Locs Down Under

Braidlocks are REAL locks too - UPDATE

2011-12-20T01:20:00.001+11:00

Ok I finally got some pics together of my progress, with a half-way decent camera! And I have to say wow, the back of my hair is locked up, I no longer have the distinct braid looking section, and curly Q's back there. I was worried that the braid pattern would never disappear, especially since my hair was so thin and ropey at the beginning, but it is looking full and robust back there!

SO SURPRISED AT THE BACK! I could hardly believe it was my own head! The texture and maturity of the locks is the biggest surprise, for so long it felt like the front was growing but the back was staying the same length, and as you can see it hasn't grown as much as the front, but the back is definitely locking faster, and the shrinkage probably has something to do with the delay in length.

I can hardly beleive that my hair was so thin in the beginning, I am just so happy that I have fullness in the front. I have my issues with my hair, just like anyone, but I have never felt this good about it, drawbacks and all! The drawbacks just being the little things that bother me from the hair loss I had after my daughter, some of the locks are thin on the shaft, but, for the most part, I dealt with that last month during my big crazy trim session (which I DO NOT regret at all)

Apologies about the weirdness going on in the front, I still have a lot of short baby locks, and they were just sitting funny up there in the pic. This was moreso to show the length from the side! You can also see the patch that I lost in the front, is nearly all back, I think I am only missing about 3 all up now! In a few months, I should have baby locks in all of the bare spots!

If you have short hair, thin hair, thick hair, long hair, whatever, I cannot recommend these enough, I just love my locks, I cannot believe how far I have come, and how much I have learned to let go from this experience, and I think I am more ok with myself because of it.

I hope this update can inspire someone who may be sitting on the fence about what to do with their hair, there are loads of different methods, just choose whats best for you, and in the end, everyone is locked.

Nice colour!

2011-12-19T18:10:00.000+11:00

Now, I am pretty anti-colouring for my hair, as I think I look best with black hair that matches my black eyebrows LOL, but I think this is a really nice effect, and if I was the person who liked colouring (or generally doing anything to my hair) this would be a nice hypothetical hair colour job! Not saying, I will, but I would... If that makes sense! LOL

The Grass is ALWAYS Greener

2011-12-19T01:45:00.001+11:00

OMG I haven't posted in a little minute so I thought I would give a quick update. My hair is definitely growing, just getting so impatient these days, as it seems like my hair has been brushing my shoulders for months! I guess now it's for real though, If I extend my neck as far up as it can go, the locks are still on the shoulder. I just can't wait until they are a little PAST the shoulder...

Apologies for the bad picture quality! I have terrible lighting in the evening!

I got into Med School!

2011-11-18T23:22:00.001+11:00

So happy this process is over, and I can finally start my next big journey! :D

Not much to say about my hair yet, but the locks that I plucked the bunched ends off look 100% better than before, no signs of re-bunching. Just need to have some rest though, this past week has been extremely exhausting...

Med Crazies

2011-10-30T19:21:00.001+11:00

I have NOT been around... I just wanted to say, I am just so stressed about hearing the outcome of my med try-outs so to speak. I have gotten a bit of insomnia, and started hair pulling a bit, I pulled the bunched ends off of about 47 locks the other night, I freaked out after it, and vowed not to preen or do anything potentially damaging to my hair until after I find out. The stress is overwhelming though, I have been thinking a lot about how I hate them, and how I want to cut them all off!

I just got it retightened by D today, it was a hard one, I could barely sit still... But he did a great job as usual. I need some perspective. Will go out for a walk, and I promise not to make any hasty hair decisions!

:)

:/

Comparison Shots

2011-09-27T19:25:00.004+10:00

Before

After

2 years minus 3 days

2011-09-26T23:22:00.002+10:00

wow it's almost been 2 years since I got my hair braid locked! I am happy to report 10 NEW babylocks in my first row, following the dreaded hormone hair loss of month 4. This equates to 20 months to regrow my front row! Wow, can't beleive it, and it's still not all back too, still 2 more that I can see that are slowly coming along. Lightly rolling the baby hairs is definitely my method of choice, as this has given me much faster success than trying to braid the baby new growth.

I have lots of growth, I cannot beleive how long it's been growing, I am on a 4-5 week retightening schedule, anad that seems to be working well, and washing whenever I feel like it, not too worried about washing too much since most of my loose ends are locked.

All in all, I am very pleased with my hair, anad looking forward to my med school interview on Thursday. I will take a photo so you all can see what I came up with as far as outfit and hair! So excited that this long process is almost over (med school applications) and excited about my 2 year anniversary on Thursday as well!

My biggest lock drama from the perspective of a person with a slightly looser coily pattern, 2 headed dragons need to be treated with extreme care because the intermingling curly Q's CAN and WILL bunch. BADLY... Snipping a few 2 headed dragons that got a bit out of control... But other than that, enjoy the ride, braidlocks are great, and I love my hair so much. Words cannot describe how much of a weight was lifted from my shoulders when I stopped having to worry about daily detangling!!! Ugh, like heaven!

thanks for stopping by!

World's Biggest Afro!!!

2011-09-20T12:57:00.001+10:00

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-14932954

Wow, at first I was thinking, that ain't nothing but a blow out, but then I saw the video and was really impressed! It is massive and heavy, and full, not transparent and weak! NICE AFRO!!!

I cannot imagine the maintainance involved for maintaining your hair growth and keeping a healthy head of natural hair for 12 years, and having it that length! Wow, the detangling process would be mindboggling!

It's a nice idea, but I couldn't handle it, she looks nice though!

Pipe Cleaner Curls: Take 1

2011-08-28T13:59:00.002+10:00

First interview hair trial, I did a pipe cleaner set, and I was pretty rushed so I think I put too many onto each pipe cleaner, this resulted in about 2 inches of uncurled hair at the root, and the rest with very strong spirals. I slept on them and they are still curly!

I am happy with the look, and I think it can be very professional for the interview! I am excited about trying it again pretty soon, I just tried on my jacket with the hair to see how it looks, I will probably pin up my bangs just because they tend to fall into my face though!

All in all I think it is a good look, and I am so happy! :)

I am not wearing a collared shirt on the day, so I am thinking some pearls would look nice. I like the look of pearls, but I won't get real ones because I am vegan, and because they cost a grip! LOL. Ithink a white shell blouse, and some white pearls, what do you all think?

I think because the suit is grey, I don't have much wiggle room with shirt colour, like I would have with a black suit... Oh well. I like grey! :)

For my nails, I will not be polishing them, but I will be buffing them to a really nice shine, after doing a baking soda nail soak. This whitens the look of yellower nails. My nails have a yellowy tint, probably just my complexion, but still, I don't want them thinking it is a sign of ill health or anything like that!

Finally, I will not wear earrings, simply because I don't have any, nor will my ears show on the day! :D

I think that is it for my plans so far, will have to get a facial or something so my skin looks nice and fresh.

I've got some news!

2011-08-26T15:46:00.001+10:00

I got an interview!!! To my first choice Med School!!! OMG

I am so happy, I was waiting and waiting, and I thinkit was sending me crazy, but I have an offer, now I am at the final stage of this journey. All I have to do is ace the interview! OMG I am so happy! Hugs and happy dances for all!

WTF!?!?!

2011-08-22T15:35:00.002+10:00

Excuse my implied French, but what is this seriously, I have never seen such a blatantly discriminitory, and inflammatory ad!

He is carrying the decapitated head of someone with an afro and a beard!?!?! He looks like he is going to huck it into the bushes. And wearing preppy clothes!?!?! RECIVILISE yourself!?!?!? So an afro looks like you don't give a damn. Oh no they didn't!

They apparently pulled this ad, but seriously, when I saw this pic on Nicoles blog, I couldn't decide what offended me more, the choice of inflammatory language, the disturbing imagery, or broke Usher-look-alike actually agreeing to be a part of this.

Facepalm.

EPIC Adverstising Fail

I will never buy anything from Nivea

Birthday and Other Stuff

2011-08-21T09:11:00.001+10:00

Tomorrow is my 29th birthday, and thinking back at my life until now, I am really happy with the route that I have chosen. It was risky to move overseas alone, especially at 19, and now, all these years later, I am still on track to acheiving my life long dreams.

That's whats important ringht, chasing your dreams no matter what. I am not saying that it hasn't had it's ups and downs, but overall, I would say that I feel extremely blessed and fortunate to be where I am today, and I would like to do what I can to make sure I enjoy it as much as possible.

I am getting all reflective, and I am not even through the door at med school yet. LOL. I know the process isn't over, but 2 years ago, I didn't even have a clear plan as to how I could acheive it, and now, I am so close, I can almost taste it. It's an extremely joyous and humbling experience.

Interview offers come out next week, and I am hoping that everything goes smoothly and I get an offer. I have already been practising and researching, as I know, despite my scores and grades, it is no guarantee that I will get a place, it is very competitive after all! But I will do everything I can.

As far as celebrations, I am doing something small, just getting together for some fun and bowling! Yay. I suck at bowling though, so it should be an interesing experience.

In hair news, I am loving my hair, and will have pics later today!

Pipe Cleaner Curls Hair How-to

2011-08-17T17:19:00.000+10:00

Interviews!!!

2011-08-15T00:21:00.000+10:00

I am still waiting about confirmation about whether or not I got an interview at the med school I like... Its a pain how long this process is, but I am happy to report I got a cute suit, and I am currently thinking about a good hair style. I tried a ponytail, but my teenage locks won't let me get away with that look, it is very frizzy looking.

So I am thinking perhaps a pipe cleaner set, it makes a nice tight curl, and could do a nice bob look on me. What do you all think? I will show you a picture of the suit as well, you all have to make sure that I step out looking great, because I have been marching to the beat of my own drummer for so long, I don't remember how to fall in line at an interview!

So I guess this is just a heads up to let you know my next few posts will be regarding what to wear, shoes, how to do my hair, and all things interview. I look forward to your input, because I have seen most of your blogs and you all have style coming out at the seams!

I love pics too, so link anything you see that looks nice!

Talk to you all later!

I hate my back row... You heard me...

2011-08-07T22:44:00.000+10:00

That's right, it is my secret shame... The locks are sporadic, and bunched, anad short, and lumpy, and they look like someone's been chewing on them... Not one of them is even longer than my pinky finger, they are shorter than when I started!!!

Ugh. I am so glad they are covered up, but yeah, my back row is my least favourite part of my head, in fact, if I could, I would just shave it off, but I know they would just come back worse. It seems like everytime I try to do something to neaten, or fix my back row, it just turns around and bites me on the bum!

I just don't know what to do with those crazy looking locks. sigh... I will let you know when I figure it out though.... I think I just had to get that off of my chest.

Take care of yo' Babies!

2011-07-30T22:50:00.004+10:00

As you know, I am nursing several baby locks in my front row back to health, and they are doing fantastically well! I was washing my hair today, and I realised unconsciously as I was roughly lathering my head, I did not rub my front row at all, I let the soap pass through it as I washed it, but I do not rub it. When I dried it, I also do not rub my hair with the towel AT ALL.

First of all because I have a slighlty looser coily curl pattern that enjoys unraveling and then bunching badly. Secondly because it doesn't feel right.

I think that these unconscious things preserve the little locks in my front row. I also don't use oils or moisture sprays often, if you have to, don't put them on your baby locks! They will unravel so fast it will make your head spin!

Don't force them into styles, I tend to just lightly tuck them under my longer locks, and if it is totally necessary I will pen them, but I stick to as little manipulation as possible!

Take care of your little babies, because everytime they unravel they take several strands of hair with them, and if you have experienced any type of hair loss, you will know how much each strand counts when you are regrowing.

Just a little PSA I guess!

Classic Yahvinah

2011-07-21T21:24:00.002+10:00

you leave me alone for a second, and what do I do??? Start ANOTHER business... Ugh, I am looking forward to it, but businesses are hard to keep confined to a small part of your life, I an obsessed already with designing the website, and getting stationary printed. OMG I have such a LOVE for stationary, I always get giddy in Officeworks!

But all that aside, I will be teaching people to cook, I am sick of people not knowing how to make their own food. I want this to be my last cooking hurrah... (Maybe followed by my app) but I don't want to leave the Melbourne cooking scene without showing people how its done. Plus I have too much time on my hands waiting for interviews. I have been going to the gym 9 hours per week!

Ugh... I am seeing a change though, and trust me, it's a change you can believe in! ;)

Oh well I will link you to the site when I am ready to deploy, just beta testing and doing a last few little design things first! :)

Talk to you all later!

No Comment!

2011-07-17T14:40:00.002+10:00

Hehe, I recently read a post on Carmen's blog about people asking for replies to their posts. I can see how a person who may have been lurking or participating actively on other blogs, might have the notion of:

"if I make it, they will come"

I don't really blog for comments, although I LOVE it when you do comment! But, I thought I would add some things you can do if you DO want to get comments because there is nothing wrong with wanting a little attention!

1. Consistent content - not 5 posts per day, but just 1 every couple of days for a new blog, to get people knowing you

2. Relevant content - if you are blogging about cars, then I probably won't be too interested in your teddy bear post, don't go off topic too much unless you have something REALLY interesting to say

3. SHOW PICTURES - especially if you are doing a hair or beauty blog, I always feel a little ripped off when I don't get pics! :) (a rule I don't follow well - and I have a lack of comments to show for it)

4. Be honest, share info! Maybe your hair has been going through some bad stuff, we want to know, noone with any sense will give you a hard time or tell you you are dumb for sharing, if anything that will make readers more likely to support and become engaged with you. Everyday isn't like sunshine and lollipops.

5. This may be me, but I like it when people type how they talk. Blogs just read a bit easier,and you can get a feel for the person writing, when they use a more informal style.

6. Become parts of blogging communities, like locked hair blog exchange, or lock university, they send people to you who are interested in what you have to say. I have to say it has sent many of the lovely people who follow me here!

7. Be interactive, post things that warrant a reply, many people cannot be bothered just writing a reply of "I agree" when they have to enter their login details, go through spam filters, and preview posts. Some posts scream out to be replied to, others make you nod and move on. I know personally I am reluctant to post when their are captcha boxes asking me to type in jibberish over and over.

8. Be timely - blog about things going on now, whether in the news or blogosphere! It is always pretty interesting to see other people's thoughts about a topic. Don't feel that because someone else mentioned it, that you can't offer your opinion. Also big incidents in the news and stuff always seem to draw attention!

Don't think that because you aren't getting any replies that people don't care about what you are saying, just blog for the love of it, and don't judge the quality of your blog on the content of your comments box!

:D

-yahvinah

No internet and no Blog make Yahvi go CRAZY

2011-07-12T11:58:00.005+10:00

OMG I am so glad that I am online at my new place now! I moved over 2 weeks ago, and the period before I moved and once we got here was horrible with no net. It seemed like everything I wanted to do urgently required the net, and bless the iPhone, it is not the easiest way to blog, type, or surf the net to be honest!

Well my 30 day challenge got backed up a bit didn't it LOL.

Well Lets commemorate this occasion with some updated pics shall we. Get this blogging thing going.

Side note: I have like 14,500 views on this blog, what the!?!?!?! Thanks for coming by everyone, it makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside! :D

just in case you forgot how I started, this is from the first month!

This is today at 21 months of Braidlocks

I had a feel around in my hair and surprisingly, MOST of my ends sealed. I am still super lazy with my hair, and the hair that I lost is continuing to fill in, I have somerespectable baby locks in the front. I and REALLY in need of a reti right now, so it may look a bit longer and neater after that!

No dryness, no flakes, no smell, everything is going smothly, other than my hair being in my face ALL THE TIME! ugh, I have to put it in a pony tail to sleep!

I will take some pics after I finish getting DH to tighten my hair!

I am really looking forward to interview offers for med school. Just in the gym all the time trying to get my interview body in shape! LOL, I don't want to be out of breath at the interview! :D

Well that's it for me right now! I will be around a lot more now that we are finally settled in! :)

Thanks for stopping by!

Blog Challenge; Day 9

2011-06-11T10:02:00.000+10:00

How important is education

I beleive that education is important in the sense of making one able to question what is presented to them. I think that most education systems stifle this type of inquisitive attitude in favour of just indoctrination. Education is a powerful tool, or a powerful weapon. It can be used to release people from their circumstances, and allow them to grow and create; but education can also be an opiate that renders people powerless and unwilling to question...

Blog Challenge: Day 8

2011-06-10T09:05:00.000+10:00

See original post here

What I ate today

This one is actually easy becaus eI have been doing the Impatient Dieter's plan, and I have been logging anyway!

Chocolate Meal Replacement Shake

1. Shake
2. Shake
3. brocolli, mashed poatoes, peas, baked beans
4. Shake
5. Shake
6. cauliflower, peas, butter beans, vegetable soup
7. Shake
8. Shake

haha, too easy! BTW already lost ~5 kg!

Blog Challenge: Day 7

2011-06-09T09:12:00.000+10:00

See original post here

5 Pet Peeves

1. People cutting me off in traffic then driving 20 below the speed limit

2. People seeing my junk mail box is full, then proceeding to fill my mailbix with junk mail

3. People coming to my house, and letting their kids act a fool, and tear my house up

4. When my son gets my iphone and deletes a whole bunch of my apps, and I can never get it back just right

5. When people ask me the same question over and over again or just Play Dumb

Blog Challenge: Day 6

2011-06-08T12:21:00.000+10:00

Views on Mainstream Music
Find original post here

Hehe, I guess I have never been hugely into music as such, but I have to say I find the racial meld that has been going on in that past 10 years or so very interesting, more rapping in "white" music, more "whiteness" in Black music. Its very interesting that you can barely tell the difference now! I know as far as race relations that is good, because coming up in the 90's its was very musically segregated, lol.

But on the question of whether Mainstream music is good, no, I would say it is a huge distraction and it is very openly suggesting very deleterious behavior and materialistic, overly sexualised messages to our kids. Same in my time, I am glad I wasn't into it, because it tells you that the epitome of life is partying all night long, having sex with strangers you meet in the club, drinking, making money in whatever way you can, and buying lots of expensive things, and if you add the more emo music, just slap killing yourself into the mix.

I think it normalises very bad behaviours, and aggravates the problems that children already face. I don't like the monotonous hooks, and the sly satanic undertones of the videos. I find most of it grating at best. But maybe I just need to loosen up... Lol... I think not, the 12 & 13 year olds are loose enough for everyone these days... :/

Blog Challenge: Day 5

2011-06-07T08:25:00.000+10:00

Things you would want to say to an ex

You are right, it wasn't me, it was you, because you are still a buster, and I have found someone who really loves and appreciates me. I really dodged a bullet there huh? So about you and your personality disorder, yeah, good luck with that.

Blog Challenge: Day 4

2011-06-06T13:07:00.000+10:00

Bullet my whole day

- wake up at 6 am: doggone too early
- got back to sleep
- kids burst out of room screaming
- wake up - get dressed for day
- weigh in
- change nappies and jocks
- make breakfast for kids
- take body shots, and write a blog post: different blog
- Treadmill man fixes treadmill
- make 1.5 litres of shake for the day
- drink cup of shake for breakfast
- traedmill for 1 hour
- play with kids
- kids sick of me, so they play together, and I check emails and drink another shake
- kids want to play again
- lunch for all
- DVD for kids
- nap: I play on computer, or study and drink shake
- Kids burst out of the room
- snack and shake
- play with kids
- kids want books
- kids want more food and I have shake
- kids chase each other
- relax and EXHALE
- DH home
- I get dressed
- eat dinner
- go to dancing class
- come back: kids magically in bed & House clean
- relax with DH
- reading
- Bed

Blog Challenge: Day 3

2011-06-05T10:57:00.000+10:00

A Book I Love

I can say that I was never a huge reader of novels but I have to say that I really enjoyed Cry and the Beloved Country. This story was about a South African Parson from a drought stricken village, and his journey to Johannesberg to collect his sister who has become ill, and his son, whom he had lost contact with several years ago. The book illustrates several historically accurate themes such as the Aparthied of the time, and the general interactions between the White and Black South Africans.

The story begins with a description of the parson recieving the news of his sister's illness, and dreading the thought of leaving his comfort zone, the seemingly doomed village, where he was a respected member of the community, and enjoyed a relatively well off position among the tribesmen.

The first part of this book really illustrates his unwillingness to confront change, he is very happy where he is, and likes to be looked up to, when he arrives in johanessburg he is immediately victimised and left feeling insecure. But it was at this point of pain for him that he is introduced to Msimangu, the clergyman from the city. Msimangu embobodies a pure givingness, but seems to be bitter and jaded from his experiences in the city, where more and more people are turning away from the tribal ways, and religion, and seemingly falling into more vulgar, criminal lifestyles.

The path of the Parson, and Msimangu leads them to the parson's sister, who has become a prostitute, and quickly agrees that she wants to change her ways and return with her son to the village. It is when she leads him onto the path of his estranged son, that things become more complicated.

He first visits his brother, an interesting character, who it seems, had no influence in the village and covets Johhanesburg for the power that he acquired. He had become something of a people's political figure due to his captivating speaking abilities, but lacked any real zeal as far as taking action to releive the plight of the Black South African. The parson describes his conversation with his brother as though his brother was speaking out into an invisible crowd. He is the opposite of his brother in this way because he lacks any shred of humility and givingness on his part, while the parson could be described as a saviour of the people he encounters, his brother's only concern is saving himself.

The Parson and Msimangu are then swept around different provences of Johannesburg following the trail of his elusive son. They began putting together the peices of the mystery of his son's whereabouts for the last several years, like the peices of a sordid puzzle. Ultimately they are led to the Home of the young girl who is to have his grandchild. It is there that the path grows cold.

Finally they find that the son has become involved in the murder of a White man who despite the public's dissapproval, has taken on the charge of fighting for fair rights for the Black people of South Africa, and educate Whites on the true cause of the crime epidemic.

This book told many stories, the story of the Parson, leaving his comfort zone, and learning about the ways that the world was changing outside of his sheltered tribal lifestyle. It shows how he progressed from being close minded and niave, to coming to the realisation that, although he does not want to fully embrace the lifestyle outside of his village, Ndotsheni, there are things that his people must learn in order to protect their way of life. This was shown with the drought being repaired with the help of the agriculturalist.

It also shows the perspective of the White man who, although he was not a racist, abided by the unwritten code, which placed Blacks at a lower rung. Where he was once sheltered on his farm, dealing with people as they come, and unaware of the things that his son was advocating, following his son's death he was exposed to a prickly reality of what was really happening in South Africa, and he found a friend in the Pastor by the end of the story, making an effort to help improve the standard of life for the impoverished villagers, which was even more noble due to the circumstances of his son's death.

In a lesser part it also showed the path taken by Msimangu in realising that the depressing state of affairs in Johannesburg did not represent the state of everyone, and he was touched to regain his faith in people, and move on to servitude outside of the city, relinquising his personal belongings, with a renewed faith.

I believe the story was very effective in painting a picture of South Africa during this time period, and depicting the complex social situation created by apartheid, where on one hand there were severly impoverished and displaced masses, fighting for survival, and on the other there were the ever wealthy Whites who despite a higher social standing lived in constant fear of revolt, yet were unwilling to level the playing field.

Cry & The Beloved Country, was a very powerful book, and helped me get a picture of South Africa through the eyes of two very different characters.

Blog Challenge: Day 2

2011-06-04T09:49:00.000+10:00

Something I feel strongly about

I feel very strongly about the way that animals are treated. That's right, I do not consider myself an animal activist, but I think that the things that these creatures are going through is awful. Driving through the country side with my husband we were over-taken by a truck carrying several cows to the slaughter, and I could see the stress in their faces, and it tore me up inside. I automatically asked myself, how would I feel in a situation like that, helpless, and knowing something bad was going to happen?

It's not just animals that people eat, unlike many of my vegan friends, I am anti-pets. I have nothing against animals, but I just think that they don't particularly want to be held captive in your house until they die. I am not going to get mad that someone has a companion animal, but it does make me mad when the animal gets sick and they put them down... The worst is when they state financial concerns as the reason. It makes me really upset. If you can't afford to get the pet the best care, then don't get the pet.

I think the underlying issue is the attitude that we can just do what we want to other creatures. This is the same attitude that legitimised the halocaust, and slavery "they are beneath us, so we can do what we'd like" call it a simplistic link, but it really bothers me deeply.

30 Day Challenge: Day 1

2011-06-03T09:39:00.000+10:00

5 ways to win my heart

1. Apply yourself to whatever it is you do. Whether you dig ditches, or fly planes, put your all into it, and you will instantly win my deep respect.

2. Dare to dream. I love people who have goals, and I enjoy helping them in whatever way I can, this is a quality that I hold very highly!

3. Be fair. Treat people equally don't play favourites, I love to see this.

4. Treat me like a person. Don't look down on me, don't put me on a pedestal, just treat me like a regular person, I don't like being degraded or fawned over.

5. Notice the little things. Whether it be remembering a funny reference we made, or noticing that I made you something extra special to eat, or got you a gift, I love doing things for people and it makes it so much sweeter when people appreciate it!

30 Day Challenge starts tomorrow!

2011-06-02T16:22:00.000+10:00

Sorry about th elackofposts lately, but I think Blogger was going through a thing and I actually couldn't sign in tomy account! So thanks for your patience! Something fun coming up is a 30 day blog challenge, I will infuse a little life into the blog with it, and I encourage you all to do it too! :D here is the list, I will be starting tomorrow!

Got My RESULTS!!! 0_0

2011-05-18T01:37:00.000+10:00

I did it! I passed, and not just passed but scored in the 99th percentile, so all of the study and sweat, and tears were worth it. :)

So much stress just gone, like POOF!!!

That is all

Sigh, still waiting

2011-05-12T10:20:00.000+10:00

Well the results are still not out and a little bird told me that it can be as soon as tomorrow... Hmmm, not sure. But I have been doing my hobbies and enjoying them. Idecided not to do belly dancing, and instead to do a nice casual Latin class, I learned the TANGO, wooooo... I like the latin class but I have to say I liked the ballroom more, can't wait to go back next Monday, it seemed like the group was a bit more close knit and the advanced students were more happy to take a beginner, in my ballroom, a tall older man, one of the best in the class, if not the best, came up to me for my VERY FIRST dance! So I think I was spoiled, and they refer to me as the new girl, so I get extra special attention! Not to mention, the place is smaller.

Whereas at latin, it was a short inexperienced guy, who could not lead to save his life, and we were separated fromthe entire class to learn the steps then we integrated at the end of class to do the dance progressively. But the other people weren't very friendly, like they were all cool=de=la with each other, but we were the outsiders... Not to mention the male instructer, who was wearing something that I can onlydescribe as a douchy Euro doo-rag, was so busy being into himself, he had no time for me, and one time when it was my turn to dance with him, he just flung me off to the nearest beginner so he could check himselfout in the mirror... :\

Art class, is going well, I have been drawing owls, I was too ashamed to link to my first attempt last week, but I have linked it today. I enjoy it, theteacher is like off with the fairies, and wandering around telling us to really "see the picture" lol, but I am surprisingly improving! Go figure...

MY hair is going well, I usually whip up something with my hair down and then pin my bangs back for dancing, I do not waste my time with braid outs because I sweat and then the crinkles magically dissappear... Oh well, for art, I just keep it off the paper! :)

Well that's it for now, I have cookies in the oven!

Hobbies, Hobbies, Hobbies

2011-05-03T07:49:00.000+10:00

Wow, due to the overwhelmingly long stressful wait for results, my DH has politely urged me to seek hobbies so that I stop tearing my hair out waiting and fretting about scores. I have decided to take up ballroom dancing, drawing/watercolour painting, and belly dancing...

Now I know that would seem a little off, I did hip hop dancing for several years casually, and I enjoy music that is more upbeat, but I figured that I should do something completely left of field, and well ball room is it. In fact, I specifically avoided ballroom and belly dancing like the plague! But I tell you, you can really build up a sweat dancing, and that waltz is HARD!!! lol

I had my first class yesterday and it was really fun, I had met 2 of the ladies there at a local Zumba class, so they introduced me to everyone, and were all smiles, I was surprised to see people dressed in killer heels, and sparkly frocks! I was wearing leggings and a flannel shirt, I didn't get the memo...

It was weird to be partner dancing as well, and a little confronting to be instantly holding hands, and being held by all of these random Aussie Blokes, lol. I can honestly say that I am not used to being 'whisked' across the floor in any scenario...

Tonight I do my art class, and tomorrow I do belly dancing! I am really looking forward to belly dancing, not that my belly couldn't dance on its own after all these kids... But it would be nice to be able to control it for once... :)

I love my hair, I was able to pull it up into a nice ponytail for dance,and I will do the same tonight, goodness knows I don't want my locks dangling in the paint...

So, what are your hobbies?

Baby Boy is 4!!!

2011-05-02T10:07:00.000+10:00

Dont worry, those water guns weren't loaded! It was a really beautiful day, and all types of fun was to be had, we made lots of food and ofcourse it all got eaten! One guest admitted to never missing our parties because the food is so good! That's fine, just save some for me! :)

DH and Baby Girl playing, she had gotten into her share of the drinking water supply by then, but she really had a ball!

Smirking s$&@ -eating grin, lol, I like the swoop though, its my answer to the comb-over! When my bangs get longer this will work even better!

Baby Girl terrorising baby boy.

She is such a cutie.

As far as my hair goes, I am pretty happy, not a lot of complaints other than hair getting in my mouth all of the time XD also I still have a lot of hair between braids that I have to get dealt with. We aare going to sew in a few rows soon. I think we decided to sew in 1-2 rows per day for the next few weeks in order to get it all done.

We shall see!

Stylish Blogger Award!

2011-04-19T11:05:00.000+10:00

Woohoo!!! Check me out, I am stylish! :) Well thank you to Thandi for thinking of me for this, I feel really happy that anyone is interested enough to even read my blog, let alone think it is cool! :) Well, as per the rules I have to share a few things, so here they are:

1. Thank and link back to the person that awarded you this award
2. Share 7 things about yourself
3. Award 15 recently discovered great bloggers
4. Contact these bloggers and tell them about the award

Well this is cool, so I shall begin by sharing.

1. I have recently sat an exam to qualify to attend med school in Australia, and I am freaking out waiting for the results.

2. I love vegan cooking, and I am currently designing a vegan cookbook app for iphones

3. I watch a lot of movies, my husband and I probably went to the movies 15 times last year, and rented over 100 dvds.

4. I am afraid of pretty much all bugs

5. have very big feet, I wear a size 12-12.5 in women's shoes

6. I am an extremely loyal person, loyal to a fault even!

7. I prefer oatmeal to grits

Bloggers I want to shout out to:

Missfullroller - teaches about locking, life and budgeting
Kalia Dewdrop - All about locking, and cool methods to use
Bajan Lily - Shares about locking ups and downs, being a locktician and life

Clarifications & The 2pt Rotation

2011-04-19T10:47:00.001+10:00

I just want to clarify a few things from my last few posts.

When I speak of marrying locks, I am specifically referring to unwanted marrying at the unlatched roots. This is the phenomenon that leads to lots of lock "popping" and should be avoided. Ways to avoid this are latching regularly, wrapping loose hairs around the locks when latching, and separating after washes.

When I speak of bunching, I am referring to large portions of a lock that apear swollen or misshapen due to the hair folding back on themselves. This can be caused by friction on open ends (eg Curly Qs). Preventing this is difficult, but dealing with the issue can include unpicking the lock at the bunched portion, but this can rebunch down the line.

Finally, when I refer to grooming, I am speaking of trimming hairs down the shaft of the lock. Now this needs clarification, most braidlockers and Sisterlockers prefer smaller sized locks, those of us with microlock sizes, should avoid this at all costs, ifyou have thick traditional locks, you have FAR more hair in the shaft of each individual lock, so if you wat to, go for it.

The only time I would say a BLer or SLer should even consider grooming, is if the area to be groomed is completely locked. Even then, I wouldn't do it however.

Now there is a lot of talk about rotations. 4 point, 3 point, etc. My husband uses the 2 point rotation in my hair, and I don't notice any slippage, or looseness, infact my locks are very taut. So if you are in the market for a pattern that is easy on the arms, I highly recommend 2 point. We have been using it for 18 months, and there is no reason to change it.

Now I know a lot of information may be around about specific rotations for hair types, I don't know about that. Just in my experience, the 2 point rotation is quick, easy, and pain free.

Loc Repairs & New Loc Pics

2011-04-16T15:13:00.000+10:00

This is an attempt to illustrate what I discussed in my last blog post. What you will notice is that the locks I lost at the front are taking an VERY long time to restart, and those that I have finally gotten stabilised, are very short and delicate. Whereas the braids that I combined, have grown trmendously, and repair will involve me trimming off the the thinned portion down the line, these have already begun locking as well. The final key point is that the braids that I combined, but allowed to remain as 2 headed dragons for a prolonged period are now SEVERELY bunched.

new baby lock, this is one of the locks that got damaged, and I cut it off very early in the game. The hair near my temples, fortunately, grows about twice as fast as the rest of my hair, and 4 times as fast as the hair at the peaks.

This is one of the newly formed locks at the peaks of my forehead. This hair grows very slowly, and is notoriously thinner than the rest of the hair on my head. I began by braiding small amounts of hair here to start a new lock, but that resulted in further tension and hair loss, I then began gently palm rolling until it became longer and knotted, then I interlocked. This is still very delicate, and could unravel if I washed it too vigorously.

close up of bunching of dragon. The original 2 headed dragons were much LONGER than the bunched portion, I have found that bunching occurs frequently in loose portions of hair (curly Q's) that get a lot of friction (rubbing on your shoulders). While some bunching is part of the process, and primarily why the back of my hair locked so quickly, severe bunching should be avoided as it puts high strain on your hair during retights, and depending on how manicured the rest of your locks are, can appear unbalanced in appearance.

you can see where the hair fell out, didn't grow back for a while and began to fill in again

the lump is where the hair fell out at the root, the thin portion shows how long it took to start regrowing at normal thickness

palm rolled baby lock. NO PRODUCTS, just twisted around my finger to protect the little hairs.

Dealing WIth Damage and other lock experiences

2011-04-14T12:16:00.000+10:00

Ok I have some info that I have been meaning to share, and I really want to put out there.

First, the hair loss. At the 5 month mark I lost my entire front row of locks, this was due to hormonal changes involved in me having my 2nd child. I lost the hair with my son as well, but since I didn't have locks at the time, it was not as traumatic. The area that lost the most hair was in the front, even with the locks that my husband was able to preserve, you can see a line of demarcation between the initial lock, the lump where the hair fell out from the root, a thin section where the hair did not regrow for several months and a healthy section from the most recent regrowth.

My advice for anyone going through this is to combine if at all possible, I avoided combining until it was too late for several locks, and the combined ones are now doing very well. Also when you combine you will be creating double headed dragons, I recomend that after several months of maintaining these dragons, you REMOVE one of the heads. In nearly every combined lock that I left the 2nd head, I have SEVERE bunching. It's not worth it. Atleast for me it wasn't. Allowing severe bunching will haunt you during retights, as you will create lots of extra tension when attempting to pull large bunched areas through the roots of your hair, and inevitably cause more damage.

In the front row where I am currently regrowing my locks, I initially braided up the new hairs to make the baby lock. DO NOT DO THIS. Braiding the baby hairs put a large amount of tension on my scalp, the braids were also prone to unravelling everytime I washed my hair, and I would lose several precious hairs each time. Your best bet is to twist the new growth. I do NOT use products in my hair, but I twist the sections to produce a neater coil, this doesn't put extreme tension, and it cleans it up a bit. I currently have about 7 baby locks twisted in my front row (lock twists, not 2 strand twists). After the hair gets to a decent length, I braided it, allowed the root to loosen, and interlocked it. I currently have 3 at that stage and I am happy to report they are very healthy and doing quite well.

As far as retightening, I wait a bit longer than necessary most times, as I have to sync both mine and my husbands schedule. This is NOT recommended, I find when I wait an extended period for a reti, I get marrying, and breakage at the roots. If I wait too long, I find myself avoiding washes in order to prevent further marrying and damage. After the reti I wash immediately. This is the primary reason that I do not wash BEFORE retightenings.

With my braids, I found that the braid pattern slowly DISAPPEARS, this is due to the braid loosening with washing, and then becoming more locked in appearance. Initially it will look like you have a loose holey braid, but the hairs will travel to the area, and it will fill up. The Curly Q's also become the locked portion, it is amazing how much they have transformed. I definitely ADVISE AGAINST rebraiding curly Q's. This will be the first portion of your hair to lock! by disrupting this, you are prolonging the process.

I have not groomed my locks. By this I mean clipping hairs along the shaft of the lock to decrease the appearance of fuzz. I have 2 reasons for this: 1. due to the nature of your hair the fuzz will return, and thin your lock, the hairs you neatened up will slip out at another point, and this will reduce the integrity of your locks. The second reason for me avoiding this process is that the constant wrapping, and rewrapping of your hairs around themselves is the main aspect of creating locks, by removing the loose hairs, you are slowing down the locking process, and inviting more teenage problems down the line.

If faced with a hair loss situation, I cannot stress enough, do not cut off the lock yourself. I don't care how sad and pathetic that lock looks dangling from a few strands of hair, it is 10 times easier to repair a damaged lock than to start a new one from extremely short hair. If you maintain it, like I did, after several months, you can cut off the severely damaged bit, and be left with a very healthy baby lock, or even a teen lock, whereas if you snip it off, you will be left with sparce scalpy hairs that will be continually damaged in your efforts to hide them.

Well this is all I have to say for now. I will post some pics of my resurrected combined locks, and my baby locks, and the bunched double headed dragons in my next post to illustrate what I spoke about here.

WOW, Time flies!!!

2011-04-13T12:02:00.000+10:00

I cannot believe how long I have been away, especially since I look at my blog daily, and check everyone else's! LOL I guess it just didn't occur to me to post until today!

I am feeling good, Idid my big test, and it was difficult, but Iam looking forward to getting the results in MAY!
I could know which med school I am going to by AUGUST!!! WOWSWERS!!!

But who cares about all that! The reason I am posting is to show you all my new pics from today, and recently. I just got my hair retightened by D, and I have some updates!

We tried sewing in the loose strands as per Kalia Dewdrop's youtube video, we did the 2 rows in the back, and it works WONDERFULLY, only problem is that it takes ages, especially with the amount of loose hairs that I have. So we will progressively work on it.

Next update, most of my curly Q's are locking up now, at first I was worried that I wouldn't like it but now I feel much better, I am really enjoying the journey.

2 of the locks I restarted are looking really good, and 1 of the others is coming along well too, I still have about 5 in the fron tthat are still in the embryonic stage, but in a year or so, they should be well on their way! I just wish they weren't in the front row!

I took a photo beofre the retight to show you how much loose hair there was in the front. wow, I was really feeling quite down because I was looking so unkempt, but DH fixed it up quite nicely.

these are my curly Q's they are all slowly starting to tangle and lock

my front edge before my retight, it was really looking a mess, I started to wear headbands to cover it

as you can see the braid pattern is still alive and kicking, but it really doesn't bother me at all

today

my boy is getting so big!!!

There is nothing guaranteed with locks, except buds and fuzz

2011-03-17T16:12:00.000+11:00

I am now dealing with the FUZZ

OMG it seems like 18 months has gone so fast, but my locks have gone teenage, and they are rebellin' like a mother... So poofy, so fuzzy, so frizzy, I am getting to see what all the other lockers told me about. It is a different experience for me to feel so, erm, unkempt.

It bothers me a teensy bit that I have something on top of my head that I am not in complete control of, but I know this is what I signed up for. My only issue is whether there is ANYTHING that I can do to tame the frizz for my med school interviews, I plan to get DH to retight very close to them, but the fuzz along the locks is MUCH more noticeable... I don't want that to go against me.

The length is coming along REALLY nicely, and I find if I sleep with a lobster tail, they look even longer the next day! :)

I have NOT been doing any braid outs or any styling whatsoever, because the truth is, I haven't been leaving the house, for the most part I am cooped up studying my behind off, because this test is next saturday.

I am happy that the test will be over soon, and since I am IMMENSELY annoyed by hair dangling in my face, I will wear a lobster tail to the test too!

OH an news, tonight is my Australian Citizenship ceremony! I will be an official dual citizen, so that is cool, I will post pics, but don't expect to be wowed by the hair, LOL, my kids will be cute though! :)

WOWSERS!!!

2011-03-14T01:39:00.000+11:00

that's a whole lot of onions! ROFL

Random Musings about my life change

2011-02-27T23:22:00.000+11:00

Wow, I know I just recently wrote a really short and superficial post the other day, but now I have something to get off of my chest. I have been studying very hard in preparation for this med entry exam. I went to a professional prep course, and we sat a full length mock exam yesterday, and I score in the 95th percentile. I can hardly breathe thinking about it. Its almost like after this long journey, this is finally, really going to happen for me.

Today at the last day of the course I was asking the man who is over the entire prep course a question, and he said, I can see it now, you are going to be in a dynamic position in the medical field in the next 15 years. I was pretty blown away too, I felt so good, because I was seriously doubting myself, and I am not a doubting person either!

I just feel like I want to celebrate, but it is too soon, i have to keepo up my steam so I can sit the real test in 29 days. Its so close, and I want to be happy, but I have an unsettling feeling as though I am missing something, as though I wish I could be somehow validated by all this.

But my family is in America, and its hard to convey my feelings over the phone, and my husband beleives in me so much he wasn't even surprised by the score. Is it weird that that made me feel a little sad? I wished that he would be so surprised and happy, like I felt, but he was like, "i knew it all along"

I just wish I could be happy and yell from the roof tops about how happy I am, but I feel as though I can't. Like there is no room for celebrating, and I am usually a very humble person, but I feel like this pent up need to celebrate and recognise my work, is making me want to compare myself to others.

I don't want to become that cocky insecure person, who gets on everyone's nerves. But I just don't know how to get through these emotions that I am having.

I am really happy, but I am bursting from the seams now, and I don't want to mess myself up so close to the exam...

hmmm...

atleast my hair looked nice!

:)

Ain't nothing going on but the rent

2011-02-24T19:11:00.000+11:00

and hair growth

but speaking of my hair, my front edge is looking a hot greasy mess, like a little fro bursting out in front of my locks right in the middle. Can't waiat until the retight! :P

Studying hard for the med school exam next month, so not lots to say, but where is everyone, so few posts are coming out! Hows everyone's hair doing? Hows life been treating you? Working hard, or hardly working?

Just wondering, I am feeling good about the length and although regrowth in the front is a wrok in progress, Ithink it is coming along (albeit 100% slower than the rest of my hair seems to be growing)

More pics to come, just let me do this test real quick :)

A picture says 1000 words

2011-02-09T17:37:00.000+11:00

after

before

Afrolady's Awesome new natural accesories online store!!!!!

2011-01-24T22:48:00.000+11:00

As you all may or may not no, I have started a few successful small businesses, and I love seeing my fellow lockers getting started up too! Afrolady has just started up a hand made craft store, with all types of beautiful stuff, and it is really great prices as well!

Just gorgeous, I am a crotcheter myself, and I LOVE LOVE LOVE these scarves, jewelry and leg warmers! I hope that she starts making headbands too! HINT HINT!!!

Everyone, take a second to have a look at her stuff, its really nice, made with love, and affordable, the complete trifecta!

y

SURGERY

2011-01-11T23:45:00.000+11:00

ok so I am looking at getting some surgery, purely cosmetic, but not in the way most would think! Dental surgery! I am going to have a gum recontouring to balance out my smile. I have been troubled by my "small looking teeth" for as long as I can remember, and I never thought there was anything I could do, I got braces and still it all looks a bit out of balance. In fact, after the braces got removed the swelling never went down... :( So I am going to go ahead and go through with it. I just want to feel confidence when I smile, and not have to think about it anymore.

I know some people will think I am going crazy, or gone crazy, but its something that I can't escape. Everytime I speak I am conscious of it, and now I have the ability to correct it.

Stay tuned for some new dazzling smile pics... : /

Finally found my day 1 pics, and they are just as bad as I thought! :)

2011-01-10T10:43:00.001+11:00

OMG,

So my wonderful braider Anna, finally tracked down my day 1 pics from the deepest darkest recesses of her CPU, and boy oh boy, I was looking a mess! This is the type of stuff I think people should see though, because I personally know of peope who saw my braidlocks, and despite me telling them how much of a plucked chicken I was at first, got their hair braided and then took those bad boys down again before they saw the light of day.

Perhaps if I wasn't due to have my baby at the time they were done, I may have turned tail and run from my reflection too!

But without further delay. DAY 1 PICS

this is me dreaming of the awesome full locks that I always wanted. How they would be perfect and swishin' in the wind...

I haven't had a look yet at this point but the braids feel tight and precise. Oh boy, my hair is going to look so awesome!

Hmmmm, my ends feel a little funny, but I am sure they look fine, yeah, I'm sure they aren't even noticeable...

UMMMMMMMMMMMM that sure does seem a bit scalpy, but I can probably hide it in the front right, Saabira's parts looked real cute remember, maybe mine will be like that.... :?

ARGH!!!!! Head for the HILLLLLLLS!!!!

the happy part of the story is that this thin cordy look didn't last long,after about 4 weeks the new growth hid those parts, and I can say this only for braidlocks, because Sisterlocks require backcombing and the loose ends (I believe) behave differently, but after my first wash the fuzzy ends became curly Q's which DRASTICALLY improved the appearance. And as I have gone along and my locks have continued to grow, you can no longer see ANY SCALP at all except the front parts, right after a reti.

So in conclusion, patience is key in lock success, I debated whether to consider mine a success, but I decided yes, any locks you decide to keep are a success, so don't be quick to take them down because your locks don't immediately look awesome like some of the veteren lockers, like Kalia Dewdrop. Stick to your guns, and enjoy the journey! :)

Why I love my locks

2010-12-21T18:09:00.000+11:00

I am glad I started my locks at the exact moment in time that I did. Let me tell you why, sometimes I wish I started when my hairwas shorter, so I could experience the full range of lengths, but due to my hair texture, I know I probably would have given up because they would havae slipped terribly.

I am glad I had enough length for the braids to hang onto. I am glad that I have the curly Q's, I have picked out a couple of locked locks just so that I could get them back,

I'm not glad about the post natal hair loss, but I am glad that it happened when it did because I was more prepared anad had more hair around it to hide the spots with.

I love my hair, and DH wants to finished my reti so I have to go, but I just wanted to say something. What do you all love about your hair?

Fuzzy wuzzy wuzzy

2010-12-07T13:29:00.002+11:00

Just got an iphone, and had a look at the HD pics of myself I took, and man, I have more fuzz than I thought I did! If I didn't know better I would be tempted to groom it, but I know that would just lead to worse problems down the road! UGH

So I guess I just have to grin and bear it!

::grins::

Who gonna check me boo?

2010-12-06T23:14:00.000+11:00

Seriously, I am not even sure what that means, but I thought it sounded cool!

Well things have been well, I have been lurking to see what everyone's hair is doing, lots of happy tales, some sad tales, just want to give a shout out to Bajan Lily, for being strong and sharing her journey with the world! She is an inspiration!

My hair has been good, looks like its incresed in length, and I finally did another braid out, its been ages, I really, generally cannot be bothered. I guess I just don't like styling because the styles that I like require me to wait for my hairline to completely return to normal!

Here is a few pics I thought I would share, I am in the process of tracking down my day1 pic! Hopefully I canfind it, because that will be great to see the progress from before I washed it, because if my memory serves me well, I was looking a hot greasy mess!

Oh well, here are the pics!

o no you didnt!

my flat top look (I prefer the asymmetrical look)

the "flop"

who turned out the lights???

Mugshots & Mini Locks

2010-10-26T16:25:00.000+11:00

well, things have been going well with my locks, DH and I are on a 4 week retight schedule, anad that seems to keep the fuzz at bay, I finally have enough new growth to start a few new locks, 1 by my left ear, and 3 at my right temple, these are going to be big, I don't want them to be too small and break off again... I just wish I had known to save my fallen soldiers, I don't know, I guess I did think about it, and didn't want anybody doing voodoo with my locks o_0

Oh and on the bunching front, I actually have news, I was trying to pick them out, but I didn't, this is because as you know when my hair thinned after baby girl, it thinned a lot in the back too, so afte rmonths anad months of TLC and incorporating loose strands, what I was left with was weird looking locks that were bunched at the ends, thin in the middle, and healthy at the base, so in the spur of the moment, I ripped them off by the thin hairs... Leaving me with some fully locked baby length (about 1 inch) locks at the base of my neck, which I LOVE!!! They are cute, and they don't unravel, and no more stress about them knotting while tightening them! So that's all done and dusted...

What else, My preparations for med school are going very well, I am all booked in for the test, and studying my behind off, the excitement grows as the test date draws nearer...

and my length, I don't know, but it just seems like my hair looks so much longer to me now!!! I took some passport photos and my hair takes up most of the pic!!! Don't pay too much attention to the mugshot face though : /

what the heck! Where did that mop top come from?!?!?!?

big difference!!!

Other than that, The blogosphere has been a bit quiet, where is everybody at! I want to hear updates :(

Well that's it for now, I will tune back in as soon as I have something interesting to say! :)

By lovelies!!!

Me and DH starring in: Something funny

2010-10-19T18:56:00.002+11:00

Personalize funny videos and birthday eCards at JibJab!

The SL Website

2010-10-17T21:20:00.000+11:00

From a web design point of view, the SL site really needs an upgrade, I cannot believe that same site has been up for so long... It's not like Dr. Cornwell doesn't have the cash, she needs to get that site updated to 21st century standards, one of the text pages is actually one big image!?!?!? This makes me cringe...

1 Year Lock Anniversary!!!

2010-09-29T20:34:00.000+10:00

Wow, it's been 1 full year to the day, since we sat up braiding my hair into several hundred tiny little braids!

It's been quite a year, and experimental, and enlightening time period for me. I learned about myself, my hair, and what works for me at this point.

I am Definitely a low maintenance locker, I can count on my hands how many times I have styled my hair.

I don't like a lot of products either, just shampoo, and my spritz is just fine.
I did experience bunching, and I am working through it at the nape of my neck
I got post natal hair loss following me having my baby girl - its growing back
I do have some sealed locks, but most are still open, and I am alright with that
I actually would not mind if my ends never sealed, I LOVE my curly q's

What I love about my locks
Low maintenance
Flattering on me
Bouncy and light
not too hot
curly q's

What I deal with
The aftermath of the baby hair loss
bunching on the back row
locks in my eyes all of the time :)

What I look forward to
Locking my new growth in the front
growing more

I would like to thank the academy! j/k In all seriousness though, I would like to thank my readers, who are a constant source of inspiration throughout this journey!

my bunched lock!!

wishful thinking!!! maybe year 4?? :P

I LOVE MY LOCKS

I am so friggin sick of Lindsey Lohan & Paris Hilton!!!

2010-09-18T20:52:00.000+10:00

X(

I am so friggin mad about hearing about how they get all of these drug charges anad just keep getting away with it. At this point its like they are rubbing it in everyone's faces. There are so many real people who make a few mistakes and then this mess follows them for the rest of their lives, and this just goes to show that rich ppl can get away with whatever they want...

GRRR. Everytime I see their faces now I just get mad...

And I secretly hope the next time I see them they are going to jail for like 15 years, jail did wonders for Robert Downey Jr...

Ok NOW I'm Confused again

2010-09-10T21:18:00.000+10:00

So I have been cruising for the last few months, not really worrying about anything with my hair, or anything like that, but now I am confused. I saw some pics of "bunched" locs, but I thought that was just what the "locking process" i heard about was. Its so weird. Now I am not sure if my locked are bunched at the nape of my neck, and that is a problem, or if that is all part of the journey... UGH. Stress...

What do you guys think? Is bunching part of the process, or is bunching something I should be actively opposing... :P

Locked Hair Blog Exchange: Dancing Merengue Dog

2010-09-03T20:19:00.000+10:00

Locked Hair Blog Exchange: Dancing Merengue Dog

I have a NEW blog

2010-08-29T14:49:00.002+10:00

its all about cheap living and being vegan, hehe, there is something for everyone! Now I am double crazy, 2 blogs and all these kids running around, I must be a glutton for punishment! :P

www.thecheapestvegan.com

Re: Braidlocks - 11 month Update

2010-08-26T15:43:00.000+10:00

Starting Early! Doing Baby Sister's Hair!

2010-08-26T09:56:00.000+10:00

All About the FUZZ

2010-08-24T20:42:00.002+10:00

I just read a really good post about fuzz! Dewdrop, one of my Lock Idols, just wrote about how her hair gets really fuzzy, and doesn't look all manicured all the time! I was all like "WHATEVER," her locks look like the neatest locks in the world LOL, but then she showed a pic from before she neatened them up with her needle and thread technique, and I tell you what, it was pretty fuzzy!

I thought I was the only person who got so fuzzy! I thought it was just something, perhaps wrong with my locks, but if she has fuzz, and she has like wonderful super locks, then it MUST be normal, and just part and parcel to the locking experience.

I know I was feeling a little crappy about my locks for a little while quite recently, because my fuzz was getting out of control, it was starting to look like a full fro with some locks popping out here and there! And the fact that my front edges are still growing in, didn't do the area any favours aesthetically.

But DH has been working on my reti and he has incorporated a lot of it into it, so they are looking a LOT less crazy! Nice and neatish... As neat as a lock can be atleast.

So I am feeling doubly better, because for one, my fro locks are calmed down a bit, and secondly, because the fuzz isn't just happening to me!

See her post here

From Bob to Shag: 11 months Locked

2010-08-23T20:57:00.001+10:00

Well technically it is over 12 months if you count the short lived set of 2 strand twists I had to take down... I certainly have a bit of growth to show for it, So I am really happy, I just washed my hair a day ago, and I haven't stretched it or done any braid outs or whatnot either, and this is the current length!

As far as my progress in general, I am happy with all of the growth, and DH has been incorporating loose hairs into the locks some more to make it feel a bit neater, and I have no flakes or moisture problems. I have reverted back to a water spritz with a little lavender oil in it, just for the smell really, it does nothing at all for moisture. Still washing with the off brands organic shampoo.

What else... Nah nothing else to report yet, I will save any groundbreaking revelations for my 1 year braidlocked post! :)

I was just minding my own business...

2010-08-18T23:24:00.000+10:00

and a lady just up and said "I just love your hair"

I was so happy, I was just thinking how I have been looking a mess, but that really gave me a boost! Also someone on fb asked me if I have sisterlocks, lol, I should have said "no, I have broke locks" but I explained that they are braidlocks, and was happy that she thought they looked nice!

A little glimmer of what lies behind this funk I am in with my hair!

Oh yeah, and my BIRTHDAY is this Sunday hehe.

My DH decided to give me my gift early (on the count that I already found it LOL)

He got me a shiny new desk and chair, so I can do my pre-med studying without prying little eyes, and meddling little hands pulling the buttons off of my laptop :)

I love that man! <3

Ok ciao for now!

Rollers & Towel review

2010-08-14T00:31:00.001+10:00

Ok, so I finally got the microfibre towel, and it is AWESOME, I highly recommend microfibre towels, I haven't used the turban yet, but the towel, seriously sucks up the water so well, its amazing. And it dries really fast too, its just a really great towel, my only thing is if your hands are dry and you run your fingers on it, it kind of feels weird and rough and dry, if that makes sense, like it feels like it could suck the moisture out of dry skin! :)

Ok and the rollers, it was kind of impromptu, but I plopped them into my hair with some plain water spritz on, and to tell you the truth I wasn't expecting much! It looked like this for goodness sakes:

Not a picture of style and grace! LOL, so I had them on overnight and most of the day actually bc I wanted the curls to stay, and when I took them out it looked like this, with no manipulation:

Ummmmmm... So I said, OK, I am not going to be able to eek a style out of this before I pull the curls out a little. So I went ahead and manipulated them, and this is what I ended up with:

So I was happy with the final result.

BUT THEN!!!

I realised I forgot I had to go to the gym, before I had my guests over tonight, and by the time I got done with that, it looked like this:

So that dropped a fair bit in the front, but the back is still going strong :)

All in all I am really happy with the rollers, I am a little sad I couldn't keep the bang look for more than a few hours before they fell, and they are a PAIN in the neck to wear to bed, and too big to wear under something if you have to go out... But the price was right at about 15 bucks or so for a bag of 15. So I am pleased.

I guess if I wanted them to last longer I could use some sort of setting lotion, but you know how I feel about products, and if you don't, I'll tell you, I can't be bothered, I'm too cheap, and too lazy to use them, hehe.

Well that's it for now. I am really shocked because I looked up and I am actually almost to my 1 year mark! WHAT!!! Yep, almost one year locked, so that's exciting. I look forward to many more too, I have never had a hair style that was so hassle free, and looked so nice most of the time :)

Ok gotta get to sleep!

So what had happened was...

2010-08-04T21:06:00.002+10:00

Ok so I spritzed the rollers at 9am, went to the gym in them and hung around till about 12pm and they were NOT dry, what I got instead of a curls was a little bit of straightening and a bump at the end, a look I actually liked for my bangs, as they didn't look straggly for the first time ever...

I haven't been able to use my microfibre stuff yet because the girl who got it in, hasnt passed it on to me yet! ARGH! But I will be patient, I am sure you all are on the edge of your seats to hear about my experiences. LOL, NOT!

The Joys of Locs - Cute VID

2010-08-04T12:34:00.000+10:00

Products!!!

2010-07-30T15:09:00.001+10:00

Ooooh! I have been buying stuff, I got my microfibre towel and turban, and I got some flexible rollers, and I am really excited! :) Yippe, will get back to you lovely people tomorrow with a full post about these wonderful new gadgets! Until then, does anyone have any tips on how to use the rollers?

Confession!

2010-07-26T21:34:00.000+10:00

You know something has been on my mind since my last post! I really didn't expect my hair to show any growth at this point, I guess with my research the majority of peoples locks look shorter before they look longer, so I guess I was ready for my hair to appear the same length for the first two years or so!

Everytime I look at my hair I am half expecting it to just draw up on me, LOL. Now I am just paranoid!

Bangs, Length & How to train your Dragons

2010-07-23T20:49:00.000+10:00

Hello hello my lovely blog readers! First of all I want to give a shout out to you for reading, commenting, and accompanying me through this hair journey! (I know I said I wouldn't get all deep, but indulge me)

Now, I don't know if I mentioned this here or on youtube, but I do not like my scraggly bangs look, and it was driving me crazy, there were lots of dead looking dangling locks, and it was making me nuts. What I discovered was that it was not just my locks looking crazy, but the scraggle was because of some particularly shabby 2 headed dragons.

Now I will say it here, when I started out my locking journey, I looked at lots of blogs and videos, anad ofcourse the topic of 2 headed dragons came up, and people were mixed with their opinions, some people wanted to cut them, some people loved them. I said to myself, if I had 2 headed dragons, I would keep them for the fullness... But Here I am almost 10 months in, and you know what, I don't like how my dragons feel! I don't like the feeling of the base of my lock leading to another lock, as opposed to scalp, plus the ones in the front were hanging on for dear life, danglin' like there was no tomorrow! :P

But I overcame my urge to cut them off, and instead I twisted them all the way down, and braided a bit into the curly Qs, and you know what, they look so much better, when DH came home from work, he immediately noticed it looked neater, and I was happy with that! I actually even like the way the twisted ones look, I reckon they look a little more lock like than the braids lol.

As far as length, I am seeing some really differences, I am happy with the amount of growth, and how much of it actually shows too! And did I mention the fullness, Im not a plucked chicken anymore!

Overall, I am feeling good, I was feeling a little blue about my edges for a hot minute, but now I am not too fussed, especially since my bangs aren't so scraggly, you just have to weather the storm I guess. I have to expecting my locks to be perfect every step of the way, but I guess its easy to get into that state of mine when you know you are in it for the long run! No one wants to look a hot mess for YEARS!

I want my edges back NOW

2010-07-13T23:35:00.000+10:00

This si just a short rant to say, I have sooooo much envy when I have been looking on other people's blogs, and they style with their hair back, or have a pony tail or whatever and they have nice clean parts in the front of their hair! My Hair is growing back, which is awesome, but I feel so crappy since it is just fluff in the front and not yet long enough to braid!

I feel like, even if I did want to do styles, my options are severely limited because of my lack of braids in the front, that is, unless I dont mind having the fluff ball front edge, and my very big, very noticeable grey hair peeping out for all to see! eeek! I wouldn't mind the grey so much if it was in a braid, but it is a lot straighter than my other hair so it really sticks out!

Ok thats it for this rant, from now on, happy fun times, until further notice!

Here's a happy fun time pic to kick off my new positive attitude!

On Frequent Hair Washing: Or the lack thereof

2010-07-01T12:02:00.000+10:00

OK so you would be aware now that I have a lock now, (YAY) but it really got me thinking about washing my hair. As you would notice in this photo, when I was my hair ,my curly ends fall and look jeri-curlish, which is all fine and good, but my lock was formed by the curly Q's bunching.

Now I have not been washing my hair frequently at all recfently, its winter time, and my head is just too cold, anad I have to think that hasw something to do with me finding this lock, locked down... Does anyone else have experience with this?

For those of you who are LOCKED how often do you wash your hair, and how long did it take to lock?

Just Curious!

You Heard it Here First Folks!

2010-06-29T22:06:00.000+10:00

I have a lock!!!

Not just a braid that I am on the journey to locking, but a LOCK, that is LOCKED UP!!!

I am so excited! I was sitting down reading some physics, and I reached into my hair and I was feeling the curly q's, and then I found this baby, and I was all like "that ain't no curly Q"

On closer inspection it is LOCKED. The LONG curly Q seems to have doubled back, intertwined, and caught a few hairs, and it is locked, it is dense and firm and not stretchable at all! AWESOME.

So excited. And all this after I was feeling like I was looking a hot greasy mess at the gym. LOL.

The back 3 rows are all looking less stretchy, I am so happy, its just a matter of time now!

Baby Girl!

2010-06-23T20:36:00.000+10:00

Aside: Anti Rape Condom

2010-06-23T10:05:00.000+10:00

Well this is a very touchy subject for me, but I think this is a really good idea. I think that if a man decides to do this dirty deed, he deserves what he gets. I just wonder if something like this should be marketed around the world. What do you think about this?

See the article here

Basically when he does it, he will get little razors caught on himself, and the device can only be removed by the doctor, who will turn him in.

http://gizmodo.com/5569537/condoms-with-teeth-fight-rape-in-south-africa?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:+gizmodo/full+%28Gizmodo

Today's Braid Out Attempt

2010-06-17T23:51:00.000+10:00

I washed my hair, and twisted it up, and let it dry over night, and this is what I came up with, again VERY Crinkly! Much more crinkly than my mid day twist out attempts. Below is a taste of my overcast photoshoot in my cat in the hat sweater... Enjoy!!!

Oh wait, and also, I went to a LINEN party, and I found a supplier of microfibre hair towels and shower turbans, so I will review this product as soon as it comes in the mail! :)

Definite Answer about thinning and Headbands

2010-06-12T22:39:00.000+10:00

A few months ago, I posed the question, would headbands aggravate post-natal hair thinning, and the vedict is in, it may not be possible to know if it effected the front because the hairs were falling out anyway, but the back stayed thick, EXCEPT for the last row, which was always getting pulled by the headband, and even now the back is good except that row.

So this leads me to the conclusion that occasional headband wear is ok, but CONSTANT headbanding can cause hair loss at the nape of your neck!

I would say the bases of this entire row are really sporadic looking, you can't really tell in the pic, but take my word for it!

Retight!!! And News...

2010-06-12T16:13:00.000+10:00

Ok, so I said before that it is about that time, so DH decided, no better time than the present, and he started on my hair. He haad nothing terrible to report so far, and he is about 1/3 of the way through in 2 hours! We are taking our time today, no rush, I have been studying Organic chemistry the whole time too!

Did I tell y'all?!?!?

Im studying to sit the graduate medical Exam in Australia (equivalent to the US MCAT) haha, its about time too! I will be enrolling in Medical school in 2 years, so I am already thinking of all the nice styles I will be able to do (or not HAVE to do) when I get there! :D

A lot of people think you get stupider after you have kids, haha, I used to be one of them, I couldn't seem to concentrate after I had my son, but now that I got back into the swing of things, I am a force to be reckoned with! I think that I am actually considerably more sharp than I was before I had kids! I can't give you an explanation as to why, but I am learning easier, and more intuitively! I study all the time! Study and fret about my hair that is :P

Well, I better let DH finish, my blogging break is over!

me in my snuggie!!! Its winter time!

the section that is done so far

Baby Boy giving me some sugar!

Measuring New growth with an index card

2010-06-11T10:42:00.000+10:00

Im not going to be winning any academy awards for this amatuer performance,
I know I was looking in the camera, but I could NOT be bothered doing it over
again right!

I've got some good Retight Observations

2010-06-10T11:32:00.000+10:00

Ok, so when Dh had been tightening my locks normally, all had been fine. But over the couple of retights, I noticed the stray hair issues, marrying over to other locks, and me having to pop, more and more. Up until the retight before last, and it seemed like I was popping a lock every other day!

But last retight, we watched Dewdrop's video on incorporating loose strands into the lock. I was thinking that maybe him retightening my hair was already asking too much, I was secretly dreading him saying he wouldn't do it, and I would have to do any fancy stuf myself... But, to my surprise he didnt, he was happy to do it, and he has become quite protective of my hair.So he went ahead and did it with the last reti, and LET ME TELL YOU WHAT, I have not popped a lock in a MONTH!!!

SHUT UP!

No, really, I looked up yesterday, thinking, man, its about that time for a reti, and I thought, man I have not had to pop any locks, and I felt around, and there were none to pop!

Thank you Dewdrop for posting that video, because it has done some magical stuff to my head :D

To anyone who is feeling like they are having to pop a little more than they would like, I strongly urge you to watch Dewdrop's video!!!

Other than that, the locks are growing, and nothing much esle to report at the moment. In these situations, no news is good news!

OH YEAH, my front edges. It has been almost 4 months since they hit the floor, an dI will tell you what, I have quite the fro up the front, and I have already reconstructed one of my fallen soldiers! I am so happy. At this point I still don't mind wearing my hair back, but I don't know, in a few more months, the fro-bang, may sart looking a hot mess, so I will be rebraiding as soon as I can!

I hope everyone has happy hair days, and I will update soon!

oh and here is a pic of my cutie girl, relieved that my hair is growing back!

Styling Attempt 2: Just for a bit of fun

2010-06-04T22:32:00.000+10:00

Haha, I have no idea what possesed me to try this, but I thought it was cute to wear around the house for the evening.

LOL. Peep the fake bang! I had a lobster tail type thing going on in the back too, no pic because my camera is broken and I took this on my laptop! I am also wearing my purple flower headband!

70 lbs GONE BABY!!!

2010-06-03T12:39:00.001+10:00

Whoooo! I am so happy right now, since the day of my induction for baby girl (last october) I have lost a whopping 70lbs! And I tell you what, I am sooooooooo happy! All this done 100% by me, no supplements, or diets, or pills or crazes. Just a little bit of discipline and a WHOLE lot of steaned veggies :)

It is truly a magical state when your behind shrinks faster than your locks!

Later my lovelies!!!

First Styling Attempt

2010-06-03T00:04:00.000+10:00

Eurovision Braidout - LOL at my Mad Video Editing Skillz

2010-05-31T14:01:00.000+10:00

Update & Retight

2010-05-14T00:22:00.000+10:00

Ok so it was about that time for D to retighten my hair. Like most of us, I had a lot of stray hairs in between so he followed Kalia Dewdrops Vid about how to incorporate loose strands into the locks, and now my parts look nice and clean once again! :D
As far as the length, wow, there is so much new growth. Only a pic will be able to show you the amount, but it is definitely noticeable! I am really happy with that.

My scalp shows no real signs of build up, and my locks are free from link. as I sleep on Black 400 thread count sheatrs, and I want to move up to 1500 thread count, those would be SO luxurious :D

Ok, as far as the time, he finished most of my hair in about 2 hours time, I think he only has about 1 hour or so of work left, and he had already done an hours work on the back a few days ago, so the total is about 4 hours total... A GREAT improvement! I am happy, and I am sure he is happy too.

He passed the time with his MP3 player, and I passed the time studying physics, chemistry, and blogging to you all, my gentle readers LOL. So, no more locks have been combined, and no more locks have fallen out, so I think the worst is behind me, and I am SOOOOO GLAD that I didn't give in to the urge for "perfection" that told me, when the locks started shedding, that I needed to take them all out and start over fresh. Because I am just crazy enough to do that :D (I had THAT MANY BC's)

I think that pulled me through is that I am doing this with a friend who also blogs about her hair, although she hasn't posted in a while :P But I guess my competitive spirit doesn't want to start over anad be left behind! Haha, weird but true.

Well, in other news, I have been stalking around the blogs again, and I noticed a veteran lockster who had similar problems to me, with the thinning of the bases and having to combine locks, so that made me feel better because I always thought her locks were PERFECT. There I go with that word again...

I should ban the P word...

But it made me feel better, as well as a series of youtube videos called "my locks aren't perfect" it just goes over other locksters, pet peeves and hang ups about their locks, and I don't know, maybe you will relate to them, or maybe you will say, hey thats not so bad, why are they thinking about that, and you can apply that thinking to your own situations. Who knows. But it is enjoyable watching either way.

I also watch Bronzegoddess's youtube videos about styling and etc. They are awesome. I may have to do a post about all the youtube lock stuff I love. :D

Well thats it for now, pics forthcoming!

Cool Alternative to Colouring your Hair!

2010-05-04T19:18:00.000+10:00

7 Months! And Party Pics

2010-05-02T12:57:00.000+10:00

Ok, so I have been going strong since the last retight and I have no other signs of further thinning, so I think the worst is behind me, infact, I think that I DEFINITELY have a lot of regrowth in my edges! So I am very happy. April is a crazy month for me, with birthdays every week, and I just went to my last party yesterday! YIKES! I am partied out. For my hair, I basically freestyled until last night, I did a twist out. I like the way it came out too because I slept on it last night, and it looked pretty much the same now, but it could be because my hair is dirty...

I also tried out p`utting lavender oil in my spritz water, and although it smells nice, I dont like it. Not only did it not make a difference in the look, or moisture level of my hair, its quite strong in smell, and I was spritzing with fear of getting it in my eyes. Not to mention after I was done, I had this weird lavendar oil taste in my mouth, LOL YUCK!

The party for DH and Baby boy went really well, picks of the latter party, and some updated hair pics follow!

Finally the progress of my hair is good, I think it is locking, my curly q's are like messy q's and they are trying to get a bit tangled, but I think I should just wash it out, and that should fix it. The loose curly portion is definitely merging together which it good, and now you can really see the locked portion as opposed to the braided portion. I don't mind too much, I am just trying to get through this whole shedding regrowth process at the moment. Once I am past this anad start adding back some of these lost locks, I can start reflecting on other parts of my hair experience.

And now... PICS!

the little captain

his first playmate!

the backroom set up to be underwater, lol 99 baloons, my husband blew up!

painting the pirate flag

his crazy looking cake, this is what happens when you change the cake plan at the last minute lol

the table set up

kids playing in the underwater zone

he was soooo happy

i made all those starfish out of felt and foam! :P

the kiddies making baby boy a birthday card

the cake is on fire

he loves the sparklers

so happy!

opening presents

dh and baby girl

back of my hair, you can see the meshing of the hair in the curly q's

more little baby hairs around the edges thank GOODNESS

I have been less ashamed to leave the house without a headband!

retainer!

side view. Hot mess??

you can see the difference between the interlocked bit and the braided bit, its all good though

well thats it for now lovely readers! more soon!

Update

2010-04-06T10:37:00.000+10:00

Ok so the locs are looking pretty good, I am actually very happy with the progress. My baby bald spot looks more like a weird hairline than baldness now, complete with some wavy baby hair.

What else, the length is also good, it hasn't done the big shrink, or has it, because it actually did shrink up a lot after it was first done... Hmm, I wonder how much more will shrink.

Well thats really it for now, I am planning a Birthday party for my baby boy, and its going to have a Piratey theme, haha, I am going to go all out I think, not money wise, but fun wise...

Four Day weekend! RETIGHT!!!

2010-04-03T18:49:00.002+11:00

Ok in light of the four day weekend, DH and I said lets just knock out this retight effort, neither of us has been feeling very motivated, other than the odd combination, and the weird 1/5 retight we did a few weeks ago. But We said no better time than now, even though we have a stomach bug going around the house :P

So long story short, we are starting it up, and might I add DH is getting fast with the retight! Pics fortcoming!

UPDATE: It has only taken 4 hours, and DH is almost done, w00t, I will put up some pics really soon, it looks so much fresher especially in the front, I guess I took for granted how fuzzy it was looking, and we haven't had to combine many more, so that is good too!

FINAL UPDATE & Pics: Well he finished it all up, and I am so happy, it really didnt take all that long at all, a leisurely 5.5 hours! :D I have attached a few pics to show the length changes, and other changes. Please do not be alarmed at the fron thinness, this is hormonal hairloss, due to me having a baby recently :D

i love my emahs hair back view it has definitely thickened up you can see an untightened sectioned, so overdue so nice to see my parts again :D A little view of the new length in the front can see the length in back, and thinness

Over all I am feeling really good about my hair, DH has really been keeping an eye on it for me and I appreciate it because it stops me from worrying about it too much. Still only occasional water spritzing, zero lint, and infrequent washing, more infrequent than I'd like to admit...

Going to wash it tomorrow morning though, iots too late to wash it tonight!

When the bases are thin...

2010-03-30T13:12:00.001+11:00

Ok you all were so good at address my first mind bending connundrum about moisture, I have another one for you...

When the bases are thin on your locks, like my post baby thinned locks, is it good to wear headbands, because they keep you from messing with your hair (assuming the thinning is in the front) or is it bad for the thinning because it causes pressure and slight friction on the area???

I am just asking because I thought I was protecting my hair by using a soft cloth headband, you know the cheapy ones, and I notice I am still thinning a little, although it is growing back wear the locks have fallen, I am still getting more thin bases in the front, and had to have hubby combine a few for me.

now I dont know if it is because my hair is still doing its inevitable hormonal shedding, or if it is because of the headbands...

Any clues. What do you suggest in all of your infinite locking wisdom? Should I headband, or rock the baldy-locks look?

New Pictures

2010-03-29T13:29:00.000+11:00

Weight Update!

2010-03-18T16:34:00.000+11:00

60lbs GONE! w00t... And it feels great, I am starting to see a bit of difference too! Very happy about this, and my locks feel like they are locking a bit more too, more on this after my postponed retight!

Locs and moisture

2010-03-15T22:18:00.000+11:00

OK, so let me get this straight, moisturising locks makes them unravel easier right... But lots of lockers are talking about their moisturising regimes... I am a bit baffled... It seems like on one hand everyone is saying DON'T moisturise because it will interfere with the locking process, but on the other hand everyone is saying moisturise, so the locks wont get brittle...

So who is right?

I let my hair do whatever and I don't moisturise, but will the dryness of my hair do something terrible to it? Does anyone know whqat the deal is???

Progress

2010-03-06T19:25:00.000+11:00

Ok so a little update. I was SO freaked out about my hair, and didn't know what to do. I got such good info and advice from people who went through the same thing! And now for the good news, its already filling in a little on the right side, whew!

I am not doing lots of styling, infact I am not doing any styling at all, I may cover the front with a loose cloth headband, its going well.

I also decided to wait an extra couple of weeks for the retight, so I will prolly get it tightened tomorrow.

All is good, no more lost locks at the moment, so that is good, just giving an update!

Ok the hair pulling has returned...

2010-02-17T01:01:00.001+11:00

OK, I may have mentioned in my backstory that I am a compulsive hair puller, and snapper, and In my last two post I mention how I have lost 4 locks, and now I just pulled 2 more out that were dangling. I cannot keep my hand out of my hair right now, and I am just snapping them, its like 1am so I should sleep because nothing good can come of this...

Panic: Losing Locks

2010-02-17T00:02:00.000+11:00

Ok, so in my last update I mentioned how I lost a lock and 2 more weren't looking to great, like all of a sudden they were hanging by a strand or 2. Well 3 more have fallen out, and I am starting to panic.

I Am also noticing the parts are getting farther apart in other parts of the front. Ok, breathe...

I don't know if it is because we retightened the whole head a little too tight last time, or if it is some kind of hormone induced alopecia. All I know is that I am freaking out, because all of them are in the front.

OK, FACT: We did overtighten the whole head a little last time

Fact: I did lose a lot of my front edges after I had my first baby (perhaps around the same time period 4-5 months)

Fact: All of the rest of the head still looks good as far as part thickness

I am so sad right now, I can handle one down, and even 2, but four, in so many days, anad there are 2 more that don't look too good, and there are a lot of little broken hairs all across my front edges. OMG, I think I am going to pass out.

Im sorry, for emotional typing, but I was just working past my anxiety in general, and I thought that I would no longer have to worry about my hair, and now it seems, all of a sudde3n I am losing it all... Ugh.

Please, if anyone knows anything about lock loss, and such, especially in the front, please let me know, because as it stands, its not looking good... I'm not saying that I am ready to get out the clippers, but I am saying, I may need to get myself a prozac...

Pics below:

The first pic was from before the first retight, notice how the parts are definitely there. Ugh, if any one has any advice, or positive words, I really need them now, because all I can do right now is panic, and look in the mirror imagining the whole front 3 rows gone... :'(

Mourning a lost lock

2010-02-12T00:33:00.000+11:00

oh no!

Thats right, one of the bonnies and clydes has fallen by the wayside. I woke up this morning and it was looking a little sick, hanging off by like 4-5 strands, I was shocked. And now it looks like another one on the other side is going to croak! :(

You can really see the space in this pic. I just hope it is just a little hair loss from my post-pregnancy hormone drop. The little lock is from a part of my hair that thinned terribly after I had my son as well. So here's hoping the spot won't be completely bare for too long.

Poor little lock, alone on the rug...

Good news though, I just found out a friend of mine is going to be in Australia soon touring at the Whitney Houston show. And I can get some free tix (hopefully) So that should be pretty nice. Maybe a little bit of fun will stimulate my hair follicles.

Well that is it for now, its pretty late. I tightened the other loose feeling ones in hopes that that will protect them a bit, but I will tell you now, its not looking good for them. 1 down, 2 in intensive care.

But on a positive note, all of the rest look like they are doing really well.

Oh yeah and I finally counted my locks, there are 377, previously 378 :(

Im going to light a candle...

Ithink this is self explanatory

2010-02-06T23:46:00.002+11:00

My first Youtube thing

2010-02-04T16:26:00.001+11:00

Product Alert: Dry Shampoo

2010-02-02T09:29:00.001+11:00

Ok so I was strolling around my neighborhood pharmacy, and what should I find, DRY SHAMPOO, thats right, its shampoo that you spray onto your hair! WHAT! I am going to grab some, and make a proper post, but as a frequent gym-er, I can see the usefulness in this!

Anybody out there tried it?

Musings: On Natural Childbirth

2010-02-02T00:12:00.000+11:00

Ok, I went to a gathering yesterday, and this was on my mind.

So You all may know I have 2 babies now, well before I had my first, I knew this lady, we were friends-ish too. I say ish, because she was nice, but had like zero social skills. The type of person who drains your energy with all of the off things that she says. Long story short, we fell out, at last, and I closed the book on that chapter years ago.

Well she was at the gathering, once again talking about how she doesnt have maternal feelings about human babies, like she does for cats, yadda yadda.... All this while 3 mothers and their babies are sitting right there...

And She goes on to say did you have a natural birth.

I of course said yeah, and went on to explain about how although the induction was hard and long (over 24hrs of HARD contractions before pain meds), once I got my epidural, it was smooth sailing.

She then says, I don't see how thats natural....

Ummmm,. excuse me???

What does she mean. Both of the other mothers as well as myself had extremely hard (some may say traumatizing births) and pst natal depression is a heck of a thing... And she had the nerve to say it wasn't natural...

I laughed it off, to prevent us from drawing and quartering her... but on the way home DH made me laugh...

We mentioned it, and he said, he was thinking " nah it was a SUPER natural birth"

Like we had a seance, candles and a ouija board. LOL

Leave to DH to keep me from knocking someone's block off... :D

What do you all think?

my super-natural baby :P

A couple of pics!

2010-01-29T13:04:00.000+11:00

Introducing DH and old scratchy nose, aka baby boy!

Hey hey everyone!

Just posting a couple of pics because I feel great! The locs are great, my life is great, and my breakfast was great :D

Baby girl is getting so big! I thought baby boy was mild mannered, she is the calmest baby ever! I love her to bits, and she loves my braidlocks!

This was the only pic without baby boy crying in it! Haha, why do family pics have to be so hard?!?!

Happy family (baby boy was having a nap)

Hey why are my lips so dry! Angelina ain't got nothin' on me. :P

I am so happy to have my hair braidlocked, I have started getting second glances from other Aussie lockers!

This is just a glance at my happy go lucky braidlocking days! Haha