My Hair Staples: The Current Lineup

Hello! My name is Bitty Boss and I am a recovering hair product junkie.

It took me a while to get out of the temporary insanity of product junkyism. I was filled with pure, heart-racing glee when I would go to the beauty supply or any large department store. After a year of experimentation, throwing tubes of products at the wall, and deep conditioning more than I have ever done in my life, I am finally becoming in sync with my hair and what it needs. It may sound like a lot, but I am a mixtress at heart.

Pre-poo (a treatment done on your hair before you shampoo to prevent dryness): Grapeseed oil and a cheap-o conditioner

Shampoos:

Clarifying - Giovanni 50:50 Balancing Moisturizing. Strips gunk off the hair without sulfates

Moisturizing- I gotta admit, I'm still on the search for a great moisturizing shampoo, but I am currently using diluted Organic Root Stimulator Olive Oil Creamy Aloe. I add a little tea tree oil. It is great for itchy scalp due to its anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties. I am considering apple cider vinegar as a light cleanser.

Conditioners :

Most V05 conditioners work for me, as I have fine hair. I use the Split Ends, Volumizing, all of the Moisture Milks for detangling and pre-poo mixes.

Deep Conditioners:

Silk Elements Megasilk Moisturizing treatment - This is a great treatment for rollersetting.

Silicon Mix - This is a fabulous conditioner from the Dominican Republic that I use when I roller set or straighten my hair. Smells great too.

Jessicurl Weekly Deep Treatment - SUPER moisturized hair.

Joico Moisture Remedy Treatment Balm - I usually dilute this because it is soo thick. It contains nourishing exotic oils and extracts.

Edible stuff I add to my treatments - Various combinations of coconut milk/cream, moisturizng oils, kokum or shea butter, eggs, honey (my love), bananas, sour cream, lemon juice, and much more. Sounds yummy, huh?

Leave ins:

Only one has completely stolen my heart: Darcy's Botanicals Transitioning Creme. I love this stuff! It's chocked full of herbal extracts and it's nice and creamy. Dreamy creamy. When I ever run out, I will use my old stand-by, Trader Joes Nourish Spa Moisturizng Conditioner.

Hair Spa Time:

I do tea hair rinses and ayurvedic treatments/herbs (henna, amla, maka, brahmi powders) once a month or when I have time.

Pics of my hair after using these products:





What are some of your hair staples?

Cyber Monday Gems

Today is probably going to be the least productive workday in America due to the phenomenon known as Cyber Monday. Extreme deals and coupons are the ONLY way to go if you are on a budget like moi. Take the following coupns and run! Use them, abuse them, and most importantly, save money!

Online Coupon Havens:

*Coupon Cabin - www.couponcabin.com
*Target - www.target.com
*Retail Me Not - www.retailmenot.com
*Savings.com - www.savings.com
*Dealio - www.dealio.com




Some of the sites I will be taking a peek at today:

Tarjay.com (lol..Target)
Sephora.com
Mybabyjo.com
Curlmart.com
www.lucky13apparel.com



Happy Shopping! Wait..why wouldn't you be shopping happy? It's shopping.

*I am in no way affiliated with any of the companies above. Just wanting to share the goodness with you.

I'm Baaaaack!

Just got back from a Thanksgiving in Ukiah, California a few minutes ago. I am dog tired and about to drink a beer and call it a day. I NEED to do my hair though. As I am writing this I have a pre-shampoo treatment on my hair mixed with the following ingredients:

1/8 cup of V05 Kiwi Lime conditioner
1/8 cup of Suave Aloe and Waterlily conditioner
3 tbsp of almond oil
1 tbsp of grapeseed oil
1 tsp amla powder

I will be posting pics of my holiday adventures tomorrow. Stay tuned.

How was your Thanksgiving?

Ready, SET, go!

Because who doesn't love big,bouncy, lasting curls?

Roller setting has been around since the invention of the blowdryer in the late 19th century. Voluminous roller sets were common-place for women of all races and economic backgrounds from the 1940's all the way to present-day where the Dominican salons reign supreme as many of them claim to be able to roll and straighten ANY type of hair.


1950's African-American hair salon


1960's roller set style on short hair


A cute little girl getting her hair roller set at a Dominican Salon


My roller set results from this past spring

Do-it-yourself roller setting tips:

*Always roller set clean, deep conditioned hair. You will get more bounce this way!

* Use smaller rollers for a more spiral set and use larger rollers for a more wavy or straight set.

*Keep hair wet by using a spray bottle filled with water. You can also toss in additional goodies like honey, conditioner, oil, or serum for an extra moisturized set.

*Use small amounts of hair per roller to ensure that hair dries in a timely manner. This may mean using more rollers than you would like, but the results are more even this way.

*If you have a really tight curl pattern like mine, use setting lotion to lock in shape for a more smooth set.

*If you hair that takes forever to dry, you can try mesh rollers! The drying time is cut in almost half using these rollers.



Try it! I just might bust out the rollers myself for Thanksgiving...

Have a great holiday!

Monday Hair

Last night I did a tea rinse (see last Monday's post for more info on tea rinses)and co-washed with V05 Split Ends conditioner. Next, I applied a light deep conditioner with Redken All Soft mixed with V05 Strawberries and Cream, wheat germ oil, grapeseed oil, almond oil (Thanks to BRI of Naturally Fierce for this tip!). After rinsing, I moisturized with Darcy's Botanicals Transitioning Creme and sealed with castor oil for my braid out (setting the hair with braids). I styled my braid out into a bun updo because it is freezing outside.

This is a great protective style to protect those strands from the winter wind.

Have a great Monday!

Oooo! I really wanna go to this.

It's time for the SF Hip Hop DanceFest and I am too excited! I have always had a soft spot in my heart for hip hop as I used to be HELLA good back in my high school days...participated in competitions and everythang. The founder, Micaya, will be celebrating her tenth year bringing the best raw and professional hip hop talent to the stage. The festival kicks off tonight in San Francisco. Check out the deets below!

*Where*
Palace of Fine Arts
3301 Lyon Street
San Francisco, CA 94123

*When*
Fri Nov 19 (Starts at 8pm)
Sat Nov 20 (8pm)
Sun Nov 21 (2pm, 7pm)

*Why*
You need new dance move ideas to break out at the club this weekend.

For even more details check out http://www.sfhiphopdancefest.com/

Random: Travie, why are you making me like you?

Travie McCoy.

I never really liked his music much until I heard this song the other day. I did not know that he could sing with his crazy self. I really like the Asian theme and I ALSO admire him for wearin' those sticks in his hair. I will let the video speak for itself:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c16KraHZ7GE

There's something about Bettie

Bettie Paige is one of my favorite naughty retro icons. She is the classic story (along with Marilyn Monroe) of a girl next door gone deliciously bad. She even worked in the San Francisco and visited Haiti for a while. She changed pin-up game. Period.

Here are a few of my favorite Bettie things:

Bettie Paige Stores
1529 Haight Street
San Franciso, CA
www.bettiepageclothing.com

I visited the Vegas store last year and I thought I had died and gone to heaven. Every piece of clothing I saw was made for my curves. I spotted and tried on a leopard cocktail dress as well as some smokin' leopard pumps. The store also featured 50's style accessories, lingere, and purses. I will be making a MANDATORY trip to this store before year's end.



The Bettie Page Films by Cult Epics

This dvd is not for the faint of heart. It is an absolutely must-have collection of Bettie's treasured naughty films. Rare footage of her fetish, dance and wrestling films stimulate the senses. Perfect for an artsy, romantic evening with the significant other.

Bettie Inspired Makeup

I wore this look for Halloween in San Francisco a few years ago. I was a sexy purple-wigged dominatrix. Loved it!



Happy Thursday!

My glass is raised.

Folks, I will let you in on a little secret. I was one of those young girls who was picked on for all SORTS of reasons. I had braces, liked anime (yes, anime) and had to wear a head gear. I was always called strange, weird, odd, you name it.

As I grew into a woman, I ditched the braces and became a swan, but I still very much feel like a complete dork most of the time. But, I have learned to embrace my strange-ness and feel sexy in my odd-ness. An odd-ness goddess if you will.

Because I am one of those folks who was/is wrong in all the right ways, I give you, my new theme song for the rest of the year. Eternal thanks to Pink. Without further ado:



Any fellow current or former geeksters out there? Holla!


Photo:http://www.uniquities.co.uk

Show and Tell: My Transitioning Styles

Happy Tuesday!

In the spirit of sharing, I would like to show off some pictures of my transitioning styles. Pictured above is a twist-n-curl. I flat twisted my hair in about 8 twists. For a bouncy curl, I added a perm rod roller to the end of each twist. This style is perfect for blending the two textures when you are transitioning to natural hair.

I have done mostly twist and braidout styles and they are serving me well. Take a look:

Braidout puff

Braidout with cute headband

Protective style- Two flat-twists on each side. My fav! People who know me have known that I wore this style for 2 years before changing it up..or more I think.

Wanna see more? Check out my fotki: http://public.fotki.com/thickchick

Thanks for peeking. Peace!

My Dream Vacation: Italy

I hope and pray I can go here someday...

I would like to visit the beautiful rolling green hills of the countryside as well as the artistic cafes and nightclubs





Let's not forget the wine!





I am getting my little piggy bank ready. :-)

Tea isn't just for drinking....

..It is also an invigorating way to treat/clean your hair and scalp!

When my hair needs a very gentle cleansing, I opt for a tea rinse instead of shampoo. This leaves my hair feeling cleaner than if I were to do a co-wash (wash with conditioner) alone.

Here's my method:

1. Boil 1.5 to 2 cups of water. Once water is at a rolling boil, remove from heat source.

2. Immediately add herbs/teas of your choice to the water and lightly stir. After tea is room temp (or slightly warm) and the herbs have settled to the bottom of your pot, pour the tea into a measuring cup, bowl, or spray bottle of your choice.

3. Saturate your hair with the mixture, apply shower cap, and let the tea sit on your hair for 15 to 30 minutes.

4. Co-wash or water rinse as normal.

Some of my favorite hair tea recipes.

Moisturizing - 1 tsp hibiscus, 1 tbsp amla powder

Growth Stimulating - 1 tsp rosemary, 1 tsp mint, 1 tsp horsetail

Scalp Soothing - 1 tsp mint, 1 tsp chamomile

Hair Darkening and Shine - 1 tsp rosemary, 1/2 tsp sage, 1 tsp amla

Deep Cleansing - 1 green tea bag, 1/2 tsp amla, 1/2 tsp rosemary



For more info on the herbs mentioned above, check out www.botanical.com

Random: Plaidturday

My sis and I hit up The City last night and scooted into one of my favorite divealicious bars, The Delirim. A couple of beers and gut-busting laughs later, this unbelivably, barely conscious drunk dude looks us square in the eyes and says, "Don't you know it's Plaidturday?! WHERE'S YOUR PLAID!" Ladies and gentlemen, I regret to inform you that there wasn't a special plaid event happening that night. The monotony of fashion was purely coincidental.

We just figured it was part of the whole hipster get-up. And we were lookin pretty hot that evening so I guess he just felt compelled to say something. He even sent us off with a hearty "Nysccce toooo meejt you.." Don't you just love San Francisco?

Got any weird adventures to share? Please do!

For all of my thrifting divas!

$2 for every clothing item at various California Goodwill locations today!

Yes, you heard me right.

Two dollas!!!

Go upgrade your closet for practically nothing. Go, now!

Participating Locations:

Bayview
3801 Third Street, Suite 330
San Francisco, CA

Clement
820 Clement Street
San Francisco, CA

Fillmore
1669 Fillmore Street
San Francisco, CA

Geary
822 Geary Street
San Francisco, CA

Haight
1700 Haight Street
San Francisco, CA

Mission & 19th Street
2279 Mission Street
San Francisco, CA

Mission & Ocean
4631 Mission Street
San Francisco, CA

Mission & Van Ness
1580 Mission Street
San Francisco, CA

Burlingame
1215 California Drive
Burlingame, CA

San Mateo
28 W. 25th Avenue
San Mateo, CA

San Pedro
7420 Mission Street
Daly City, CA

South San Francisco
225 Kenwood Way
South San Francisco, CA

Novato
936 7th Street
Novato, CA

San Rafael
809 Lincoln Avenue
San Rafael, CA

South San Francisco
225 Kenwood Way
So. San Francisco, CA


Credits: www.goodwill.com

Review: Suave Naturals Aloe and Waterlily conditioner

This condish is best used as a pre-poo, light leave-in, and as a co-wash (wash with conditioner). It detangled my hair nicely and left it with some moisture after a good pre-poo. BTW, my hair is kinky, coily and medium to fine textured with a lot of density, but this should work for most hair types.

Smell: Light, floral and sweet.

Detangling Abilities: On a scale of 1 to 10 I would give it an 8. Add one of your favorite oils (coconut, olive, castor, heck..even vegetable) and you are in business.

Consistency: Medium. A little watery, but substantial enough to detangle.

As a leave-in: Provides shine, very light hold, and softness

As a co-wash: Gets my 4 a/b (for all of you hair type inclined folks) transitioning hair detangled, lightly moisturized and soft to the touch. Your hair will get fluffier as the day goes on.

As a styler: It yeilds light and fluffy roller sets, braid-outs and twist-outs, and bantu knot outs.

All in all, I would give it an 8 out of 10. It is a great value ($0.99 to $2) and great product for those on a budget.

Random: California Love

My new ringtone and throwback song of the day:



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FWOsbGP5Ox4

Enjoy.

The TIMELESS Helen Folasade Adu

I almost died a little death when I saw that the one-and-only Sade will be in concert in the Bay Area in 2011. WHAAAAT! Now I know it's early, but I just had to let you in on the news.

I am so upset that my bank account is disagreeing with my heart right now.*sigh* Maybe we will be on better terms after X-mas. From a commercial that I JUST saw on local TV says that the tickets go on sale November 15, 2010.

The Deets:

From www.allgoodseats.com - Sade Tickets Oakland, CA Oracle Arena Saturday 8/27/2011 08:00 PM

You WILL see me screaming in the audience.

Peace!

Image:http://mixtapemaestro.net

Nails: Sparkling Jewels

I call this little number Sparking Jewels! This gorgeous design is amazingly simple and quick. I got soooo many freakin compliments this weekend and I thought I would share with you all.

What I used:

Basecoat & Topcoat - Wet and Wild Wild Shine clear nail protector (401A)

1st Coat - Wet and Wild Wild Shine in Eggplant Frost (417F)

2nd and 3rd coat - Sinful Colors in Frenzy (922)



This is a great design to show your spunky side by day and your glamorous, sparkiling side by night!

All of these polishes can be found at your local Walgreens or drugstore in your area. Try it :-)

Peace!

What I am eating tonight: 20-40 Clove Garlic Chicken

As I am getting over the tail-end of this flu that I've had, I am craving some immune boosting garlic to get me over the hump.
Garlic is known to contain many helpful vitamins and extracts to assist in strengthening the immune system.

From http://www.whfoods.com

Garlic

What's New and Beneficial About Garlic

Garlic may help improve your iron metabolism. That's because the diallyl sulfides in garlic can help increase production of a protein called ferroportin. (Ferroportin is a protein that runs across the cell membrane, and it forms a passageway that allows stored iron to leave the cells and become available where it is needed.)
In addition to being a good source of selenium, garlic may be a more reliable source as well. Garlic is what scientists call a "seleniferous" plant: it can uptake selenium from the soil even when soil concentrations do not favor this uptake.
The cardioprotective benefits of garlic may partly rest on the production of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) gas. Our red blood cells can take sulfur-containing molecules in garlic (called polysulfides) and use them to produce H2S. This H2S in turn can help our blood vessels expand and keep our blood pressure in check. Interestingly, some processed garlic extracts cannot be used by our red blood cells in the same way and do not seem to provide the same level of cardioprotection that is provided by garlic in food form.

From http://www.umm.edu

Garlic has been used as both food and medicine in many cultures for thousands of years, dating back to when the Egyptian pyramids were built. In early 18th -century France, gravediggers drank a concoction of crushed garlic in wine they believed would protect them from the plague that killed many people in Europe. More recently, during both World Wars I and II, soldiers were given garlic to prevent gangrene. Today garlic is used to help prevent heart disease, including atherosclerosis (plaque buildup in the arteries that can block the flow of blood and possibly lead to heart attack or stroke), high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and to improve the immune system. Garlic may also protect against cancer.

While the science is not conclusive, research shows promise for garlic in the areas of cancer protection and heart-related risk factors for patients.

Garlic is rich in antioxidants, which help destroy free radicals -- particles that can damage cell membranes, interact with genetic material, and possibly contribute to the aging process as well as the development of a number of conditions, including heart disease and cancer. Free radicals occur naturally in the body, but environmental toxins (including ultraviolet light, radiation, cigarette smoke, and air pollution) can also increase the number of these damaging particles. Antioxidants neutralize free radicals and may reduce or even help prevent some of the damage they cause over time.

SO THERE! Is that enough to convince you to try this delicious nutritious recipe?

Besides enjoying the many nutritional benefits, it is my favorite herb to season with.*insert drool here* Due to unforseen financial shortcomings during the previous crock pot week, I will be revisiting this delicious recipie tonight. Before you try at home, just know that this recipe will make your house smell like a garlic factory.

ENJOY!

20-40 Clove Garlic Chicken

3-4 pounds chicken
1 large onion (or 2 bitties, like I used), sliced
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 teaspoons kosher salt
2 teaspoons paprika
1 teaspoon pepper
20-40 garlic cloves, peeled, but intact

The Directions.

I used a 6 quart oval slow cooker. Place onion slices on the bottom of the stoneware insert. In a large mixing bowl, toss chicken parts with olive oil, salt, paprika, pepper, and all of the garlic cloves. Pour into slow cooker, on top of the onion.
Do not add water.Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 4-6. The longer you cook chicken-on-the-bone, the more tender it will be. If you use drumsticks, the ones on the side will brown and may stick to the sides of the crock, burning a bit. If this bothers you, you can rearrange them with tongs an hour before serving.
I cooked our chicken on low for 7 hours, then kept it on warm for another 2.

photo:http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/uimages/kitchen/2008_05_28-MinceGarlic1.jpg

UPDATE 11/07/2010: The chicken was off the chain! It was bursting with garlicy flavor and it was delicious when paired with some sauteed spinach and a baked potato. I would URGE you to try this. You will not regret it. Seriously. Okay, I'm done.

Because life is random, and so am I: An ode to cookie monster...

Oh how I love thee, let me count the ways...He was always my favorite character. With all of the positve energy radiating from Sesame Street with the precious "I Love My Hair" song, I thought I would post a link to a lil' video from my favorite character: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ye8mB6VsUHw

Enjoy with a cookie!

Revisited: Silk Elements MegaSilk Moisturizing Treatment

Lemme just start off by saying that I have fallen in love all over again with this deep treatment.
I used to use this a long time ago, but ditched it because I had read on various hair forums that silicones (this product contains amodimethicone) weigh down the hair. After almost a year, I took the plunge and bought one of those little packets that you get at the beauty supply store.


After clarifying and deep conditioning with this product, my hair was shiny, soft, supple and smooth after air drying. The consistency is extremely thick, so I would recommend mixing it with a lighter moisturizing conditioner or some nourishing oils to smooth things out a bit. The smell is a fruity mixture of apples, apricots, and cake batter.

Soooo...put this on your "must buy" list to protect your hair from cool weather to come. Your strands will thank you!

You give me fever.

I have the flu actually..this f*ing sucks.

Sorry for the profanity but I am totally bummed because I did not do a darn thang this entire weekend. I was supposed to be a sexy 50's style Playboy bunny and I KNOW I was gonna be cute...Instead, I was hackin' and sneezin' and yellin' at my fiance for more water. But on the bright side....*drumroll please*

THE GIANTS BEAT TEXAS LAST NIGHT!!!

It's in all caps because, yes, I am screaming.

I am so proud of them for making it to the world series. This sista has a serious love of baseball and I ain't turnin back. *Sings "You give me fever..." in my best sexy voice."

Check out some of my favorite players:



Cody Ross (My white chocolate cousin)



Tim Lincecum (aka "The Freak")



Juan Uribe (Clutch veteran)



...and one of the newest (and youngest) additions to the Giants, Buster Posey



Check out the game tonight! Giants vs. Texas 4:57 PT/7:57 ET