Lovely Locs

I am writing on my blog!! Yeah and wow...it's been a minute. I know that you have enjoyed the photos and thank you for following and commenting!

Update: I have officially made my mind up... I am loccing my hair! It's been 7 weeks and I got my first shampoo (yes, wild when I am used to every 2 days shampoos) on last Saturday. No scalp rub, though :(... But at least my locs are fresh and I can really see my budding. *screaming* I am sooo excited. My last perm was October 2009 and my BC was December 5, 2009. So my Natural journey is still in full effect and I am loving it! It's been a little over 6 months and I did not have locs in mind. I wanted a big, big 'fro! But after careful research and evaluation of my Sis-in-law-to-be (times 2), my decision to loc was an easy one. They are touching my ear now and the compliments are bananas! I love my hair either way, but my fiance and other close love ones love this look the best. Gotta keep the man happy since I BC'ed without his approval... :) Love you, Babe! lol

Wow...continue to follow me on my Loc Journey, Natural divas! Be blessed and I hope to post a video soon on my Youtube page!

Me Today

First and foremost, shout-outs to God and to my followers (those linked in and those that continue to stop by and read my blog): Thank you! :)

Well, my Natural hair journey is still going strong (almost 6 months)...yay!! It has, however, taken a turn that I didn't see coming. Everyone knows that I wanted a Diana Ross/Macy Gray size afro. My hair texture is the springy coils and it appeared to be going in the direction that I dreamed. However, my soon-to-be sister-in-law asked me (3 weeks ago) if I wanted my hair done. Hair done?? I had no clue as to what I would want other than flat twists on a blow-out. She recommended comb coils/twists and I loved it. Everyone loves them (minus a few ppl)! I mean, the transformation caused me to see things differently. Jai with locs... I made these funky crochet earrings to match the look and BAM!!! Even my fiance loves (well, likes) the new look more than the 'fro. He loves length and since I BC'ed in December 09, he has not been happy. He wants my hair on my shoulders like it used to be. Well, he can actually see the length (5 inches) with my new twists and he just smiles. Awwww... I love making him happy. He even touched my hair...a first without instruction! Wow! It's been 3 wks and I saw growth on my most first re-twist. I am excited as my hair sprouts into its destiny. With that being said, I decided to dread my hair. I don't believe that I will change my mind... Oh, before I forget, I didn't see my ringlets on my re-twist...? So I am wondering what would my hair look like if I decided not to dread? Inquiring minds want to know.

In other news, Dad preached an awesome sermon tonight (Praise Tabernacle) and praise/worship by myself and Lisa went well. To God be the Glory. If it touches only one person, you have walked in your purpose.

My mister and I took photos last week and they are very beautiful. Not because I'm in it...who am I kidding? LOL Let me quit, I am not vain! But I have oodles of confidence and self-esteem! If I can figure out how to post one, I will so you can see them.

Until next time or next photo :)....be blessed!

Hair Changes...

Well, it's been a minute...again, my bad! Many shout-outs to my faithful readers and followers!

My napptural hair is changing!! I am so clueless right now on what to do with it! Therefore, I am just letting it do what it do...grow! I now have approximately 4 inches and it has been almost five months (May 5th) since my BC. I have these very tight kinky coils that resemble the spring in a retractable ink pen. Yeah! No comb goes near this head now! Btw, I also have straight strands coming in...say what?? Who knows? But this is a journey, right? Indeed, I am just in the passenger seat with my natural tresses driving!

Well, time to deep conditioner this natural hair!

Natural 3 Month Anniversary

Today, marks 3 months (post BC) that I have been Natural!!! My last perm was in October 2009 and my BC was done on December 5, 2009. I am excited as I begin to embark into personal unchartered territories! I was comtemplating microbraids, but because of my scalp sensitivity, I am going with a wet & wavy wig. I must be wise...I don't want to lose my hair. My Natural sister, Tee, has officially started her locs :))...she got them in today and I was shocked that she called me so soon. For some reason, I figured that they would take all day. Maybe she'll post a pic on her blog (http://http://themrsh.me/ ).

Well, I must prepare my beads and finished jewelry because I have a date with my mother-in-law-elect. She beads as well, but she doesn't sell hers. She can't seem to part with them. I remember when I was that way...but now? Yes, give me the dollars! Btw, check us (mom & I) out on http://lovboutique.com and shop. :) My items are custom made, so if you don't see what you need/want, just contact me and I will be sure to take good care of you!

Until next time....Peace!

Response to "Unprofessional" by The Mrs. H*

What's good, people? I must respond to my sister's blog titled "Unprofessional" (read it on her blog http://themrsh.me/2010/03/unprofessional/). When she called me with this foolishness, I was in total shock! I mean, I knew that my beloved parents didn't like our TWAs, but my goodness! So, as the rebellious child that I am, I SHALL ROCK MY NATURAL TWA TO THE FULLEST! Ya heard? Come on, "rethink our lifestyle"??? Wow... I commented on her blog and I am saying it again here. As an avid reader of both Black Enterprise and Inc, Ebony, Essence, Jet, Sister 2 Sister, etc., there are many Natural sisters in prominent areas of the business world. And yes, as we Naturals know, they are running things. And for my Dad to say that I am stuck because of my hair?? Uh, I've been on my state job for almost 14 years and my fro is only 3 months old...so, how does my hair have me stuck? Yeah, and to add to my personal growth, I have two businesses (Lily of the Valley Boutique {http://lovboutique.com} and Mary Kay Cosmetics {http://marykay.com/jacquettaboles}). I haven't lost anything but fear when it comes down to my hair. Out of all the people that I know, I have 4 haters.... You know how I feel right? Indeed, I shall move forward in new territory. I refuse to let anyone speak negative against my future. Actually, I rebuke it in the Name of Jesus! Even my Mister hates my hair...but with 2 Natural blood sisters and his mom, he needs to get over it. And he will. He said that the wedding will not happen until my hair is on my shoulders... uh huh... April 16, 2011 we will see...

Being Real With You

Can I be real with you? I love being a Natural diva and just expressing my true self as I learn to love my "new" self. I found out that I am not defined by my personality and looks alone, but also by my hair. Believe it or not, it seems as though some people are intimidated by my Natural locs. Yes, I know that I have an empowering appearance....that's because I am empowered. I know who I am--I am the definition of a strong, Black woman with the world and heavens to gain. I am not one to kick someone while they're down, but lend a helping hand instead. I love being JaiB. I love being EXTRAordinary. I love being Natural (in hair, body and spirit). Haters........

Lord, bless those that hate others for no reason...In Jesus' Name, Amen.

We had a great time in revival tonight! The first night is usually to setting point for the rest of the week---we can only go higher in the Lord! I am excited because being in service and playing the drums helped me get rid of the somethings that attached itself to me. To God be the glory. I had to sing the song tonight "I've got the Devil under my feet". Yes, that's where he needs to be. Ya heard? If you don't know who Jesus is, find out soon...

Until next time...deuces!

Rockin' LOVB

Yesterday, I made this feather haircomb for my TWA. I will more than likely put it on the Lily of the Valley Boutique website (http://lovboutique.com/). But until then, if you like it like that, just send me a comment and we can make arrangements. I am modeling the haircomb and a closeup is below. I seed beaded a "button" to match the brown feathers.

I have decided to return to shampooing my 'fro every 2-3 days instead of once a week. I can't stand filthy hair...especially when I use moisturizer or gel daily. And my sister and I agree that we see more growth when we shampoo more often. So that trumps dirty hair, you think?

Also, TG's (my Mister) "E" ring came back. It's funny how Tungsten sizes run...my baby's a size 10 and in Tungsten, you should go 2 sizes up. Well, now it's too large. I told him that he's keeping it this time. We just have to get a ring guard. I mean, even the 11 would have been too comfy. Maybe when his fingers get hot/warm from the summer heat, it should fit better. Boy, it looks great on his hand. He was like, "It's different..." He should know by now that I am indeed "different". Why be like everyone else. Btw, we are DEFINITELY not like everyone else...my baby has an engagement ring...lol! Wow... How did it come about? He felt that since I had a ring, he wanted one. He wanted to show people that he was spoken for...engaged. Question: Why when a woman tells her guy friends that she's engaged, they do what they can for one last chance with her. But when a man tells his girl friends that he's engaged, they get cussed out. What's up with that?

Please comment...

Sermon Time

Shout outs to my followers for doing what you do!

Hi! I do apologize for my tardiness--I had to prepare and deliver a mini sermon for tonight (Feb. 19th). Btw, as a minister, we take time to consecrate ourselves to deliver God's Words and not our own. Amen? Amen! That explains my absence. The Lord showed up and showed out...the message was a success indeed. To God be the glory!

The past two days has been pretty good...my Mister thinks that I am getting sick more often since we got engaged. Uh, I don't think so but anywho... We know that some "things" tend to make us sick *winking*. I left a message on his phone yesterday that wasn't quite like JaiB, so he deleted it and asked me what was really going on with me. I blamed it on stress. Who wouldn't? LOL

Well, until next time...

My Valentine

Aww, today (or yesterday, clearly it's 1:46a on the 15th) was interesting... It began with me thinking that I wasn't going to enjoy my first Valentine's Day with my Mister. Lights were still out in his neighborhood from the snow storm and things were just tight. Excuses were coming in left and right on how this should have been an awesome day for us. But there is a God! I had a great time in church...an awesome Hour Of Power! I drummed my heart out with extreme passion. I then came home and got all dolled up once again. I made sure that my TWA was off the chain. Once the fam said that everyone was going to my fav restaurant, Cheddar's, I was excited. This is where I wanted to be with Mister initially. And to share it with loved ones? Ok, so I called Mister to see what the deal really was...were we going to have a Valentine's day? He stated yes at 2:26p. After debating what to wear, yes, we dress in the same colors--no, it's not lame for us--the time stamp was 3:36p. Needless to say, we ate alone at Cheddar's. By the time we got to Savannah, the fam had eaten and left the building.

My day was successful...I love my Mister. It ended with him meeting my grandmother for the first time and experiencing our first debate/argument. Grandma told him that I am mean, violent and will tell him that he can't have a life after marriage. That info was not all together true, but you can't pull in words once they are out. He really didn't believe me...how well does my grandmom REALLY know me? Not at all! Do I see her all the time? NO! Mister said that he doesn't know me as of today. I mean, I just wanted him out of my truck! He was just contradicting himself constantly. "When is our wedding happening?" to "I want a long engagement." What??? Which is it? *screaming* So I told him that I will give him EXACTLY what he's looking for...lol *smirk*. My night totally closed with him saying that "I want my Jacquetta back." I mean he started this fuss...enough about that. But I love him still.

Until next time...

Doing What I Do

I am having a dry hair day... It's been two months and eight days since my BC. I initially started out by shampooing my hair every day to every three days. My routine was T-Tree oil, shea butter oil and EVOO. Last month, (my soon-to-be) mother-in-law, who is also a Natural diva, suggested that I put moisturizers in my hair. When she put the products in my hair, I saw an immediate change. Two days later, it was ultra soft, but residue comes off. She suggested shampooing no more than once a week... It's hard but I did it. Now, I can't get my hair back right without putting tons of gel or moisturizer in it. Aughh! I'll figure something out. Btw, she stated that I should be able to comb through my ringlets. Pick, yes. Comb, uh, not as easy. Again, I'll figure something out.

Well, today is Valentine's Eve and I intended on celebrating with my Mister early since tomorrow will be so hectic. Anywho, of course my plans were squashed because of indecisiveness on his part. It's now 6:55p and I am still being asked, "Do you want to go tonight or tomorrow?" ARE YOU SERIOUS?? Okay, then...I am home. But you know what? I am about to head out anyway--without him. Gotta make a phone call...

The snow has been beautiful (a whole 5 inches) and it has left a mess in my yard! It's like my yard has adopted the phrase, "The Good, The Bad and The Ugly." The snow has been good. The water and slush left behind is bad. The ugly? Well, that's trying not to bog down and kick up so much mud on my vehicle. I mean who's washing it for me in this cold weather? Mister?

Until next time...

Wedding Thoughts

Today, I was entertaining myself on The Knot...I made an avatar of my inner bride. See...?

Of course, she is not any where close to what I want to look like on my day. I want my Natural curls to be grown out and funky and an awesome "color" wedding gown. My "color" is a secret that only my maid of honor knows *hint lil sis*. :) At least the scenery is correct! Destination wedding all the way!!

Today was going good until my SUV shut off this morning! Yeah! Evidently, when I put fuel in yesterday and the pump was moving in slow mo', water traveled in with the gas. So, that caused this crazy shaking. This morning, it was worse. Of course, as a Daddy's Girl, I called him for instructions on what to do to remedy the situation: Flush it out with 93 fuel or gas treatment. I was sooo embarrassed at the gas station...it's like people could hear my truck making these noises.

Last, but not least, I did not wear a hat-but I found a headband that I had in storage (the dresser) with these neat little teeth that wouldn't work with my permed hair. Well, totally worked in my TWA. That's what's up! Even though it was cold, I was cute. Check me out at the top of this blog.

Shaking this Cold

I am seriously trying to "shake" this cold that I have and this "cold" weather outside. A lot of people down here in the South has started calling their areas the "Windy City". Yes, I love the fact that there wasn't any frost this morning, but the wind! It was my first day back to work and I should have stayed at home wrapped up and in bed. WOW! I really need to think about wrapping up my head...but it will mess up my fro. So right now, hats are out! Wait, what's more important, right? I know that cold weather is bad for my Natural tresses and my head...so protection is necessary. But I seriously do not feel like picking it out when I get to work...so looks win for now!

Until next time...Night!

Windy Nights

After the rain today, it was so beautiful and comfortable. But tonight, however, the wind has taken over and I fear that the fierceness of the wind will be a challenge tomorrow at work. Definitely, I must wear a pair of pants. The last thing needed to complete any day at the prison is my dress flying away on a yard full of adult male inmates. Understand why I need the pants??

My day was well spent as I was recovering from this mystery illness. I had the symptoms of the Nyquil commercial: achy, sneezy, coughing, stuffy head and need to rest! It surprised me yesterday at work; therefore, I took off at noon and was in bed ever since. My Mister even surprised me with a visit. Aww! Let me give his correct label: my FIANCE...so cute! He stated that with my new haircut and haircare regimen, it's part of the reason that I got sick in the first place. (I did my Big Chop on Dec. 5, 2009 and is on my Natural hair journey) Anywho, with his visit, I missed Bible Study tonight. No, not intentionally, I just didn't get up to move. Shame on me! The funny thing is, I tried to justify to myself the reason for not going was because I'm recovering from this mysterious illness.

I am feeling ok--not my best, though. I have to return to work tomorrow (in a good mood) because I will be there by myself. *shaking my head* We'll see.... Night!