, 3, 4!

2008-09-10T16:06:00.000-07:00

My nephew took a picture of me in my bright yellow or (lell low) how he says it.

I am an auntie times four! Our newest addition is Madison Symone. She is our lil sugar. She was born on September 10, 2008! He is so excited. I feel for him in the future... two spoiled lil sisters???

I am a Sisterlock Trainee!!!

2008-08-27T10:31:00.000-07:00

I took money out of my savings and took the class and now as we said it in class.... I am ready to lock and load! It was very informative and I found out some things that I didn't know about my own Sisterlocks. -Not because my consulatant didn't tell me, it's just now I understand what's REALLY going on with my hair. I just hope that I will get to do my 3 qualifying heads by Summer 09. Will you be my next client? Here are some pictures of our last day. Thanks Michelle Bryant for being a great teacher. A special thanks for the memories and new friendships made by my fellow classmates. Stephanie, Debra, Sheila, Danielle, Trina, and last but not least Ann Marie whom I kept calling Mary Ann :) You guys will always have a special place in my heart. When I get my certification and start working in a salon, I promise to but a picture of all of us to remember that 4 day journey that we took together. Let's stay in touch and we will definitely have to meet up again!

Look at my tag- sisterlock training for more pics!

By the way..... if you are in the Memphis area and you want to take that step toward freedom with Sisterlocks, let me know so I can give you my "Special Introductory Trainee Pricing!"

More Training pics...

2008-08-26T15:45:00.000-07:00

Michelle Bryant, Our hair model, Angela, and Anne-Marie
Anne-Marie, Danille, and beautiful red locks, Trina
Infamous Sisterlock Pose
Debra, Trina, Danielle, and Stephanie
Sorry ladies..... I couldn't upload all the pics in the first post

8 Months

2008-08-17T16:48:00.000-07:00

I have on the yellow top. Yay! just a lil growth....

Are African Girls and Diamonds Best Friends?

2008-07-17T21:53:00.000-07:00

***** NOT ABOUT SISTERLOCKS*******

It may come to a surprise to some but Patrick and I are planning to get married once he finishes his degree/intern. Anyway we haven't made it official because there's no ring to seal the deal. Patrick had the ring all picked out with my help of course :) then something struck inside my head. Wait! I can't have a diamond. You remember the movie "Blood Diamond"? So I asked the jeweler about the ring and if it was conflict free. You should have seen the lady run and go get me a phamplet (msp?) about the kimberly process. This process is suppose to ensure that the diamonds were conflict free and certified. But later more questions came to my head.... Who does the certification? I thought if I was the person over the certifications and certifying diamonds was how I made my living then all diamonds would be conflict free. I thought about using sapphires or even cubic zs. I still want a sparkly shiny ring. So I still battled secretly inside my head between diamond or no diamond. It wasn't until I heard Prof. Griff from the (real) hip-hop group Public Enemy speak. I went to a lecture of his that was held here in Memphis at the Marcus Garvey Learning Institute. He showed gruesome pics of the diamond field workers. He then said "after seeing these pics and hearing their stories, all of Africa's diamonds are conflict diamonds!" that statement really got me to thinking. The ring we decided upon was totaled at $3,800.00. It has an antiqued setting and is simply beautiful. Out of the 3800 how much will the family that was working in the field that the diamond was found receive? How much do they get to take care of their families? Its like the saying; People who know better ought to do better! So even though I absolutely love this ring, I can not accept it. We did however find a jeweler that will custom make the exact same ring without diamonds and will use stones called moissanites. These are crystals that was formed from a fallen meteor. So I will be carrying around a part from a fallen star to symbolize our love for each other. Now how cool is that! It shines as pretty as a diamond and is more economical. Patrick was all ears to diamond alternatives when he saw those prices. Just research and check it out yourself. I already know I am going to have to explain to people why it isn't a diamond over and over again. It doesn't matter if people will understand but I will be happy because a symbol of our love didn't cause pain and suffering for someone else. Plus that extra money we will be saving could go to my wedding dress. ;O Leave m some feedback.

http://www.moissaniteco.com/

7 MONTHS

2008-07-17T16:24:00.000-07:00

Prof. Griff from Public Enemy, Free P, and Patrick
Here is my hair at 7 months old. Looks the same right?

Dear Free's Sisterlocks,

Please grow!

Love,

Free P.

Brother's Wedding

2008-07-03T22:24:00.000-07:00

I am a proud TT! K was so happy his parents were getting married! We all were!
The entrance! My younger bro and I.
Patrick and I at our table. I have on makeup! However, I don't have on blush. It was hot as hell outside and I was trying to cool off.
The groom (Big Bro) and I. That is his new sister-n-law on the left.

Congrats Mr. and Mrs. GB! I had a blast and here are the pics to prove it! Our dresses were canary yellow from David's Bridal. I just had my 6 month retightening and I rolled my hair on the Lock Loop rollers. This time I put less hair in each roller.

Rock It!

2008-07-02T22:56:00.000-07:00

The back of my first Sisterlocked Mohawk!
Side view.... I look dorky
Texture/ close up shot!... I think it was time for a retightening....

Thanks Franchesca! ( chescaleigh on youtube.com ) I watched her 2 yr anniversary video and got the idea. Audrey's Pleasure (My sisterlock Idol) also has a similar look with the Bantu locks because her locks are longer. I also will be trying that Amy Whinehouse beehive!

Black Tee, Hair, and Me!

2008-06-23T19:32:00.000-07:00

I thought about using a visual measurement of my hair growth and my weight loss. I agreed to the 5o million pound challenge (http://50millionpoundchallenge.com/) and I am still going strong (one month) on my vegan lifestyle. I want to lose 35lbs. I am borderline normal. I am only 6 lbs away from being overweight.(BMI) I admit it is very hard in my busy life to eat as a vegan ( no milk, egg, animal products) so I see myself just being vegetarian ( I miss cheese!) especially when school starts back. I will stay vegan as long as I can. I feel better and not sleepy after every meal. I have always loved fresh veggies and every fruit the Most High made! This book really helped me alot. http://www.skinnybitch.net/It is crazy funny! It's like talking with friends. It is real talk! Okay back to the point. Starting today each day on the 23rd I will take the exact same photo in the same shirt. I will label it BTHM. I am hoping that I can see the difference in my weight loss each month and my beautiful hair!

Gas is High!

2008-06-22T20:09:00.000-07:00

I haven't told you anything new! I'm still waiting on the Mini but until then I had to break out the Honda Scooter! It only costs me 4.25 for a full tank and I can go on that tank for 80 miles! It pays ladies to work and shop where you live. Beep Beep!

Happy 6 month Loc-iversary

2008-06-17T19:13:00.000-07:00

Just shampooed my hair. Haven't form balls yet. I have about 20 balls out of all of the locks.

At home trying the "loc loops" or is it loop locs?
Completed set. My friend bought me a bag of 30 and I needed about 10 more. Luckily, I find a couple of perm rods from the perm days in a bottom drawer.
The back view after drying overnight. Couldn't tell the difference from where the loops where and the perm rods. So If you have perm rods they will work just as well but they won't be so great to sleep on. BTW Please excuse my kitchen counter...I can never keep that thing clean!

Yay! It's been six months and I've enjoyed everyday! My friend bought me some Loc Loops so I decided to give them a try since I wanted to give them a dry run before next Saturday (Brother's Wedding). I want to say thanks to all of you and Idol (AudreysPleasure) for your encouraging comments/ suggestions. I hope that maybe someday my Blog will be a resource to someone and my pics will encourage them to cross the line into the Sisterlock Sisterhood just as others blogs have help me. I love you guys and someday I will come across you at an event. Oh I can't forget Blenna my head doctor! (I did this in purple for you ;) Thanks so much for your professionalism and your great hands. You can rest assure that even if I do become a consultant, I am NOT a DIY kinda girl. I will be in your chair for life!

June Cheer Camp

2008-06-03T16:46:00.000-07:00

Sorry couldn't turn this pic around.

Sorry I made everyone wait and wait on my pics but I have updated March, April, and May. I finally got the hang of my digital camera software. Anyway Blenna has been sooo busy this month, I guess. I can't get my re-tight until the 27th of June. I am so used to getting it done around the 15th of each month. I guess it is still good because my brother's wedding is on the 28th so my hair will look "fresh" for the photos. Here are some pics of me taken by a sneaky cheerleader on my squad during cheer camp.

Trip to Jamaica

2008-05-31T16:36:00.000-07:00

In case you're wondering I have on shorts....
Aren't we the cutest couple ever?

Sike! This is really my back yard but I can still dream can't I? Almost 6 Months locked in these pics

Zaharah360 Where r u?

2008-05-29T17:43:00.000-07:00

I've added you to my Sisterlock family only to be treated like a step-child! LOL... Just kidding but I would like to be added to the "in" list so that I may continue to view your blog. Thanks!

Happy 5 months!

2008-05-15T16:16:00.000-07:00

Can you see that bald spot that chemicals left me with? Thanks goodness that my sisterlocks covers it.
It seems that sisterlocks lock from the bottom up? My locks are thicker on the end than closer to the roots....

I am LOVING these sisterlocks! I love the free time and the clean bathroom counter! My consultant, Blenna corn rolled my hair as a set for tomorrow. I wanted a crinkly, wave look. My head looks huge!

Missing friend

2008-05-09T19:42:00.000-07:00

*****DISCLAMIER****** This message does not pertain to Sisterlocks!**********
I had a close friend right before I started college. I met him in the summer of 97. He was a very nice guy that used to work with me at the Olive Garden. His name is Marcus Lewis or either Marcus Neely. I can remember because once upon a time I did actually date one of them and I'm getting their names mixed up. This particular Marcus maybe about 8 to 10 years older than me. His family is from Des Moines. When he lived in Memphis, he used to live in some apartments near Sheffield High and the last time I saw him he lived off Winchester and Tulahoma. He had a business called netheadz. That is all that I know about him. He had a friend named Smitty and like every hard worker in memphis he also worked for FED-EX. I am putting this on my blog in case he googles himself. We dont know his where abouts and maybe if he sees this he will contact me. Marcus, if you are reading this, please contact me. If you have already transitioned, may your soul be in a safe place and may it finally find peace and rest. Love always, Cat

Four Months/ Mama

2008-04-27T16:11:00.000-07:00

My lovely mother and I. She's not sisterlocked...yet but I am glad she finally said no to chemicals. We love our natural hair! I couldn't believe that I could put my hair in that bun. Thanks to black hair pins!

3 yrs Anniversary

2008-04-08T16:27:00.000-07:00

Trolley ride downtown Memphis.
Patrick's Grandfather's B-day!

Happy Anniversary Patrick! It has been long and I know that I haven't been easy...blame my dad for making me the Pretty, Perfect, Princess! We have had our Ups and Downs but you are truly my best friend.

HOW BOUT DEM MEMPHIS TIGERS!!!

2008-03-31T18:05:00.000-07:00

WHO DAT TALKING BOUT BEATING THOSE TIGERS? WHO DAT? WHO DAT?.....
That was an old school cheer that we used to do in the early 90's. I am glad that Memphis won inspite of all the bad talk and media betting against them. I am glad that they "shook tha haters off" and I hope that they win it all!
GOOOOOOOOO TIGERS GO!

Jasmine's Birthday

2008-03-21T16:02:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Jazzy! We celebreated at Incredible Pizza. I am 3 months Sisterlocked and loving it!

2nd Re-Tight

2008-02-15T15:51:00.000-08:00

Pics taken in my living room with Marley.

I have been tagged!!

2008-02-15T12:14:00.000-08:00

The rules are as follows:

1. link to the person that tagged you

2. post the rules on your blog

3. share six non-important things/habits/quirks about yourself

4. tag six random people at the end of your post by linking to their blogs

5. let each random person know they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.

I was tagged by southern girl at http://nappturalbeauty07.blogspot.com/

Well let me see...
1. I am a cheerleader coach because I secretly wish that I could cheer again. I wish I could have cheered after collegiate cheerleading.

2. I hate living alone but when I get a house-mate, I'm ready for them to leave!

3. I am currently on the Bikram Yoga (hot yoga) 30 day challenge. Day #2 wish me luck.

4A. I can't wait until it gets warmer so that I can ride my Honda scooter to work. Only takes $2 to fill up...well that would depend on the price that week :( 4. part B: I want a MINI COOPER S CONVERTIBLE!!!

5. I wished that I could afford to be vegan. (Salad $5...Double Cheeseburger $.99) **i LOVE fruits and veggies**

6. WISH I COULD MOVE TO THE GAMBIA...... PERMANENTLY!
6 1/2. Can I do this? Anyway I secretly want to chance my name. I hate answering questions about my name every time I introduce myself to someone.

This turned out to be a wish list instead of interesting facts. Hope you enjoyed the tag anyway. I'll post my tagees later. I want to serach who hasn't been tagged yet in the Sisterlock Family. I have lots of pics to post when I get the chance. Have a great rest of the day...where ever you are.

Hanna Montana Craziness

2008-02-04T12:54:00.001-08:00

My niece wanted me to take her to the concert. Couldn't afford the 100 dollar tickets.So when I saw this sign in the movie theater like in December, I knew that I could make it up to her this way. While the boys (men) were watching the super bored game last night, I thought it would be a good idea to take her. The movie opened on the 1st and I thought that because it was Sunday and the game was on, nobody would be at the movies. When the lady at the window said that the 6:50 and 9:15 showings were all sold out, I was amazed! What? Huh? Whose taking their kids to see Hannah at 9:00 on a school night? So I thought well since I'm here, I might as well buy her tickets for Tuesday's show since she has cheer practice on Mondays. ..."Your total is $30." Excuse me? I only want one child and one adult. "That's for two tickets. We are not allowed to have a child's ticket for the concert movies because it is a live taping on a concert which has been altered to 3D, so you're also paying for special effects" OMG! 15 dollars for A movie? I wonder how much the DVD costs?! Nevertheless, we are going and I'll let you know if all the Montana-Cyrus show was worth it. Thanks Thats-so-(Raven) for being cheaper last summer. Her show was awesome and sister-girl can really dance!

20 Day Update

2008-01-06T17:03:00.000-08:00

Well folks... It's been 20 beautiful, confident, and hair drama free days! I KNOW that I have made the right decision. If you have not made up your mind yet, what are you waiting for? Dare to be different and naturally beautiful... both at the same time!

Went for my 1st retightening/ check up and Blenna says that my hair is coming along great. She only had to touch up the edges in the front and the back. I am also experiencing (only in one spot) dry itchy scalp. She massaged some witch hazel on it and I was in heaven! She said NO NO NO oil! My scalp hasn't itched since but I did buy some witch haze just in case. ;) My hair shrinks shorter by the day but its still no worries for me. I can't believe I'm not cheesing... must have been tired that day. Until next time,

Free P.

INSTALLATION DAY!

2007-12-17T12:54:00.000-08:00

Sorry, these photos are not in chronological order.

Its about 1am, I am tired...

About to do my first braid and band washing.

Too much hair left to do.....

I was so tired and my butt hurted so bad that when I got home, I wanted to sleep standing up! But I have an amazing head of beautiful SISTERLOCKS!......... Finally! Those of you who know me personally, know that for about 8 years, I have been claiming that I will get sisterlocked the next year and the year after that... Well, I finally did it. I have a great consultant that I trust. (Blenna Williams of Salon Nature'lle, Memphis, TN) She was very professional and fast. So I had no worries once I got in her chair. After she washed my hair, I was so thrilled that 1. she was finished and 2. my hair was beautiful! It was love at first sight. I am so excited about my journey. I can't wait to take my 1 year anniversary pictures.

Sidebar: I also went to Goulds last weekend to get my eyebrows waxed. I so desperately needed it!

The Last Battle

2007-12-16T12:04:00.000-08:00

I love my curl pattern when wet.... after it dries, it's another story!

Tonight will be known in my history as the last battle! The last night that I had to take 3 hours on washing my hair, the last night for the baby tears to cover my eyes when others tried to comb my hair, the last night for me to sweep up all the bb's that ended up on the floor or on Marley, the last night to burn my edges or ear trying to hot comb that hair that grows to my eyebrows. The list can go on and on. After washing my hair, I looked in the mirror and was like, Oh my God, I am finally going to do it after 8 years of thinking about it. I began to reminisce about all the fights my mom and I got into when I was little about washing and combing my hair. It was an all Saturday affair and I hated it. I never really cared about the straight look anyway but she did. It doesn't make any since that all my brothers could swim and I wasn't allowed to put my head under the water. I just learned how to swim last year! I am just glad that I learned. I love the water! I have been a prisoner to my head for a long time. I started growing my perm out in 1999 and cut off the remaining perm while on a trip to Gambia. I never thought about a perm since. Anyway, I had to take a pic of me with my favorite comb and my beloved brush. I have only had the comb for about a year. I broke the handle off while combing my hair shortly after I bought it but the teeth have remained intact and the comb has been great. I am mostly sad about my beloved brush. My mom bought this brush from Sears in the late 70s for her. I'm a 79 baby so I was probably about 3 or 4 when she started to use it in my hair. I combed my cabbage patch doll. my kid sister doll and barbie dolls with this brush. I have been using it since forever. I remember that I snuck it in my bag when I left for college. It has been with me thru all of my crazy styles. It is a very good brush to last all these years. I don't know what kind of bristles that the brush is made out of but it was like a massage every time it touched my scalp. Ok let me stop it almost sounds like I 'm having a love affair with my brush!LOL Today was more emotional than I thought it would be. I have to meet Blenna at 7:00 am tomorrow. I need some sleep. I am so full of thoughts and excitement, I may not be able to sleep...

bEFORE Sisterlocks....

With Sisterlocks!

Locked Testies

2007-12-06T06:13:00.000-08:00

Today I was combing my hair and I noticed that my "test" locks appeared to be locked. I know better from reading the LIU (LockItUp Yahoo Sisterlocks Group) that it takes longer to lock. I think my hair density is the same as Dewdrop's. It gives the appearance of lock hair. When I wear my hair in small two stands, people start asking me a month later if I have locks. I have had my test locks for over a month now. Blenna is a busy woman... and I had to finish paying for it! ;) Anywhoo, Renea told me that my beautiful test locks will have to come out for an accurate parting grid when I asked her if I could color them or do something special for the elite 10. I just hope Blenna can get them out! However, I may ask her if I can leave them in. It will only be 10 out of 350+! I am so excited only 11 days left and counting!

To Color or Not to Color

2007-11-29T21:16:00.000-08:00

...that was the question! I have asked several of you that burning question and all of you have given me great, sound advice but I have decided to keep it 100% natural. Maybe after a year or two, I will color my hair. I've been going 28 years without a color so far so waiting two more years wouldn't hurt. Special thanks to audreyspleasure and dewdrop! Only 16 days to go! I am getting a wee bit nervous but I know I'm in good hands. Blenna is GREAT!

Saturday Night Date

2007-11-24T20:26:00.001-08:00

"Well, another Saturday night and I aint got nobody..." I love that song. I went on a date tonight with my hair. I spent about 3 hours on my hair tonight. I know I am going to nodd in church tomorrow. I am horrible at washing/doing my own hair. I have to divide my hair in six sections, then wash and rinse each section. After I complete a section, I bantu knot it up then proceed to wash the next section. Once all have been washed, I proceed to blow dry and flat iron the same way. Crazy huh? I have tried washing my hair all at once but it always end up to be one big HOT MESS. I always have hair suicide thoughts when that happens (cutting it all off) All I keep thinking was, why didn't I call my consultant earlier? Why didn't I call in 2000 when I first heard about Sisterlocks? Why did it take me so long? I have less than a month to wait now. I am going on December 17th and it won't come early enough. I want to color my hair before I go. I loved the #4 color that my hair used to be when I had a perm. Now my hair is a real dull dark brown and its so boring. I never dyed/colored my hair before. I dont know what to do. I don't want to be a shocker when I come back to school. I teach middle school, they are already going to ask a million and one questions about the sisterlocks, I don't want to have a new hair color too. If I do color it, I need to do it soon. I am also worried about the coloring damaging my hair. So many thoughts= no decisions What do you suggest? If you suggest color, please recommend one. I had to add this picture of me being silly about shrinkage.... hey, who says you can't have fun on a hair date?

Happy Birthday Marley Moo!

2007-11-18T17:47:00.000-08:00

I love you baby! Marley (Yorkie mixed with Brussels Griffon) came into my life in December 2006. He was born November 18th. He is very spoiled and sometimes well most of the time stubborn. We get along fine but he gets very jealous when Patrick is around.

A Hand Clap to Shrinkage!

2007-11-18T17:18:00.000-08:00

I know that I previously BOOed shrinkage but today I am soul-clapping shrinkage! After sweating and partying with friends last night, my hair shrunk up as tight as it could while I was sleeping. I almost screamed when I saw my hair in the mirror this morning! The only thing hanging were my beautiful test locks! So this tell me that even though I will experience shrinkage, with Sisterlocks the shrinkage is not that bad! So goodbye virgin hair shrinkage and hello to Sisterlock Shrinkage!

BOOOO to Shrinkage

2007-11-15T22:31:00.000-08:00

Today, on the LIU Group, everyone was talking about shrinkage and when will it stop with sisterlocks. I looked in the mirror tonight and as I played once again with my test locks, I knew that I will have the horrible spell of shrinkage. However, it really didn't come as a surprise because my hair has always appeared to be shorter to people than the length really is. So as I read SL'd sistas say that they have been locked for at least a year and they wondered when the shrinkage will stop, I automatically knew that in a year's time, I will be asking that same burning question. So I expect it and for now on ladies let's consider this evil "shrinkage" as a rite of passage for beautiful sisterlocks.

The 1st pics, I just pulled out the test locs and let them naturally hang. I had to use my hand for the contrast, hoping for better definition of the locks. The last pic shows how long the same locs could be if I didn't have shrinkage to stand in the way. -And the odd thing is, I haven't wash my hair since the test locs were installed. I guess the shrinks come out at night...

Naturally Me!

2007-11-14T21:56:00.000-08:00

I am so glad that I have finally had the time to blog my Sisterlock Journey before it has started. I am currently awaiting a digital camera to catch better pics to post. I have started the intial step... I got my test locks. YAY I can not stop playing with them. Anyway, here are some photos of me since I left the perms in 1998. I had to stop the perms because I was going bald on the sides. Ladies, I know you know at least two or more black women who are balding on the sides (hairline) right now. Then to top it off, I was a broke college student so friends and roommates where putting boxed perms in for me to save money and my hair just went down hill from there. I HAD TO CHANGE... and I'm glad that I did. I have became more confident about myself and who I was as a person. It also helps in relationships too. If a man can be with you on a date between your press and curl appointments... he's a keeper :) I left the press and curls alone too.