Happy Thanksgiving!

What am I thankful for? Let me ponder...

I'm grateful for having such a wonderful, caring family, for being
alive, and for all of life's possibilities.

Thanksgiving was an emotional day for me, but a wonderful holiday,
nonetheless. How did your Turkey day go?

Last Sunday was my birthday! I'm 22 now, and the past year flew by, just
as my older counterparts warned me! LOL! I had the ka-yutest b-day
hairdo, but only after having to make a quick improvisation.

I'd been planning to flat iron my hair for a straight look. I figured,
"Why not, its a special occasion,". I hadn't so much as unraveled the
power cord to my flatiron in months, and I was a tiny bit worried about
the damage it may cause.

I plugged the flatiron in, and the smell of burnt hair hit my nostrils.
Disgusting! I parted my hair in the back, and started the process. I
cringed as my hair began to singe. Wisps of smoke and steam floated
upwards, bearing witness to the damage. I inspected the first, and last,
section of straightened hair. Yes, it was long. Yes, it was silky. It
didn't matter; the apprehension of the irreversible damage that I would
do to my hair kept me from going any further.

The first three photos were taken right after I stopped the madness...

I wet my hair all over to do some flat twists up front. The straightened
hair in the back didn't curl as tightly as the rest of my hair. It just
hung there, limp and obviously longer than the rest of the strands
nearby. I couldn't help but feel a little grief. What if those curls
never return? What if this hair breaks off? Deecoily tried to tell me,
but I wouldn't listen. At least I had sense enough to stop while I was
ahead.

I parted my hair from ear to ear, and secured the hair in the back. For
the twists, I used Fantasia ic Gel and secured them with butterfly
clips. I used my 1/3 conditioner. 2/3 water mixture to spray on the rest
to keep it moist.

The results were fire! I was proud of myself, given that this was the
first time I did a style like this. Yay me!

I shall return...thanx for reading my blog
The Trotter is bright (:Þ)

Why NappyNest?

Why the name NappyNest?

Ever since I was a little girl I have loved animals. At the age of five, my grandmother, who raised me, got me a snow-white dove, just like the kind you see at weddings. Ever since then I have always had a bird for a pet. Right now I have a beautiful cockatiel named Thunderbird, T-Bird for short. Well, in my early stages of transitioning, I would let my hair air dry after washing. I noticed that T-Bird would fly or climb up to my shoulder and gently "preen" my hair or play with the droplets of water dangling from my curls. I was afraid he would break or nibble away the ends, so I would shoo him away or give him a toy to busy himself with. As my hair grew longer, my curious T-Bird was more and more attracted to my tresses. This was at a time when those around me were trying to convince me to use that creamy-hell-fire crack. I was feeling defeated since I was running out of styling ideas and was experiencing some social pressure.

T-Bird would take every chance he could get to fly up to my hair and perch, and I couldn't figure out what his fascination was! One day, while cleaning the house, I let T-Bird play out of his cage. As I was moving from room to room, T-Bird would fly into whatever room I was in and ultimately end up on my shoulder. At first, I was irritated and too busy cleaning to play with him, but he was persistent! I decided to see what was so interesting to him. When he perched on my shoulder, I let him stay. I walked up to a mirror to watch him do whatever he was doing. The next moment was life and mind changing for me.

T-Bird would scoot as close as he could to the base of my neck and surround himself with my hair. I could imagine that he felt as if he were deep in the Congo, surrounded by black vines! He then would, gently, grasp strands of my hair with his tiny feet and preen them with his beak. I've since learned that cockatiels preen their owners as they would a bird mate. It is a way of showing affection. He was so delicate and meticulous, and he wasn't nibbling as I had thought previously...he was simply running each strand through his beak. I know this may sound strange to some of you, letting a bird get all up in my hair. But birds are one of the most graceful creatures on this earth, and he was showing me something that I never discovered in my own life. He took his time and "did" my hair by bird standards. He was so careful as to not break one strand.

It was then that I realized that I didn't have that much respect for my hair, to handle it with care. I not once in my life was ever that gentle with my hair. As a child, I learned that my hair was a nuisance, a "job", a problem to be dealt with. It was to be raked through with a comb, attacked with a brush, sizzled by chemicals. I wasn't taught to explore my hair, I was taught to "get it over with". I wasn't taught to love my hair, I was taught to "do something with that nappy shit". I wasn't taught to be proud of who I am, I was taught to hide what made me who I am.

This bird had no choice but to see who I am through eyes that would never judge, never categorize. I knew then that I needed eyes like him. I needed eyes that saw my hair for what it was-MY hair. I needed eyes that wouldn't wince at the sight of "new growth". I needed eyes that would gaze upon nappy hair and twinkle with amazement. I needed eyes that would stare for hours at the curls, zig-zags, and corkscrews sprouting from my scalp. I needed eyes that would tear up at the thought of ever damaging it again as I had done for so many years.

From that day on, I've been seeing with a bird's-eye view.

Thanx for reading my blog!

She's back!

Hello all, I'm sorry to have been gone so long. I've gotten quite busy
over the last couple weeks, and I really hadn't had the time to put
together a proper post. Never fear, topics for my upcoming postings are
always in the back of my mind.

Which brings me to this: has anyone ever noticed that mixing two
products or using one right after another can yield some undesirable
results?

I always read through the product reviews on Nappturality.com and
Motowngirl.com quite religiously, and I usually end up trying the most
popular products for myself. A couple weeks ago, I got my hands on a
bottle of ic Polishing Gel (with Sparkelites!) and added it to my daily
routine, (which I will elaborate on later). This gel is not tacky or
sticky, and it contains glycerine-so it draws moisture instead of taking
it away. The first time I used this gel I really liked the shine that it
gave as I smoothed down the top of my head and my edges. The second
time, though, was another story. Right after applying Cantu Leave-In
Conditioning Cream to wet hair, I slicked the ic Gel onto my top as
usual. The two products together changed to this yucky, gummy
consistency. "Maybe I can brush this in," I thought. Wrong! The sticky
mixture only collected into little gray balls on the strands of my hair
and in the bristles of my brush. What a mess! I was in a rush to get to
a meeting, so I had to quickly rinse the top of my head and improvise
with a scarf 'do.

I eventually figured out the problem was the combination of the two and
made a mental note not to use those products in conjuction. A few days
later, I was getting ready yet again, and I wanted that wet-wave look
that I get when using the ic Gel. So, I grabbed it and some Garnier
Leave-In Conditioner to pull my hair into a high puff. Again, I ended up
with the same grayish-goo in my hair! With no time to rinse, I had to
cover it up with a hat. Crap!

My observation is that there is an ingredient in the creamy leave-ins
that reacts with an ingredient in the ic Gel and forms a completely
different compound. What those ingredients are, I haven't the slightest
idea. The ic Gel DOES work well with Elasta QP Mango Butter, Hollywood
Beauty Olive Creme Hairdress, and Shea butter. Beware the gray goo!

This brings me to my next topic: Hollywood Beauty Olive Creme Hairdress.
I love this product! I'm going to let you know all about my experience
with it. It is a wonderful moisturizer and styling product. High on the
list of ingredients is water, olive oil, and various extracts. This
product also contains no P/MO, which is always a huge plus+++! It has
the consistency of a very smooth and satiny cold cream. When rubbed
betwwen the hands, it warms to body heat and the consistency becomes
more like hand lotion. It defines curls quite well and keeps the hair
moisturized and soft. It doesn't leave the hair dull or leave a heavy
residue, as long as you don't use blobs and gobs of it. The fragrance is
unique and pleasant, not overpowering at all. Reasonably priced, I
picked up a 7.5 oz jar for about $3.50. The blurb on the back mentions
that after using the creme, you'll notice softer fingertips and
cuticles. This is true, not a bad bonus. Definitely try this out for
yourself and leave a comment letting us know what you think.

Have good days,

BrightTrotter
The Trotter is bright (:Þ)

And It Feels Like Oooooooh....

Hello all,

Wanted to share my style with you today. This really reminds me of the
Alicia Keys video for "You Don't Know My Name". I was perusing a Kings
Beauty Supply yesterday when I came across a tub full of these nets. I
picked up a few to see what I could do, and here is the result. I thinks
it looks pretty cute! It was easy as pie. I applied my product,
Hollywood Olive Cream (which I'll review soon), all over and brushed the
top smooth. I slipped on a headband and put the net on over it. Done in
5 minutes! I'm lovin' it like some Mickey D's.

I love stopping at beauty supplies to see what I can find. Of course, a
product junkie has their usual spots to cop a fix. But it seems like now
whenever I see that illuminated sign with wigs and posters behind it, I
HAVE to stop! I, personally like to go down each aisle, reading labels
and smelling various concoctions. I pick products almost like I pick
fruits and vegetables.

First I look at the label. Is it cheesy or too much of a gimmick? You
know what I mean...Ultra African Herbal Voodoo Grow & Shine Elixir with
Amino Acids (33% more free!) usually equates to the first few
ingredients being petroleum or mineral oil (P/MO). Blech!

Once I've given the label a once-over, I check the ingredient list. We
know the the first ingredients listed are the most abundant in the
product. So, if P/MO pops up, its going straight back to the shelf.
Check for paraffinum liquidum, which is another name for mineral oil. I
also look for panthenol (a vitamin), natural oils (like almond or olive
oil), glycerine/glycerin (draws moisture), shea butter (butyrospermum
parkii), and esssential oils. Its never a bad thing for water to be
early on the ingredient list. All the syllables and weird words may make
you dizzy at first, but educate yourself and you'll be reading labels
like a pro. Do it!

After checking the contents, I open the container to see, smell, and
feel the product. I know, it sounds intrusive, but this is necessary. I
don't mean rip open boxes or break safety seals. But, if you can easily
open the bottle or jar, give the product a quick test. First, I look at
the product. Does it look like it would leave buildup on my hair? If the
ingredients are separated or all messed up, it may be an old product.
Pick another jar to test.

Then, I smell it. Is it strong? Mediciney? Funky? Gag-inducing? Scents and fragrances are deal breakers for me. I just can't use it if I can't stand smelling like it
all day. Then I take a SMALL amount and rub it on the back of my hand.
Of course, you are looking for the product to do what it says it does.
If it is a moisturizer, you want it to eventually absorb into your skin.
You don't want a lot of residue or the product to just sit on top of
your skin. If it is a pomade or gel, you want it to have nice hold. You
don't want it to freeze up your hand, get flakey, or look tacky and
dull. Conditioners are creamy and leave your skin very soft. This sounds
like a lot to do before buying a product. Trust me, take care in what
you choose to put in your hair and your hair will respond by looking its
best.

Have good days, and thanx for reading my blog!
The Trotter is bright (:Þ)

MotownGirl Spotlight

"Wait a minute-that's meeeeeeeeeeeee!"

"Aww shucks!"

The Trotter is bright (:Þ)

Thank You, MotownGirl!

Very exciting news today! NappyNest was chosen as the October '07
Spotlight on MotownGirl.com!

*screeeeeeaaaaaam!*

Imagine my surprise as I checked her site today and saw my pix! Wow, I
hope that those who come across my site are helped by the information I
give.

MotownGirl, you rock my socks! You were, and still are, the biggest help
to me while finding my natural self. I can only hope that my blog
touches as many people as yours does. Thank you, thank you, thank you
for starting your site and inspiring me to start mine. Much love!

I'm going to be walking on clouds for awhile....I'm so happy. It is so
important to me that I reach someone who had the same questions as I
did. Do me a favor, please? If you know someone, anyone, who is thinking
of going natural or is beginning to transition, tell them about
MotownGirl, my site, Nappturality.com, hell, any site you can think of.
The support and information is much needed by us "newly-nappies"

Have good days, and thanx for reading my blog!
The Trotter is bright (:Þ)

Texture shots

The Trotter is bright (:Þ)

Gotta Use Protection!

Hey all, how's it going?

I have a concern. I've noticed some breakage at the top of my head and also while detangling. I really need to commit to some protective styles. Since early July, I've worn my hair back in a headband. About 3 months later and I'm seeing frazzled short hairs where they weren't before. I would hate to have grown my hair this long and then have it break off!

Since winter is approaching, and wash 'n gos aren't going to do well with the harsh St. Louis cold, I've gotta learn some protective styles. I'm thinking of keeping my hair in a sew-in weave for the next few months, but I haven't decided. Well, my pocketbook has already. Sh!t gets runny when your money is funny, LOL! (My grandma said that once and I thought that was hilarious!). Anyway, I've gotten much better at my flat-twists. I just don't know where to start. Half twists in the front and puff in the back? Flat-twists on one side, twists on the other, bantu knots in the back? A french braid? Afro puffs? My hair is so versatile...

I remember a time when my grandmother took me to a salon that had just opened in our neighborhood. It was run by a middle-aged beautician, and she was a unique individual. I remember her being very talkative and kinda weird. She had these crazy ideas and theories about everything, entertaining if nothing else. I remember her talking with my granny and me about all the things our hair can do. It can be straight one day, in braids the next, curly a flowing, majestic in a 'fro. So thick you can't run a hand through it to slipping through your fingers with the silkiest ease. I never thought of my hair that way. I was glad to have hair that I could do anything with, rather than be stuck with the same old straight hair everyday. Unfortunately, she talked my granny into letting me have a texturizer, which took my versatility away.

I'm off to research some fotki albums, wish me luck!

Two Strand Twists-Reloaded

This is my second attempt at doing two-strands, and, success! Here's
what I did differently. I parted more with my fingers rather than with
my comb. The first time I was spending way too much time trying to get
each section the exact same size. This time, I made horizontal parts to
make rows. Then, I would just use my fingers to section off each twist.
I also made smaller twists. They still puffed up very nicely. I used
Cantu Leave In Conditioning Cream instead of Elasta QP Mango Butter. The
Cantu LICC made the twists just moist enough to work with and very
light. When I used Mango Butter, my twists were weighed down and greasy
(the twistout was the bomb the next morning though!).

I know, I know-the more I practice, the better I'll get. I guess I need
to be patient. :)

The little figure is something one of my clients made for me. She
remembered my favorite color was purple and made a little "me" pencil
topper! That really made my day. She said,"I wanna grow my hair long and
natural just like yours," and I told her she could. I gave her all the
advice she needed, and the next time I saw her, she had already had her
big chop. Yay for her!

Thanx for reading my blog.
The Trotter is bright (:Þ)

Me and the bird

Awww isn't that cute?

Today's post will be short, as I've been under the weather lately. Just
wanted to share some pics of the bird. More later...

Thanx for reading my blog.
The Trotter is bright (:Þ)

The 70s & a Cockatiel

What it is, groovy people?

Sorry, I just came from a 70s-themed fundraiser and I'm still feelin'
out of this world. Today was the first day I wore an afro, and I loved
it. A lot of others wore wigs, hell, everyone did. And I just felt so
proud that my 'fro was all me! Some asked to touch it, some asked if it
was real, some didn't believe me when I said it was, and some were
indifferent. I couldn't help but feel tall and majestic with my curls
lightly towering above my head.

Moving on. Everyone meet Thunderbird, T-Bird for short. He is a
2-year-old cockatiel. He is the inspiration for this blog's name. I've
written a story about how I came up with the name, but I'll have to get
it from my PC and post it (I mainly post from my PDA). He's my sweetie,
and he loves my hair as much as I do.

Thanx for reading my blog, I can dig it.
The Trotter is bright (:Þ)