My husband and I went to Trinidad for Christmas and New Years. It was a wonderful break for both of us. My father-in-law is from Trinidad and my husband grew up going there every summer and for holidays. He couldn't wait to show me his home away from home.

We arrived on Wednesday December 22nd and left on January 2nd. Most of the time we visited with family and friends. We were able to spend some time at the beach in Trinidad and on Tobago, which is a 3 hour boat ride from Port of Spain, the capital of Trinidad where we stayed. It was super HOT there (like over 85 and high humidity every day). We also spent a lot of time lounging on his aunt and uncle's porch (I read 5 books!), drinking A LOT, sleeping A LOT and eating A LOT! I tried so many new foods including shark and bake (basically a fried shark sandwich) curried mango and a bunch of other things I can't spell. I celebrated Boxing Day (the day after Christmas) with his family and we rang in the new year with some of Brock's friends from college that are from there. We ate, drank and watched fireworks. It was a wonderful trip and I can't wait to go back!

I had my hair in a braided style the whole time. It made things easy for me while I was there. I haven't been doing a great job keeping my hair in protective styles but I'm going to work on it in 2011.

In my last album I discussed trimming my hair and cutting the color out. Its been a year since my last coloring and It is almost totally out! Here are pictures and comments on my progress toward hair growth from the start of my new regimen over a year. I will try to update this weekly so there will be A LOT of pictures.

I discovered some new information about caring for my natural hair on you tube via Kimmaytube's Youtube channel -
http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=kimmaytube#grid/uploads I'm ashamed to say that I haven't been kind to my hair. I haven't been very good about sticking to a hair regimen that is good for my hair. That stops now. On Friday August 27th I started a new hair regimen using Kimmay's suggestions. This is very similar to Tracie Mae's hair growth challenge. Check it out at: http://public.fotki.com/traciemae/all-natural-year-three-1/hair-growth-challen/my-challenge-plans.html

My last hair trim was in 2008. I know, I know...really bad... I think the last person cut too much (in my opinion) so I stayed clear of trims and hair cuts. I also didn't want to have to straighten my hair (another bad experience I didn't have the heart to document). I caved when it got to the point where I knew I needed a hair cut. I could just feel the raggedy ends.

When the stylist blew my hair out, I took one look at it and felt ashamed that I hadn't taken better care of my hair. The color had taken its toll and my ends looked like dry straw. I told her to cut off as much as she needed to (brave, right?!?). Thankfully, she was gentle.

My plan is to get trims at least every 3 months (or less) until the color is cut out. I enjoyed the length but I need to get my hair back to a healthier place. I have not been moisturizing enough to keep this color up. I want to do better. I will do better but for now i think I need to cut this color off.

Winter 2009

How I roller set my hair - Winter 2009
Before I roll my hair. I wash it and apply a leave-in conditioner (mixed chicks or kinky curly) then add hair oil (castor oil is my favorite) to seal in the moisturizer. Sometimes my hair is wet while I'm setting it, sometimes it is dry. I sit under the drier for up to an hour and sleep in the rollers so my hair dries all the way.

I haven't been changing up my style much lately. I wash my hair about once a week and roller set it. About 4 or 5 days in I pull it up into a puff. Its been working out pretty well so I haven't been in the mood to change it up. Maybe as the weather gets warmer I will try some new things. I need some inspiration!

I decided to update the list of what I've been using so I can share with you ladies. It all very simple.... ; )

I decided to add this album because I have gotten a lot of questions about my husbands hair. I love his locs and he has been talking about cutting them so its sort of a memorial ; )

2 years ago in June I did the BC. I can't believe how much fun it has been. I continue to love my hair and enjoy styling and getting to know it better.

February & March 2008

Engagement Pictures & our Wedding Save The Date