Random Stuff 1

Sometimes, it's all about family.

My eldest brother and his family used to live in Columbus, OH and they've finally moved back home like good little boys and girls. Don't get me wrong, I love my brother to death, but LAWD his kids...I love those three like my own daughter...you would think I had those three myself (thankfully I didn't - could you imagine how I would look from the stress of raising FOUR kids?!?)

 We spent Memorial Day weekend together in Rock Hill; Aviana, Dorrien, Donovon and Houston had a damn good time running around the apartment, getting to know each other. My brother and I had a few beers and gave each other a hard time, just like in the old days before we grew up. My mom, I know, had a good time watching us talk. There was a perpetual smile on her face and one on mine, as well. It felt wonderful being around everyone and just vibing. Laughter was contagious and the love was unmistakable. I was definitely aware of how blessed I was to have such amazing people to call my family despite our many ups and downs and numerous rifts. You see, my brother and I had a falling out after our father died in 2008...I'm sure those that knew us probably figured we were gonna beef for a long time; hell, we didn't even speak for awhile. It was one of the most painful times of my life...we had just lost our dad, my partner in crime. This past weekend, I couldn't help but regret, a little, the time we wasted. Life is too short...hell, my life may be shorter than most because of poor decision-making. With that in mind, it is sooo vital to enjoy weekends like that. It's important to appreciate family.

So with that in mind, I loved this weekend spent in Rock Hill & nothing will replace it. Love your family and, no matter what happens, take advantage of EVERY opportunity to spend with each other 'cause IT'S ALL ABOUT FAMILY.

Makeup Love

I LOVE makeup.

I started wearing makeup in the 7^th grade. It was the “play” makeup you could buy out of places like Toys R Us or off the toy aisle in Kmart. You know what I’m talking about. Then, my mother started giving me her old makeup as she bought herself more when she saw that I was wearing it “responsibly.” Magazines like Cosmopolitan, Ebony and Jet were my teachers. The women on those pages inspired me and I practiced like crazy to mimic their look.

Right now I’m stuck on Avon. Their eyeshadows are to die for because they are rich in color and go on like silk. They can be purchased individually (the Mark line) for those who like to put together our own palettes or as color coordinated groups of duos and quads in the hottest shades. On the boxes, Avon provides directions and a diagram on how to apply your shadow for maximum effect. Even though eyeliner is not my usual thing (dark eyeshadow is my preferred liner,) Avon has several that provide everything from just a hint of sparkle (Glimmersticks) to gel-like perfection (Mega Impact.) Mascara? In this you have volumizing, clump proof and extending formulas in black and brown/black. Lipsticks and glosses? Several flavors are offered here with a variety of velvety, fun colors for the sultry diva or the flirtatious butterfly. I don’t wear foundation, but from what I’ve heard other people say, Avon’s foundation provides even, realistic coverage with no breakouts or itchiness. Price of this cosmetic goldmine? Quite affordable, even on my practically non-existent income and, Avon runs the most awesome sales. Check it out . . . you might find something you’ll like.

If there’s a particular product you want me to do a review on from Avon, shoot me an email and I’ll be happy to give a more detailed review. Until then, be easy!!!!!

Water & Dreads

If I don’t know anything else about dreads, I know this – they . . . love. . . WATER.

I’m speaking from experience. During my research, I have seen a lot of sites touting the benefits of water on your locs. Most of the people whose locs I love spritz their hair with water/oil daily. Others run water through them between washes. All of them say they drink tons of water. Our bodies are made up of about 60% water (this can vary with age, muscle vs. fat ratio, etc.) and it is VITAL for a lot of major bodily functions. So, if you’re not properly hydrated, the wonderful machine we call our body could care less if you sported luxurious hair because it’s more concerned with making sure it has enough water to digest the salad you just ate or transport important vitamins, minerals and nutrients to your cells. And, since I have added daily spritzes to my routine, my dreads have gotten noticeably stronger and I believe I have even detected some growth outside of what I consider “normal” for my hair. Imagine that.

The best kind of love you can offer your dreads is the wet kind – water. Lavish them with spritzes (these are a nice way to help keep cool during the summer, too.) Spoil your body with at least 6 glasses of water a day. Don’t be afraid to get your beauties wet in the shower once a week (this will also help keep your scalp refreshed, just make sure they are completely dry before covering them.) Water is definitely magic and it will perform a trick for you – healthy, fabulous dreads.

Small Locs, Anyone?

All locs, big or small, are beautiful.

During all my research on the care and history of traditional locs (or dreads, for those of you that actually like that word) I’ve seen hundreds of pics full of them in all sizes, lengths and colors. Drool much? Yes much… I’m surprised I still have my laptop. One of the things you should think about when deciding to loc your hair is their size because it will definitely have an effect on your loc experience.

I personally rock smaller locs; they’re slightly smaller than a #2 pencil. I LOVE them. I have around 200 locs, maybe a few more than that. I’m also a DIY’er. With that being said, it takes me a good minute or two to wash and retwist (I usually have a couple movies nearby.) Yes, my arms and shoulders are hella tired when I get done.  Since my locs are small, they’re light. Their lightness makes it hard to judge exactly how long they are just by eyeballing them. And, I’ve had to combine a few of them early because of their small size around my hairline (I didn’t have the best maintenance routine because of my own lack of knowledge and following those dreadlock myths.) With small locs and thankfully thick hair, I look like I have a head full of hair. These same small locs, when curled, look so kick ass (cute, tight little ringlets) and the curls seem to last forever. And, they are virtually weightless. No headaches, no stiff neck, and no discomfort from locs that are too “heavy.”

I live in South Carolina (southern bred, cornbread fed, etc.) and summer is upon us. It gets very hot and equally muggy thanks to the high humidity. Yes, I’m eager to see how I fare this year because now I have dreads on my neck, ears and forehead and I’m a sweater. I plan to spend a lot of time in the water trying to stay cool, so I will be doing more research to tweak my hair routine so my dreads will stay fabulous. We shall see what we’ll see.

What size are your locs and what do you feel are the pros and cons of your chosen size?

Introduction

After weeks of reading natural hair blogs, I decided to start my own and named my baby Loc’d and Loaded. Of course, the name stems from the fact I’m a beautiful black woman rocking some AWESOME locs and my mind is loaded with lots of topics for this project. This blog will be loaded with posts, pics, product reviews and interviews dealing with locs. I have a natural haired (and boy do I mean natural) 2 year- old and because of her there will be plenty of stuff about loose, natural hair. In addition to various hair topics, there will be posts regarding current events, everyday life, relationships, etc. We may even touch on religion, as well. My aim is to create a well-rounded blog that educates, informs and entertains.

I suppose I should tell you a little about myself as well. My name is Ayneka and I’m 32. People and writing have always been a passion of mine, but it just wasn’t bringing in the kind of money I wanted when I was in my early 20s. I have a 2, soon to be 3 year old and a boyfriend/baby daddy/husband (we’re not “officially” married.)

Contributions are definitely welcome! If you have any tips or pictures you would like to share, please email them to rushgirlsc01@gmail.com. Also, if you know anyone with great hair (locs or natural hair, please) or locticians or beauticians, please send me their contact information and I’ll definitely include them in the blog.

Thanks in advance for all of your support and encouragement. Happy reading!