Hair Today with The DOD and Me

Hair Styles

2011-08-27T14:25:00.000-07:00

I try to keep the hairstyles for the girls simple and long lasting. Why? Because i have 4 heads of hair to do and it's impossible to re-style their hair everyday.

For the most part i style their hair in single braids, two-strand twists, bantu-knots or small ponytails. It takes about 2.5 hours per head of hair. Their styles typically last from 4-6 weeks. I'll start taking them down around week 4 and 5 and start the entire washing, conditioning, detangle, styling process all over again.

Here are their current hair styles. I decided to braid their up in individual braid and decorate the ends with barrettes.

Amira, age 9

Aaliyah age 7

Ayana age 5

Asaria age 4

Hair Length Check for The Daughters of Destiny

2011-08-02T16:45:00.000-07:00

I am dedicated to all 4 of my daughters hair and ensuring that it is healthy. So since it's "hair week" (yes hair week because that's how long it takes from beginning to end for all their hair) i thought i'd do a hair post.

I didn't realize that their hair was so long until i decided to do a "length check" and take pictures of the results. I actually amazed myself with how much their hair has grown over the years.

Typically i only wash and re-style their hair about every 4-6 weeks. I choose styles that will last and that i won't have to take down at the end of 5 days and re-style again. Some examples, are very small two-strand twists, corn rows, small mini ponytails, Bantu knots (which last about 2 weeks), and braided up do styles.

I do not use chemical processes on their hair and never have. The products i use are mostly natural and have very few harsh ingredients (if any at all). I don't wash their hair with shampoo every month (only every other washing because some shampoos tend to be very drying and harsh on their hair, even the gently ones). I co-wash their hair most of the times (washing hair using a really creamy and hydrating conditioner). I also take my time to untangle their hair and only do it when it's soaking wet and full of conditioner.

My goal when styling their hair is NOT to make it look straight. My goal is to embrace their natural curls and work WITH them and not against them. Therefore i do allot of finger combing (combing the hair to untangle with my fingers and pull apart tangles gently). I also use a very wide tooth comb and a paddle brush. That's probably why it takes me so long to style each head of hair.

Also i make sure to keep the hair moisturized with a spray i use. I use equal parts aloe vera juice (pure aloe vera juice), filtered water (yes i use bottled water or water that's been run through a filter), and a few TBSP of extra virgin olive oil. I don't use gels in their hair because gels have allot of alcohol and will dry out the hair and break it off. For xtra hold, i use 100% shea butter or some products i purchase from the internet like Blended Beauty and Oyin Handmade.

Below are some pictures of their hair and some staple products i use in their hair.

Amira, age 9 - she has the thickest and longest hair of all her sisters. Because she is the oldest it took me a few years to figure out what products to use that were healthy for her hair. I didn't start seeing her hair really grow until she was about 3 years old.

Aaliyah, age 7 - has the curliest hair of her sisters. Her hair is very soft and spongy and really holds any curls and styles.

Ayana, age 5 - has a looser curl patter. Her hair is a bit more on the thin side so it doesn't take me very long to get through her hair.

Asaria, age 4 - has a mix of different curl patterns. Her hair is very curly in the back and gets looser towards the front. It takes me some time for her hair because she does NOT like me anywhere near her hair.

These are the staple product i ALWAYS have on hand when it's time to wash, condition, and style the girls hair.

From Oyin Handmade, Burnt Sugar Pomade, Honey Hemp Conditioner and Juices n Berries. The burnt sugar is good for SUPER hold and the scalp. I use the conditioner as a leave-in and a co-wash and moisturizer. And the spray can be mixed to use as a daily leave-in.

From Blended Beauty, i use the cream styling butters because it helps to keep the girls hair moisturized.

I use this conditioner as a co-wash.

There are times when i'll see something interesting and pick it up or try new products. However i always find myself going back to the ones that seem to work the best. I also buy the Kinky-Curly curling custard from time to time but i only use that when i'm leaving the girls hair to air dry while out and un-styled. I'll also use the Kinky-Curly knot today leave in, which is a pretty good detangler.

So that's pretty much it for the staples and the basic of what i do for the girls hair.

Daughters of Destiny Hair

2011-02-16T14:30:00.000-08:00

So i realize i haven't done a hair update for the girls in a few years *chuckle* so here goes.

I typically restyle the girls hair about every 4 weeks since i have tons of hair to do and i like to take my time co-washing, conditioning and styling.

Ayana with her hair out of braids

I found out about this "coconut milk, coconut butter and yogurt" treatment that is suppose to help soften the hair and help with tangles. I tried it on my girls hair, switching out the yogurt and coconut butter since i didn't have any on hand. I made a mixture of 2 cans of organic coconut milk, about 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil and that's it.

The coconut milk and olive oil mixture

I think applied it to their hair as if one would apply a chemical relaxer, starting at the roots and all the way down to the ends of their hair. Next i put their hair in a plastic bag and let it sit for about 1 hour or more. When i was ready to co-wash their hair, i noticed it had stretched and pulled their curls somewhat. After co-washing, their hair was SUPER soft and i didn't have to struggle to get the tangles out, like i usually do.

Amira with the back of her hair "treated"

Hair fully covered

Aaliyah with plastic baggy on

Ayana's hair AFTER the coconut milk was rinsed out

I haven't tried the treatment again, since it takes quit a bit of time to do. I do plan on doing it again when i wash their hair in the future.

Here are some pictures of what i did. I also loosened the curls slightly in their hair with a ceramic flat iron on a super low setting.

I did that by letting their hair air dry in bantu knots

and then flat ironing. I only did three girls and left the littlest one where her hair as usual.

Daughters of Destiny Hair Routine

2009-10-20T01:17:00.001-07:00

Because I have 4 girls who have enough hair for about 400 girls, it typically takes me about a good week to take down, wash, and comb ALL that hair. So I thought I'd give a little info on how I go about styling the girls hair.

The first thing I have to do is take down the braids, twists, bantu knots, or mini ponytails that may have been in their hair. Since we're all at home during the daytime because I home school, there isn't a huge rush for me to HAVE to get their hair done by a certain time of the day or specific day of the week. Thus, after their hair is all out and free, I can let it be loose for a few days so it's not all tied down and pinned up. There hair usually ends up looking something like this (2007 Amira)

Next, I like to put a pre-wash mixture on their hair. This helps loosen any knots that may be in their hair and definitely helps with detangling. The Daughters of Destiny have long hair that tangles and knots. So I want to help eliminate that BEFORE I wash it. The mixture usually consists of my tried and true OyinHandmade Honey Hemp Conditioner and a hair moisturizer. I typically will use whatever leftovers I have on hand after I've applied the conditioner. Now since this is a pre-wash conditioner, I may leave it in their hair for a few hours. The hair is pulled back into a loose ponytail and when I'm ready to wash it, I simply take it out. (I couldn't find my pics so you'll have to use your imagination *chuckle*)

For washing, most times I use conditioner. I only use shampoo to wash their hair about every 2 months. The reason is, washing with conditioner keeps their hair from feeling dry and brittle. It also works as a great detangler. Plus it leaves their hair feeling soft and it's easier to brush the tangles with co-washing or conditioning washing. I use a paddle brush to untangle their hair and ONLY use it when their hair is DRIPPING WET and FULL of conditioner. It helps to buy good conditioners that are not super expensive as you may tend to use alot during this process. I typically buy 3 to 4 different kinds for each of my daughters hair types. And I'll use about 5 palm fulls of conditioner with each co-wash.

After the co-wash is done. I pat their hair just to get rid of excess water. I NEVER rub their hair as I don't want to tangle it again. At this stage. I'll apply any leave-in conditioners I have (Oyin Handmade Honey Hemp works here as well). I also us Kinky-Curly Knot Today leave-in conditioner as I noticed it REALLY helps in further untangling the hair. Unfortuantely since my girls have SO much hair, one bottle doesn't last me long. I'll use about half the bottle in one setting when I wash all their hair. At this point I MAY put a plastic bag over their hair and then wash the next head of hair - just to let all those yummy ingredients marinate on their hair. It just all depends on my mood and that of The Daughters of Destiny *chucke*.

Once the leave in conditioner has set for a while. The last step is to add a spray on to keep the moisture in their hair. Because once their hair begins to try, it's extremely difficult to try and manipulate it into any style. The spray on I use is from Oyin Handmade, Juices n Berries, and it smells just like a yummy bowl of fruit. Of course if I'm out I make up my own using aloe vera juice, a bit of distilled water, some olive oil and whatever essential oils I have on hand. Also, I section off their hair to apply Kinky-Curly's Curling Custard which help's define the natural curl and helps with shrinkage. Once I'm done with that process I let their hair air dry. That typically takes a good 24 hours - if I leave their hair out and about 48 hours if I let it dry while in bantu knots. (Aaliyah 2007)

Of course letting the hair air dry gives us all a chance to rest. Hair days are not a favorite of the Richardson household. LOL. The last part of the process is to then actually style the hair. The products I use are the Oyin Handmade Juices n Berries spray in to wet each section of hair. I also use Blended Beauty Down and Out Styles as a moisturizer. If I have any handy I'll use Burnt Sugar Pomade from Oyin Handmade as well as Blended Beauty Happy Nappy Styles. And the finally result of all that co-washing, untangling, moisturizing, styling is (Ayana 2009)

(Aaliyah 2009)

and after all that, we look forward to starting the process all over again in 30 days. These hair styles typically last 4 to 6 weeks. I usually take their hair down after about 5 weeks because if I go to long it will be a tangled mess and take that much longer to wash and style.

Iced Frap and Cereal Cake

2009-09-21T23:43:00.000-07:00

I baked a cake from a recipe shared on Face Book, called Cereal Cake. The recipe used left over and/or stale cereal to make a YUMMY cake. It was so yummy, that I made another "cereal cake" tonight. Add to that a cool recipe for home made frappuccino and I was a happy camper. LOL . . . . . .

*INTERRUPTION* Okay so when I hit the "publish post" button Google decided that I should create a NEW blog account using my g-Mail email addy and DELETED my f*cking post. So now that I'm pissed and don't feel like linking pictures and videos and re-explaining what I did AGAIN. I'm going to bed. Some links are below, minus all the detailed info I added. I can't type that sh*t out again.

Cereal Cake Video

Iced Frapucinno

Creamy Frosting

Strawberry Jam and Whole Wheat Biscuits

2009-09-02T02:31:00.000-07:00

Today I made some really yummy strawberry jam. Then I decided that I needed to make some biscuits to go with that jam. Thus my jam and biscuits recipe update *chuckle*

I got the strawberry jam recipe from a cooking show in Hulutv.com and the whole wheat biscuit recipe from AllRecipes.com. I will definitely make both again, soon!

Strawberry Jam

2 pints strawberries, sliced
3/4 cup raw sugar
2 tsp apple cider vinegar

In a large glass bowl mash sliced strawberries until juicy. Heat heavy bottomed skillet and medium high and stir. Placed smashed strawberries, sugar and apple cider vinegar in skillet. Meanwhile, place a small plate in freezer to use later for the gel test.

Continue to stir strawberry mixture to ensure it doesn't stick to bottom of skillet. When mixture comes to a rolling boil about 8-10 minutes, turn heat down to low and cook until mixture begins to gel. Take small plate from freezer, place about one teaspoon of strawberry jam onto plate. Let set about 10 seconds and then lift place and move around to test if jam runs. If jam runs, then continue to cook, if it only moves slightly then remove skillet from heat and cool.

Once jam is cool, transfer to glass jar or other storage container. Let jam cool completely at room temperature and then refrigerate or eat and enjoy!

Louisiana Sweet Potato Pancakes

2009-08-30T00:04:00.000-07:00

So I was looking for something different to do with the yams I had in the frig. I went looking around on AllRecipes.com and didn't have to look past the first page. There in front of me was a yummy looking picture of some sweet potato pancakes, Louisiana style. I figured yams and sweet potatoes were interchangeable so I decided to give it try. Needless to say as I type this there are NONE left. *chuckle*

Here's the recipe I found - Enjoy!

INGREDIENTS

3/4 pound sweet potatoes (about 4)
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
3 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
2 eggs, beaten
1 1/2 cups milk
1/4 cup butter, melted

DIRECTIONS

Place sweet potatoes in a medium saucepan of boiling water, and cook until tender but firm, about 15 minutes. Drain, and immediately immerse in cold water to loosen skins. Drain, remove skins, chop, and mash.
In a medium bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, salt, and nutmeg. Mix mashed sweet potatoes, eggs, milk and butter in a separate medium bowl. Blend sweet potato mixture into the flour mixture to form a batter.
Preheat a lightly greased griddle over medium-high heat. Drop batter mixture onto the prepared griddle by heaping tablespoonfuls, and cook until golden brown, turning once with a spatula when the surface begins to bubble.

How to Spruce up a Dead Apple

2009-08-11T16:37:00.000-07:00

The girls typically eat fresh fruit through out the day. However, there are those times when we buy fruit, like apples, and they just lay and waste. I then have to make apple sauce or some kind of apple topping with the apples so they don't waste.

Well I had some apples that had been laying in the fruit bowl on the table for awhile. And didn't feel like making apple sauce, so here's what I did instead;

4 apples (or how many you have handy)
juice from 1/2 lemon
1 TBSP Agave Nectar (or honey if you have that)

peel, cut and core the apples. slice apples into about 1/2" thick slices. mix sliced apples with lemon juice and Agave Nectar. Toss well and serve.

Daughters of Destiny Hair Updates

2009-08-05T21:18:00.000-07:00

It seems like it's been FOREVER since I've done a hair update for the Daughters of Destiny. So, since I was doing hair this week, I thought it would be fun to post pics of their hair journey thru the years. Since I haven't yet finished the littest two yet, I'll have to had their most recent pics either tomorrow or during the week-end.

Anyway, here are a BUNCH of pics of the girls hair from practically birth until the present. Enjoy. Please feel free to post questions regarding the hair care regime for them and the type of products I use on their hair.

*smoochies* Mama Aly

Amira Senayet from age 2-7 years

Age 2, before I knew what products to use in her hair

About age 3 and still trying different products and supplies as far as which tools to use (brush, small teeth comb, wide tooth, etc)

Age 4 and finally turned on to some new and natural products but still using the wrong tools

Age 6 and using good products and finally found the right hair combing tools

TODAY at age 7. I have great products to use and I no longer try to comb out the hair. I only detangle and let the hair do as it wishes

Aaliyah Saada from about age 9months - 5years

About age 9months. Her hair was more free because she didn't let me touch it.

Hair still free at age One LOL

Age 2 and leaning what works for her hair type and able to braid.

Realized at age 4 that her hair type needs lots of conditioner

TODAY age 5. Lots of conditioner with moisture finds that her hair literally separates by itself.
and it holds it style indefinitely

Ayana Sarai about age 4months-4years

About 4 months. Hair stayed loose because it was too slippery to style

One year and only wore afro puffs because hair didn't hold braids well

Age two and able to make big braids. But those only would last about a week and then hair would knot and tangle

Age 3. Able to braid hair in THIN braids in order to hold style. (I'll add Ayana's pictures for this year and month later)

Asaria Sumehra Sekhmet age 4months - 2years

Age 4 months hair was free alot because it was short

Age 9months. Free hair and moisturized with leave-in sprays and lots of shea butter

Age 16 months. Hair works well in small pony tails and still lots of shea butter

Age 20 months in April 09. Hair tangles and mats easily thus it's best kept in small pony tails. Plus it needs to stay moisturized (I'll also have to up date with Asaria's pictures for this month once I'm finished.)

2009-04-24T20:04:00.000-07:00

I finally added some color into my hair after not having any for a few years. Since I'm trying to free myself from chemicals, my mom introduced me to this natural plant based dye called NaturColor. They sell it at Whole Foods market and other natural grocers, you'd have to check the website to see exactly which stores in your area carry it.

Anyway, I first had the color put in my hair Jan 2009 but since I have TONS of hair one box was NOT enough. Thus, the color is not as noticeable. I had the roots touched up and my hair redone last week-end. This time I bought 3 boxes. Actually that STILL wasn't enough by my stylist stretched the color to make it work. *chuckle* (yes ya girl has a gang load of hair).

The color is called "Turmeric Blonde" #7R. Next month I'm going to have some highlights added. I've already purchased my highlight color, which is "Pale Saffron Blonde" #9R. I've NO idea how that is going to turn out or if I even have enough color for highlights as I only purchased one box. I bought three boxes of the regular color for my roots and one of the new color for highlighting. I think I'm going to just purchases boxes every time I go to Whole Foods because at $14.99 per box, I don't want to have to always buy the color at once, especially since I need like 5 boxes and sh*t. LOL.

Anyway, here are some pics of my hair. Please excuse the crazy eye in some of my pics and my hairy azz under arms. (sorry for TMI. *chuckle*)

Front view. "tumeric blonde 7R" (flash on camera)

Close up (flash off camera)

side view

semi back/side view

full front

full back

Raspberry Corn Muffins and Apple Butter

2009-04-16T12:19:00.000-07:00

This is just a quick update to post some pics of a few things I cooked for my daughters 5th birthday. We had a Birthday Brunch. And since we're in a new state with no family and very few friends, we decided to give the brunch on the actual day of her birth. In-laws flew in from out of town and the hubby took off work (sorta).

I got most of the menu from the free Whole Foods mini mag. I thought it was a simple menu but of course after cooking for a few days, I realized that I'd over did it yet again. *chuckle*

Here's the menu and pics of the breakfast items. I didn't take pics of anything else, too busy cooking and doing "party" stuff.

Raspberry Corn Muffins
Apple Butter

Black Bean-Avocado Salad
Wild Mushroom, Asparagus and Feta Cheese Quiche

Oven Fried Chicken

Strawberry Ice-Cream

Apple Butter. It sort of came out like a thick apple sauce

Raspberry Corn Muffins

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2009-03-19T15:19:00.001-07:00

Dinner was GREAT

2009-03-17T23:57:00.000-07:00

I seasoned the sh*t out of some extra thick chicken breast. I had them seasoned and sitting in plastic in the frig for at least 5 hours. Then I cooked them for about 12 minutes on BROIL in a cast iron skillet with the lid on. They were nice and juicy.

Then I cooked some stuffing. I didn't make it how my mom makes it, with 10 loaves of cornbread and 30 pounds of turkey gizzards. Naw, I cheated or at least did the semi-Martha Stewart way. *chuckle* I started with a package of stuffing mix. Cut up an onion and celery. Then sauted them in TONS of butter and added some chicken broth. Right before I put it all into the oven I stirred in about a cup of dried cranberries. It was yummy.

For my veggies, I made this sweetened carrot dish. I first saw one of my uncles ex wives do it way back in the day. I cut up, length wise, about 4 large carrots. Placed them in a sauce pot with about 1/2 cup water, brown rice syrup, turbinado sugar, and butter. Let them cook until carrots were tender and viola.

Then I topped the whole meal off with some homemade butter milk biscuts. I'm starting to get really good a making biscuts. They're so easy and simple to make. Plus they are so good. Those are probably the BIGGEST hits. *chuckle*

So for dinner I make chicken breast, stuffing with cranberries, sweet carrots and butter milk biscuts. Oh and lets not forget the white cake I made from scratch and the white icing to go with it. The icing was in a box (can't have "from scratch" all the time).

The DOD and the Mr. were totally happy. Tomororw may be a pizza night - it depends on how I feel when I wake up.

Cooking Creativity

2009-03-12T23:40:00.001-07:00

Lately I've been having this creative thing going on in my kitchen. I'm totally cooking by "feel" as in, intuitively knowing what spices work together, what things are complementary, etc. It feels so much like artistry. I LOVE it. I had no idea that you could truly be creative when it came to the foods you cooked.

I was always one to follow a recipe, exactly. And if it didn't turn out the right way, I wasn't always sure as to why. Now, if I have a recipe, I can intuit what I can add to it that will work well. I now usually know what went wrong if it didn't quite turn out the way I envisioned. It's a great feeling. I love being creative in the kitchen. I think my family appreciates it as well.

Like the other day, I baked some fillet of sole. I wanted to do something different but I wasn't sure what. I knew what I didn't want to do and that was make Curried Fish, again. And I didn't want to fry it either. So I got this idea (not sure if I saw it somewhere or what) to use the tangerines and oranges that were just sitting in my refrigerator not being eaten. So I thought I'll marinate the fish with the tangerines. So I got about 6 tangerines and the 1 orange that was left. Halved those and squeezed the juice form them, being careful to dump the seeds. I then added a "baby" teaspoon of some raw honey. Since the juice was cold the honey wasn't stirring properly so I had to heat the tangerine/orange juice mix and honey in the oven for about 2 minutes (I was using a glass mixing bowel so it was okay).

Next I added some All Purpose dried herbs, about a palm full, some Mediterranean salt mix, pepper, a pinch of 5 Spice Powder, and Ginger Powder. I mixed it well to incorporate everything. Placed the fish in a plastic bag and added the mixture. Zipped up the bag and placed it in the frig until I was ready to bake it in the oven. It probably sat in the frig for at least 3 hours.

Well I baked it for no more than 20 minutes. And if I tell you I don't even know what that dayum fish tasted like - Why? Because my finicky and picky eater children and my wishy-washy hubby INHALED all of that fish. By the time I came down stairs, it was GONE. *chuckle* So I'm saying all this to say, I had no real idea of how it was going to turn out. It was all instinctual. And the fact that I didn't even get a taste, let's me know how yummy it truly was. Of course I'm going to have to duplicate that sauce and be sure to eat some of the fish hot from the oven.

Next, maybe I'll talk about how I jazzed up an organic chocolate box cake with home made frosting and a new spin on "wet" ingredients. Well at least a new spin for me. I'm telling you, I'm loving this new found creativity I'm having. It's truly wonderful.

Pizza Night

2009-01-11T19:40:00.000-08:00

Tonight I think I baked the most yummy pizza every. I used the same recipe from my Southern Living cook book but for some reason the dough came out really great this time. I used a different brand yeast, Rapunzel, and I think the yeast really bubbled up like it was suppose to. Also I used a different type of Bob Red Mill's flour. I used the organic unbleached white flour - it suppose to be great for making different kinds of breads. My dough doubled up like it wa suppose to and was all nice and stretchy like a pizza dough should be.

I kept the sauce simple. Opened a can of tomato sauce, added some dried herb, a dash of salt and called it a day. I also grated some raw mozzerella cheese and that was it for a topping. And of course I brushed the pizza dough with olive oil before I put any sauce or cheese onto the pizza.

They came out so yummy. I would have taken pics but of course I was too lazy to run upstairs and grab the camera *shaking head*

Well the family LOVED the pizza. I had enough dough for two pizza's and let me tell you them sh*ts didn't make it out the oven good before they were gone. Since I have some sauce left over, maybe I'll make up a couple more pizza's tomorrow.

Thinking of Cooking Thursday

2009-01-01T17:11:00.000-08:00

Since I don't have the actual follow through to plan my meals AND cook them, I decided to something a little different and write down the meals I "intend" to cook but may not actually get around to it. *chuckle*

I've been sick since Tuesday and really haven't felt like doing much of anything, let alone cooking. So since I didn't even get to do my Kwanzaa dinner, I'm now incorporating that meal into my meal planning. Maybe I'll cook it for a Sunday dinner - I am starting to feel better, so who knows.

Please know that the order I'm typing these meals are not necessarily the order in which a may or may NOT cook them. LOL. I'm know, I'm a mess. *chuckle*

Fried chicken
Mac n' cheese
Veggies (not sure which ones yet)
Buttermilk biscuits

Jerk Beef Stew
Jasmine rice
cornbread

Spaghetti Bake

Tam's Enchilada Bake, Veggie Style

Baked chicken
Glazed carrots
Bread
Jasmine rice
Gravy

Crab quiche
Belgium waffle
Potato pancakes
Fresh fruit
Caramelized apples

Karamu Gathering

2008-12-30T00:11:00.000-08:00

Typically the Karabu is a feast held on the last day of Kwanzaa, which is New Years day. On this day family and friends gather to celebrate IMANI, which means faith. And of course no gathering is official unless there is plenty of good food. *chuckle*

Since we are away from family and old friends we'll have our Karabu the day before. On that day we'll celebrate NIA, which means "purpose." And what better way to show "purpose" than with yummy-stick-to-your-gut food.

Since I'm on a breakfast roll, I've decided to do a repeat and cook up some yummy breakfast again for my family on the 6th day of Kwanzaa.

The menu for NIA, is:

Crab quiche
Potato pancakes
Belgium waffles
Fresh fruit
Caramelized apples
Whipped cream
Sparkling cider
Riesling (sweet)

Hubby's Birthday on December 25th

2008-12-13T20:47:00.000-08:00

Since my hubby's birthday is on December 25th and we celebrate Kwanzaa, we typically don't do a "thanksgiving" style dinner on that day. I'll typically cook some food I think the hubby will like (usually sea food) and call it a day. Well since my hubby is the "semi" ba-hum bug dude he is, of course he NEVER has anything particular that he wants to eat or by way of presents. So how do you please somebody who always says "I don't care?" You don't.

This year I decided to keep it REALLY simple. I'm not doing some elaborate dinner or over the top cakes like I've done in the past. With that in mind I came up with the idea to do a Birthday Brunch. Why? Because my hubby LOVES pancakes and eggs. He can eat them sh*ts all day, everyday. Plus the DOD will love it as well, because they're pancake lovers like their dad.

Birthday Brunch Menu
Crab Frittata
Oatmeal Pancakes (his all time FAVORITE)
Belgian Waffles
Creamy Grits
Brown Sugar Bacon
Tropical Fruit Salad
Hot Cocoa with mini marshmallows
Kahlua Coffee
Mimosa

Red Velvet Cupcakes

Hopefully I can get up early enough to get the ball rolling and everyone can actually eat Brunch BEFORE dinner time. *chuckle* Cuz lord knows I'm trying not to be a lazy heffa and just order EVERYTHING from Whole Foods catering.

New Hair Up Do

2008-11-25T10:12:00.000-08:00

I haven't posted pic of my new hair styles in awhile. Mostly because I forget to have my hubby take pictures and by the time we remember, weeks have passed and my hair is a hot mess.

Since I'm loc'ing my hair now I don't always know how to wear my hair. Last week I asked my stylist to put my hair in an updo, and she did. So here are the pics.

(please ignore my messy closet)

(and my hubby's messy closet - close your eyes)

Food Bill News

2008-11-19T21:45:00.000-08:00

So over on my other blog I started this thing called "Food Bill News" because I wanted track exactly how much money my family spent on food. I called myself having a certain amount of money alloted for food but for some reason always found that we went over that amount. So that lead me to believe that the amount I'd projected that we spent was off. Well, not only was if off but it was WAY off.

I only alloted $500.00 per month for food, sometimes I'd do $600.00. But after I started saving ALL our grocery receipts I was amazed at how much money we spent on food. This is not take out food or food we bought dinning out. This is just grocery store food.

December 2007 was the first month I did "Food Bill News." And November 2008 will mark the one year that I've been tracking our food expenses. Thus far from December 2007 to November 2008 we've spent $22,022.98 on food. *chuckle* Who knew that we ate so much. But I suppose that since we're a family of six, that's to be expected. Not to mention, we only shop at natural grocery stores or stores that carry organic foods.

Anyway, I'll post what the actual total is at the end of November because I haven't totaled out Novembers month yet. I'll not add the Thanksgiving Holiday food because that's being ordered out and is not typical of a normal food month.

Holiday Meal

2008-11-17T11:27:00.000-08:00

About a mouth ago I had this "bright idea" that I was going to do Thanksgiving dinner ALL BY MYSELF. Not only that I was going to be fancy with it and prepare the ENTIRE meal based on a sample menu in the back of one of my favorite cookbooks, Southern Cooking. Well after I'd listed out all the ingredients I would need and planned when to buy them, reality kicked in. And I realized that I wouldn't have my mother, father, sister etc here to help do anything. And that I'd probably spend the ENTIRE day in the dayum kitchen and by the time dinner was ready - I'd be mad and tired.

So I decided to do what we did last year, order out. *chuckle* However since we're so far away from family and it's just going to be the hubby and babies and me, I decided to keep the menu simple and not order a turkey because it would just go to waste.

I already put my holiday order in to my favorite market Whole Foods and here's what I ordered;

Beef Tenderloin Roast
Stuffed Salmon Roast with asparagus/crab meat/brie
Maryland Jumbo Crab Cakes (cuz the hubby is a "homeboy")
Whipped Sweet Potatoes
Traditional Herb/Mushroom Dressing
Corn Pudding
Green Beans with pearl onions and mushrooms
Harvest Salad
Fresh Cranberry Relish
Herb Butter
Parker House Rolls
Pumpkin Angel Food Cake
Sweet Potato Pie
Cranberry Walnut Loaf

I thought about making some homemade ice-cream but I have to see how I feel next week. I did want to do a peach cobbler but if I do I'm definitely NOT making the crust from scratch like I usually do. Who knows, maybe I may feel like doing some stuff of my own.

You can check out WholeFoodsMarket.com and click on your city, state and check out the holiday menu in your area. You may see something you like and decide to order it.

Meal Planning

2008-11-10T08:39:00.000-08:00

Okay so I'm totally suppose to be meal planning or writing what I intend to cook during the week. But frankly I totally didn't cook half the stuff that was on the menu for last week. Not to mention my super duper picky eater children sort of make that difficult. So last week I only ended up making Tam's Enchilada Bake (vegetarian style) and Mina Ma's Chili. And added Baked Beans and hot dogs, Udon Noodle Soup, Tacos, and CEREAL. *chuckle*

This week I'm going to try and do better. My menu for this week is;

Red Beans N Rice, with Baked Fried Chicken and Corn bread
Spaghetti Bake (with left over sauce frozen in freezer)
"PF Chang Mongolian Beef" with rice
Pancakes and eggs
FREE DAY *chuckle*

So let's see how I fare this week.

What's in My Kitchen

2008-11-02T12:28:00.000-08:00

Well instead of my prepping and cooking a week's worth of dinners, I'm blogging *chuckle* - such is life. Since I'm inspired to get my kitchen in order I figured I'd share what I've done thus far as for organizing. My cabinets were organized but my pantry and frig was sort of "anything goes." I took pics of all the different places I get to keep things (as well as forget where I put them.)

My frig

The freezer

Frig details

More details

Still more

frig bens

Then I got happy and decided to take pics of ALL my food storage. *chuckle*

The pantry

Dry goods, et al

The spicy section

Bottles and cans

Mixes, broths, butters and baby

Living herbs

Menu Planning

2008-10-31T10:50:00.000-07:00

In spired by Mamma Tam over in her kitchen I've decided to TRY and plan my meals out better than I have been. In the past I've half attempted to plan meals but it was mostly in my head and never actually worn anything down. Since we're doing our grocery shopping this week-end I figured I'd give it a try. I'm not saying that I'ma be cooking 2 weeks worth a food on Sunday, but I will try and do all my prep work like cutting onions, seasoning meats, and organizing my frig and freezer. (pray for me).

So far here's my list of things I'm planning to cook.

Spaghetti Bake
Tam's Enchilada Bake
Curry Chicken
Meat Loaf
Tacos
Mina Ma's Chili

I'll probably throw in a few fillers but as I type I've no idea what those may be.

DOD Braided Up

2008-08-04T15:12:00.000-07:00

I finally washed, conditioned and re-braided the DOD hair. I hadn't realized that it takes me about 4 hours PER head to braid from start to finish. That does not included the washing and conditioning time. *faints* No wonder it why it takes me an entire week to get all their heads done. LOL

Ayana side view
back view

Aaliyah side view
back view

Amira side view
back view

Natural Hair and Nails

2008-07-18T09:04:00.000-07:00

My newest hair style. I'm trying to go natural since my hair is perfect for this type of style.

Here is my latest nail air but this time I just got an American Manicure. I do have designs on my toes but my hubby forget to take picture.

Going Natural

2008-06-18T21:56:00.000-07:00

Since arriving to Da Lou I'd been in SERIOUS need of a new hair stylist. I'd had my weave in my hair since mid March 2008 and it was time for it to come out. Besides the fact it was really getting on my nerves and I was ready to see my own hair and my growth. However, as luck or un-luck would have it I couldn't find anyone who wanted to press and curl my hair. I was referred to a few folks and still didn't have any luck. So I did what I usually do in situations like these, I wait. Well my waiting paid off and I found a nice salon that specializes in natural hair care. Not only that but they use NO chemicals or any harmful products in your hair. Plus they try to use the least amount of heat possible to maintain your hair.

Now, since my hair can use all the help it can get in the heat department that may have been an issue. But it wasn't. the NATURAL UHURU salon in St. Louis, located on S. 39th St. did a wonderful job of flat or rather 2 strand twisting my hair. The beautiful thing is that I don't have to go to the shop every week or every 2 weeks, like I was in the past. I can go once a month and have my hair re-twisted. They also do braiding and weaves if I feel the need. Thus far I'm really loving my hair and I"m looking forward to being chemical free and naturally nappy. LOL

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RSS Feeds for Our Blogs

2008-06-15T01:03:00.000-07:00

Not sure if anyone is really into this or knows how to set it up but RSS Feeds our available for our blogs.

Of Daughters and Mother
The Daughters of Destiny Blog
http://www.TheDaughtersOfDestinyFilm.com/blog/rss.xml

Hands and Toes chuckle

2008-03-15T21:28:00.000-07:00

You know I don't have nothing to do if I'm showing pics of my acrylic nails design and pedicure toe art. Since this was to be my last go round at Redmond Nail and Hair Salon I wanted to get something different than the typical airbrush or artsy french design.

Weaved to Go

2008-03-13T12:40:00.000-07:00

My newest weave is with 18" hair that has French Deep Waves, numbers 27 and 4. *thinking* I may have to double check the numbers because one may be a 6. So this is the best picture so far. That's what happens when your hubby takes a picture with low light while your running your mouth. I'll try and take more over the next few days and make sure it's enough light and that I ain't talking. *chuckle*

New Growth Tamed

2008-03-09T22:15:00.000-07:00

It's been awhile since I've had my hair texturized and pressed because I'd been wearing Nubian braids since January 2008. Finally my hair is braid free and down and out, altho not for long.

Here is my latest hair growth picture, the ladies over at Madison Avenue Salon are keeping my hair quite healthy and the results are great.

A Braided Moment

2008-02-19T23:29:00.000-08:00

Conditioning the Girls Hair

2008-02-01T11:06:00.000-08:00

Whenever I have to wash, comb and re-braid the girls hair I ALWAYS have a hard time. Well I used to, that is. What I've found is that I have to really condition their hair so I'll have "no more tears" since they scream and holler bloody murder if I even look as though I'm going to wash and comb their hair.

I started using this in there hair after I'd washed it. I would leave it on for almost an hour before I rinsed it out and have there little heads covered with small plastic bags. *chuckle* They looked like such big girls with their little "conditioning caps" on their heads.

Next I would apply and leave it in their hair. This product saved me HOURS of time and tears and screams. It softens their hair right up and makes it almost INSTANTLY able to be combed through.

Last I use and pull it through their hair with my fingers only. Let me tell you, this product does EXACTLY what it says it's going to do DEFINE CURLS. Not only does it define the curls, it elongates them and helps smooth them out. It was so much easier for my and my girls when I used this to then style their hair.

This is the result of using these three products in combination. I have to say that I only left the Curl Quenching Conditioner in for 5 minutes this time and no bag. All 3 of them have unique hair textures, so the product had varying results. However, even the baby with the curliest of curly hair, these products STILL did wonders and almost seemed magical.

She has the longest and thickest hair. It's probably type 3A

This hair is the easiest for me being thin and soft and not prone to hold braids very well. It's about type 2B

Her hair is the shortest and most wiry. It's about a type 3B and maybe some 4

Nubian Braids

2008-01-06T00:49:00.000-08:00

I decided to have my hair braided for my birthday in a fun and sassy style. The braids are thick and extremely long, about lower back length. The synthetic hair is "kankelon" and color #'s 8, 10, and 27. The braider mixed the darker colors, #8, with some lighter tones, #10, and then highlighted with #27.

Hopefully this will last nicely for at least a month.

Here is a side view. I'll have my Hunny take a full view pic to show the length and braid design.

Bathing Beauties

2007-12-10T00:28:00.000-08:00

Alyson's Latest Hair - October 20, 2007

2007-10-26T22:54:00.000-07:00

Weave Free (for a minute)

2007-09-26T11:45:00.000-07:00

I had this done at the beginning of Sept. My new stylist in Seattle has been working with my natural hair. Meaning I haven't had a relaxer since November 2006. And let me tell you, it has NOT been easy managing this hair.

I just had my hair done again this past week-end. Because my natural hair (no chemicals) is extremely "curly" and course it's not easy to manage. So my stylist put a texturizer in my hair before pressing and styling. It's actually helped me alot because I can roll my hair at night without drama. Well without ALOT of drama.

My goal is to let my hair grow as long as it possible can with a few chemicals as possible.

This is sorta what my hair looked like after I left the shop. Of course it ain't NEVER the same as when you first get up from the stylist's chair. LOL

Cooking With AlyCat | Segment 21 | Sista's Senational Suishi

2007-02-14T18:56:00.000-08:00

Another Cooking Class

2007-02-13T15:03:00.000-08:00

Cooking With AlyCat | Segment 3

2007-01-10T18:24:00.000-08:00

A Recipe from Rachael Ray's Web Site

Alyson's New Look Fall 2006

2006-12-30T23:26:00.000-08:00

Here is a picture of Alyson's New Hair. This is one of the photos that were taken on my birthday.

Check out Aly Cat's latest hair

2006-11-27T11:19:00.000-08:00

I took these pictures on the 18th of November. Check out the other pictures at The Daughters of Destiny Web Site

Braids, Beads, anc Cowry Shells

2006-11-04T22:01:00.000-08:00

I finally have some updated pics of hair. I didn't take any pics of my pony tail when it was all cute and freshly done so I'm gonna have to wait until next week for my hair pics. However, here are some of the babies and their beautiful african hair!

Princess Senayet's Braided front

The Princess's Braided back

The Most High Lady Saada's Braided Side/Front

The Most High's Braided back (plus the princess in the corner)

Red Carpet Royalty

Daddy's gettin in on the hair act also

Weaved to Perfection

2006-09-15T13:58:00.000-07:00

Okay here is the new weave hairstyle. I got this done near the end of August. It's a full weave. My hair is braided underneath and the "tracks" or pieces of hair or sewn into my braided hair. Only the top of my hair, where it is parted is left out to hide the tracks underneath. I'm hoping my hair will have at least 5 inches or more of growth when I take the weave out near the end of October.

And when I decide that I want my hair off of my face and pulled back, I can that too. My hair stylist left out some of my own hair around the sides so that I could pull the weave hair off of my face.

The Girls

2006-07-31T23:13:00.000-07:00

Well at least one of the girls was able to have a picture taken of her hair before it became to dark outside to get a clear pic. Gotta love those digital cameras.

More than a month hair

2006-07-31T23:01:00.001-07:00

My hair after a 2 week old touch up. I grows very thick and fast. I'll post newer pics after I have stretched my relaxer to it's limit.