PhytoSpecific: I'm a convert

If you are a black woman and not happy with the state of your relaxed hair, please check out Monica Mingo's blog Rantings from a Creole Princess and check out the link to her 2006 Healthy Hair Care Regimen that is located to the right of her blog (you'll need to scroll down). This link will lead you to a series of her posts on how she maintains her hair with products from the Phyto line of products, particularly the PhytoSpecific line.

When I first read Monica's hair care regimen, I was wearing braids. I had been wearing them for almost a year in an effort to grow my hair out after a bout of significant hair breakage caused by my poor hair care management. I originally thought a bad perm caused my hair to break off, but after reading Monica's hair care regimen, I realized that I was most likely the guilty party. I was guilty of not moisturizing my hair enough, using shampoos and conditioners that are not designed to moisturize black hair; vigorously scratching my itchy scalp (why does it itch so dang much?!); and basically not respecting the fragility of my hair. All things that Monica notes are detrimental to black hair. Anyway, after reading her hair care regimen, I became intrigued, and instead of getting my hair rebraided, I decided to take the braids out, get a fresh perm, and try out Monica's regimen. I've been very pleasantly surprised with the results. After using the fantastic (but, unfortunately, expensive) PhytoSpecific line of products Monica suggested, I've noticed a significant improvement in the health of my hair and have received many compliments. No more excessive itchiness (although it still itches occasionally); no more million strands of hair all over my shoulder and back; and no more dry, listless hair. I'm a convert.

Thanks, Monica!

I'm a bad blogger

It's been a while since I've posted a blog, largely because my personal laptop is having major issues. The hinge broke, which causes the screen to bend back further than is comfortable to see the screen, and it has caused the screen to become slightly distorted. I can still type and read but it's annoying as you can probably imagine. I really want to purchase a new laptop, preferably a MacBook, but one thing is stopping me: (1) the commitment I made to pay off my credit card debt.

I promised myself that for the next 2 YEARS (yes, TWO) I would pay at least $500 a month on my credit cards, AND use any extra money that comes my way towards this purpose. Oh, and I can NO LONGER use my credit card (I broke this part of the promise a little bit over the holiday, but nothing significant. I'm back on the bandwagon.) I made my promises in October and now that it's December and I'm holding on to money from the sale of my couch, an escrow overpayment check, and a work bonus, I'm seriously debating whether I should screw the second part of the promise and use this extra money towards a much needed laptop. What do you think? Should I give myself a BIG belated Christmas gift, or keep the promise I made to myself?

If it helps, I WILL NOT BREAK the first part of the promise. I WILL pay $500 a month for the next 2 years in order to pay off my debt. That's a must!

Anyway, I'm eyeing a refurbished (I'm trying to be good, ya'll) MacBook that costs between $800 and a $1,000 plus tax (Can you believe it?!!! I'm eyeing the black one.) ;-) And, yes, I know a PC would be much cheaper, but I've been wanting a Mac for a least 3 years now. I don't think I can wait another 2 years. That would be torture.

I appreciate your feedback. Thanks, folks!

Oh, MERRY belated CHRISTMAS!

Songs in my head...

on my BIRTHDAY!!!

I'm loving Corinne Bailey Rae's new self-titled CD. Derrick loves it too, which was a surprise to me since he seems to not like anything unless it's Rap or R&B. ;-) Anyway, she is truly fabulous. All of the songs on her CD are great, but my particular favorites are "Put Your Records On" and "Til It Happens to You," which you can hear on her site: http://www.corinnebaileyrae.net/. I actually love the latter song so much that I want Derrick to record me singing it, which is weird since I've never done this before or even had the desire to do so. But, hey, it's my birthday! I can want what I want ...LOL

I'm also loving Dave Hollister's single "Nothing but God" off his new gospel-tinged CD, The Book of David, Vol I: The Transition. Derrick made a CD for me and tacked this song on at the end. I love, love, love this song. If you need inspiration, this song will give it to you. I haven't heard any of the other songs on the CD yet, but I'm going to definitely check them out real soon.

Lastly, I have much love for Ludacris' new single, "Runaway Love," with Mary J Blige. What a change from all the booty music he usually puts out (although I have to admit, I love that stuff too). Love his voice. LUDA!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!

"Happy Birthday to MEEEEEE,

Happy Birthday to MEEEE,

Happy Birthday to MEEEE,

Happy Birthday to MEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!"

And many mooooorrreee!!!!!

On December 8, 1971, a beautiful, intelligent, and (yes) FABULOUS person was born into this world. That person was/is ME!!! Today, I celebrate 35 years of life, and it feels sooooo good.

Thirty-five isn't as bad as I thought it would be. I feel good and ready to take on the world. I'm determined to make this 35th year better than all the rest. Woo hoo!

Go me! It's my Birthday!

:-)