Geeky Girl's Guide to Life

Product Review: Tropical Traditions Virgin Coconut Oil

Published September 20, 2010 | By K Leslie

Author's Note: Tropical Traditions was kind enough to provide me with a sample of their product.

So I recieved my jar of virgin coconut oil in the mail, and naturally (since it is hot here in the midwest), It was pure liquid when it arrived to me. I waited until it solidified until I started to use it.

I mainly used this oil as a pre-pooing treatment. It felt like my hair was absorbing it very well. I enjoyed it thoroughly. Lately though, when I get out the shower, instead of using a leave-in conditioner, I use a small amount of the coconut oil. I work it through my hair and then detangle. It works out wonderfully.

Yesterday I sat it by my laptop fan to kind of get it back to liquid, and I went to town. I coated my hair carefully in it. I was doing a pre-poo, but it was the first step in my braid out, so I wanted to make sure everything was moisturized to it's fullest potential.

I now use the coconut oil in everything. I put a little water in a spray bottle along with a little coconut oil. Voila! I use that little concoction to wet my hair down when I am not in the mood to co-wash completely. It has a great smell to it, a very very mild coconutty smell. I think of a very mild pina colada.

All in all, I would say this product has worked out great for me!

The dreaded cutting of the hair…

Published September 16, 2010 | By K Leslie

I think I need a hair cut. Nothing too drastic really, just a trim.

Why does this terrify me?

Let me start at the beginning of my hair cut woes.

I was 7.. I just moved to Indiana from South Carolina. The first thing my family did was get me to a hair salon. I wanted a jheri curl like my gramma.

The curl wouldn't take.

Apparently, the woman that was doing my hair in SC was not doing it correctly. She was relaxing my hair EVERY WEEK.

At this point and time I realize I was lucky to have hair.

The lady who tried to give me the Jheri curl had to cut off almost all my hair. leaving me with a puff of hair. Not the wet and wavy look my gramma had.

I burst into tears.

Everyone (family) who saw me tried to make it better by saying "You look like grandad now!" Just what every 7 year old girl wants.. to have hair like a man....

Throughout the years I have had horrible hair cuts. I've had beauticians that would not listen to me, or look at me like i was crazy. There are only two beauticians I trust. Cherilynn (who taught me what it means to go natural) and Margie (I haven't seen her since my wedding. She did my hair when I lived in Kokomo and was still relaxed). They listen to me, and support me in whatever I am trying to do. And if what I am doing is not a good idea, they will steer me in the correct direction.

Still, I am scared.

I look in the mirror and I have excellent length. Not uber long, but enough to make my cute little puff. It's growing slowly but surely. Love it. I am scared that its all going to get lopped off.

I need to trust in Cherilynn, because honestly? She wouldn't do anything I wouldn't want to do.

Things that I want to do to my natural hair.

Published September 15, 2010 | By K Leslie

These are things that I have not done yet, but will get around to:

Braid out - I was reading an article over at Black Girl Long Hair that explained how easy a braid out could be! I am thinking after my shower tonight I am going to give this a whirl.
Banding- I keep saying I am going to do this, but life gets in the way.
Two Strand twists- After watching one girl do ONE twist on Youtube, I might leave this to the professionals and head to my beautician.
Plopping- This is a new one that I had never heard of until about two weeks ago. Watch a Youtube vid here
Henna- This is the big mama jamma. I am busy and tired.. This is like a weekend project.
Twistouts- Which could be done after the two strand twists

Blogmania

Published September 15, 2010 | By K Leslie

This is the first I had ever heard of it. Maybe I will try for it in the spring time. It is awesome though. I started over at Family and Life in Las Vegas and have been trolling around other places, entering here and there. Check it out guys!

My Review of "Gentry" Wide Calf Riding Boot by Step Up Comfort®

Published September 14, 2010 | By K Leslie

Originally submitted at Avenue.com

Man made with cushioned insole. Imported.

Full inside zip with metal detail. 1" wedge.

Plus size boots - wide calf riding boot in full and half sizes M, W 7-11, 12,

...

"Gentry" Wide Calf Riding Boot by Step Up Comfort®

Not wide calf

By Mrsckugs from Indianapolis, IN on 9/14/2010

2out of 5

Sizing: Feels true to size

Width: Feels true to width

Pros: Comfortable

Cons: Normal calf

Best Uses: Going Out, Work, Casual Wear, Date Night

Describe Yourself: Stylish, Comfort-oriented

I was very disappointed in this boot. The calf is not wide at all. It has like a 17' calf I believe..I tried to go get them tailored, and then the boot people screwed up, so now i can only wear them under pants.

(legalese)

Writers Block.. Aint that a bitch?

Published September 14, 2010 | By K Leslie

I took a good look in the mirror at my hair yesterday. It is thick and full and I am so happy with it I could spit. I am constantly petting it. My husband is constantly petting it.

I have absolutely nothing to talk about. Unless you want to hear about my schooling. My copy editing class is fun. My business ethics class makes me want to run into a wall from the disorganization that the woman is putting me through. Trig.. is math. I hate math. I want to stab it in its beady face (you know math has a beady face.. it's math!).

In other news, I want these boots from torrid

I NEED THESE TO LIVE!

However, I have large calves. The last time I ordered boots (not from torrid, from newport news) and they told me they were wide, they weren't. So I went to get them widened at a shoe shop. THEY BUTCHERED MY BOOT! Not only did they butcher it, I STILL can't get them over a pair of skinny jeans. Let me show you my desecrated boots.

Hold for picture please.

If you look not where my thumb is, but where my pointer finger is, there was the little stretch that the boot maker gave the boot.. These people cutt the fabric in a giant V and sloppily stitched in some black stretchy stuff.. MY BOOTS ARE A CARMEL COLOR! Why would you put black there? Does that even make sense? I can't even wear these with skirts now, because it looks so tacky. I just wear them under jeans really, which defeated the purpose of those damn boots.

*deep breath*

I should really get dressed and take the dogs out and maybe even try and clean my craft room. It doesn't look like a craft room. It looks like a junk/trash/clothing room. I look like I should be on an episode of Hoarders.

Speaking of which did anyone watch it last night? What about the old woman that was pooping in bags? *GAG*

Alright I am out. I am reviewing products currently and I promise these nonsensical ramblings will take a backseat soon.

So I thought my people would be able to help out!

Published September 8, 2010 | By K Leslie

Hey Guys!

As I am sitting here, banging my head into a brick wall, trying to do my trig homework, I realized, I need a new desk.

I have had this one for several years. It was the first piece of real furniture I'd ever purchased as an "adult." It has been taken apart and put back together several times. It is the wobbliest thing in the world.

Now, normally Picking out a new desk wouldn't be a problem.. except for one tiny thing.. I do crafts as well as homework on the desk.

I need something roomy and sturdy. Roomy enough for scrapbooking supplies and sturdy enough for, well, me
:-). Do you have any suggestions? Any Brands that you like? Let me know!

Winners!!!

Published September 7, 2010 | By K Leslie

Using random.org I chose three winners.

Random.org spat out three numbers in this order: 7, 11, and 10

Those people are: Patrice, Kelly, and Nina!!

Yay to you guys! Go ahead and shoot me an email at leslie2103@gmail.com with your shipping information. Once I get that, Tasha will be in contact with you to see what shea butter you will be receiving. Patrice chooses first, then Kelly, then Nina.

If I do not hear from you guys within 24 hours I will choose someone else.
Thanks guys!

To Henna or not to Henna

Published September 6, 2010 | By K Leslie

First off, thanks to everyone who entered the contest! I will tally entries later on today and use random.org to announce a winner tomorrow! yay!

So, I purchased some henna a couple weeks ago.

So here is the problem I am running into. I found a ton of articles on the type of henna you should get (body art quality) and what to avoid (any henna that says it will turn your hair a color other than the reddish color that henna is supposed to be). However, I am finding different ways to approach the usage of the henna. Worse, I am finding that you may end up with a permanently stained bathtub. Guys, we just bought this house. I do not want my bathrooms stained! I have to do some more research before I apply this stuff to my head.

(The kind I purchased)

In other random news. I wish my nose would fall off. Seriously. It can take my stinkin' sinuses with it. With the weather change comes the allergies. I have a constant headache during this time. It is killer. I hope you guys are having a fabulous labor day and that you are rebelling and wearing white! I am.. It's got stripes on it, but it is still mainly white! yay!

Twist outs braid outs

Published September 1, 2010 | By K Leslie

Let me preface this with something: I know how to braid. However, it is not really a braid someone would want to wear in their hair.

I would love to be able to cornrow or flat braid my hair. I want to do twist outs and braid outs. Do you have any good tutorials you watch on youtube to help you?