I Went a Little Crazy at Claire's

I'm like a kid at a candy store when I'm at Claire's. I went a little crazy and just wanted to share some of the stuff I got. I don't know about you, but I love seeing what other mommies bought their little ones. Got a shopping spree to share too? Send it in, and I'll post your goodies. :) So here's what I got...

Bows

Flowers

Clips, Ponytail holders & Bracelets

Lacing Cornrows

A very unique way of 'dressing up' cornrows. A unique accessory. It may look difficult but really it isn't. It's just like lacing a sneaker. Just make sure not to pull on the ribbon when lacing because you will end up messing up the cornrow. I used an off white satin ribbon which you can find at any crafts store. I bought so much ribbon and had to do 'something' with it. Use whatever color ribbon you like to match the shirt/dress you want to dress your daughter in. I used two big needles that didn't have a pointy tip, but just a round tip, bigger than a pen tip. See the picture below. Hope you all like this one as much as I do. Her daddy loved it. :)

How to achieve this look:

• I started with washed, and moisturized hair.
• Part the hair from ear to ear and section off the back hair which you will work with later.
• Next, part the top hair in the middle and work with only one side.
• Part the hair in a 'V' starting from the main middle part. I did 3 cornrows in each side, so 6 in total. After I finished cornrowing, her hair was still a little damp, so I finished the back before I laced the cornrows.
• In the back, I did 2 strand twists using clear rubber bands from Claire's. All rubber bands are not equal and I find these are more 'slippery', which is good. You can do either box braids in the back or twists.
• By the time I finished the back, the top part was almost fully dry. Which is what you want because if you start lacing on wet hair the ribbon will get wet and loses it's shine with all the product in it.
• Refer to the pictures below on how I laced the cornrows, remember, it's just like lacing a sneaker. If the ribbon gets twisted, gently turn it with your fingers to make it look flat, before you proceed lacing. This will give it more of a smooth look.

I hope this was clear enough! If you have any questions or suggestions please email me.

OT Saturdays: I love the whole world!

I recently discovered Discovery Channel and love this commercial. One of the best commercials ever. I get happy every time I see it. It hasn't been coming on though lately, what happened? Anyway, are you a Discovery Channel addict? What's your favorite show? Watch this commercial and let me know what you think.

OT Saturdays: STOP Bullying Now!



There's too much bullying going on! I wish no child ever had to go through it. So help spread the word. Share this on your Facebook page, Tweet, post it on your blog, Blackberry messenger, etc...  That's the least we all can do. Help Stop Bullying Now!

Visit Stop Bullying Now! and see what you can do to help.

Question: What is your favorite styling product for braids, twists etc?

I can't wait to try some of the most popular hair products on my chlidrens hair. I know many of you have already figured out what products are best for braids and twists. So my question is, which is your favorite hair product for braids, twists etc? I need to find something asap. So help me people! :)

Meet 5 Year Old Yaya

This is Yaya, my little man and first born. He is 5 years old and loves anything Spiderman and Superman! Such a boy. He has very thick curly hair. It was cut very short not long ago, and is now already starting to grow back and curl. His hair grows very fast. I will have some posts on boy hair care very soon. All my children have curly hair, yet all have completely different textures. I'm waiting for some great products to arrive, then will see which is best for who.



Affordable Curlers: Three Layered Curly Cornrows using A Shower Mat!



Shower mat? Yes, you read right. While I'm waiting for some curlers to arrive, I decided to curl Jannah's braids with a Shower mat that I bought not long ago to put under my washing machine because it would travel all over the place while it spinned the cycle. This is supposed to help hold it in place. I had some leftover and decided to use it on her hair. I saw this trick on the Style Network. Haha! These are usually made for under the carpet, or for the shower, not hair. lol. They are only about $9 for a whole roll.

It does work very well, because the material sticks to the hair and stays put. It sticks in a good way though, no damage involved. Jannah took a nap after I put them on and when she woke up after about 2 hours, her braids had a nice curl. This curling method is supposed to work very well on type 2 and type 3 hair. Well, I guess if it works for 4a braids, then it should work for anyone right? If you decide to try it out, let me know of the results. I would love to know.

Here is the How To:

• Start with washed, detangled and moisturized hair with product of your choice.
• Part the hair in 3 parts. See picture.
• Start cornrowing. Make the cornrows as big or as small as you like.
• Now cut up the Carpet Underlay about 5 inches long and 1 inch thick.
• For curling technique, refer to the picture tutorial. Note that I curled 3 braids in one strip of the Shower Mat. After rolling the braids in the strip, just tie it once and it will not unravel.
• I am a new and slow braider, so this took me about 1 hour and 30 minutes. If you are used to cornrowing it should take you about 1 hour.

Here is a different way to style it.

Here is what you need: