The Hair Journey Continues: Brazilian Keratin Treatments, Lace Front Wigs & Hair Weaves!!

So, the saga with my hair continues. Last time we talked, I had taken out my weave after 7 months and my hair was a wreck! I went in search of a Dominican Stylist and found her in Dallas. She worked wonders with my non-relaxed mass of kinks and turned my hair in to a cute swingy bob. I loved the results, but sadly, her work did not last. My hair lost the swing after 48 hours and I was in search of
another alternative for my natural hair. For the uninitiated to the world of Black Women and our hair struggles, natural hair means hair that is free of chemical treatments such as relaxers or perms that many of us put in our hair to make it “straight” and manageable. Relaxers are affectionately referred to as the “creamy crack” because once you start getting relaxers, you have to get them redone every 8-12 weeks like clockwork due to kinky new growth hair coming in and taking away the straightness. Going to the hair dresser every 2 weeks does feel like going to your Dealer for an expensive and necessary fix!! LOL I am happy to report that I have been relaxer free for over a year as my hair has been in a weave the whole time. When I took my weave out, I was left with the delima as to what to do with my very kinky natural hair. I refuse to become a creamy crack addict again. I decided to alternate between wearing Lace Front Wigs and wearing my own natural hair just as Tyra Banks is this season on her show.

After a lot of research, I decided to apply a new hot hair treatment called The Brazilian Keratin treatment. Some refer to it as the Brazilian Blowout. I ordered the kit on ebay and completed the 2 day process. Yes, I did say 2 DAY!!! I fully chronicled the process in a very raw and real way on facebook with the dreaded “before” pics (they were pretty damn hysterical, including one of my niece Cara laughing
at my short, kinky afro in one of the pics) to the jaw dropping “after” shots. I went from a super kinky, very tightly coiled (as in could not get the comb thru it) afro to shoulder length, shiny, swingy gorgeous hair with the process. The results look just like results from a relaxer without subjecting my hair to harsh chemicals. For those that have asked me, since I did the process 4 weeks ago, I have shampooed my hair times and the results are still the same. I go from kinky afro to swingy, straight hair after an hour with the flat iron. It is truly miraculous each time!!! Another amazing result, my hair has grown 3/4 of an inch in a month after this treatment. I washed it and flat ironed it this morning and it is touching my shoulders. It was definitely not doing that a month ago as I lost a ton of hair removing the weave. This is exciting news indeed!!! I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THE BRAZILIAN KERATIN TREATMENT!! FYI…I made my Facebook folder that has tons of pics of the process visible only to me. I am no longer in the mood to have people see me with the natural state of my hair. There are videos on this blog though of my weave removal drama & my Dominican Hairstylist results.

What’s next with my hair??? Glad you asked. While I am pleased with the results of the Brazilian Keratin Treatment, wearing my own hair brings it’s own challenges. First, with my own hair, I have to think about it all the damn time. How will I style it, is it cute, how do I camoflage my wrecked hairline as I am working to grow it in?? etc… Also, I have decided to grow it out again to be well past my shoulders and down my back as it was last year and with my constant flat ironing and styling, I run the risk of it breaking off and not growing. I found that I was wearing my Lace Front wigs more frequently as it is a hell of a lot easier to throw on a wig vs. spending an hour doing my own hair and not being totally pleased with the results. I decided to go back to my long Indian Hair weave! This is for a couple of key reasons. First, when my hair is braided under my weave, it is left with nothing to do but grow, grow, grow! It is protected from the
elements and will grow like crazy which is what I want. Second, a weave is so damn easy to maintain. I simply wash it, let it air day and go. As an added and important benefit, I get my “glamour girl” look back that I love so damn much! Whoo Hoo!! Another benefit to having the weave back that only my Sista Girls will understand…I don’t need to figure out how the hell I’m going to keep my wig on and undetected if I am spending the night with my dude, LMAO!!! Ya’ll know what I’m talking about!!! Lawd, that is a lot of damn pressure!! You know how when you get home after having your wig on all day and all you want to do is snatch that sucka off and let your hair breathe. Imagine having to sleep in that sucka cause you can’t go “natural” in front of your man. This is one of the challenges of dating white dudes – they aren’t as informed about our hair traumas as the Brothas are!! LOL

Off to get my weave and pose for pics with my new stylist! Yay!!

For those of you that don’t know what the hell I am talking about, here are videos that explain what Brazilian Keratin Treatment, Lace Front wigs and Hair Weaves are.

BRAZILIAN KERATIN TREATMENT:

LACE FRONT WIGS:

HAIR WEAVES:

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Flashback Friday!!!!

Ready for the World singing Oh Sheila!! This song came out my freshman year of college and I was sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo damn sick of it by the end of first semester. It was a fantastic way to get known all over campus though!! Enjoy!

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Oprah Told me Who I am Supposed to Be!!

So, as those of you that really know me or those of you that can read have figured out, I have been on a continuous mission to discover my Purpose. Intuitively, I know what the answer is, but I am still doubting. Okay, fearing is the more accurate description.

I was on Oprah.com… today and I came across a segment she has called “Become the Person You Were Meant to Be” – Finding your purpose. Absolutely amazing! As part of it, there was a quiz called, “Who am I meant to be”. I took it and the results were ASTOUNDINGLY ACCURATE!!! So much so, I wanted to share the link with all of you and encourage you to take the quiz if you are not clear about what your purpose is. Every single word of my results describes me to tee! It’s as if someone that has known every thought and action I have taken in 41 years of life wrote a report about me!!!

Here are the links:

OPRAH: www.oprah.com…

SURVEY: www.oprah.com…

Here are my results:

YOU ARE STRIVING TO BE SPONTANEOUS
You are an adventurer: Action-oriented, curious, outgoing, and often technically gifted, you live for new experiences. You are drawn to risk-taking and aren’t afraid to fail. Generally restless, you tend to job-hop or choose a field that offers constant novelty. If you had to name your favorite place, it might be the center of attention—you’re a born entertainer, and can easily adapt to any audience. While you collect many acquaintances, you’re less likely to develop deep, committed relationships.

What to watch out for: When you can’t satisfy your thirst for variety and excitement, you may see yourself as trapped, which can lead to impulsive and self-destructive behavior—drinking, drugs, breaking off relationships, ditching financial responsibilities. Try to find value in some traditions; if you learn to appreciate repetitive experiences, you won’t always feel the urge to bust free. And when a new opportunity thrills you, keep in mind that just because it sounds exciting, that doesn’t mean it’s good for you.

Looking ahead: Life will have meaning for you as long as you feel stimulated. That might mean chasing twisters, exploring the polar ice caps, getting a degree in dance therapy, or becoming an astronaut. It might also mean reading new books, attending workshops, or letting yourself get swept up in an intoxicating romance. As a risk-lover with a lot of energy, you’re a natural entrepreneur. You’ll be happiest if you change jobs every so often and travel extensively. Movement is what keeps you going.

YOUR SCORES
Many people have two or three strong striving styles, and they can all be important in leading you to the person you are meant to be. If you have a few “highest” scores, read each matching description, and see what rings most true.

Striving to help: 10
Striving to be recognized: 18
Striving to be creative: 14
Striving to be spontaneous: 18
Striving to be knowledgeable: 16
Striving to be secure: 12
Striving to be in control: 14

STRIVING TO HELP
You scored: 10
You are a nurturer: You are caring and supportive in your personal relationships as well as in your job. Unselfish and altruistic by nature, you often anticipate the needs of those around you before they are aware of them. If there is one thing that brings you satisfaction, it’s tending to others.

What to watch out for: When you’re doing things for people only to feel valued, you can become resentful. And if you sense that your help is not appreciated, you may end up playing the martyr. So before giving your time to everyone else, make sure to take care of yourself (physically, emotionally, and spiritually). And practice waiting until someone asks for help: While you may be able to perceive what a person needs, that doesn’t mean she wants you to attend to it.

Looking ahead: It’s important for you to be genuinely of service in acknowledged ways. Whether you foster a child, care for an elderly aunt, rescue animals, or support a rock star’s career as her personal assistant, look for opportunities where you can help other people or bigger causes. Volunteer work has your name written on it, as do many careers: nursing, teaching, customer service, healing, social work. Don’t feel pressured to run the company or lead the project; you may be even more effective as someone’s right hand. And you’ll likely find working with other people more meaningful than flying solo.

STRIVING TO BE RECOGNIZED
You scored: 18
You are an achiever: Ambitious, competitive, and hardworking: That’s you. With a clear image of who you are, you work tirelessly to make sure your accomplishments are recognized. Your drive for success extends to your family, and you invest a lot of energy in helping them live up to your expectations. Thanks to your knack for diplomacy and abundant charisma, you often inspire others.

What to watch out for: You are prone to becoming a workaholic, slaving away toward success while neglecting your personal life. Because you’re driven to gain approval, you can find yourself performing for others like an actor; if you become overly concerned with your image, you end up feeling superficial. To keep your ambition under control, get involved in group activities that require cooperation. Also practice listening to those around you and think about sharing the spotlight from time to time.

Looking ahead: Any career that allows you to scale the ranks and gain recognition, status, even material rewards, lights you up. Actress, entrepreneur, salesperson, politician—you get the picture. And consider balancing your professional challenges with personal ones: Run a 10K, train for a triathlon, compete in a tennis tournament, bike from one end of your state to the other; or join a debate team, play in a poker circle, enter your purebred spaniel in a dog show. Whenever you can win at something, you’re happy.

STRIVING TO BE CREATIVE
You scored: 14
You are an artist: You came out of the womb with a paintbrush in your hand. Or maybe it was a flute or a castanet or a fountain pen to go with your poet’s imagination. The point is, you’re an original, and you know it. Even if you don’t have a singular gift, you’re drawn to the arts—anything creative, for that matter—and you have a unique way of looking at the world. Your need for depth and authenticity in relationships can lead to both great joy and profound sorrow, depending on whether others reciprocate. You don’t care so much about adapting to group or societal expectations; your independence and sharp intuition propel you on your own path.

What to watch out for: When fear of conformity overrides your creativity, you can assume the role of “outsider” or “orphan” and end up feeling alienated. You may even go so far as refusing to vote or pay taxes. This lone-wolf stance might be a defense against feeling vulnerable. Try to be aware that blaming others for your banishment, or pushing away those who want to get close, only makes things worse. Also, dramatizing your emotions can interfere with your creativity.

Looking ahead: As long as you genuinely express yourself, you feel like the person you were meant to be. How you do it is irrelevant. A chef or architect can be as much of an artist as a painter or sculptor. Many advertising and public relations executives are also highly imaginative. Beyond work, there are opportunities everywhere you look to coax out your inner artist: Design your own jewelry line, create an innovative blog, dream up a comic strip. Relationships are another avenue for self-expression.

STRIVING TO BE SPONTANEOUS
You scored: 18
You are an adventurer: Action-oriented, curious, outgoing, and often technically gifted, you live for new experiences. You are drawn to risk-taking and aren’t afraid to fail. Generally restless, you tend to job-hop or choose a field that offers constant novelty. If you had to name your favorite place, it might be the center of attention—you’re a born entertainer, and can easily adapt to any audience. While you collect many acquaintances, you’re less likely to develop deep, committed relationships.

What to watch out for: When you can’t satisfy your thirst for variety and excitement, you may see yourself as trapped, which can lead to impulsive and self-destructive behavior—drinking, drugs, breaking off relationships, ditching financial responsibilities. Try to find value in some traditions; if you learn to appreciate repetitive experiences, you won’t always feel the urge to bust free. And when a new opportunity thrills you, keep in mind that just because it sounds exciting, that doesn’t mean it’s good for you.

Looking ahead: Life will have meaning for you as long as you feel stimulated. That might mean chasing twisters, exploring the polar ice caps, getting a degree in dance therapy, or becoming an astronaut. It might also mean reading new books, attending workshops, or letting yourself get swept up in an intoxicating romance. As a risk-lover with a lot of energy, you’re a natural entrepreneur. You’ll be happiest if you change jobs every so often and travel extensively. Movement is what keeps you going.

STRIVING TO BE KNOWLEDGEABLE
You scored: 16
You are an intellectual: As a leader, you’re often ahead of your time. As an employee, you try to surpass the competence level of peers, even managers. Incisive and curious, you’re driven to deeply understand how things work. But that’s things, not people. Oh, your family and friends are important; it’s just that you don’t need to spend hours engaging with them. Social validation isn’t your goal—you’re secure enough in your cerebral pursuits.

What to watch out for: When you can’t find a way to be the expert, you may withdraw or simply withhold information, which can make you seem smug or arrogant. If you feel yourself retreating into your own world, seek a friend’s help to pull you back. Also balance your cerebral tendencies through physical activities like jogging, hiking, or dance.

Looking ahead: You discover who you are meant to be through accumulating insight and knowledge. So follow your curiosity. Are you drawn to learning Mandarin? Join-ing a philosophy society? Studying and practicing Buddhist meditation? Delving into the complexities of computer programming? Writing a historical book? Pursuits that place you near the leading edge of technology, science, psychology, academia, or business are good bets. But any situation that allows you to work independently with freedom to investigate and innovate will fuel your drive.

STRIVING TO BE SECURE
You scored: 12
You are a stabilizer: You are the rock in a storm, the one others lean on. Loyal and committed in your relationships, you maintain a support system of like-minded people whom you look out for. (So what if you do it behind the scenes and don’t get credit?) You’re careful with money, cherish the familiar, and defend the traditions you care about.

What to watch out for: Rapidly changing environments (like a shaky economy) are very hard for you. As a result of such instability, you can spiral into a state where everything seems catastrophic and you’re sure life will only get worse. You can also become overcontrolling, rejecting any suggestion that doesn’t conform to your idea of the way things should be. To avoid being too rigid, each month try changing one habit. Exper-iment with clothes, drive a different way to work, initiate conversations about subjects you wouldn’t normally discuss. And when the opportunity arises to do something new, avoid the impulse to immediately say no—this may be nerve-racking, but the more you practice, the less anxious you’ll feel.

Looking ahead: You find meaning in pursuing safety and certainty. Focusing on family can give you great satisfaction. Also consider planting a vegetable garden, hosting class reunions, volunteering as a lifeguard, teaching at your church or temple. In the work arena, look for positions where you’re responsible for others, and for making sure everyone is following the rules. You work well in any environment that is stable and consistent. Careers in government, finance, the military, law enforcement, and product manufacturing are strong options for you.

STRIVING TO BE IN CONTROL
You scored: 14
You are a leader: You approach everything as though you were born to be in charge. Confident, assertive, and decisive, you know what you want and you go after it. You also look out for family, friends, and community—you feel you know what’s best for them—and have no fear of confronting anyone who challenges your ideas. Taking the driver’s seat, you also generously donate time and energy to people and neighborhood projects.

What to watch out for: When you feel threatened, or others refuse to go along with your agenda, you can become confrontational and domineering, sometimes to the point of being dictatorial. Practice letting someone else take charge on occasion. Also try meditation; it can help you be-come more aware of your controlling impulses and ease the anxiety that may be provoking them.

Looking ahead: You discover your purpose when you take control of your environment. For you, finding a decision-making role is key. That could mean anything from producing a play to spearheading a global campaign for something you care about. In work, you’re suited for leadership positions in education, government, industry, finance, religious institutions, or politics. But you can find satisfaction anytime you’re given the autonomy to do things your own way.

YEP, THAT’S ME!!!

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Man, it has been a while since we last talked!!

Hi Everyone,

How goes it? I guess I could “briefly” bring you up to speed. Since we last spoke which was June 23rd, I have been a very busy girl with TONS of changes I have been keeping secret until now.

Here is a list of the highlights:

In the past 6 weeks, I have in this order:

• hung out in Melbourne with 2 of the coolest people I have ever met: Todd James & his effing cool as shit wife Rikki-Jean James. Damn, they are awesome!!!
• discovered what TRUE LOVE looks like and feels like after being with them. Thanks guys!
• Spent 2 more days freezing my ass off and complaining & being depressed in Melbourne. Decided that I had to get the hell out of there.
• took a very long bus ride from Melbourne to Sydney
• had an amazing time at my dear friend Joseph’s birthday party in Sydney
• decided that my time in Australia needed to come to an end and I needed to visit my family in Kansas City
• spent the most gloriously amazing last day in Sydney walking all over my favorite city and taking my last set of photos. You can view the pics on my Facebook page: www.facebook.com…
• Flown back to Los Angeles on Virgin
• spent one day in Los Angeles at Kraftland before embarking on a 10 day, 3,800 mile RV trip with friends
• learned to drive a huge RV – totally rocked it out
• spent an amazing night in my favorite luxury suite in Vegas – The Pallazo tower at The Venecian.
• Thanked God & RK for getting me back to my life of luxury!!
• Saw the Beatles inspired show ‘Love’ at The Mirage
• got to know 2 old/new friends, Rob & Crystal Minkoff really well. They rock!!
• Got to know Nicky’s totally awesome girlfriend, Rachel! Young love rocks!
• toured the Liberace museum!!!
• hiked in the Grand Canyon in 100 degree heat
• drove thru Roswell New Mexico and did not see any aliens
• received the best massage of my entire life in Santa Fe New Mexico
• made a crazy escape from what seemed like The Bates Motel in Carlsbad NM
• had a ball eating at awesome roadside diners that Crystal picked out all over NM & TX
• ate more tex-mex than anyone should be allowed by law
• hiked several miles under the earth at Carlsbad Caverns, New Mexico
• spent a hot ass 2 days in my favorite city Austin Texas. Ate tons of bbq & got to connect with my dear friend Teri
• spent 2 hot ass days in a mega-luxurious resort in San Antonio eating room services for 2 days while Richard & the young-uns enjoyed the heat
• lost my drivers license
• made some major life decisions as to what I want to do next- sort of, LOL
• set off thousands of dollars of fireworks on the fourth of july in a roadside parking lot somewhere between El Paso & Phoenix
• spent one day in LA at Kraftland and then limoed down to Orange County to spend 2 days with my sister friend Barbi.
• Was happy as fuck to discover that I still fit in the size 31 True Religion jeans I lost 55lbs to fit into last year!! I’m a lil bit thicker, but I still look GOOD!!!
• Picked up my Gucci Luggage and a small portion of my Gucci purses that I stored at Babi’s
• Got on a plane and flew to my hometown Kansas City.
• Got to ride in my Mommy’s new red convertible corvette
• spent a week living with my best friend Christa and my niece Cara & hubby Clark & Gracie
• had a flirtation with their neighbor – didn’t go anywhere with it though.
• Left Kansas City in my big ass Cadillac Escalade and drove to Dallas
• spent 3 days in Dallas with my family
• left Dallas and drove to my new home….

Wondering where I ended up? It’s been a secret for the 3 weeks I have been here. I’ll fill you guys in later on where I have decided to set up my new life. It’s definitely not Beverly Hills!!

Make sure you check out the photos of this chapter of my travel adventures on Facebook: www.facebook.com…

Ta Ta for now!! Love Ya!

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Sydney Memories

Hi Everyone,

Long time, no talk to.  I have been in Sydney exactly 2 months to the day. I cannot believe that it has been 2 months so quickly.  Where in the world has the time gone & how have I spent my time?  Well, I have actually been really chill in Sydney.  I spent a ton of time walking all over the city, exploring every neighborhood in the CBD (Central Business District).  I found that I truly love Surrey Hills, Potts Point, Darlinghurst, The Northern Suburbs, Elizabeth Bay, The Rocks, Kings Cross & Paddington.  All of these areas tend to be upscale, gentrified, full of coffee shops, great restaurants & great shopping.  I’ve been to the Opera House tons of times – saw one concert there, saw De La Soul in concert at The Metro, went to some very cool festivals, drunk tons of Australian wine,  ate too many damn hot chips (french fries) & pizza – yes, I have gained weight . I’ve visited all the major beaches here, gone to some really awesome bars, had great dinners with great company, walked into a vampire coven of thousands of bats,  learned the train system & saw all the major blockbuster movies that have come out in the past 2 months.   I’ve met countless new friends from all over the world – England, Chile, Sweden, Switzerland, Ireland, USA, Germany, Holland, Spain, Denmark, Thailand, Scotland, Canada, France & Australia.  I’ve attended 2 great internet marketing conferences and made tons of contacts & achieved clarity in my IM business.  I’ve met lots of guys – only kissed one or two, hehehehe.  My heart is only with one though…hmmmmmmm…wonder who?? I’ve spent longer than I should have living in the suburbs  – man that was rough (though I am grateful!). I’ve loved living in a city that has so much energy, diversity and love for me as a Black Woman. I’ve loved hostel living – in the big, nice Wake-Up Hostel for several weeks and in the small, messy, yet fun Asylum Hostel in the Cross.  Man, who knew that me, “Ms. 5 star Diva/Queen of Gucci” would totally take to living a backpacker lifestyle!  Crazy!  I’ve also enjoyed playing the “guess Sheila’s age” game and completely freaking everyone out as 99% of the people guess that I am 23-28 and I then tell them that I am 41.  Hilarious!!! I literally could be the mother of over 3/4 of the girls I have met. Thank GOD that BLACK DON’T CRACK Baby!!

After all that fun, the Universe is doing it’s thing again and has presented yet another opportunity for me to say, “YES” & completely walk out on Faith.  I’ve unexpectedly moved on from Sydney & hopped on a plane to do more traveling in Australia and spend time with new people. One of those new people has become a very integral part of my life, both personally and professionally. I’ve suddenly found myself on an extremely unexpected journey that has been amazing thus far. Not gonna talk anymore about it as I want to keep this very special  & important part of my life private.  I’ll get back into “spill the beans on my life” mode when I get to Melbourne in a couple of weeks. I hope you guys have enjoyed the ride thus far.  It means more to me than I can say to know that you all are out there, enjoying this journey with me.

Stay Blessed Everyone & Ciao for Now!!!

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