Thick N Curly

Silly Computer

2010-03-22T15:26:00.000-07:00

Hi Crew,

My computer has not been behaving as of late, please bear with me while I try to bribe her into acting right.
I may end up having to put her in the shop..

New Hair Goodies

2010-03-14T19:17:00.000-07:00

Hi Crew,

One last thing ( well not last). Tomorrow I'll be putting up a post on my amla treatment, Giovanni conditioner and Oyin products.

I'm in love with all of them

Tomorrow well chat
Aye

Jamaican Boatride Tutorial

2010-03-14T18:45:00.000-07:00

Crew!!

YO!!!. My sister and cousin did a tutorial on the "proper" way to apply your makeup when going on a boatride.

* Please if you are one to get offended by the video, this means that you need to revamp your makeup regimen ASAP.

Another thing We are all Jamaicans-- Point intended Don't come at me sour about the Parody below.

Another thing!! This is all a joke!!

" A Joke we a run"!

Don't forget your silver shoes dem!

Beautiful women, Beautiful Hair

2010-03-14T18:19:00.000-07:00

Hi Crew,

I have something new to introduce. This post is a first of series that will be showcasing women who love their kinks

Meet Tracie---

I went natural by accident but haven’t looked back! I cut my hair short for convenience—working out and relaxers don’t mix! I kept it short for about a year, and my friends were always saying how pretty my curls were. I decided to let it grow and see what happened; that was last May.

I love my hair! I feel like I’m making a statement every time I walk out the door: “This is who I am, and I love myself.”

I blog at http://treyka.wordpress.com.

Beautiful Kinks and all,

Aye

Music

2010-03-04T14:00:00.000-08:00

Crew,

Some tunes to bumb your head to while I continue to brew major goodies ..

Erykah is back

Bilal is Back

OMG

2010-03-02T04:32:00.000-08:00

Crew,

I have had no breakage in my hair, shedding yes- but no breakage- as fas as I can tell. This is exciting for me. In my comb, the only hair I see are a few with bulbs attached. I am reaching one of my goals to healthy hair!!

Ok Bya
Aye

My Hair

2010-03-01T15:13:00.000-08:00

HI Crew,

For the most part I am happy with it. It's growing back nicely, I figure when I do my length check in June I'll get it shaped up. It has been well moisturized and feeling like it should ---a cotton ball.. Lately I've been loving it actually. I'm off to wash it and maybe deep condition, maybe. I want some type of snazzy envy sparking style. We'll see how it goes.. depending on what I do to it. I will upload some pics later on tonight.

Oh, and I would like to start a pic section on my blog of women who love their fro's. -- who'd like to be the first to donate some photos.. Now don't you all go and raise your hand at once now!

I think Niki Manaj should give up the Barbie thing, what say ya'll?
Aye

Forgive me

2010-02-23T17:44:00.000-08:00

CREW,,

Trust me when I tell you that I am sorry, I have been super wrapped up in life. Momm things, business things, work things. BUT I have so much goodies in store! videos, recipes, tutorials and all good things that us natural folks love. In the mean time I would love love to hear some stories while I finish working on the back end of things over here at thickncurly. If anyone is intrested in sharing their photos, business ventures or just want to vent .. please let me know- email me at thickncurly@gmail. com!

P.s. I lost ten pounds!!!!
Aye

Dry Scalp Woes

2010-01-31T15:58:00.000-08:00

Crew,

What it look like?

I hope all is well with each of you beautiful people. All is well with me except a minor scalp woe. It seems that every year this same exact time I am plagued by non stop dry scalp. My scalp feels tight and dry as does the rest of my skin. On a daily basis I drink a gallon of water and have done this for many years. I bathe in luke warm water in efforts to preserve the sexy and as most folks, make a ritual of slathering all of my almond brownness in shea butter from top to bottom.

My poor scalp though needed something extra though. I found myself at my local Davids searching for something to ease up this scalp of mine. While pa rousing one of the aisles a consultant there asked why I had this disturbed look on my face. I explained to her that I was turning into a dragon, hence the tough scales developing on my hair line. she looked and prodded all this done without asking if she could put her hands in my Fro'. It was ok though I didn't mind, she was cool as all get out.

Come to find out she was a chemist! My gosh talk about Luck, I felt as if I walked in on my fairy chemist god mother. We talked and talked for what seemed like hours. So I am at this point taking notes as she is pouring out the secrets of the skin and hair god's. She walks me over to a product called Na-PCA

Per the package, " Na-PCA is a Ph-balanced, concentrated solution of the sodium salt of pyrrolidone carboxylic acid, the natural moisturizing factor found in human skin.."

Ingredients: " Purified water, Na-PCA ( the sodium salt of Pyrrolidone carboxylic acid), eucalyptus, ethanol, monolaurin ( the Principal antimicrobial factor found in mother's milk).

In essence this thing is a humectant. I told her the issues us natural haired black beauties have with humectants in the winter time.Get this ya'll she already knew it and finished my sentence for me!!! Either way she explained not to spray it on my hair and on my scalp instead. This made sense to me.

As soon as I got home I went ahead ans sprayed away on my scalp. It has a very soft scent. I rubbed it into my scalp and covered it with a plastic cap.

Now - Me being myself decided to take it up a notch. At this time I declared war on my scalp. I refuse to walk around with dragon scales on my hairline!

I dug back in my mental archives and remembered Moe's hair growth oil that was all the rave. I took part in the challenge, now I didn't see any drastic growth from it as many have but, but my scalp felt moisturized and wonderful. Personally I am comforted when I touch my scalp and see a bit of oil on it. Blame it on my father who said that was a sign of good being. Every week he oiled my scalp with an all vegan all natural hair oil.

Moe's hair recipe calls for Jojoba oil as the base. Instead I used extra virgin coconut oil. My version of this recipe is as follows

2 cups of coconut oil

3 tablespoons of dried horsetail herbs

4 ounces of Aloe gel

10 drops of peppermint oil

I used a double boiler, for those who believe in hood ingenuity all you need is a glass jar and a pot big enough to put the glass jar in. Fill the pot with water about half way and put the jar in.

In the jar goes the coconut oil, herbs and the peppermint oil.I let it boil for about an hour on low heat.

Afterwords I strain it and then add the peppermint oil and aloe gel. This combination smells so good. The peppermint oil is not overbearing and is balanced out by the coconut oil scent. Crew, this stuff is a winner!!.

Ahhh, So after spraying the humectant on scalp I then put the oil mixture on my scalp and rub it in and massage my scalp.

Now while the dry scalp issue is still there as I'm sure it will be until the weather warms up again it has definitely lessened up quite a bit. I'll continue to do this every night.

Now Ladies, there is much talk of not clogging up the scalp and what not, but I am a firm believer in what works, works. Growing up I had my scalp oiled religiously and have done so with my children's hair. It was not until my older years that I've had this scalp issue and think that it may be due to the fact that I was not doing so. My apologies for not having any pics, but trust me it was horrific! She is doing so much better now.

Crew, do you notice that during certain winter months you may have scalp or hair issues? Please don't make me feel like I am alone. Tell me what they are and how you combat them

Adasjan's Love will be here soon!
Aye

Final Winners

2010-01-21T21:21:00.000-08:00

Hi Crew,

Say Owwww Ladies, first I want to say thank you all for following me. My crew has increased a bit over the past few days. I declare!! I feel like it's my burfday.

Well I have two more winner from the contest I ran on twitter --
Ms. Pastry chef and Ms. Princess, will you thickncurlies get at me at thickncurly@gmail.com so we can yak it up on which sample you would like to try. The vibrating Che'mint or the indulgent Dulce.

Beautiful progress is being made with my product. I am pleased, Stay tuned for pics and my official launch.

Wooo, do you know that it is 12:33 AM. I have to be at work for 7am?

Here's some tunes for yall to bumb your hips to. IT"S FRIDAYY!!!!

I'm always happy, even when I'm not
Aye

SORE!!

2010-01-20T19:48:00.001-08:00

HI Crew,

Tomorrow, I will give another "official" announcement for the rest of the winners.
Honestly, My mental anguish over Haiti has me tired,

Physically, I am in pain. I've been dancing quite hard lately and have been having issues straightening up and walking properly. It's all good though, this is a good type of pain. Which means that my body is waking back up. I'm doing a double shot of UDU oil tonight in hopes that it eases up the kracklin in my knees. Sigh..

Well below find some pics of my shrinkage :-) It's cured me wanting to chop it all off.

I LOVE IT!!!!

Nah Really, I LOVE IT!!

What do you guys think? Do you love your shrinkage?

WINNERS!!!!

2010-01-19T17:49:00.003-08:00

Crew!!!

WE HAVE WINNERS!!!!

BUT HOLD UP-------- I'm reopening the give away. in all fairness sake I have too.

You must be following me on my twitter at Aye_yo and here on my blog as well. IF your name is different on Twitter from what you follow me on here, it is very important that you let me know, k? I have a bunch of " I am following you in both places, but lil ole' me can't tell?? There are three spots left.

Ok our First two winners.......

.....

.....

......
NICETYONE

and

......

.......

........

NAPPTURALITE!!!!!!

Ladies email me at thickncurly@gmail.com with your mailing address.

I respect your Gangsterz
Aye

Pre Launch Contest On Twitter

2010-01-18T18:52:00.000-08:00

Hi Crew,

Today I took it to the tweets ( bwahahaha lol). Ok I know it was a bit corny, but y'all probably laughed none the less.(winks). As you all know I will be launching my natural hair care line very soon. It is still in the shopp being detailed and of course legalities being ironed out. In the mean time I threw a very quick giveaway up on my twitter. The first 5 who followed me on twitter and followed my blog and then let me know would be getting a sample of my Product. I have two scents that they will be able to choose from. I'm not revealing too much right now as it is still pre launch. I'll officially announcing the winners tomorrow and will send out the samples on Friday. Everyone thank you for all of your support and stay tuned.

Let YO FRO GLow Yall!!

Below are some pics of my hair and Mister' hair with the product in it.

My Hair twisted with my product, it is so shiny and moisturized

The back of my hair, I took out two of the twists later that night, look at how much definition I have after a few hours of being in the twists!

Now Here is Mister's Hair, obviously his texture is way different from mine,he's a 3 something or another - I thought it would be a good comparison none the less, and beside that's what partner's are for :-)

Before Product - DRY!! No Shine, NO CURL

After product.. STRAIGHT SHEENIN!!CUrly- wow

Please understand that I am a perfectionist when it comes to things that I put my name on :-). I am designing a product that is natural for natural heads and great for the body as well as the hair. I do not believe in over charging for products and am in process of finding ways to bring costs down so that my crew can enjoy a quality product at a REAL price.

I see yall, stay Fly
Aye

Mama Hoy

2010-01-16T20:57:00.000-08:00

http://www.flickr.com/photos/blackpaperpress/sets/72157623077987353/show/with/4269691219/
Crew,

In light of the devestation that has happened to Haiti, I can not speak about anything right now except for Haiti.

First off, If you can not donate money, please raise your voice, research Haiti's history, their plight, their strength. Find out about the injustice that this country has had to suffer for so long and speak about it.

My Belly dance teacher Dr. Sunyatta Amen has offered an incredible exchange. When you donate to Yele.org she will match the donation in classes offered at her studio

Mama Ay,
Your womb has shifted bleeding and torn,
You cry, I cry with you while your children have been ripped.
I hurt for you, My brother's, sister's, family are in pain. I can not touch them, I want to hold them and dig through the rubble with my bare hands. I hear them screaming and crying but I can not get to them.
Mama there is so much blood so much tears, My heart is heavy and my stomach turns.

How can we be strong? How ?How can you be strong your neck and shoulders are sore already from carrying so much?

Eh? You must be though, you have no choice. Mama I will pray and pray , I will close my eyes and squeeze them while I hold myself and rock back and forth, I will cry and shake - but I will soon smile again. You will be whole again soon. soon. Libation is set on my table for my ancestors, and now my brothers and sisters.

I promise I will not forget Mama. I promise that I will not let this leave my mind. It is embedded in my heart always. You are torn now but you will heal.

AYITI, I love you

technical difficutlies

2010-01-14T16:08:00.000-08:00

hi crew-
just wanted you to know my internet has bugs in it and i will be gone for awhile--
Haiti i am in sufferation--i will be fasting for 7 days--
please make sure you send money to www.yele.org--
your money will go to the relief fund and not any administration fees--

Quick Stop and Products

2010-01-12T20:11:00.000-08:00

Crew!

I've been taking quite a few pics lately of my hair, other's people hair and so forth all with my up and coming product. Tomorrow I will be putting up pictures. Please continue to stay tuned.. in the meantime.. Maxwell.. old school Maxwell.. with all that.
...
...
...

Hair

Stop it!! The cops are coming.

I forgive you.. ( for the hair cut)

Flexibility?

Stay Tuned,
Aye

FELA

2010-01-09T23:44:00.000-08:00

Crew,

This is FEMI, FELA KUTI's son. This is a tribute he did to his father.

This is FELA

Pictures!!!!

2010-01-05T20:11:00.000-08:00

Crew,

I promise that I have been sitting at my computer since 9pm trying to upload pics, I finally get them to upload and can only edit them while they're in that crazy computer language that I have no idea how to speak. Please excuse the Helta Skeltah that was supposed to be a beautiful arrangement~ I tried honest~ I had it all planned out. A time line of my hair over the few years, a few random shots of family and my fro from the beginning of the year to the very end of the year. Then there are a few of the my last major trim that I did on December 31st of 09. I cut of about 2inches (major damage). I am exhausted and it's midnight. I have to jet.

Everyone make this year count for something that you believe in. I sure am.
Aye

Omar Sosa And The Afreecanos

2009-12-29T16:58:00.000-08:00

Crew,

Understand what moves me.. music is a seperate language that we can all understand.

I Am There With You

2009-12-22T18:06:00.000-08:00

Lauryn singing is the closest way I can show my feeling right now. Her outpour is real.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=EyOhUXsGqak

So Much to catch up on

2009-12-21T13:37:00.000-08:00

Crew,

I've finally come to grips with blogging. I absolutely love sharing my thoughts with my crew but I must confess, blogging about hair non stop is not for me. There is so much that I want to talk about and while I love hair in an insane type of way it is not my life. This is in no way to knock blogs that are all about hair, I could never ever do that especially since I check so many of my favorite hair blogs daily. It is more of a much needed clarification. This blog is to serve as an outlet and inlet ( is that a word?) of information. I am a bit of an intellect and love to learn about as much as possible, all while dishing my two cents on what I can give a rat's ass about. SO- moving forward I want to officially say as I said in my very first post that this blog will be about pretty much any and everything.

Ok,

First up My crib.
I dislike white walls, I can't stand them. they remind me of an office, hospital, funeral homes, pretty much everywhere where I don't want to be. There's a catch to this. I don't mind entirely white rooms. white linen, furniture, fixtures, etc. I caught myself in home depot with Mister in the paint section, picking out the cutest warmest shades of almond, nutmeg, pecans. those warm gooey yummy tasting tones. I walk up to the counter with the marker thingy and asked him to get the color for me, little did I know that you have to buy the expensive paint to get the color on the marker thingy.. Me being who I am and working with the budget I have said, "oh hell no, how much for the cheap one?" This poor young man looked at me with softest eyes and said " I'm sorry, I can't get you the exact color but something close to it".

Ok, that sounds fair enough, but when I start painting guess what color is on my walls? Peach. Ugh, I'm tight right now $60 worth of sherbet flavored paint is not cool. I perservered and tried to be optimistic about it painted two hallways and my downstairs living room. I still hate it. Next pay period I'm right back at home depot.

My hair
Not much of an update with my hair. I've been faithful with my protective styling, two strand twists, then twisted up into an updo ends tucked neatly away.

side note my ish is shiny!!!

I'm feeling like I'm stuck at 6 inches, I normally don't fuss over length but I'm getting antsy. I'm trying to keep in mind that I've given myself some major trims this year ( not that that's soothing me at this point) . Ok how about this, I am not doing another length check till June. Thick gurls honor ( clap my booty twice or hope to cry). Who wants to join me on that one?

Weight

Yes again, I'm going to revisit this. It's not going anywhere et al! That's due to the fact that I haven't been doing anything! at least I'm admitting to it. I'm back on the treadmill tonight an hour at 4.5 then a ten minute run at 6.0. Three times a week at minimum, belly dance again.
Who wants to join me on that one?

I'd also like to have weekly guest bloggers. Once a week I'd like to have someone chime in with their thoughts about whatever is going on..

P.s. Here's some random pics and videos of the boy to keep you laughing. He taped this himself litterally, his sister didn't realize it was recording.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Aoc5IfVAjMg

I'm staring at my stretchmarks and still thinking about doing the body image post.
Aye

Short Stop

2009-12-10T19:19:00.000-08:00

Crew,

This is a quick " what's good". I got my camera , My aunty Ess made my banner . May I have your attention please " I'd like to give a shout out to that pecan toned honey bump in the back with the bad ass fro" I LOVE MY BANNER. Ok it is late, my kids are screaming, the hot water heater broke, so I am boiling water and feeling like I'm back in Jamaica. I promise I have a wicked post update for yall tomorrow

No suh, me a go haffi bwoil dat wata fus.

Aye

Bilal Tonight

2009-12-04T14:00:00.000-08:00

Crew,

He'll be at the Black Cat tonight in DC. I've been wondering for a long time when he'll be out with a new album. Asides from that I just caught myself feeling a bit of a "ways". I can't put my finger on it exactly but I feel it.

Random Thoughts

2009-11-28T08:40:00.001-08:00

CREW,

This particular post will not be focused on hair, it will be a collective set of thoughts, desires, dislikes that's been drumming around in my head.

IMAGES

All these pretty things, the earth, the sky, people, my kids, love- I need a camera asap. I'm on a budget, I want a digital camera but with good optical zoom, I do not want to spend over 150 on it, is this possible?

I miss being near my "artsy fartsy" crew AKA easy access to photographers. I've been wanting for a long time to take shots of myself in various lights, settings , eh hem nekkid .

Truth be told, I have yet to find someone out here in this area that I think is capable of doing this. There is such a strong difference between taking a picture while holding your breasts and looking like you lost your clothes, versus having a moment when the the sunlight is your only clothing and it is captured, y'all feel me on this one?

MUSIC

My gawd, In a previous post you will find pics of a recent outing that I went to. I promise I will never ever ever find myself at BWX again. I consider myself to be fluent in all music, While I am drawn more to B side artists like, Van Hunt, Georgia Ann, N'dembi, Keite Bilal, Raphael E. Badu her sis UDAB, Max trust and believe I still can spin a Jay track and play Wu-tang at least once a week.

I CAN NOT GET WITH ANYONE TALKING ABOUT ICE CREAM PAINT JOBS!

You should have seen the look on my face when the one of the DJ's from 92.3 really put that sh*t on. You should have seen the look on my face when everyone including one of my Aces through her hands in the air. The dumming down of Black America is for sure partially due to the crap that artists put out and the fact that it is on heavy rotation.

"What if there were no niggers only Master Teachers, I stay woke"

I'm turning 29 in December, I'm not old. I am cultured and fine tuned, I have a deep appreciation for knowledge, thirst, and rhythmic vibes and words so deep that it is felt in your core.

LACE FRONT WIGS

I saw New moon last night, why not just give the werewolf some standard tracks? Did he really need a full lace front?

Lace fronts look like Lace Fronts, that is my word ~ unless you have Bey money, don't think it's ok to throw one on haphazardly. These wigs which at one point were fly and tastefully done are now everywhere on sale and clearance causing a disturbing rise in the tackiness floating around in the streets.

Remember you should not see the lace on the wig itself. smh

My grandmother wants one. I know she would be able to pull it off, she is a graceful badd ass Jamaican woman, that prides herself on every small detail. I'll get her one for Christmas.

MY WEIGHT

Winter is approaching, this is no excuse. Should I complain? or do something about it? I am fairly active and am in good health, I say this because I can run for an hour straight easily, but still I think 215 sounds so much better that 229. I'm 5ft 10 inches, I'm a big girl I like being thick but am trying to get away from the back fat.

My back should not frown or smile depending on what type of movement I make. I need to step my game up hard. First step is processed sugar, I am going to remove at least 85% of this from my diet. Sounds easy right? not at all. Processed sugar is in so many things. 100% fruit juice, packaged oatmeal, bread, yogurt, store brought vege foods. I know this but continue to put it in my body? Why Aye why? Human nature I guess? I have will power like none you've ever seen, why am I not using it?

The template on my blog

Good lord, it looks so dry compared to all these other ones that I visit. At this point I am still not able to upload pics the way I want to. I am not a computer person so to speak. I get on, do what I have to do and keep moving, my time is so short, I allow myself only about two hours on the computer every few days. I look at templates, gadgets, widgets, HTML, codes, java, and then just end up saying bump this. One day I promise I will make the blog more eye appealing but for know this is all I got.

On my way, I'll see you soon

Aye

Man O' Man..

2009-11-23T17:55:00.000-08:00

Crew,

Two weeks? seriously?. Sheeeeet man time flies. I say " Ok I will post tomorrow" then realize tomorrow never comes. I have been wrapped up like crazy, between my normal 9-5, home, kids, and business. I honestly have been super busy. Please forgive me once again.

Me and Taya, I heart her

My hair was was in desperate need of a trim. My split ends became split middles ( not good at all), I did a mini trim, instead of parting my hair in small sections and then doing a twist and trim, I made about 15 or so twists in my hair and trimmed about 3/4 of an inch off. Ladies my personal experience has lead me to believe that kinky curly hair like mine will never be rid of all split ends at once unless me hair is straightened and then trimmed. I've stopped worrying over the idea of having a completely split free fro' .. None the less, it does feel so much better. Thank God I am not a length obsessed person- I want health more than anything. Below see pics of my split ends.

Split Ends

LOCS

After twisting up her locs with my Shea coco mix and a touch of Barry Fletcher's Herbal twist putty and letting them dry under the dryer, I went to work and gave her a twisted rolled pony tail of sorts. She came back the next week and I gave her another updo.

Side of last week's loc updo

My home girl actually asked me if my fro was a weave lol

This weeks loc updo

Two strand twist updo

I just liked this tree

The front of this weeks loc updo, (isn't she pretty :-) )

As I've said before I'm concentrating on keeping my fro under wraps, well not literally under a wrap but keeping my hair ends as protected as possible. The only time I will have my hair out is on special occasions, i.e - da' club, Raphael's show my birthday 6Th or Bilal's show on Dec 4the ( happy dance). Asides from that I'm going to keep my hair in twists and pinned up. At night I've been Bagging my hair, I think this is like the best thing since tofu for my kinks. moisture retention is a big issue for me. I re twisted my hair yesterday and will keep these in for the next two weeks.

So what's been going on with everyone? How has life been?

I am literally being kicked off the computer right now. Today is Mister's birthday, we just came back from the movies , we went to see the 4Th kind.. I loved it, it was perfect. Please go see it.

Stay Solid,

Aye

Sunday Again

2009-11-08T13:24:00.000-08:00

Hi Crew,
My gosh time flies, I am sitting here in utter dis belief at the fact that tomorrow is Monday. I feel like time has been sped up or is it that I've just grown up and now value my time so much more than I did when I was younger.

Well today as we know is hair day in my home, I did Lil Bit's hair this morning, nothing fancy at all just a few cornrows to get me through the next two weeks. Her hair was washed earlier this week. I did a quick detangle and spread a mix I whipped up last night, Shea butter, Castor oil and coconut oil. Bing's hair was also washed earlier this week, for her I plan on two simple french braids for the next week.

I also restyled my own hair, I saw a style over at http://leaveinthekinks.blogspot.com/ that I fell in love with. See the pics below.

I've been doing some serious thinking lately on plans for the next year. I want to set some achievable goals. Hmm.

Crew, I've been contemplating doing a post on Body Image. This is a super sensitive subject for most women, If I do decide to do this post I would want it to be a celebration of our bodies, flaws and all. I would be exposing bits of myself to sort of "rebuild" myself ( does that make sense?) .

Everyone, Every single one of my crew, I need your opinion on this. Is this a post worth visiting? or has it been touched to much?

I'm trying to make my kids proud of me
Aye

Sharing

2009-11-03T17:39:00.000-08:00

"Love God and your children, Learn everybody else."

My brother ..Adawanyeh

Monday Thoughts

2009-11-02T13:38:00.000-08:00

Hi Crew,

I hope all is well, with everyone. I want to give a major shout out to all those who took time to hit the follow button on my blog. With the amount of bloggers and information available to us all. I feel so special to know that there are a few set of folks who have no problem with returning to this little section of the web called Thick N Curly.

I get amped when I click on my followers and see my "crew". We all share so many things in common, in particular one HAIR!. We all want to see it flourish, grow, look purdy and are attempting to take the best possible care of it as we can.

So go head and pat yourself on the back for taking a step in the right direction. No one knows it all when it come to hair, no one, but we each know something and combined we can form the ultimate machine! I am convinced. Ladies share your input with me, don't be stingy .. gimme that sweet stuff lol. ( I've been watching Maxwell a lot on you tube- Taya I'm still peeved with you for not taking me! lol it's all good ur my sis for life) . I love hair, weaves , braids, presses- but I am particularly fond of my natural kinks.

Today I was contacted by a lovely sister who has decided to leap into the freedom of kinks. Everyone applaud home girl!

I want to talk about transitioning a bit. Now we all know the type of impact of hair has on our lives right. I'm listing some of the most known phrases I've used when it comes to my hair and how it's afflicted me. Please comment and add your own phrases.

* Stop playing with the water, I just did my hair

* Hold on baby, let me tie my hair down first ( y'all know what I'm talking about)

* I'll go with you to the beach, but I am NOT getting in that water

* Alright I'll get in the water but I'm not letting it go over my ankles

* I am not going to the gym, I just got my hair done

Ok, now this list can go on and on, but I'm cutting it short. I need to stay on track with this.

Now for the sisters who are taking the jump into Natural hair, it is not always an easy thing to do. Many of us had no idea what the texture of it is, how to comb it style it and most importantly take care of it. Now combine all of that with FOLKS! Family, friends, people on the street.

Lord help you when Auntie Grace sees your kitchen and it's not pin straight. God Forbid Cece catch you with a little bit of new growth. Better yet homeboy that stays in front of the store and notice your edges looking a bit ruff. These are not easily thwarted comments, some of them may cause an automatic neck movement with an eye roll. Support is so important at this stage, the goal of beautiful natural hair must be remembered.

Transitioning Ladies,

Stay moisturized, you will notice such a difference in the two textures and you natural growth will feel super dry compared to the rest of your hair. If you're a 4 c like me keep the heavy fatty oils on hand. Castor oil, Shea butter- the yellow kind, coconut oil, stay in my hair. For me personally the light oils do nothing.

Keep your hands out of it! I have serious hand in fro disease, so I know how hard it is. Trust me less manipulation at this point is the best for retaining length.

No Heat or low heat. Don't worry about the difference in texture! be proud of those kinks, waves, naps.

Ok. Crew I have to jet - Bings hair is calling me, and I have to cook

Raphael Saadiq will be at RamsHead in Baltimore for my Birthday!

Aye

Chiney Bumps

2009-10-31T10:26:00.000-07:00

Hi Crew,

Last post I talked about Chiney bumps or Bantu knots as they're referred to by most. Well Below you can catch a glimpse of my gy-nor-mous head. I forgot how painstaking they are to do on my own hair. I am particular about parts, I like mines to be super clean and straight. This causes for me putting in a few and having to take them down and re- do them again all because of uneven parts. Anyway for folks that don't know how to do these here's a few quick steps

1. Section of desired size of hair, on my own I like mines to be fairly small, I think it's neater that way, I section off about an inch of hair.
2. COMB THE HAIR! smoothness is a must for this. I pass a tiny rat tail through the section to ensure smoothness.
3. Add your product, I use organic virgin coconut oil, super greasy equals super slippery and shiny for me. ( I Likey)
4. Do a two strand twist all the way to the tip
5. Twirl the twist around itself till it becomes a small circle, continue to wind it around and tuck the end under itself.

NOTE: I'm on a hunt for a new camera, my phone is not cutting it anymore. I promise as soon as I get it. I'll start doing pic tutorials.

6. This is optional, you can add a rubber band for extra security. I use to add a rubber band when my hair was shorter, or when the parts were bigger.

It took me about 2 hours to do only the front section of my head, I was tired and had to be at work for 7 the next day. I didn't bother putting knots in the back. I have the back in 4 big corn braids for now. I might two strand twist the back or put them in small box braids.

Below is one picture, please disregard the weird look on my face and yes I took these in the restroom at work ( who doesn't snap pics of them selves whilst in the restroom at work? you know you do!)

Cold weather is here! I can't stand it, it means that snow is right around the corner ugh. It also mean that I need to stash my fro away. I've been thinking really hard on what I want my protective style to be for these cold months. I've been thinking about some old school Janet Jackson braids, remember the huge ones from poetic justice? What do you all think? Would I be taking it to far back with those?

My eyes are wide shut, keep it movin'
Aye

Hair, Aphogee and TMI

2009-10-24T15:46:00.000-07:00

Hi Crew,

For the faint of heart or those who do not do well with visuals, this post is not for you.

I noticed a bit of shedding going on with my hair and split ends as I mentioned before. Sooo I decided it was time for a protein treatment. Aphogee 2 step treatment is a complete different machine than the 2 minute re constructor treatment that has a permanent home in my shower. The thang is runny! like strait water! I expected to have the product drip slowly into my hand, instead it ran through my fingertips on first squirt.... I should have known , gawd I should have known. Well anyway I normally do my hair nude, I find myself jumping in and out of the shower for conditioning and what not - so why not do the treatment in my birthday suit I said to myself.

Below are the top reasons not to do aphogee treatments nekkid

* It runs!, running protein that coagulates down your face is not fun- you get this insta-mask that needs to be scrubbed off with soap

*Pubic hair! I am a thick girl which mean that my "triangle" sits quite comfortably between my full thighs, I am not a fan of the bare look- in other words, the liquid fused my hair to my thighs (TMI lol)

* I have tattoos! My tattoos started to itch uncontrollably. man that was torture

* Did I mention that the stuff runs? I did right? Let me add that it leaves a sticky trail were ever it goes and makes an effort to fuse your skin to anything else it touches including other body parts.

Well. After letting it dry most of the way, I deep conditioned with Aubrey Organics, White Camellia, I absolutely adore these conditioners. They are fairly inexpensive and work wonders on kinks.

I have my drying plaits in right now, you know which ones I'm talking about right. 6 or so unruly braids or twists that go whichever way their heart desires? These are about done drying so I'm going to undo each run Castor oil though and re braid in about 6 cornrows going back.

I'm undecided on how to style my hair right now, I haven't done Chiney bumbs in a while, I think I'll try that.

I'm a busy busy bee
Aye

My Heart

2009-10-20T18:09:00.000-07:00

I am in love with a man that has shown me how to breathe deep. I'm sharing this personal message he sent to me today. I was lost in thought, deep in thought and he pulled me up again.

From My Life ~CantsenMehbac

"Life is a hustle and at times we get so caught up in the rhythm of its movements that we often neglect to stop and show thanks and appreciation to that special ONE among us. The ONE who never ask for a thank you or a favor for a favor. That special person who’s own personal hustle is to see you succeed in life, health and happiness. That ONE whose heart beat for your heart whose mind body and spirit is morphed into ONE with you... You see that special person is so easy to neglect, because that person is YOU! Be thankful to yourself as if you were two in ONE that’s what love, peace and happiness truly is. What a supreme blessing to have in another being another entity. To love and be loved, to encounter as two, only to become ONE. I am all powerful that black mass in space which begot from the nothing to capture and support and be supported by the beautiful balance of warm light that orbits me. The blessed pulchritudinous ( his vocab game is so dope) feminine bright light that has became ONE with me. I need you to smile all day.. The light helps me to keep my vision focused on the ONE ……Peace

To Give Or Not To Give

2009-10-20T17:56:00.000-07:00

Crew,

As promised, today's posting will be my fellow yellow sister Toya from
butterflysoulwhispers.blogspot.com/. Enjoy, I know I did .. kinda had me scratching my head and feeling away..

Ok Ladies and Gents…this one is for those of you in or considering a relationship (and by considering take it however you want lol).

What is compromising and what is settling? The specific subject…your beliefs. So I am dating and considering where this will lead. Now I am not by far your typical female…I respect my mind and I believe you should as well. Some may call it stubborn, strong-willed, or bull-headed but I like to think I am just very passionate lol. So any man that dares to step up to the plate has to be VERY self confident (matter of fact, I like em a little cocky). Keep this in mind as I unfold the question.

I grew up watching grandparents that worked to build a mini fortune and now in their elderly years are being sucked dried by leeches. My grandmother has a 6th grade education and owns an apartment building, 2 rental properties, and personal property worth more than $750,000 as we speak. She has never owed anyone anything and now that she is older my uncle has taken residence with her and has her in so much debt (hundreds of thousands) that it is affecting her health. On the other side my mother has always been a hard worker and done whatever she could to give her children better than she had. She learned lessons late in life that I am blessed to have received early enough to implement a generational change. She is constantly working to others benefit. My mother works two jobs to be able to get the things that she likes but never takes time to enjoy them. She works around the clock and as if she didn’t the world would stop without her constant diligence. Occasionally, she can be talked into slowing down to “smell the roses” but it has to be well planned and well in advance. More times than not her personal time is spent doing for others.

Then there is me. I feel like life is not guaranteed. You work hard and you should enjoy it along the way. I feel like you need to give back from your blessings and be a blessing to someone else. You save (like my grandmother) so you have something for your future. You work hard (like my mother) and take care of your business and help others when you can. You also spend a little along the way and “smell the roses” along the way. What good is it all if you wait until you are elderly to enjoy your labor? Who is to say that you even make it to tomorrow? The guy in my life right now feels differently. You don’t spend (unless you have a serious savings e.g. $25,000 for every $1,000 you plan to spend), you chose quantity over quality, and you only give to the extent that it doesn’t take away from your savings or potential savings. You do not give 10% of your gross to the church because it is only going into the pastor’s pocket (or someone else’s in the church) and they are not going to help you when you need it. If you had the choice to take 2 weeks off (securing your job in your absence) and your every want was going to be supplied during the trip (spending money included) but you had to pay for the plane ticket- you pick the Virgin Islands for $1,000 instead of Egypt for $3,000 (based on cost only).
What’s the problem you ask? How much do you bend before its considered settling? Am I just stubborn in my ways in thinking that it’s not going to last for us because we have such different beliefs and ways of thinking? Is it going to be an argument every time that I want to splurge (I’m talking every 6 months not weekly or monthly)? Am I going to grow to resent him for not allowing me to enjoy life the way I see fit? What do you say…how much do you bend before you are letting go of yourself? …and when are you just being stubborn?

ssshhhhhhhhhh

2009-10-17T12:31:00.000-07:00

Crew,

On Thursday I planned an impromptu birthday party for my mum that is taking place today. This ish is now joke trying to organize, . She took the kids to see that insane meatballs movie. It's over in like 45 minutes though, Fish is fried eschovith sauce is sitting , rice and peas are in motion, and potatoes are boiling. Why am I updating my blog right now?? Cause I have 11 followers and I'm amped! Thank you so much for visiting and subscribing :-). OK well I have to jet know,I'm going uptown to get my other mum, I have not put a comb in my bang in two days, I haven't covered in while in the shower like I normally do, guess what, I LOVE IT!! it coiled up on itself,, and no one canyt tell me nuffin!.

ok, Ill try to re post in a bit,

It's raining out here and its beautiful
Aye

Please check out this post

2009-10-15T15:24:00.001-07:00

Lol, AMAZING

I've been trying to cut and copy a post I did over at www.naturalsunshine.ning.com . Of course it's not working, I mean why would it? I live be the " why not me credo" lol. It's all good though. Don't forget we're having a guest blogger this week.

Ciao

Update

2009-10-14T15:32:00.000-07:00

Hi Crew,

Recent issues have pulled me away from my blog, I will update at least weekly for now.

I'm excited, I am going to start taking care of hair again- this is something that I love doing, When I was in NY I ran a hair salon . I'm going to start taking care of hair from my home. Note that I did not say "doing hair". We all get our hair done or at some point have gotten it "did". What I am going to do is nurture and care for hair, as in "baby" it. I'm turning the bottom level of my home into a small hair oasis, music, art, food, natural products and my jewelry will find a new home down below.

Now on some real talk, money is tight- so tight that most of the time it has to be squeezed from nowhere. ~ Eh hem ~ mi haffi go rob peter fi pay paul~, that type of ish. I'm aware of it, because I've been through it and go through it from time to time. My prices are going to be half price. Out here in MD sisters are ROBBED and RAPED when it comes to hair, what I'm going to be doing is bringing NY prices out here. Sometimes we may only have twenty dollars, I understand that - I got you lol.

Now my hair,

Y'all know I have itchy fro fingers, I love how my braids look but I love how my fro feels. I'm getting antsy and want to take them out. I'm fighting with myself right now on this because it's getting cold. I have some of the driest hair ever so the cold air is not my hairs friend. My hair is literally shining right now with the amount of oil in it. Know we know that naturally hair has a sheen, my stuff is shiny lol. I washed it last night and stretched it out, I'm going to put micro twists in the front- I need to protect my ends.

Bing's hair grows insanely fast. It's been only about three weeks and she has about a half an inch already, the fuzzy braids are not cute right now. Saturday I'm going to wash her hair and re braid it Sunday.

Ladies, if you are in the DMV area let me know, you will get an extra special discount if you follow me :-)

I get inspired, I have dreams, I follow them - what do you do?
Aye

Hmm

2009-10-08T18:48:00.000-07:00

I've been thinking of doing a you tube natural hair journey, let me know your thoughts

Thoughts and Photos

2009-10-08T15:56:00.000-07:00

Hi Crew,

I think that there's comes a point where you are either satisfied or unsatisfied with you.
You take a step back and look at your self. I do this often, this is what I call " Revisiting your blueprint". As I said before I am business owner of two companies. A party entertainment company Bobs Bounce N Play and Panama's Flavor Foods. There is such a pull in me to be financially independent of my 9-5 but life is life and we all know about bills. Have you ever wanted something so bad that it hurts you not to have it? It could be a lost love, a new car, your degree- that expensive as heck Remy hair? Whatever it is, hopefully y'all know the feeling that I am talking about. This is how I feel about my company's. I want them to grow bigger better, I want to be able to say I'm not coming into the office today, kids pack your stuff we're going back home for a month. This is what is pushing me to keep going. I will have those 15 minutes of fame.

OK,

so below are my latest hair pics, at this point I haven't gotten the knack of labeling the pics so they are all down below roaming freely. I did a twist n curl(Shout out to curlynikki.com) on the bang in front. I loved the way it came out. I parted them and greazed my scalp with natures blessing hair pomade, it is all natural- everything in the ingrediant list is in my cabinet. I applied castor oil and then cantu shea butter~ note~ I am not a huge huge fan of cantu but I make it work. Once everything was all twisted down I applied a perm rod at the end, fluffed it and kept it moving. Ladies what do you think?

OH YEA
Next week well be having a guest blogger. I told her to feel free with whatever she writes.

Keep at it, keep at it, you're almost there.
Aye

Hair Complaints and Hopes

2009-10-04T07:24:00.000-07:00

Hi Crew,

In an earlier post, you heard me complaining of my split ends having splits ends. Seriously this is terrible. In an attempt to avoid another big chop, I stepped up my moisturizing, protecting and deep conditioning. Almost every strand that I plucked from my end had a frayed end or that bubble that tells you that drama is on the way. Some of those already split ends had the nerve to be split! How dare they! Do they not know who I be?. Or maybe it is I who has underestimated the power of hair manipulation. Maybe I took my natural kinks for granted- figuring that I had the toughest of the tough when it came to hair? I do not! my babies, scream and cry when I put anything near them. I will be a good mum and listen to them. I am going to put my protective routine on big time.

Well last night I took out the braids I had in my hair and Benzski looks at my fro, twists up her face and says" why your hair looks so short?" I gave her the worst screw face possible and said " What u mean?" She tells me that my ends need to be trimmed. First of all how in the world could she look at my fro and think anything imperfect of it? Then I realized, my baby sis is about the quickest person when it comes to hair, her looking at hair is like my mum looking at me if I try to lie- she can see straight through it. Well she is natural as well, but at this point rocking her "pole" hair- ( yall get with my language).

So last night I put the elasta QP deep moisturizing conditioner in my hair, put my bag on my head and slept in it,

Guess what...

I woke up to the toughest roughest hair ever!!
This is not what I expected, it's all good though. I put some Aussie Moist in it and am now sitting here writting this post. I will update you all tomorow on the outcome of my hair. I have to go pick up a cello case for Bing.

Check out the pics below of my do before I undid it.

Drink something Green in the morning, I have kale, cucumber, celery and chlorophyll,

Aye

Follow Up Post and HAIR

2009-09-26T20:13:00.000-07:00

Ok, my apologies for not posting earlier, super busy, but I have pics and lots of good stuff to talk about. bear with me for a bit longer :)

My split ends have split ends?

2009-09-25T06:43:00.000-07:00

What in the world is that all about? I have so much to update you all on! I got my blender :-). Look forward to a more detailed post this evening.
I'll be discussing split ends, green drinks, chlorophyll, ballon twisting, and my other busisness ( spellcheck?)

Make sure your light shines the brightest.
Aye

Tuesday Thoughts

2009-09-22T06:05:00.000-07:00

Hi crew,

This morning I ran into a neighbor, she is a very sweet woman who has a little girl Bings age. Our girls have a developed a friendship that matches mine and one of best friends. I live in a "middle class" neighbor hood. Everyone has at least two vehicles, and most houses are occupied by couples who seem "perfect". Now we all know that everything is not what it seems and looks are deceiving right? My neighbor told me about a service offered by an agency that assists with holidays. Should I have been offended by this? Maybe look at her sideways and tell her in my most snobbish voice that I am covered , thanks but no thanks?.

I didn't

I genuinely felt gratitude, I felt privileged that she would reveal a bit of her struggle to assist with any part of my life. We barely know each other and she was so humble about herself to extend assistance. Small things like this make me remember that there are good people in the world, how many of us are blessed to meet a kind hearted person randomly? She couldn't believe that I braided Bings hair, I offered to braid her daughter's hair for her. She told me she would pay me - I declined.

Crew, what are your thoughts on this? Have you any stories to share?

Revisit your blueprint everyday,
Aye

A few random things and of course HAIR!

2009-09-21T05:34:00.000-07:00

Hello Crew,

I finished Bings hair last night... and lil bits :-) I am proud of myself. This is no task easily accomplished not to mention I spent the entire day doing it. Quick breakdown of Bings hair

Detangled prior to washing, 6 big braids
diluted castille soap, scrubbing the scalp, she had a bad dandruff buildup as it been about a month since her last wash.
I rinsed out each section and applied a quick 2 minute aphogee treatment to each braid, actually it was more like 7 minutes, then I put a generous amount of Aussie in each braid. I mushed it and mushed it through then rinsed each braid out and combed it again under the running water.
I blowdried each section on a medium heat, took a deep breath and then started to braid.

Ok cool, now lil bit's hair isn't as much "work" to do. Bing's hair is 4b and heavy. Lil Bit's is maybe a 3b, so while her's is longer than her sister's it is not as thick and taked maybe half the time to. I pretty much did the same thing with her hair, only I didn't detangle prior to washing.
Although she wanted the same style as her older sister, I apologized deeply to her and told her that Bing had a big girl style and when she turned 8 she could get the same thing ( Betwixt you and I, I was not about to do all of those braids in her hair at 9 oclock at night!).

NOTE:I am posting pics of Bings hair. I should not have to say this but, * Do not steal my shit, Especially pics of girls, I swear I'll put u on blast across every muh fuggin board and get my Aunty from up inna de country to boil sum bush fi yu! *

Now, Im also posting a pic of my latest do, I had it done about two weeks ago, I am getting tired of it, but the beauty of braids is not having to do it :-)
Be easy on me, I'm on a mission to take off these 30 pounds. 200 is a good look for me, still thick just not so jelly ish
Oh, Mister brought me a Montell Williams ~emulsifier~ Health master. I am big on green smoothies and raw food. I really wanted a vita mix blender but beggers can't be choosers. It's supposed to come in about two weeks. I'll update you all on that one.
last thing, I stayed home from work today, Lil Bit has a fever, so I'll post a few things today and plan on making some earrings.

Art is good for the soul,
Aye

Sunday In My House

2009-09-20T08:41:00.000-07:00

Sunday's in my house have proven themselves to be somewhat hectic, actually more chaotic. A bulk of this because I need to improve my time management skills.

I am a serious procrastinator who has to force herself to write a daily list of what needs to be done.
It is hair day, for those who do not know, this is common ritual in most "folks" home, Detangling washing, combing, plaiting, braiding and for the special occasion pressing. This is a time consuming process as I have two girls with hair to spare.
I want to do my own hair, I am natural with about five n a half inches of hair on my head, I know it doesn't sound like a lot, but I have to be fly with mine.
Cleaning up, I can't stand dirt, straight up. I need to constantly clean.

As soon as I get a few good pics, I'm going to start uploading pics, I was a bit buzzed at a special someone this morning, had me feeling a way. LOL ladies, stress is not cool. Remember to always let it roll of your shoulders. Whatever it is, if you cant fix it right this minute, makes no friggin sense to let it ruin your day.

My hair arsenol for the girls. CONDITONER! Lots of it! I don't stray from cones as I should. One of the best cheapie conditioners that I've recently fell in love with is Aussie moist- it provides theeee best slip, comes with a pump and was only five bucks for the HUGE bottle. We go through this in about a week and half. I honestly need to deep condition Bing's hair, I've noticed its breaking a bit. I promised the girls that they would get braids this weekend. This is like promising them a pony, It is doable but its gonna take a while. I brought the beads and rubberbands, it's just to actually do it now.

On a side note, I have a very tiny fishtank with two goldfish - compliments of my dad. I dislike gold fish as pet's. They shit to much. Mister changed the filter and the water about two weeks ago, that damn tank looks gross already. I am ready to fry those suckers I swear ( but of course I would never do that My babies would have a fit)

Welcome To My Mind

2009-09-19T19:35:00.000-07:00

My name is Aye, I like many have taken it upon myself to provide the world with daily doses of my thoughts, confessions, frustrations, must have's, must nots. I am married mom of 6 super great kids. I named this Blog Thick N Curly for the most obvious reasons, I have a bad ass fro and am an official " thick gurrl" ( meaning your top or bottom must extend further than the middle lol).

NOTE: For all those who may be discouraged by a curse, Pro-Blackness, Feminisim, PRESIDENT Obama, Consipiracy Theories, Not eating pork, A dislike for HOOD novels, real deal talk, TMI, stretchmarks, csection scars, vericose veins, flatulence, Black People, White people, Gray people, gold teeth, West Indian culture, sometimes saying F the spell check, those who go against the machine, then I suggest you don't read this blog. I am a real woman who lives a real life. There will be nothing sugar coated here. You will get the good with the bad, hopefully more good than bad of course.

Thank you for visiting, please feel free to browse to your hearts content and leave messages, I am open to all comments as long as they are not rude or dispresctful.

Freedom for All,

Aye