Product Review: Tropical Traditions Pure Virgin Coconut Oil

 

*Seeing as how this is my first product review, please be patient/understanding with me!*

A couple of weeks ago I received a jar of Tropical Traditions Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil. When I first opened it, I was a little confused. It was rock solid! LOL The next day, after sitting in my sauna-like house, it had softened up so I began my experimentation with the coconut oil!

Skin
Before I get into the review, let me explain something. Last winter I noticed that my skin had changed. For some reason (not sure if it was due to diet, medication or what) it had become extremely dry. Regardless of how much lotion I slathered on in the mornings, by lunch my legs and arms were not really soft & smooth. I'd read that coconut oil was beneficial for skin as well as hair, so I figured I'd try it. I began using it with the Vaseline intensive care that I usually use, and noticed that it actually lasted! So I started using just the coconut oil and I love it! I can tell a difference in my skin's overall appearance, even fresh out of the shower before I put it on. The biggest difference can be seen on my elbows. They weren't as smooth as I'd like since they're always rubbing against the rather rough arms of my office chair. After only about a week of consistently using the coconut oil they are so soft & smooth! I'm trying to find some way to incorporate the coconut oil in some kinda homemade foot scrub. (#random: I *heart* DIY pedicures, even more than going to get my feet done professionally.) All in all, I am extremely pleased with the results and I'm definitely gonna continue using virgin coconut oil as a part of my daily skin care regimen. 

Hair
I am not as pleased with the results of using coconut oil in my hair. I tried using the coconut oil and EVOO as a hot oil treatment and I followed the steps that I found online to the T. I was expecting super soft tresses after that; the results were less than stellar. Fortunately I've never really had a problem with really dry hair, so it's not like this was a major issue. But still, for all that time & effort, I felt like there should have been a noticeable difference. I may try this treatment again and either let it stay on my hair longer, not use a shampoo when I wash it out (or use one that's sulfate-free), or try mixing in other ingredients. I'll update with a part II on how that turns out, should I do so. In the meantime, I am using the coconut oil occasionally just to oil my scalp, especially around the edges. No big TA-DA or anything with that, but at least it gives my hair a nice lil shine when I do it.

Overall, I think I will continue using PVCO, but probably more so for my skin than my hair. Has anyone else used PVCO for their hair and seen positive results? If so, share your secret, por favor!

Soundtrack to my Present State

In regards to my quarterlife crisis the state of my career/life…



In regards to HWHNT…



In regards to my highly anticipated cruise with the family & HWHNT…



In regards to recent attitudes about my hair now that the naps are really starting to take over (even though I can in no way relate to hair breaking off or being the “source of so much laughter.” More like the source of envy, but I digress…)



And of course my forever and always theme song (or one of them at least):

"On Atheists"

For about a week or so I've had a post drafted on this subject, trying to get together exactly what I wanted to say. Then today I'm looking through my blogroll & find that Z over at Purple Lace Gloves has already said everything I wanted to say (and in a much nicer, clearer, and more succinct way). Since I have nothing to add to what she has stated, give it a read:

Sometimes, they piss me off.

I've come across too many incidences of atheists trying to make it out like believers are fugging idiots. That you must be unbelievably stupid to believe in a God you can't see, when there's evil in the world, et cetera. Let's point fingers and poke fun at these backwards fools who have faith in their lives.

That pisses me off. See, to me, it's not a war of whose beliefs are right or wrong.

You're atheist? Fine. I'm not, but I don't feel the need to try and belittle you because of what you do or don't believe in. I don't mock you for your views. I'm not even trying to preach to you or convert you, because frankly speaking, your faith or lack of it is not my concern.

I don't attack you. Why do you feel the need to mock what I believe in?

I understand that there are plenty of Christians who do express how they feel about atheists strongly and in less than kind ways, but then again, there are plenty of Christians who I wish would find another label and just quit associating themselves with Christ.

Also, reacting against hate and ignorance with hate and ignorance just makes you...well....hateful and ignorant. And for every Christian who despises an atheist, I can guarantee you that there's another Christian (like me) who isn't bothered by what you believe in and doesn't get the fuss. When you attack all Christians because you think they're all up in arms about your atheism, well, that's pretty ignorant of you. We come in all shapes and sizes and identities. That's a post for another day- how Christians are viewed in this country.

In the same vein, I know there are atheists who don't give a fugg that I'm Christian and don't feel the need to react unpleasantly to my faith. Thanks be.

Anyway, all I'm saying is, I don't see why each group would feel so threatened by the other. I believe in God- what does that have to do with you? You don't believe in God- what does that have to do with me?

I'm in a random kinda mood

With things picking up at work, school starting back, trying to get the ball rolling on real estate and my new dedication to the gym, I haven't really had much time to write. I've had plenty of ideas for things to write about, but to sit down and get it done? Nope... I want to do better with that; I need to! But I've been singing that same old song for a while huh? So I guess I'll keep posting sporadically until I can make myself either write on schedule or post as soon as the inspiration hits me.

When I do have some downtime, I'm usually looking at other cities and states, trying to plan my move in December. Yes, I'm already looking forward to the end of the year. But now I'm kind of wonder if I'm doing the right thing. My main thing was to get out of my folks' house. That's happening this year whether I stay in Mississippi or not. And I still have the desire to go... I'm just trying to figure out am I really moving for him or for me? I know, I'm not even supposed to be getting wrapped up in a guy right now. So to move somewhere solely for him would be ridiculous. The areas I'm looking at are close to family and seem pretty nice from what I've seen (I plan on doing some visits soon). But I've been trying to decide if it's worth it. Part of me is saying "Yes! Go for it! This is what has to be done; it's destined for you." Every sign is saying this is it. But there is one tiny nagging voice asking "If it wasn't for him, would you make this move? If nothing became of this *whatever it is/could be* could you be happy here?" Maybe my anxiety is coming from the fact that I don't really know too many people in the places I'm thinking about, although I'm not too far from family. I'm praying I make the right decision (which seems like it would be easy to know because of the answer to my last inquiry of God concerning this whole thing... *shrugs*). But the whole idea of moving excites me! Starting over thrills me! I just don't wanna have to tuck my tail and go home for any reason. OH MY GOD I think I just really figured out what is bothering me! My main thing is that I don't want to fall on my face (moving somewhere where I end up miserable, or can't find a decent job, or can't afford a nice place, etc.) because I have no intentions of coming back under mom & dad's roof once I'm gone.

The Pregnancy Pact?! (Sorry, just saw a commercial for a movie--Lifetime, of course--that's apparently based on a true story.)

....

That's it for the time being, I suppose... Hmmm, guess I'm not feeling as random as I thought...

Interview with a Transitioner

It's been a long time coming, I know, but my promised interviews have begun! I could think of no better person to start with than my twin-cousin, Shari. She started her journey to naturalista status a few months before I decided to give it another go and has provided support and encouragement for me along the way! She is truly a Pretty Girl, inside and out, as you will see from the pix and the interview!



 

 

 

 

Name: Shari M. Briggs

Age: 24

Location: Tallahassee, FL

Occupation: graduate student

 

How long have you been transitioning/natural?

I have been transitioning for over 11 months

 

BC or no? If yes, was it planned for a certain length/date, or a spur of the moment type deal? If no, what styles do you use while transitioning?

I haven’t BC’d yet, but I will in a couple of weeks on my 25^th birthday! I planned to transition from birthday to birthday and then BC. While transitioning, I have used several styles. In the early stages, I just flat-ironed my natural hair to blend with the relaxed hair. After that got tedious, I started trying out styles that more closely resembled all-natural hair: flat twists, straw sets, twist-outs, etc. Recently, I’ve resorted to sew-ins and braids because the 2 textures are “interesting” to deal with.

After her last touch up.

 

What made you decide to go natural?

There were a couple factors in my decision. 1) My college friends played a STRONG role in me moving off the fence. Everyone in my circle of friends, with one exception, has natural hair. Seeing them embrace their natural beauty inspired me to embrace mine. 2) Relaxers were ravaging my scalp beyond belief! I had horrible dandruff as well as a spot at the back of my head that would have large chemical burns, no matter what relaxer I used or how long it stayed on. It had gotten to a point where I just expected to have bad burns…

What has been the biggest challenge for you? Have you found anything to make the transition a bit easier?

My biggest challenge has been getting used to the fact that I can’t do the same things with my natural hair that I’ve done in the past with relaxed hair. I was highly upset a couple of months ago when I tried to wrap my hair! BIG mistake! I’ve had to let go of a lot of my tried-and-true hair products and hair styles. Getting to know what my hair likes and dislikes has been an interesting step in this process.

 

Have friends and family been supportive? Have you faced any criticism for your decision?

My college friends have been the BEST! Each of them has helped me at some point on this journey, whether it was helping me pick out products to try or helping me pick out the right weave! My mother and father have been hilarious! My mom questions me because she remembers how thick my natural hair was as a little girl, but she has straightened my hair when I was home. I’ve nearly convinced her to go natural! My dad just jokes about who I’m going to be the next time he sees me because I change hairstyles so much now. LOL!

 

Her friend and hair inspiration, who is now one of MY inspirations!

 

Are there any particular products that you’ve become fond of or that worked well for your hair?

I’m actually still searching for something that will TRULY keep my hair straight in humidity; that has been tough. Other than that, my styles have not required much product other than setting lotion. I will definitely do more experimentation once I BC; then I will have more freedom in my style selection.

Some individuals in the natural hair community see permed hair as a sign of self-hatred or accepting a Euro-centric standard of beauty. What are your views on relaxed hair?

Since I’m edging on the age of 25 and have had a relaxer since I was around 5, I really don’t see it as self-hatred and have no ill will towards relaxers or the women with them. Some people perm their hair because they don’t know how to truly deal with their natural texture; I’ve had to learn this along the way myself and I’m still learning. Also, women that are busy tend towards perms because they are definitely less time-consuming, from what I’ve experience thus far; I’ve considered slapping the creamy crack back in just to save myself some time. Yes, permed hair does give us more European features, but our hair so much more versatile than theirs will ever be! With that, I say, to each her own!

What tips or advice would you give others who are considering going natural?

Make sure you are confident in the journey that you are about to embark on! Some people will love and embrace you; others will think you’re crazy. But in the end, it’s about loving yourself for who you are and not for whom others want you to be. Fight the good fight and resist the creamy crack!! LOL! Also, if you get discouraged, look up natural hair blogs and websites. They have saved me several times! Seeing other women’s hair journey has inspired me and gave me something to look forward to when I BC. I’m so excited! Lastly, surround yourself with supporters. Real friends won’t disown you because you change your hair…

Any additional comments concerning your experience?

I AM NOT MY HAIR!!

About a week ago (wet & dry).

 

On Haiti

I haven't posted anything on Haiti because I truly did not know what to say. My heart goes out to all of those who have lost family and friends, and even worse, those who are in the dark as far as whether their loved ones are okay. While we in Jackson were facing our "crisis" of not having running water, it in no way compares to the suffering of those poor people. Of course there are many ways to help. I recommend Wyclef's YELE (text YELE to 501 501 to donate $5) because 100% goes directly to relief efforts. The Red Cross also has text option (Haiti to 90999 to donate $10) but usually about 50% of proceeds go to Red Cross' administration. Of course there are numerous organizations that you can access locally and nationally, but please be sure that they are legitimate. You're online anyway, take a few minutes to verify the validity of some of these "charities." Some people are not above doing for self in the midst of others' suffering.

Speaking of self-serving assholes who thrive off of the suffering of others, please believe I plan to go in on "Reverend" Pat Robinson for his comments in regard to Haiti and how misguided and misanthropic they are. And of course I've heard about Rush Limbaugh's comments, but I truly believe that this fool could be the devil himself; no amount of berating would make him change or feel sorry. Tonight, I'll just leave it at what Keith Olbermann had to say concerning these two:

I've Got Coconut Oil!

Now can someone tell me what to do with it?

Hello, hello! Last week I signed up to receive a free sample of Tropical Traditions Virgin Coconut Oil so that I could do my first product review. I expected some travel-sized bottle to arrive in the mail. Instead, today I got this huge jar! I'm excited because this means I not only get to try it out on my hair, but my skin as well. From what I've been reading, pure coconut oil is beneficial to hair, nails, skin, and aids in weight loss as well. Since it is pure coconut oil, it should be okay to ingest, but I'll definitely double & triple check that before I do. Anyway, just wanted to share! Product review coming soon!

Oh yeah, if you have any recipes or ways you use coconut oil, please share! Y'all know I'm new to this so any and all help is greatly appreciated! Just send it to ToriDBlogs@gmail.com.

The Ten Natural Hair Commandments

by Laquita Thomas-Banks (Taken from Clutch Magazine)

For those of us who have made, are in the process of making, or contemplating the great Exodus from chemical hair straighteners…


I – Thou shalt be thankful for the hair that adorns thy head. Your hair is your ‘crown of glory’ treat it as such.

II – Thou shalt not idolize the hair that adorns another’s head. The hair on your head is unique, it’s what makes you you.

III – Thou shalt not take the hair that adorns thy head in vain. Be aware of the damage that chemicals and heat can cause, some of the damage is irreversible.

IV – Remember to take the necessary time to pamper thy hair. Create a routine, set aside specific days for sealing your ends, massaging, trimming, washing, conditioning and styling your hair. A healthy head of hair will be your reward.

V – Honor thy mother, father and ancestors for the beautiful traits that they have bestowed upon thee, one of which is your natural crown of glory. Wear your natural hair with pride.

VI – Thou shalt not attempt to use a fine-tooth comb to detangle thy hair. Even before using a wide-tooth comb, use your fingers to detangle, and when detangling always start from the ends and work your way up towards your scalp.

VII – Thou shalt not be ashamed to wear your natural hair in public. Wigs, weaves, braid extensions etc. are all wonderful temporary ‘protective’ and ‘transition’ styles, but they don’t compare to the beauty of your natural hair.

VIII – Thou shalt not kill the hair follicles on thy head – with high heat, harsh chemicals or tight styles. Stay away from pore clogging, dry scalp causing petroleum based products; use natural essential oil based ones instead. Be gentle with your hair, seek out professional stylists who have experience in styling your hair type.

IX – Thou shalt not bad mouth thy neighbor’s hair. Be respectful and encouraging to those who have not yet chosen to wear their hair natural. Negative comments will only turn them away from the natural hair community.

X – Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor’s hair; thou shalt not covet it’s texture, nor it’s curl pattern, nor it’s length etc. Appreciate the hair that you were blessed with. Try different styles and accessories that accentuate your very own personality and style.

My issues are IV & X. Like I've always stated, I'm not a "hair girl" and have never really had to do much to my hair. I'm slowly growing out of this and starting to do more for my own hair as I learn more about it. And yes, I'm guilty of coveting other naturals! I've seen soooo many gorgeous pictures out there, and I'm constantly saying "I hope my hair does that" or "I wish my hair looked like that." I'm gonna try to do better, I am!

And if you've read this blog for any amount of time you know why IX is in red. no explanation needed for that one; it is what it is!

Don't Believe the Hype!

I didn't want to do this post. I didn't wanna address the Single Black Woman "problem"/"epidemic"/"phenomenon" or whatever the media is calling it today. But it's all around me so as the topic of discussion I feel I should have my say.

Why does it seem like the whole world has been on a "po' black woman aint neva gon' git married" tip lately? ("Lately" being the last year, at least) Everyone is throwing around stats about how many black men are in jail, gay, won't date black women or don't have anything past a college education, leaving aaallllll the poor black women without a man. 71% of us are single, 42% of us have never married, 50% of us are never getting married and might as well start stocking up on cats now, 3% of us may be able to get a man of another race, 100% are desperate for a man!

There's a phrase people love: "Men lie, women lie, numbers don't." Well there's another phrase out there too: "There are lies, dayumed lies, and statistics." Stats can be used to prove or disprove anything, depending on how the questions are asked and how numbers are skewed. So yes there are a lot of "single" black women. How many are single because they don't believe in the institution of marriage or just don't want to be tied down? How many are not interested in men at all? How many are not married but in serious committed relationships? Yeah there are plenty of numbers floating around out there, but ladies and gentlemen, please don't believe the hype!

All of the attention around this issue has lead to a lot of "discussion," i.e., finger pointing. On both sides. Black women saying the reason the majority of us are single is because Black men don't have their ish together. Black men saying we're single because we're too independent/controlling/bitchy/whatever. Others sitting back watching, saying "Those Blacks just can't get it together." C'mon people! Drawing lines in the sand and doing battle is no way to solve any supposed problem we're facing, especially when the problem is "us" not getting together!

Instead of making generalizations and playing the blame game, how about we all take a look inwards. Think about what you as an individual need to work on. What you want from a mate and a relationship. What you've noticed in your previous relationships that didn't work and how you plan to make improvements & prevent it from occurring again. Erase preconceived notions about "black men blah blah blah," "black women blah blah blah" and take each encounter for what its worth, not as the end all be all as far as relationships.

BC Coming Soon!

Possibly....

I think.

I have three dates in mind that I'm looking at, but I have a length goal in mind too, so it may depend on whichever happens first. Since I'll be hitting 25 this year & that's a number of major importance to me, I was thinking of doing it on my birthday (May 15 in case you wanna start shopping for a present LOL). Then there is the cruise that I'll be going on in June. I really don't want to be dealing with hair considering the drunken debauchery fun I plan on getting into. Or I could put it off until July when I hit the one-year mark...

But then there's the length issue. Right now I'm looking at about two inches of newgrowth, with my hair at about 7" long. I'd really like to have 5" left once I cut the perm-- simply cuz I really think my face is too fat for anything shorter & I want to be able to play around with it some. I'm not sure if I'll be able to reach that goal by any of the dates I mentioned.

At any rate, I'll be doing the BC this year. I'm excited... and very very nervous! I'll try not to chicken out!

For those of you who transitioned from relaxed to natural hair, how long did you go before the BC? Or did you BC at all? For those that are still transitioning, do you have a set time or length in mind?

A Tale of Two Textures

Twenty-four weeks. Twenty-four long, withdrawal filled weeks! Yes, it has been 24 weeks since my last hit of the creamy crack. I have amazed everyone--my stylist, parents, friends, coworkers-- by sticking with it this long. I have done much better than I did a few years ago when I attempted to transition. I credit having more support (thanks to a host of beautiful ladies online who are either already natural or transitioning like me), more education on the subject (internet came through on that too) and change in my personality as far as determination, self-expression and individuality.

 

Now I'm at that weird point where it's very obvious that I have two different textures going on. I did not get this far last time, so it's all new territory from here. I've been trying to hide the fact that all of my hair does not look the same. But since it's kinda hard to do that without heat, I'm limiting that. So now I have about two inches of thick, poofy waves and about five of straight hair. Honestly, at first I hated it. I looked at my hair and saw a struggle. It's a really weird feeling: I'm not ashamed of the natural hair, and I knew it would be different from the relaxed portion. I knew it would look like this once the transition was complete and I was okay with that. But seeing it with the relaxed hair... It was like bacon and ice cream. I LOVE both of em & I could eat both every day, but I ain't trying to sprinkle bacon bits on my sundae! (Sorry, I'm a little hungry.) My point is, I love both, but I didn't like the idea of them together. So what I've started doing is forcing myself to wear styles that basically show off both textures. I figure if I go ahead and put it on full display I'll be more comfortable when I do finally do the big chop. Will it work? Who knows, I'm not a psychologist. I'm just trying to find something--anything--to make the transition a little less shocking for myself...
 

A Simpler America

Saw this on FB and had to share....

The Daily Show With Jon Stewart	Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c
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Planning, Preparation and Payoff

WHAT WILL 2010 BE FOR YOU?????

“When you fail to plan, you plan to fail.”

“Proper planning prevents piss poor performance.”

"If one asks for success and prepares for failure, he will get the situation he has prepared for."

 

At some point, one must make the decision that they will no longer be a passive participant in life. I am at that point. For the first 2 years of my life I have basically gone with the flow. I’ve had my desires, wishes, wants, but most of the times things would not go my way. This year, I plan on doing something. A lot of times, in past years, my “doing something” consisted of talking, praying and hoping things would work out. Time and time again that has proven to not be enough. I have determined that it is time to “take the bull by the horns” as it were, to not just talk about it but BE about it! So, 2010, for me, is a year of PLANNING, PREPARATION AND PAYOFF. I am at each of these stages, depending on what aspect I’m examining. But by year’s end (and for some of these things, before) I expect to see the results of my actions. I am taking almost every aspect of my life, examining it and devising my plan to make what I want happen. (I say almost because I’m not touching the relationship side. I mean really, how do you plan that out?) As much as possible, I’m removing the “it is what it is” mentality. True, some things are beyond my control and I have no choice but to accept that. But trust, I’m shaking things up as much as possible on my end.

This is the year that I turn 25 (I won’t get into my thing with numbers and why 5 and 25 are so significant to me, because it’s a little weird, I know). This is the year I complete my MBA. This is the year I move, possibly to a new city & state, to begin again.

2010 is my year! What about you?