New Hair New Adventures

I finally got the nerve to do a Big Chop. I transitioned from relaxed to natural hair from April 2007 through April 2008 with braid extensions. April 2014 marks 6 years natural with many mini chops in between as well as a year of growing locs. I combed my locs out in August 2010 and haven't turned back, yet.










Here are before and after pics of my big chop or tapered hair cut.


My hair has had it's share of damage these last two years with being pregnant back to back, lack of moisture, and color damage. It broke off in many places from hormone changes and color damage. I decided to cut off the damage and begin anew.

I'm excited about this new journey and new adventure. My goal is to nourish my hair, not color it, and grow long healthy locs.


Do you have healthy hair goals for 2014? Have you ever done a Big Chop?


Keep the Faith!


Until next time,
~E

DIY Memorial Shadow Boxes

Living without cable isn't that bad especially when you realize you have time to finish up projects. One project that I didn't quite complete was Shadow boxes in memory of my baby boy BJ and baby girl Brielle. Over the weekend I picked up from Michaels two 16x20 Shadow boxes to use in memory of my babies. They were on sale BOGO by one get one free and I couldn't beat $40 for two large shadow boxes. I had previously picked up a 11x14 shadow box with a 40% off coupon for $9 but realized I needed something bigger as I may want to add to the boxes.

All in all the project was simple and took 30 minutes to complete both boxes. I'm very pleased that I could place my only memories of my babies in one place. My next project will be a scrap book so I can write out their birth stories and place their photo albums and ultrasound pictures.


Below are the results:



BJ 11/29/12 6lbs 4oz 21" long



Brielle 7/12/13 7.5 oz






Both Shadow boxes will remain in the crib until my rainbow baby arrives. Then I will find a home for them on the wall.


Have you completed a Shadow box? Do you have a place to hold memories of lost loved ones?

Keep the Faith!


Until next time,

~E

DIY: Christmas Decor

It's December and that means it's time to decorate. Below are a few decorations that we completed this weekend during our Thanksgiving break. All decorations were purchased from Dollar Tree and Target.




Fake tree


Live tree


Live tree


Favorite ornaments


Favorite ornaments


My angel in heaven


Live tree


Mistletoe as a tree topper?!!!?


Bows as a tree topper



Front of house garland lights!

How do you plan to decorate your home for the holidays?


Keep the Faith!

Until next time,

~E

DIY: Homemade Buttery Sweet Yeast Rolls

Since my hubs gifted me my Kitchen Aid standing mixer a few months back, I have been wanting to make some yeast rolls. I attempted it tonight for dinner and they came out yummy!
I will be making these again in a few days for Thanksgiving.


Check out the pics and this amazing recipe!



Follow me on Pinterest as this is where I found the recipe.


What is a recipe that you haven't tried? Are you on Pinterest?

Happy Thanksgiving!

Keep the Faith!


Until next time,
~E

DIY: Nubian Twists

It's fall time and time to protective style from the harsh elements of the colder weather. I protective style to retain length and to keep my fingers out of my hair. My hair is going through some growing pains with all of my recent hormonal changes I need to keep it styled to prevent further breakage and damage to my ends. I decided I wanted to do my hair myself. It wouldn't be hard right? I didn't want to do Marley twists as they have been all the rage since the summer so I decided to attempt Nubian twists. I say attempt because this is my first time adding extensions to my hair by myself. They turned out ok in some places other places I'm going to have to redo. However, they will last at least 4-6 weeks and I will redo them as needed.

What you will need:
Moisturizer
Rat tail comb
Nubian twist hair
Clips
Scissors




Directions:
1. Moisturize your hair before installing each twist.
2. Section your hair deciding how big you want each twist to be.
3. Remove Nubian twist hair from packet.


I decided to cut the longer piece in two to get a shorter more natural twist look.
4. I separated the cut hair to prepare to add it onto my hair.
5. I added each piece by folding it in half around my sectioned hair and began to braid them twist. I did not pull my edges tight to cause further stress.
6. Once completed with that twists I moved to the next until my entire head was completed. It took me 3.5 hours to do my entire head. Also, I only used 2 packs of Nubian twist hair.

These are the results. They aren't perfect but I do like the challenge of perfecting this protective style.










Keep the Faith!

Until next time,
~E

DIY Monday! Refinishing and Staining Desk

Make me over Mondays are here! I will be posting on Mondays my DIY adventures of decorating my new home, remodeling furniture, attempting new recipes, and becoming more crafty.


Today's post focuses on a desk that I stained and refinished. This was an desk that was given to me by a friend who was moving out of his summer apartment and did not need an extra desk. So needless to say I've had it since college and never made time to refinish. On my maternity leave last Christmas season I made time to refinish and stain these desk to make it like new.


Things you will need from your local Hardware store (I went to Home Depot):
Hand sander - sandpaper 180-220 grit
Desired color stain - I went for one with an epoxy already mixed in
Foam brushes
Plastic covers for floor
New hardware for desk
Safety glasses
Dust mask
Tennis shoes




I sanded the desk down as seen above in the picture in the top right and then applied the stain as directed on the instructions. After about 3 coats of stain and 3 days I was finished with the desk and was very proud of myself. This is now my makeup desk and it sits in my "baby" room and I use it to get ready in the morning.



Step by step instructions;
1. Place the plastic cover down on ground
2. Move the furniture to center of covering
3. Remove all hardware and anything in drawers or shelves
4. Begin sanding drawers and then desk. Don't forget your dust mask, safety glasses, and tennis shoes.
5. Once complete sanding wipe furniture off with paper towel to get off excess dust.
6. Begin staining as desired with foam brushes. Let stain dry and repeat coats as directed on instructions.
7. Let it dry overnight. Add new hardware. Enjoy!


Keep the Faith!

Until next time,
~E