Officially 4 Months Sisterlocked On This Wonderful Christmas Eve!!!

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Today, I am officially 4 months into my Sisterlock journey. I can't believe it's been 4 months already!!! I've been so busy enjoying the many changes my locks have gone through...I didn't realize this much time had passed. I'm Sisterlocked and lovin' every bit of this journey so far!!! Sisterlockin' and rockin'!!!

3 Months Into My Sisterlock Journey!!!

I hope everyone had a wonderful and blessed Thanksgiving!!! Well....I made my 3 month mark of being Sisterlocked on November 24th!!! I've been nothing but pleased with this decision that I've made for my hair and the journey has been fun!!! I had my 3rd re-tightening on November 23rd, at which, time, I had to have a little repair done to my locks. I've been on my health and fitness regimen for almost 3 weeks now and I work up a sweat when I workout. Due to the sweat, some of my locks had slipped and/or unraveled. My consultant made all of the necessary repairs and urged me to wear a headband while working out. So far, so good!!! It's been about a week since my re-tightening and I haven't noticed any slippage or anything. My locks are coming along great!!! I'm always getting looks from both men and women when I'm out in public with my Sisterlocks. I had one lady follow me around, from isle to isle, in one store trying to get a peek at my Sisterlocks. It made me laugh and smile...and you know I had to show 'em off....running my fingers through my hair as she watched and struttin' my stuff through the store. Lovin' my Sisterlocks!!!

Locked Down In Chi-Town's 1st Sisterlocks Gathering Was A Hit!!!

We had our 1st Locked Down In Chi-Town Sisterlocks Gathering this past Saturday and, boy, did we have ourselves a great time!!! It was such a pleasure to meet some of my Chicagoland Sisterlockers! From meeting and greeting one another while waiting for our table at the restaurant...to almost having to be pushed out of the restaurant because we were having so much fun hanging out...the evening surpassed my expectations of the group's 1st gathering. I am so glad I took the initiative to create our local Chicagoland group and I thank Cherie for helping me manage the group. It seemed like everyone had known each other for years from the way we were interacting with one another. The many laughs...the elders, me and Dutchess' headbands, Tammy's (Tmack) experimenting stories with straws, coffee stirrers, rollers, etc...and many other stories that made us laugh. I am TOTALLY looking forward to our next gathering...and again seeing those whom I've already met and meeting more people who weren't able to make the 1st gathering. It is so nice to be surrounded by such wonderful women and Women of God in Locked Down In Chi-Town. I think of them all as my extended family.

2 Months Sisterlocked & Lovin' It!!!

I will be officially 2 months Sisterlocked tomorrow!!! I was in such a good mood about my journey that I decided to do a personal photo shoot. Check out the slide show below:

2nd Re-Tightening

Today, I had my second re-tightening appointment. My consultant informed me that my locks are coming along well and some locks have started to settle. I'm so glad to hear that! I am SO loving this journey and I love my Sisterlocks!!! Here are some pics of my Sisterlocks right after my 2nd re-tightening:

UPDATE TO YESTERDAY'S BLOG POST: Wash And Roll After First Re-Tightening...No Slippage Or Unraveling In Nape Area...Yippee!!!

Well ladies,

I was pleasantly surprised by the curls I received from using the extra large sponge rollers. My hair turned out great for church today! I just wonder how long these curls will last...I know not as long as the tighter curls produced by the Lock Loops. But, all in all, I am happy with the results!!! Here are a few pictures:

BEFORE GOING TO CHURCH




AFTER COMING HOME FROM CHURCH

Wash And Roll After First Re-Tightening...No Slippage Or Unraveling In Nape Area...Yippee!!!

Today was the first time I washed my hair since my first re-tightening on September 21st. I decided I would experiment with my Sisterlocks a little. While at Family Dollar, I located and purchased pipe cleaners. I rolled my locks with pipe cleaners and waited for my hair to dry. When I took the pipe cleaners out, my Sisterlocks looked a hot mess. I did not like the curls at all. I believe the pipe cleaners will work better, once all of the permed ends are out of my hair. The curls were great on the new growth, but looked stringy on the permed ends. I did not take pictures for you all to see because my hair just didn't look right. I'm not giving up on the pipe cleaners for future use. So...what was next???

I decided to spray/mist my Sisterlocks with water to remove the curls produced by the pipe cleaners. I decided to try extra large sponge water, this time, to curl my hair. Here I am all rolled up:






Hopefully, the curls will turn out fine for church in the morning. I've been used to using the Lock Loops that produce tight curls which fall over time. I know, by using the extra large sponge rollers, the curls will not be as tight. I just hope they turn out looking decent.

I had mentioned that I experienced some slippage and unraveling with the locks in the nape area after washing. Well, I'm happy to report that, after braiding/banding/washing my hair today, all my little locks in the nape area held up. Yippee!!! Take a look:



The picture below shows what I used to secure the locks in place for washing:



These little babies worked wonders on preventing slippage and unraveling. They are miniature snaps I purchased from my local beauty supply store. I took 2 little locks at a time, twisted them together, banded them with a small rubber band, then secured them with a miniature snap. I did this to the locks in the entire nape area. It was a little time consuming doing this, but it was for a good cause...my locks stayed put and did not slip or unravel.

Well...I hope I wake up in the morning with lovely curls. We will see......

I Finally Met NaturalistOne At Her 40th Birthday Party!!!

The picture, above, is of me and NaturalistOne (Tammy) at her 40th birthday party. I was out and about Chicago earlier in the day celebrating my birthday and stopped by her party to help her celebrate also. It was a pleasure meeting her and her family last night. The party was fun...the music, food, and atmosphere were great!!!

I hope to meet more ladies of the Locked Down In Chi-Town Sisterlocks group...NaturalistOne is a member of the group. Thank you for inviting me to your party, Tammy!!!

Today Is My 34th Birthday and 1 Month Being Sisterlocked

Today is my 34th birthday...time sure does fly!!!! Today is also 1 month, exactly, since I've been Sisterlocked!!! I didn't do much today, but go to work, come home, and pamper myself. I will leave the celebrating until the weekend when I will be out and about Chicago celebrating. I will even be stopping by NaturalistOne's birthday party so that we can celebrate our birthdays together. That should be fun because I will be meeting her for the first time!!! My dear husband and son plan to take me out for dinner Sunday after church.

I had my follow-up appointment with my consultant this past Sunday, at which time she re-tightened my hair and re-installed two rows of locks in the nape area. She asked if I was wearing anything back there that would disturb my locks and I told her the first week I wore a head wrap. She told me, more than likely, that contributed to the slippage/unraveling. She advised no more head wraps, but I can wear headbands that only go around the tops and sides of my hair. I believe the way I banded the nape area may have contributed to this also. You see..before Sisterlocks, I wore my hair in a style that was tapered and shaved off back there. So...that part of my hair is the shortest. Has anyone experienced this and could give me advice on banding those small locks in the nape area when washing? My consultant told me to band each individual lock in the nape area when banding and washing. She even said maybe I should keep the bands on the locks after washing.

Above are pictures I took of my 1 month old Sisterlocks. I love my Sisterlocks!!!

I Have Been Tagged!!!!

I have been tagged!!! Oh my...this is my very first time being tagged, so bear with me as I do this....hopefully the correct way. But, first, I must let you know about the rules. Here goes:


* Link the person who tagged you. Nappy By Nature
* Post the rules on your blog.
* Share 6 non-important habits or quirks about yourself.
* Tag 6 random people by posting links to their blogs.

1. I am a stickler for keeping closet doors and cabinets closed at all times. It bothers me to see them left open. I would probably proceed to close your closets and cabinets, if I were at your house...LOL.

2. I love fast cars...and I love NASCAR racing! There aren't many Black NASCAR fans out there, however, I'm one of the few. To add to this...when I drive alone, I am somewhat of a speed racer. When passengers occupy my vehicle, I keep myself tamed and obey the speed limit.

3. I am a purse, shoe, and sterling silver freak...LOL. I will continue to buy these items knowing I have enough. Lord help me...I've been trying hard to work on this one.

4. I don't really care for cooking too much, but LOVE to do laundry. I even find enjoyment in spending an entire day just doing laundry...washing, folding, and ironing clothes. I love for my clothes to smell good and will spend a considerable amount of time in the aisle with detergents at Walmart...doing smell tests.

5. I hate to wear my glasses. I wear contacts the majority of the time. When I do give my eyes a break from contacts and wear my glasses, I will ALWAYS sleep with them on. Now, I know what you want to ask...what the heck do you need to sleep with glasses on when your eyes will be closed while sleeping? LOL...I don't really know why I do this, but I do....it's a habit. If I could shower with my glasses on, without them steaming up, I would probably wear them in the shower also...LOL.

6. You would never think that I enjoy working on cars, from time to time, mainly preventive maintenance and minor things such as brakes, rotating tires, tune-ups, etc. I'm a DIYer!!! Why pay someone to do something that I can do myself??? My dad is a mechanic and taught me the basic maintenance and minor repairs on cars. Boy, do I thank my dad for this!


Ok...your turn!!! The following people have been tagged:

1. Brown ButtahFly
2. Locsuluv
3. NaturalistOne
4. Cluizel
5. Carmen
6. Chocolata

Local Chicago Sisterlocks Group, "Locked Down In Chi-Town", Has Been Created!!!

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I am pleased to announce that I've finally launched our local Chicago Sisterlocks social group, Locked Down In Chi-Town! We will be having a gathering soon and I look forward to meeting my Chicagoland Sisterlockers. If you live in the Chicagoland Area (Chicago, Suburbs, NW Indiana) or you're a Chicago local interested in getting Sisterlocks, feel free to come join us by clicking the group badge picture above. Chicago Sisterlockers come together for friendship, support and fun!!!

My 2 Week Old Sisterlocks

Yes...I am back once again to give you a 2 week update on my Sisterlocks! I know I just posted a 1 week update last week, but I'm just loving this journey and felt like posting an update this week. I've posted 2 week pictures in my Fotki Album. Check out, below, the new feature I will be utilizing on my blog from now on, Snapvine's Talking Photos. I think this feature is neat...it let's me post a picture and add my voice to describe the picture. Great!!! Click on the play button below the picture to hear what I have to say. Ohhh...so lovin' my Sisterlocks!!!!

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My 1 Week Old Sisterlocks

Hello everyone!!! Did I tell you that I love my Sisterlocks? Yes I do!!! It has only been a week since the birth of my Sisterlocks, but I've already developed this love affair with my hair. I seem to be always looking at myself in the mirror...admiring my hair. As fellow Sisterlocker, Nicky, mentioned in her blog, I am also experiencing this thing with wanting to take pictures of myself. I find myself picking up the camera every chance I get...LOL.

A funny thing happened at church the other day. A member of my church approached me to take a look at my hair. I had mentioned to her I would be getting Sisterlocks soon. She looked my hair over and the next thing to come out of her mouth was, "How long are you keeping these things in your hair?” Ok…I immediately responded, “What do you mean how long am I keeping these in my hair? I am keeping them in forever…permanently.” She had this look of astonishment on her face. I just turned around and walked away with a smile on my face. I am wearing my Sisterlocks with pride and the negative responses I receive will only make me love them more. For the most part, I’ve received compliments on my hair with the exception of the “Girl, you are a good one for doing that….not me” talkers. I just think to myself…you keep doing you because I’m DEFINITELY doing me.

One thing I’ve noticed since the birth of my Sisterlocks is this wonderful feeling that is hard to explain to those who are not Sisterlocked or locked period. It is a feeling that has not only created positiveness within myself, but has taken me to a level of deep appreciation for my beauty. I used to wonder what my mother meant by this when she was Sisterlocked, but I have experienced it firsthand and now know for myself. I used to be so self-conscious about my hair and how it appeared to others. I now don’t care how it appears to others…as long as I love it…that’s all that matters! My husband and son love them and always compliment me on how wonderful they look.

Well…I’m going to go for now…gotta go tend to the family. I just wanted to stop in and give everyone a 1 week update on my Sisterlocks. Be safe, have faith, and be blessed!!!!

The Birth Of My Sisterlocks - August 24, 2008

I'm bubbling with excitement over finally being Sisterlocked. My installation was from August 22nd - August 24th. Labor lasted 27 hours over 3 days and my Sisterlocks were finally delivered on August 24th, 2008 at 10:00pm. I would like to thank my Sisterlocks consultant, Shirley Bobbitt, for working diligently on my hair and starting me on my Sisterlocks journey. After the installation was complete, I went home, rolled my hair with Lock Loops, and went to bed. The next day, I removed the Lock Loops, finger-combed my hair, and put on a headband. That's it...took less than 5 minutes!!! I can't believe I'm Sisterlocked...still trying to soak all of this in!!!! I can't wait to see all of the transformations my Sisterlocks will go through...I love my Sisterlocks...let the journey begin!!!

2 More Days ‘Til The Birth Of My Sisterlocks Begins…And I Received My Lock Loops Today!!!

I have 2 more days left before the birth of my Sisterlocks begins…and I’m bubbling with excitement and anticipation!!! I ordered my Sisterlocks Lifestyle Journal last Friday and received it in the mail on Monday. I also ordered Lock Loops on Tuesday and received them in the mail today. Talk about fast service!!! I’m SO ready to start my Sisterlocks journey. Check out the pics!!!

5 More Days Left Before The Birth Of My Sisterlocks!!!

Hi everyone! I can't believe I have only 5 days left before the installation of my Sisterlocks begin...I am so excited!!! I can't wait!!! Yesterday, my church had it's 50 year anniversary picnic. I sported a pull back style with a head wrap. It's good to know I will have a few other women crossing over with me to the other side with their Sisterlocks soon. I hope to get to know them and keep up with their progress. I'm already ready...and know once I'm Sisterlocked things will never be the same!!!

I Had To Reschedule My Sisterlocks Installation...But I'm Still Excited!!!

Hola!!!! I just wanted to drop in and let everyone know about my progress. In my last post, I mentioned my Sisterlocks installation was scheduled for August 16th and 17th. However, I had to reschedule my installation for next week, August 22nd - 24th. I’m still excited and know the extra week wait will be well worth it!

Nothing much to report about my hair. As you can see from the above pics, I’ve taken down the twists and I’m sportin’ a twist out. I added the head wrap to camouflage the new growth. My hair continues to grow and that’s a good thing!!!

I’m On My Way…My Sisterlocks Installation Dates Have Been Set!!!

Today, I had my Sisterlocks consultation with Shirley Bobbitt, a Sisterlocks Trainee, who lives in Illinois. The consultation was great and I really enjoyed meeting Shirley! She is just great and I’m going to love having her install and maintain my Sisterlocks. The consultation lasted 4 hours….we had so much to talk about and I was asking many questions. She installed 5 test locks in the top of my head. They are so cute!!! Take a look!

I’m so excited…TOO excited!!! I’m finally REALLY starting my Sisterlocks journey. Is this real…LOL? My installation dates have been set for August 16th and 17th. Let the countdown and waiting begin…

Week 15 (7/29/08) - Excited…My Sisterlock Consultation Is Tomorrow!!!

Hi everyone! I am just too excited right now. My Sisterlock consultation is tomorrow with Shirley, a Sisterlocks Trainee. As you can see from the picture above, the kinky twist braids are out and I’m sportin’ a transitional hairstyle that I just love! I created the style by parting my damp hair into small sections, 2 strand twisting my hair, and then rollersetting. This was my very first time attempting to create this style and I must say that I did a VERY good job, in my opinion. I didn’t use any products in my hair…just water. I received several compliments about my hair…from work all the way to choir rehearsal at church this evening.

Well…I guess tomorrow will mark the beginning of my Sisterlock Journey…I’m excited already!!! Check out a few more pictures I took today while at work!

Week 14 (7/24/08) - It’s Almost Time For My Initial Sisterlocks Consultation…YES!!!

Hi everyone!!! I’m getting so excited…my initial Sisterlocks consultation is in 6 days on July 30th with Shirley, a Sisterlocks Trainee. My hair has grown tremendously and I’m anxiously awaiting the takedown of my braids to see just how much it has grown. The takedown is set for this Sunday after I get back from our family reunion. I’m hoping it will not take long to remove the braids. My only issue, now, is how will I style my hair. Shirley, the Sisterlocks Trainee who will be doing my hair, told me to wash my hair and don’t put anything in it until she sees me at the consultation. I’m just wondering how I will style my hair, once she puts in the test locks. I’ve never had to care for hair with two different textures. What kind of styles can I possibly wear from the time I get the test locks at my consultation and the actual installation day? If anyone has any ideas, PLEASE let me know. Here are a few pictures of my hair progress at Week 14!

My Graduation - July 19, 2008

Today is my special day…my graduation from graduate school with my Master’s Degree in Forensic Science!!! What an accomplishment and milestone this is for me! I’m so proud of myself for making it to the end. It all started in October 2005 with me entering graduate school, encountering some ups and downs along the way, and now I’m here graduating from National University today, July 19, 2008. All of my graduate studies were done online which made it very convenient for me…as I am a wife, mother, and I work full-time. I couldn’t have picked a better school! National University is an excellent school for online studies and I’m proud to call it my alma mater. On Friday, July 18th, I flew into Los Angeles and stayed with a cousin in Pasadena, California. My mother and my son flew in from Jackson, Mississippi to Los Angeles to attend my graduation. We drove the hour and a half to San Diego for the graduation the next day. The graduation ceremony was wonderful and something I will never forget. I stayed until Monday afternoon, then my son and I flew back home to Indiana. Here are a few pics from my graduation!

I Took The First Step Towards My Sisterlock Journey - Week 12 (7/9/08)

Greetings! I am now in Week 12 of my natural hair journey. However, today, I took the first step towards my Sisterlock journey. I was referred and given a name and phone number of a Sisterlock Trainee by Theresa, a woman I met in the LockItUp group. She gave me several people to contact for Sisterlocks. I called the first person on my list (a Certified Sisterlock Consultant) yesterday, left a message, but I have not heard back from the person. So, I continued on down my list and the Sisterlock Trainee was next in line of people to call. When I initially called, no one answered so I left a message. In less than 30 minutes, I received a call back (she gets a PLUS for that). The Sisterlock Trainee was such a nice person to talk to over the phone. She was very personable, knowledgeable, and provided a wealth of information concerning her experience with Sisterlocks, Sisterlocks in general, and the process of obtaining and maintaining Sisterlocks. First impressions are DEFINITELY lasting ones to me…and she made a GOOD first impression. I was impressed!!! I explained to her that I had kinky twist braids in my hair and would be taking them down July 27th. We decided to make my initial consultation with her for July 30th. Now…you know I’m anxious…LOL…especially if you’ve been checking in and monitoring my progress. I’m ALWAYS ranting about getting my Sisterlocks. Well…I just wanted everyone to know that I’ve taken the first step towards this journey. I’m SO excited!!!

Above…is a picture of an up-do style with a kinky twist…that’s what I like to call it. Looks rather cute…if you ask me. I also included a few pictures of my new growth!

The back of my hair near the nape/neck area had been tapered and shaved. When my hair was braided, it was too short to braid. It has since grown out and look at it now.

Well…it looks like I’m on my way and gradually moving towards having my Sisterlocks soon. I’m now anxiously awaiting my initial consultation on July 30th!!!

I’m Getting There…YES!!! (6/24/08)

It is now Week 10 into my journey. I just finished washing my hair and I notice that the braids are REALLY doing what I need them to…and that is…make my hair grow! I oiled my scalp and pulled some of the braids off my face. Here are some pics:

Already Halfway Through The Year 2008!!! (6/7/08)

I can’t believe we’re already halfway through the year 2008. This year seems to be going by fast. Nothing much to report today…just monitoring my new growth. I do see progress and that just puts a smile on my face. I took a couple of pictures today…here they are!!!